The Best Ground Tents For Overlanding Of 2024: Top-rated And Buying Guide

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best ground tents for overlanding
Best ground tents for overlanding

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent , Green/Grey

Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent, Green/Grey is easy to set up and take down. Assists in offering protection from the weather with its large rain fly and provides ventilation with its mesh walls. The tent height is compact and hassle-free, with a large vestibule for plenty of space for storing gear. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Pop-up Tent and Automatic Instant Portable Cabana Beach

This lightweight, the portable tent is easy to set up and take down and comes with an automatic sunshade. The canopy can be raised or lowered in seconds to create instant shade or a perfect cross breeze. It is made of high breathability mesh with solid nylon flaps over the windows which offer privacy. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent for Camping, Car Bed Camp Tents

Never worry about bad weather or the lack of space for your truck bed again with the Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent. This tent is designed for ease of use and it's super lightweight, easy to set up with 4 total poles, and comes with a heavy-duty, weather-resistant polyester carrying bag and full rainfly to keep you totally dry. Read Review

4. Best For Camping: CAMPROS CP Tent 6 Person-Camping-Tents, Waterproof Windproof

Enjoy camping in any weather with the large tent by CAMPROS. This tent is perfect for camping, hiking, fishing and just staying dry no matter what! The 180T polyester fabric is water-resistant and durable, and the 1000mm hydrostatic coating provides a PU1000mm water-resistant finish. The tent stays completely dry under light rain and its high-tech design guarantees you a good night's sleep. Read Review

After spending countless hours exploring the great outdoors, you’re bound to find yourself in the need of a shelter. Luckily, there are a number of fantastic options out there for those looking to experience all that nature has to offer. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind where and when you’ll be using your overlanding tent.

An overlanding trip can be as simple as hitting the trail with your dog or as adventurous as venturing off into uncharted territories and making new friends along the way. Regardless of your reasons for going off-road, one thing is certain: You’ll need a solid shelter in which to rest at night! Fortunately, our selection of the best ground tents for overlanding will no doubt meet all of your needs and more.

