Latest news with #rooftoptent
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- General
- Travel Daily News
The secret rooftop society: Are tent people the new nomads?
Rooftop tent users aren't just wanderers; they're redefining what it means to live flexibly. Whether it's a weekend warrior escaping the city or a full-time traveler working from the road, modern rooftop tents provide a unique blend of adventure and practicality. In the ever-evolving landscape of urban living and adventure travel, a new trend is emerging—one that blurs the lines between home and wanderlust. Rooftop tents, once a niche accessory for hardcore overlanders, are now becoming a symbol of a growing nomadic movement. From city dwellers seeking an escape to digital nomads chasing sunsets, rooftop tents are redefining what it means to live freely. But who are these 'tent people,' and are they the new nomads of the modern age? The Rise of the Rooftop Tent Rooftop tents (RTTs) aren't entirely new—they've been used by explorers and off-road enthusiasts for decades. However, recent advancements in design, affordability, and social media exposure have propelled them into the mainstream. Unlike traditional ground tents, rooftop tents mount on top of vehicles, offering elevated sleeping quarters that are quicker to set up, more secure, and often more comfortable. The appeal is clear: Convenience – A practical rooftop tent can be deployed in minutes, eliminating the hassle of finding flat, dry ground. Safety – Being elevated keeps campers away from wildlife, moisture, and uneven terrain. Mobility – They turn any vehicle into a mini-RV, perfect for road trips and spontaneous adventures. But beyond practicality, rooftop tents represent something deeper—a shift in how people view living spaces and freedom. The New Nomads: Who Are They? The modern nomad is no longer just the stereotypical van lifer or backpacker. Today's rooftop tent community is diverse, including: 1. Urban Escapists City living can be suffocating. High rents, noise, and congestion drive many to seek temporary refuge in nature. Rooftop tents allow urbanites to leave the chaos behind on weekends without committing to a full-time nomadic lifestyle. 2. Digital Nomads With remote work becoming the norm, many professionals are ditching leases in favor of mobility. A rooftop tent on a reliable SUV or truck means they can work from a lakeside one week and a mountain vista the next. 3. Minimalists & Eco-Conscious Travelers The tiny house movement has inspired many to downsize, and rooftop tents offer an even more extreme form of minimalism. They require fewer resources than RVs and leave a smaller environmental footprint. 4. Adventure Seekers Overlanders, climbers, surfers, and outdoor enthusiasts have long used rooftop tents to chase the best spots without being tied to campgrounds or hotels. The Secret Rooftop Society What makes rooftop tent culture unique is its underground, almost secretive nature. Unlike van lifers who often park in designated areas, rooftop tent users can blend in more easily—parked at trailheads, rest stops, or even stealth-camping in urban areas. Online forums and social media groups have sprung up, where members share tips on the best spots, gear recommendations, and stories of life on the road. There's a sense of camaraderie among those who've embraced this lifestyle, a silent nod of recognition when two rooftop-tent-equipped vehicles pass each other on a remote highway. Challenges of the Rooftop Life While the idea of sleeping under the stars every night sounds idyllic, rooftop tent living isn't without its hurdles: Weather Dependence – High winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures can make rooftop camping uncomfortable. Vehicle Limitations – Not all cars can support a rooftop tent, and fuel efficiency can take a hit. Stealth Camping Risks – Urban camping laws vary, and getting caught in the wrong place can lead to fines or being asked to move. Long-Term Living? – While great for short trips, rooftop tents may not be sustainable as a permanent living solution for everyone. Is This the Future of Travel? As housing costs rise and remote work becomes permanent for many, alternative living arrangements will continue to grow. Rooftop tents offer a middle ground—more freedom than a traditional home, but less commitment than a full-time van or RV conversion. Could we see rooftop tent communities forming, where like-minded nomads gather in temporary villages? Some campgrounds and even cities are already adapting, offering designated parking for vehicle dwellers. Final Thoughts: Are Tent People the New Nomads? The answer seems to be a resounding yes—but with a twist. Rooftop tent users aren't just wanderers; they're redefining what it means to live flexibly. Whether it's a weekend warrior escaping the city or a full-time traveler working from the road, modern rooftop tents provide a unique blend of adventure and practicality. As this movement grows, one thing is clear: the allure of waking up to a new view every morning is irresistible. And for those who've embraced the rooftop life, the world isn't just a place to visit—it's a place to call home, even if just for a night. Photo by Jorgen Hendriksen on Unsplash
Auto Blog
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Jeep's New Rooftop Tent: Is This the Ultimate Overlanding Upgrade?
Jeep vehicles and outdoorsy car shoppers are two peas in a pod; so, it may be surprising to learn that Jeep hasn't ever offered a factory rooftop tent kit. That could change soon. The brand that practically stands for off-road preparedness showcases a factory rooftop tent Overlanding is popular, and automakers have caught on, which is why you can now find off-road-ready versions of nearly every SUV on sale today. Arguably, though, it all started with Jeep, at least in the US. You've been able to church up your Jeep with everything from all-weather maps to winches for years now, but Jeep is taking things to the next level. The Stellantis-owned automaker debuted a rooftop tent at Overland Expo West, sitting atop a hybrid Wrangler 4xe clad in plenty of other modifications. It answers the questions many asked months ago, when Jeep filed a patent for a rooftop tent to attach directly to a Wrangler's roof. Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent The first-ever OEM Jeep rooftop tent is a cut above most aftermarket solutions The new tent is the result of a collaborative effort between Jeep and Dometic, the latter of which touts over twenty years of experience in the outdoor accessories biz. It touts a carbon fiber shell, a material chosen for its overall lightness and relative durability, but most importantly, the tent bolts right into the Wrangler's roof, meaning no need for a roof rack. That improves aerodynamics and potentially saves a lot of weight. Further reducing weight is Dometic's Air Frame design, which replaces poles traditionally made from steel or other heavier materials with lightweight, inflatable ones. Jeep Performance Parts — the specific Mopar branch responsible for introducing the trick bit of kit — dubbed the tent the 'Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARRT) concept.' The ARRT features an integrated awning that swings out 270 degrees, providing ample protection from the sun or precipitation. There's even room for a queen-size mattress inside. Since the ARRT is purpose-built for a specific model, it offers some benefits you absolutely won't find on any other rooftop tent. The tent integrates with the SUV in a way that allows access from inside the vehicle via the removable roof panels, complete with a little carbon fiber 'step.' The step stands over the center console, allowing easy access and protecting the upholstery. The ARRT Jeep tent is accessible from inside the truck Jeep Wrangler 4xe with rooftop tent The Jeep rooftop tent is only for Wrangler SUVs As we mentioned, the Jeep tent concept is designed with only a single model in mind, the four-door Wrangler, and Jeep picked a doozy of a way to showcase the tent. The ARRT sits atop the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon Sunchaser concept, which debuted back in April. The Sunchaser touts a bevvy of other factory-fresh modifications, including a two-inch lift, Mopar lightbar, 37-inch BFGoodrich mud tires, rock rails, and vented steel fender flares. Inside, the Sunchaser wears custom two-tone leather seats, gloss black interior trim, all-weather floor mats, and more. Final thoughts There is no official word on whether or not the ARRT will ever see a life outside of conventions and trade shows, but we sure hope so. There's no doubt in our mind that Jeep's rooftop tent would sell like hotcakes. While it may seem like a long-overdue accessory from a brand like Jeep, there are actually relatively few OEMs that offer a rooftop tent in their parts catalog, with Volvo being the only one that immediately jumps to mind. While quality is undoubtedly beyond reproach, Jeep could run into a similar problem as Volvo: cost. Quality aside, there are numerous less expensive options for Volvo shoppers interested in a rooftop tent. Based on the quality and construction of the ARRT, we don't think it would come cheap. Here's hoping it comes to market one way or the other, though. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime.
