Ground tent in forest at sunset with light glowing inside

Roof Tent vs Ground Tent: Which is Better?

Much like everything else, camping technology is evolving at a rapid rate. 

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie looking for your next adventure, these changes can benefit you in big ways resulting in big comfort and big conveniences! 

From lighter equipment to innovation in tent creation, the way we camp is changing.

One of the more recent evolutions in camping equipment is the transition away from the classic ground tent. 

And while there’s nothing wrong with a ground tent, more campers are looking to take their outdoors game to new heights with roof tents. 

In this blog, we’ll break down roof tent vs ground tent to determine which is the right option for you. 

Read on to find your next tent purchase. 

What is a Ground Tent?

Before we dive into the nuances of a roof tent vs ground tent, let’s define what exactly a ground tent is. This particular term refers to the classic A-frame tent we’ve all encountered countless times in pop culture. These tents, much like their name suggests, rest on the ground. They come in a variety of sizes, materials, and shapes, but all share the same resting type. 

What is a Roof Tent?

Unlike their grounded counterparts, rooftops are lofted on the top of a vehicle. Like a ground tent, a roof tent can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, all dependent on what your goal is for your roof tent. These tents can fit on almost any vehicle, from truck to four-doors and afford users a much more comfortable experience than a ground tent. 

Benefits of a Ground Tent 

Portable ground tents have been a hallmark of civilization since its infancy. Given their easy-to-move nature, a ground tent is beneficial in its infinite transportability. As tent technology has evolved, these tents have become so compact and lightweight that they can fit in your glove box. 

In addition to portability, there are many benefits to a ground tent. These include:

  • Size variation
  • Affordability 
  • Lightweight 

If those listed benefits sound good to you, a ground tent may be the right choice. 

Benefits of a Roof Tent 

A roof tent attaches to your vehicle’s roof racks or roof bars and is incredibly easy to set up. Even better, when you’re done, it simply folds into a small aerodynamic box. In addition to sheer ease-of-use the roof top tent typically comes with a mattress in the bottom of the tent, eliminating the need to sleep on rocky, hard ground. And while this benefit may be enough to sell you on rooftop tents, there are a few more pluses. They include:

  • Improved protection against the elements
  • Increased safety from animals 
  • Provide a better view
  • Camp anywhere you can park

Roof Tent vs Ground Tent Conclusion 

Regardless of your camping needs, you can now determine if a roof tent vs ground tent is right for you. 

By weighing the benefits of both and assessing what your next camping trip will look like, you can find the right tent for your needs and your budget. 

Check out our collection of roof rack tents!

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