We think the product that comes highly recommended for best ground tents for overlanding is Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent , Green/Grey. In case you need more alternatives and more in-depth guidance, you may explore the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent , Green/Grey
Our Score:
9.8
Coleman
  • Lightweight camping tent assembles in only 10 seconds
  • Tent measures 7 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 5 inches with a 2-foot 11-inch center height
TOP Choice #2 Pop-up Tent and Automatic Instant Portable Cabana Beach
Our Score:
9.7
Abco Tech
  • Guarantee – With our 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee you've got nothing to lose. We are confident you will love this pop-up tent!
  • Carry bag & accessories – Comes with a carry bag that's ideal for storage and easy portability. It also comes with a small bag for accessories to keep them organized
TOP Choice #3 Guide Gear Full Size Truck Tent for Camping, Car Bed Camp Tents
Our Score:
9.5
Guide Gear
  • COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Lightweight and easy to set up with 4 total poles, our compact truck tent comes with a heavy-duty, weather-resistant polyester carrying bag and full rainfly to keep you totally dry.
  • SUPER EASY TO SET UP – Fully enclosed full-size bed tent with 2 storage pockets. It will let you take your campsite anywhere with you. 63" x 79"l. Footprint. 63" center height. Weighs 11 lbs.
  • TURN YOUR TRUCK INTO A CAMPER – Turn your truck into a camper with the truck tent for camping. With a large interior area with 5.25' of headroom and a large D-shaped door, the truck bed tent sleeps 2.
  • WATER-RESISTANT COATING – Made of 190T polyester with 1500mm water-resistant coating, this truck tent camper features mesh windows for ventilation and a sewn-in polyethylene flooring.
  • FITS MOST FULL-SIZED BEDS – The full-size truck tent for camping fits most truck bed mattresses measuring 79-81" with the tail gate down. Pickup truck tent for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, and more full-sized pickups.
  • 【Easy Set-Up】 No particular skills needed, 2 people could set up the tent easily in 5 min. The camping tent comes with a smooth 2-way zipper and well-made poles. The carry bag is 24.8 x 7.28 x 7.28 inches big as a sleeping bag. You could restore the tent in the carry bag easily.
  • 【Roomy for 6 People Family】 CAMPROS tent is the perfect family tent you’ve ever seen. With the dimension of 11' x 7' x 72"(H). 1 queen air mattresses or 6 sleeping bags are well fit in the tent. Ideal for family car camping or camping site.
  • Quick & Easy Setup:Instant pop-up tent with pre-assembled poles sets up in seconds.
  • Spacious Interior:12.5 x 8.5 feet floor; Sleeps 4-6 adults in sleeping bags or 3-5 people with lots of luggage.; Center Height: 53.5".
  • Set up: 94 x 94 inches; Tent height: 78 inches; Weight: 30 pounds
  • A lovely little tent for 4 people with 61 square feet of floor space, a 78-inch center height, and 1 door to enter and exit.
  • Excellent Waterproof Performance: JOYTUTUS pickup truck tent made of 150D polyester oxford, with PU2000 water-proof coating, rainproof and waterproof can be achieved without install the canopy extra. The bottom of the tent has a waterproof layer to avoid rainwater infiltration, can be placed in the air-filled bed, the inner space always keeps clean and dry.
  • *Installation Tips: Pay attention when you install Tent Poles, check the front and rear poles are tightly connected and seamless, otherwise the poles will be broken easily. (If during installation tent pole breaks due to improper operation, we will provide one-time free opportunity to replace the pole)
  • Compatibility: The truck bed tent will fit for pickup truck with 5.5-6 ft bed. Compatible with F150, Ram, Silverado, Tundra, Sierra, Titan etc.
  • Privacy Protection: The tent has 3 windows, 2 for sightseeing and 1 for hunting or observation, all double-layer design, when you sleep at night, you can pull the shading layer, put it down in the daytime after leaving the screen layer can effectively prevent the sundries fell into the tent.Convenient inner Space: With 4 mesh bags in the tent, easy to collect sundries to keep the inner space tidy.
  • Specification: tent size--90.5 x 62.9 x 66.9 inch, package included--1 x tent, 1 x carry bag, 4 x fiberglass pole, 1 x user guide ( does not come with LED light string, if you need it, pls contact us )
  • 【Ventilation & Lightweight 】A large mesh window with 2 ceiling vents in the upper portion of the tent provide airflow to prevent condensation buildup; Mountaineering Tent has two doors on this tent, you can open the door with a zipper, allowing air flow thru the tent. High-density mesh skylight, you can enjoy the beauty of nature freely.
  • 【Setup Easy & Smooth Zip】Single Aluminum pole and clips structure make the tent easy to set up in virtually any weather, Snag-free. Welded smooth 2-way extra-large #8 zippers, never stuck, convenient to get in and out of the tent.
  • Roomy Camping Tent --- 8 x 7 ft. with 56.4 inches center height. Enough space for sleeping up to 4 people and still room to feel comfortable. Great tent for camping.
  • Easy Set Up Camping Tent --- With just 2 fiberglass poles, set up and tear down of this tent is quick and easy, usually recommend two people to build a tent together, but 1 person can also set it up without any difficulty within 10 minutes.
  • Fits three people with plenty of room for additional gear
  • Hub design makes assembly fast and easy

What to Look For in a best ground tents for overlanding?

You may know that best ground tents for overlanding is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Space / Capacity

Some tents can hold two persons while others are designed to accommodate five people. The floor area, mattress size, and peak height are more important than how many people it can accommodate. These numbers can help ensure that you are comfortable.

Size

The top-of-the-line tents can be heavy. Some tents weigh less than 100 pounds, while others can weight up to 300. Make sure that your vehicle can carry the weight of the tent and the tent will work with it. These ratings tell you the weight of your tent. You'll see a decrease in gas mileage if your tent is heavier than the vehicle. You should also ensure that your taller car fits under bridges, and in public places you wish to visit.

Rooftop tents can be so heavy that you might feel tempted to keep the tent in your car while you aren't camping. It doesn't matter if your vehicle is covered, garaged or stored in an area where it is protected. If not, the tent will be more susceptible to sun and moisture damage.

Weather-Resistance

Car top tents are built for inclement weather. Make sure that your tent has full coverage to keep rain out. You might consider purchasing additional insulation if you plan to use the tent during colder months or higher elevations.

Hard-Shell Vs. Soft-Shell Tents

There are pros and cons for both hard and soft rooftop tents. You should consider the travel type you are doing, and what you feel most at home with.

