🏕️ The Essential Guide to Roof Tent Gear & Add-Ons: What You Really Need for Your Setup

✅ Do I really need extra gear with my roof tent?

Technically? No. A good roof tent is a self-contained shelter. But most overlanders quickly realise that extra gear improves comfort, versatility, and self-sufficiency—especially if you're going off-grid.

Think of add-ons as your camping infrastructure: they make cooking, sleeping, storage, and relaxing at camp easier and better.

✅ What are the most useful roof tent add-ons?

It depends on your travel style, but popular essentials include:

🌄 Awnings – Instant shade and rain cover that extend your living space. Great for cooking, relaxing, or keeping gear dry.

🪑 Chairs & Tables – Lightweight, packable options mean you’re not eating on the ground.

🍳 Outdoor Kitchen Gear – Portable stoves, collapsible cookware, utensils—all help you cook proper meals without hauling heavy kits.

🔦 Lighting & Power – Hanging lamps, fairy lights, and reliable power banks keep your camp safe and cosy, even off-grid.

📦 Storage Solutions – Roof boxes, baskets, or tailgate boxes let you carry more without crowding the tent itself.

✅ How do I choose gear that works with my roof tent?

This is a big question for newcomers—and a great one to ask!

🔍 Check dimensions and mounting: Roof boxes or baskets must fit alongside your tent. Awnings need compatible rails or brackets.

🛠️ Weight limits: Every vehicle has a dynamic (driving) and static (parked) roof load limit. Always stay within these limits, even with add-ons.

🎒 Packability: Space is premium. Look for collapsible or lightweight designs to save room.

🗺️ Purpose-driven: Don’t buy “just in case.” Think about your trips. Are you going off-grid for days? Weekend surf trips? Family holidays? Choose add-ons that support your actual adventures.

✅ What mistakes do people make with roof tent add-ons?

Here are a few we see often:

❌ Overloading the roof beyond vehicle limits.
❌ Buying bulky gear without thinking about storage when driving.
❌ Skipping essentials like lighting or cookware and regretting it at camp.
❌ Failing to test setup before leaving. (ALWAYS do a trial run!)

✅ How do I plan my ideal roof tent setup?

📝 Start with your must-haves: shelter, sleep system, food prep, and storage.
🌦️ Think about your usual weather conditions—do you need shade, rain cover, or winter-rated sleeping bags?
🚗 Check your vehicle’s capacity.
🗺️ Plan around your trips.

Your setup should support your adventures, not dictate them. The right gear makes you more flexible, more comfortable, and more able to say yes to last-minute trips.

✅ Final Tips for Choosing Gear & Add-Ons

• Read reviews and real-world tests.

• Plan around your car’s roof load and layout.

• Invest in durable, space-saving options.

• Choose modular gear you can expand over time.

• Keep it personal. Don’t buy what you won’t use.

⭐️ The Bottom Line

Roof tent life is all about freedom and adventure. The best add-ons are the ones that make your trips better, easier, and more comfortable—without overcomplicating things.

By thinking carefully about what you truly need, you’ll build a setup that’s ready for anything—from quick weekend getaways to extended overlanding journeys.