Roof Top Tents

Roof top tents

Take your campsite to new heights with a rooftop tent. Quick to set up and built for adventure, they're the perfect way to roll into camp, sleep off the ground, and wake up to a cracking view.

What is a Roof Top Tent and is it right for you?

A roof top tent changes camping in a way that surprises most people. Instead of hunting for level ground, rolling out a tent and hoping you haven't landed on an anthill, you simply pull up, pop the tent open and climb in.

It's camping that's quicker, cleaner and a whole lot more comfortable. If you're clocking up serious kilometres or moving between campsites every day, a roof top tent quickly earns its place on the roof.

Not every trip calls for one, though. If your camping usually means rolling into one spot for a long weekend, a quality touring tent can still be the better fit. It all comes down to how you like to travel.

Soft shell vs hard shell roof top tents

There's no right answer here, only the right tent for the way you camp.

Soft shell roof top tents are lighter on the wallet and lighter on the roof, making them a great choice if you're just getting into touring. They take a little longer to set up, but nothing that'll keep you waiting for dinner.

Hard shell models are all about convenience. Pop the latches, let the gas struts do their thing and you're practically ready for bed. They cost a bit more, but if you're setting up camp night after night, those saved minutes start adding up pretty quickly.

Still tossing up between the two? Our Camping Buyer's Guides are packed with practical tips to help you narrow it down.

Is your vehicle ready? Roof racks and weight ratings

Here's where plenty of first-time buyers come unstuck.

A roof top tent isn't just another bit of camping gear; it's sitting on top of your vehicle, so your roof rack setup needs to be up to the task. That means checking both your dynamic roof load (while you're driving) and your static roof load (when you're parked up and sleeping).

Before you lock one in, make sure your Roof Racks and Accessories are rated for the job and compatible with your vehicle. If you're scratching your head over the numbers, swing into your local BCF and have a yarn with the team.

Shop roof top tents by brands - Darche, Wanderer & XTM

Every camper's got their favourite, and there's a good chance you'll find it here.

Darche has earned a loyal following thanks to its tough construction and touring-ready designs. Wanderer is a cracking option if you're stepping into the world of roof top tents for the first time, while XTM delivers dependable gear built for adventures where the weather doesn't always play nice.

Already know the brand you want? Jump straight into the full Darche Roof Top Tents range and find the setup that's right for your next trip.

Setting up and packing down

One of the biggest perks of a roof top tent? You spend less time fiddling around and more time enjoying camp.

Soft shell models usually take a few minutes to unfold and peg out, while hard shell designs can be ready before the kettle’s even boiled. When it's time to head off, fold your bedding away, secure everything properly and you're back on the road without the usual campsite shuffle.

Caring for your roof top tent

A roof top tent cops plenty over its lifetime; dusty tracks, salty air, blazing sun and the odd downpour.

The best thing you can do is let it dry out properly before packing it away. Trapping moisture inside is the quickest way to invite mould along for the next trip. Every now and then, give the hinges, ladder and mounting hardware a once-over too, especially after a few corrugated roads. A few minutes of maintenance now can save you headaches down the track.

Adventures start up top

The best roof top tent is the one that gets you out there more often. Weekend escapes, big lap adventures or spontaneous overnighters, they all become easier when your campsite is already riding on the roof.

Shop online or swing by one of our Find a Store locations and have a yarn with the BCFing experts if you'd like a hand finding the right setup for your rig.

Shopping with BCF comes with a few handy perks too:

• Club pricing with exclusive member-only deals
• Club BCF Rewards so every shop stacks up future wins
• Price Match if you find it cheaper elsewhere
• Click & Collect, so your gear can be ready in as little as 1 hour

Before you hit the checkout, take a squiz at the latest Club Deals and see what other camping bargains you can snag.

Frequently Asked Questions