The Hard-Shell Tents are made from an aluminum, plastic or fiberglass shell which surrounds the fabric tent canopy. These tents have a greater lifespan and provide better protection inside. They also make it easy to set up and tear down. The advantages of hard-shell tents include being waterproof and windproof. The shell can be used to store bikes, paddle boards and solar panels. This tent is also more spacious and offers a comfortable mattress. A hard-shell tent is a great option if you are constantly moving and packing. There are downsides to tenting, such as the price and weight.
Soft Shell Tents: A soft shell tent is the best option for those looking for an affordable roof tent. This tent has the biggest benefit: it's affordable. The price of hard-shell tents is often two- to three-times more than those made from soft shell tents. The larger floor plans are another advantage. The soft-shell roof camping tents can be folded outwards from your car's roof and are available in many layouts that allow for additions such as awnings. They are more susceptible to mold and moisture, which can reduce their lifespan. Also, they make more noise when it's windy. Although hard-shell tents can be set up quickly, setting up soft-shell tents is much more difficult than setting up backpacking tents.

Ease Of Installation

Car tents usually require two persons to transport and set up. While some tents are very user-friendly, others can be more difficult and require some assistance from a hardware shop. You may find someone at the hardware or gear store who will help you with installation. It's important to ensure that the process of installing the tent is smooth if you plan on using it often.

Mattress

Some people enjoy sleeping on the ground in a simple sleeping bag, but that is no longer possible when you purchase a roof tent. It will come with a mattress. Thickness will determine the comfort level of your integrated mattress. You may find premium mattresses that have a memory foam or gel topper. You can purchase an after-market mattress if you aren't satisfied with the tent you have chosen. Make sure the mattress will fit into your tent.

You will need an anti-condensation pad and a mattress cover if the mattress does not include these. You will need a cover that is breathable, waterproof and washable. Your mattress should be allowed to breathe between each trip, even if you have an anti-condensation pad.

FAQs

Why Are Rooftop Tents So Expensive?

Because of their materials, engineering, design and other accessories, rooftop tents can be more costly than ground staked tents. To create a platform, rooftop tents can flip to place a tent above your vehicle. This is a lot harder than creating a structure that has a fabric floor and then placing it on the ground.
You can also add a ladder and a mattress to make rooftop tents more expensive.

How Fast Can You Drive With A Roof Top Tent?

When driving with a tent roof, it is best to keep your speed under 70 MPH. High speeds can impact the dynamic weight of your vehicle, which will cause additional strain on your braking system and engine. It may take you a bit longer to reach your campsite.

What Is The Benefit Of A Rooftop Tent?

You can enjoy a spectacular view from a rooftop tent. They provide much more airflow than tents on the ground, and in most cases they are better for your comfort.
Your tent will be on top of your car, away from dirt and other creepy crawlies. A rooftop tent feels more secure.
Rooftop tents can be set up in minutes. Your tent can be placed on the roof and you have it with you all day, which can lead to some amazing spontaneous adventures.
Many rooftop tents can accommodate bedding and a mattress, and not only inflatable or sleeping pads. Many allow you to leave your bedding in the tent after you have packed up.

Are Rooftop Tents Worth It?

You are the only one who can determine if you think a roof tent is worthwhile. Your decision should not be based on the frequency you plan to use it but on whether you value its unique features. Do you think it is important that your camping set-up be elevated above the ground? A rooftop tent may be a good idea. Different rooftop tents have different prices. You decide what features and cost you are willing to pay for a roof tent.

Are Rooftop Tents Sturdy?

Rooftop tents from reputable companies are strong if they're properly set up and attached. Rooftop tents should be attached to the car's roof rack. The setup of the tent will depend on the model, however, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Not only does every tent have a maximum weight limit, each roof has one. You risk damaging the tent or compromising the structure's sturdiness.

Can A Rooftop Tent Be Installed On Any Car?

Although a rooftop tent is technically possible to install on any vehicle, it doesn't necessarily mean that it must. Each rooftop tent is limited in its maximum weight, just like each roof. The car's suspension or roof could be damaged if the roof's maximum weight is exceeded by either the roof tent or campers. It is expensive to fix this type of damage and puts your safety and that of the passengers at stake. Before installing a roof tent, make sure to check the weight limit of your vehicle.

Our website is constantly updated so that the information you read becomes the latest one. Please visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter list more than normal to catch up with the new best ground tents for overlanding of 2024.

Please feel free to contact us whenever you need support. You’re welcome to get in touch with us!


0 ratings

About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio