Even the best rooftop tents aren’t as simple as first meets the eye. Here are some key things to consider before throwing down your hard-earned buck:

Softshell vs hardshell rooftop tent? That is the question. It’s also one last thing to consider. Both can be easy to set up, though not as easy as say a pop-up tent. Softshells are more traditional and affordable. Hardshells are generally sturdier and more expensive. The choice is yours.

The basic rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t use a rooftop tent when your vehicle has a rooftop load limit of under 165 lbs. Naturally, truck and SUV camping won’t be an issue. By contrast, cars, sedans, and hatchbacks might present some hurdles. Presuming your car can carry the load, make sure there’s a raised roof rack on top of it.

There are more roof pods and rooftop tents for sale than ever before, but not every single one is a winner. Let’s separate the best from the rest.

Tepui makes some of the best rooftop tents in the game and the Autana 3 is certainly no exception. Dependable all year round, it can hold up to 3 people at a time. One of its biggest selling-points is an extended private canopy entrance with removable annex, which gives off a luxurious vibe. Mesh panels deliver optimal ventilation while large internal pockets open up plenty of extra storage room. This rooftop tent is for sale at a higher price point, but if you have the cash to spare and a trusty SUV, we say go for it.

A front runner indeed, this breathable rooftop tent weighs in at just 93 lbs. However, don’t take that lightweight construction to mean the tent is anything short of durable. Made of waterproof Oxford tent fabric, it strikes a deft balance between robust strength and environmental comfort. A quick-release mechanism gives it some pop-up tent-like appeal.

One of the best rooftop tents in Australia, the Darche Hi-View 1400 Gen 2 wraps luxury, breathability, and durability into one choice package. Constructed from a 260gsm poly/cotton ripstop canvas, it features a large full-width window and swanky sky roof. That’s not to mention the pop-up tent-style 3-way annex, with access points at the rear of the vehicle.

When is a tent so much more than a tent? When it’s the Tepui Hybox, which doubles as a standard cargo box after a few modifications. That makes it a truly versatile piece of camping gear, which can accommodate two adults when in rooftop mode. Sealing the deal is sturdy hardshell tent construction.

Featuring a spacious A-frame design, the Kukenam Sky 3 offers enough room for you and up to two others to sit upright and enjoy yourself. On a similarly convenient note, Tepui’s rooftop tent comes with an 8’6″ telescoping ladder, making entry and exit a breeze. Also included with purchase is a 2.5″ high-density foam mattress of considerable comfort and quality. Put it all together and you get a truck or SUV camping dream come true.

Ideal for Jeep Wranglers, but compatible with a wide variety of car roof racks, the Smittybilt Overlander occupies the squarely affordable end of the spectrum. It’s relatively lightweight, built to last, and further bolstered by a host of terrific features. That includes LED strips, side windows with mosquito netting, a telescopic ladder, a sunroof, and more. Upgrade to the XL version to accommodate a few extra rooftop campers.

No one argues with extra room and this rooftop tent duly abides, offering an annex space with purchase. That means you can either fit more people inside the tent or convert the extra space into a makeshift kitchen or living room. Throw in quality materials and an affordable price point and there’s nothing not to love about this acclaimed car tent. Well, almost nothing, as some owners have reported occasional zipper issues.

Three’s never a crowd when you’re rolling with the Yakima Skyrise. Despite its purposefully lean profile (which comes at a relatively lean price), the rooftop tent fits up to three people at a time. A mesh sunroof delivers proper ventilation and prime nighttime views, while a waterproof rainfly and double-layer windows will keep foul weather at bay. You can also bring in other accessories from the brand, including an annex room.