Rooftop Tent 2026 - The complete guide to choosing the right rooftop tent for your car

Interest in roof tents has exploded in recent years – and 2026 is no exception. More people are discovering the freedom of being able to park their car, pitch the tent in a few minutes and sleep comfortably above the ground.

But which roof tent should you choose? What is the difference between a hardshell and softshell roof tent? And does a roof tent really fit your car?

Here is the complete guide.

What is a roof tent?

A roof tent is a tent that is mounted on the car's roof rack and unfolded when you go camping. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you sleep safely and comfortably on top of the car.

The advantages of roof tents are many:

• Quick pitching
• Better comfort
• Protection against moisture and uneven ground
• Higher safety
• Freedom to change places quickly

That is why more people are choosing roof tents over traditional tents when they want to combine car and adventure.

Roof tent hardshell vs softshell – what is the difference?

When looking for a roof tent, you will quickly come across two main types:

Soft shell

• Often cheaper
• Requires more assembly when unfolding
• Takes a little longer to pack up
• Less aerodynamic

Hard shell roof tent

• Quick to unfold (often in under a minute)
• Better aerodynamics
• Robust construction
• Better protection against wind and weather
• Sleeker integrated design

For Nordic climates with rain, wind and temperature changes, hard shell roof tents are often the most durable and practical option.

An example of a modern hard shell roof tent is the Gasell GM 2026 – designed for Nordic conditions with a focus on quick unfolding and stable construction.

Does a roof tent fit your car?

One of the most common questions about car roof tents is whether the car can handle it.

Here are the most important things to check:

1. Roof rack

You need a stable, high-quality roof rack. It is the roof rack – not the metal roof – that carries the load.

2. Dynamic roof load

This is the weight the car is allowed to carry while driving. Most passenger cars are between 50–100 kg.

3. Static load

When the car is stationary, almost all cars can handle significantly more weight than the dynamic limit. This means that two adults in a roof tent is usually not a problem.

SUVs, station wagons and pickup trucks are popular choices for roof tents, but even smaller cars can work as long as the roof rack and weight limits are followed.

Advantages of a roof tent compared to a regular tent

Speed

You don't have to look for flat ground. Park – fold up – done.

Comfort

Most roof tents have an integrated mattress and stable construction.

Safety

You sleep above the ground – less risk of moisture, animals or uneven ground.

Freedom

Want a change of scenery? Fold down and drive on.

That's why many who have tried a roof tent never go back to a traditional tent.

What should you consider when choosing a roof tent 2026?

✔ Climate

Are you going to winter camp? Then a hard shell is a better option.

✔ Set-up time

How quickly do you want to be able to set up camp?

✔ Aerodynamics

A more streamlined roof tent provides less wind noise and fuel consumption.

✔ Material quality

Aluminum construction, seals and durable fabric are crucial.

✔ Area of use

Weekend adventure? Long trips? Family camping?

A modern alternative that combines quick set-up, robust construction and Nordic design is the Gasell GM 2026 – a hard shell roof tent developed to withstand both weather and long trips.

Common mistakes when buying a roof tent

• You don't check the car's roof load
• You underestimate the impact of the wind
• You choose an option that is too cheap
• You don't think about the climate you will use it in

A roof tent is an investment in freedom – it pays to choose the right one from the start.

Are roof tents worth it?

If you:

• Like spontaneous road trips
• Want to combine car and camping
• Want more comfort than a regular tent
• Want to be able to camp anywhere

Then the answer is almost always yes.

Roof tents provide a unique combination of mobility, security and adventure – and with the right model you can use it all year round.

Summary

Roof tents 2026 are about more than just camping – they are about freedom.

For many, hardshell roof tents are the most practical choice, especially in Nordic climates.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced adventurer, the most important thing is to choose a roof tent that matches your car, your climate and your way of traveling.

If you want to see a modern example of what a hardshell roof tent can look like today, you can read more about the Gasell GM 2026.