5 Best Jeep Tent
Carla Arbuckle
If you like to explore the great outdoors in your Jeep, what could be better than using your Jeep to provide your accommodation for the night?
There are varying styles of Jeep camping tent for you to choose from, ranging from a Jeep roof top tent to a ground tent. Here we’re going to take a look at some of the different options and what to consider when making your decision. We’ve also reviewed some of the best options on the market to give our recommendation on the Best Jeep Tent.
Type
The type of tent you opt really comes down to personal preference and the amount of space you need. We’ll look at the question of size later, but for now here’s a quick overview of some of your options for Jeep tents.
2 Door Jeep Roof Tent
Jeep rooftop tents sit on top of your Jeep to provide accommodation raised off the floor. Once you’ve fixed the mounting brackets to the roof rack, setting the tent up each time you use it will take just a few moments. A tent on top of a Jeep will extend over the side of the vehicle and typically has enough space to sleep two people. Some models include a foam mattress for added comfort.
A Jeep roof tent is accessed by a ladder and there’s usually a two-door entrance. As with ground tents, features such as mesh windows are important to help air circulate and cool the tent on hot nights.
Jeep Pop Up Tent
If you’re keen to have the convenience of a pop up style tent, then a Jeep roof top tent is a good option as set up can be quick and easy.
An alternative is to go for a ground tent, which attaches to the rear of your vehicle. These are often simple dome style tents but with a good ceiling height, usually over six foot. The construction is very much like a regular ground tent, but an adjustable sleeve attachment connects the tent to your Jeep. The added benefit here is that you can remove the sleeve if you want to use the Jeep during the day, leaving the tent as a stand-alone.
Jeep Wrangler Canopy
A canopy which attaches to your Jeep can create a shady and dry shelter around your vehicle, perfect for adding some extra living space to your camping set up. A canopy normally doesn’t have any sides, so it’s best as an addition to your ground or roof top tent.
(checkout our camping canopy guide here)
Size
The size of the tent you need is a determining factor in which style is best to go for.
A Jeep rooftop tent is of course limited in size by the size of the vehicle and the weight it can support. This means that these styles are best for one or two people only. You can, however, add additional space at ground level by adding an annex. An annex will attach to the rooftop structure and give you another room which can be used for cooking, relaxing, or to sleep additional campers.
If this isn’t going to provide enough space for your needs, a tent which attaches to the back of your Jeep and sits on the ground may be a better idea. These can usually sleep up to five people, and there’s also the possibility to use the cargo area of your Jeep as another sleeping area. Many tents of this style also have a detachable screen room, offering more living space.
Ease of Use
The benefit of Jeep Wrangler tents for camping is the freedom they offer, so we understand that you’re going to want a tent that is simple to use.
If you’re going to be hopping around from one place to the next, we really like the ease of a Jeep top tent. Once you’ve fixed it to your roof rack, it’s a quick and easy to set up each time you want to camp. The next day, you can simply fold it back down again and move on. You can even leave your bedding inside the tent ready for the next night.
However, if you’re staying in one place for several days and you’ll want to use your Jeep during the day, you’re going to have to fold down the tent each time, as well as removing any annex you might be using. If that’s the case, you might find it easier to go for a ground tent which has a removable sleeve attachment to your vehicle. You can then detach your Jeep and head out for the day, leaving your tent behind.
Smittybilt – Standard Size Tent Annex
Use this annex with the Smittybilt Overlander tent to give you additional space for cooking, changing clothes, relaxing, or storage.
The annex gives you additional floor space of 80 inches by 70 inches. It attaches to your rooftop Overlander tent with a heavy duty zipper for easy set-up, and a frame constructed from lightweight anodized aluminium poles. The removable floor keeps the inside of the annex dry and mud- and bug-free.
There are two windows with roll up covers for light and ventilation, and the mesh layer can be open or closed. Access is through the side door, facing the front of the vehicle. There’s also a useful inner door flap which makes it simple to access supplies stored in your vehicle.
When it’s not in use, the annex folds down for storage in a PVC carry bag. Remember that this isn’t a stand-alone product – you’ll need to attach it to the Outlander tent which isn’t included. But if you want an easy, no-hassle way to add on some extra space to your roof tent, this is a great add on product.
Pros
- Could be used for cooking, relaxing or changing, or even as an additional sleeping area.
- Easy set-up - simply zips to the bottom of your Overlander tent, supported by lightweight poles.
- Removable floor keeps the inside free of water, mud and bugs.
- Inner door flap to access supplies stored in your vehicle.
- Folds down into a heavy duty carry bag when not in use.
Cons
- You can’t access the Overlander (rooftop) tent from inside the annex, you’ll need to use the ladder on the outside.
Our Take
The design and construction of Jeep tents can vary a lot, with ground tents, roof tents and annexes to choose from. We like the versatility that the Smittybilt Standard Size Tent Annex can add to your set up, and that’s why it’s our choice of Best Jeep Tent. We were especially impressed by these great features:
- Zips on to the base of the Overlander tent for easy attachment.
- Provides versatile additional floor space for cooking, changing or even sleeping, depending on your trip.
- Removable floor keeps the annex free of water, mud and bugs.
- There’s an inner door flap so you can easily access anything stored in your vehicle.
- Folds down for easy storage when not in use.
Tepui – Explorer Ayer Rooftop Tent
This is a great option for smaller vehicles and SUVs, if you’re travelling solo or as a couple.
This rooftop tent has an A-frame design, with a sleeping footprint of 48 by 84 inches and a peak ceiling height of 3 foot meaning you can sit up comfortably. Multiple mesh windows around the walls and ceiling offer great views of your surroundings and give you the chance to stargaze. The panels also provide ventilation, allowing air to flow through the tent but keeping insects out, and they have zip up covers if you get cold.
The tent is made with 600D rip-stop poly-cotton fabric, which is UV and mould resistant. The removable rainfly is made in 420D polyester with a PU coating for water resistance, so this four season tent stands up well to a range of weather conditions.
The two large windows which aren’t covered by the rainfly have their own pop out covers, that allow you to continue to let air circulate even in wet weather. There’s a 2.5 inch thick foam mattress already installed for comfort, and four large internal pockets for storing your kit. It’s possible to buy an annex (sold separately) if you want to add some space to the tent at ground level.
Once you’ve installed the mounting brackets to your roof rack (the tent even comes with the tools you need to do this), it’s a quick set up when you’re on the road. You can leave your bedding inside the tent when you pack it down to move on, and the tent is protected by a heavy duty PVC cover between uses.
Pros
- Ideal for smaller vehicles and SUVs.
- A-frame design gives enough ceiling height to sit up comfortably.
- Mesh panels in the walls and ceilings provide the opportunity to stargaze as well as ventilation.
- Easy set-up once the mounting brackets are installed.
- Foam mattress included.
Cons
- To make this tent truly four season, you may want the insulator which is purchased separately.
Our Take
Raptor Series – SUV Camping Rooftop Tent
Raptor Camping Roof top tent is a standard size tent that comes with a double foam mattress and its maximum capacity is 340 kg. There is no need for additional setup.
It comes with an aluminium ladder. There are 2 hanging shoe and storage pockets in which you can store your everyday essentials.
To increase the ventilation, you can find built in air vents with quick adjust control feature inside the tent.
There is a enough room to sleep in, and a lot of places to store or hang your gear.
Net door rolls down and helps the air flow, and at the same time, keeps you safe and protected from the weather conditions.
Built in awning is helpful if you want to enjoy in the panoramic scenery.
Pros
- Tested for extreme weather conditions
- Easy setup process
- Ladder and mattress included
- Built in air vents
- Built in awning
Cons
- 2 people accommodation
- Roof rack has to be weight rated for 160lbs
Our Take
Hasika – All Weather Car Batwing Tent
The unusual design of this batwing tent wraps around two sides of your vehicle to provide an awning.
This batwing awning is a great add-on to your camping kit, providing a sheltered area out of the sun or rain for cooking or relaxing. It can also be used on its own for day trips and picnics. It’s not a complete tent, as it has no sides or floor.
The awning comes with a mounting bar to attach to your roof rack, with both a left-side and right-side option available. When not in use, the awning is protected by the PVC cover. When you’re ready to use it, it unpacks to stretch along the side and around the rear of the vehicle. The awning is made in a 420D ripstop polyester, that blocks up to 90% of UV rays and offers a waterproof shelter from the rain. Adjustable height poles hold the awning in place at each corner.
We like this easy solution to adding shelter to your existing tent set-up, whether that’s a ground tent or truck tent, and the option to use this for days out closer to home.
Pros
- Unusual design provides a large sheltered area.
- Blocks up to 90% of harmful UV rays and creates useful shade on hot days.
- Easy to install on most roof racks.
- Versatile for use when camping or closer to home for days out.
- Good quality construction.
Cons
- No walls or floor, so only offers shelter from above.
Our Take
Smittybilt – Overlander Tent
Smittybilt Overlander Tent is a standard size tent that can accommodate 2 or 3 people. If you choose an XL size of this tent, there will be enough room for 3 or 4 people.
It comes with a fire retardant double foam mattress, but you can bring a sleeping bag or sleeping pad if you want to.
Load capacity of this tent is 300 kg, and the inside of the tent is roomy and spacious. It comes with a rainfly and a waterproof top, which also protects you from harmful UV radiation.
Side windows are designed not to let mosquitoes disturb your peace.
The ladder is made of lightweight and durable anodized aluminium, and the hinges were constructed from stainless steel.
Tent frame poles are made of aluminium, too. Removable floor can be attached with heavy duty zippers for privacy.
Pros
- 1 year warranty on the product
- Mounting brackets included and a power adapter
- Easy setup process
- Extra wide ladder
- Tested for extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Within the more expensive range
- Bulkier tent body
Our Take
Here are a few reasons why we selected Smittybilt Overlander tent as the winning product.
It helps you stay safe and secure while you sleep on your comfortable mattress.
You go on a trip to take the edge off your hectic life, and the last thing you need is not getting a wink of sleep because of a lousy mattress.
Even though it’s within the expensive price range, this tent’s features will definitely make you enjoy your trip even more.
- You get a 1 year warranty on the product, to ensure your satisfaction.
- The tent was tested for various weather conditions, which means you can sleep in peace knowing that you’ll be safe.
- Setup process is easy, and the tent can be up in a short period of time.
- It comes with a high density double foam mattress, to ensure your comfort.
- It comes with interior LED strips, mosquito nets, mounting brackets, power adapter and many other features necessary for your satisfaction.
