If you’ve ever relished the experience of camping atop your vehicle, you’ll understand the pure elation of drifting off under a canopy of stars with a panoramic view of the world below. Roof top tents (RTTs) are the epitome of blending modern convenience with outdoor adventure. 

But let’s face it, as dreamy as RTTs are, there’s a chilly underbelly (literally) to sleeping suspended in mid-air, especially when nature decides to drop the temperature. A cold breeze underneath or a winter’s frost can turn your cozy nest into an icebox. 

So, how do we tackle the cold while keeping the charm of roof top tenting intact? Insulation, my friends! Just as you’d layer up your clothing, your RTT needs some layered love too. Let’s dive deep into the world of RTT insulation, ensuring you stay toasty even when it’s frosty. 

Where Roof Top Tents Lose Heat

While roof top tents are awesome for a lot of reasons, they’re not insulated. Most of the time, they’re made from materials like nylon and poly-cotton, which do a great job at preventing damage but won’t keep you as toasty as you’d like. Sure, your vehicle provides some insulation from the cold ground, but let’s face it – there’s room for improvement.

One key problem is the tent walls themselves. Since they’re often made from thin materials, they don’t provide much insulation or wind resistance. On cold nights, the wind can whip through the fabric, sapping warmth right out of your cozy sleeping space.

Another issue is the tent openings, such as windows and doors. These spots can be particularly drafty, especially if they’re not tightly sealed. You might think that closing everything up will keep the cold out, but it can still seep in around the edges.

While your car does offer some ground insulation, it can’t work miracles. The cold tends to spread from the car itself, just like it would from the ground in a regular tent. So even though you’re off the ground, don’t let your guard down – there’s heat being lost underneath you too.

Best Roof Top Tent Insulators

We know that a good night’s sleep is crucial when you’re out in the wilderness. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best roof top tent insulators to help keep you warm and cozy no matter the weather. Whether you’re camping in the dead of winter or just want to stay cool on a hot summer night, these insulators will help regulate the temperature inside your tent. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best roof top tent insulators on the market.

Thule Tepui Insulator for Foothill Rooftop Tent

If you’re looking for a way to extend your camping season, the Thule Tepui Insulator for Foothill Rooftop Tent might be just what you need. It’s designed to keep you warm and comfortable on chilly nights and early mornings, so you can keep exploring all year round.

Pros

• Provides an additional layer of insulation to keep you warm and cozy
• Easy to install and remove as needed
• Allows for quick access to windows, doors, and sky panels

Cons

• May not be substantial enough for extreme cold weather camping
• Can add extra weight to your rooftop tent setup
• May not fit all rooftop tent models

Campers who took the Thule Tepui Insulator for Foothill Rooftop Tent on a camping trip in the mountains were impressed with how much warmer it kept them. The quilted insulation is thick and cozy, and it fits snugly around the internal frame of the tent. They appreciated that it was easy to install and remove, so they could adjust our setup as needed throughout the trip.

One feature they particularly liked was the zippered access to windows, doors, and sky panels. It allowed them to easily adjust ventilation and take in the views without having to remove the entire insulator. They also appreciated that it was made of durable polyester, so they didn’t have to worry about it tearing or wearing out quickly.

While the Thule Tepui Insulator for Foothill Rooftop Tent kept them warm and comfortable in chilly weather, it may not be substantial enough for extreme cold weather camping. Additionally, it does add some extra weight to your rooftop tent setup, so it’s important to make sure your vehicle can handle the added weight. And, it may not fit all rooftop tent models, so be sure to check the specifications before purchasing.

Tepui Insulator for Rooftop Tents 3 Person

If you’re looking for a way to extend your rooftop tent camping season, the Tepui Insulator for Rooftop Tents 3 Person is a great option.

Pros

• Provides an additional layer of protection from the elements
• Quick and easy access to windows, doors, and sky panels with zipper access
• Fits Kukenam/Autana 3 Rooftop Tents

Cons

• Could be thicker for better insulation
• Fit may not be perfect for all rooftop tents
• Price may be a bit steep for some budgets

Campers who tested out the Tepui Insulator on a chilly fall camping trip and were pleased with the results. The light gray interior helped to brighten up the tent during the day and made it easier to find gear. The fitted insulator clipped onto the internal frame of the tent quickly and easily, providing an additional layer of protection from the cold.

One of the best features of the Tepui Insulator is the quick zippered access to the windows, doors, and sky panel. This made it easy to adjust the ventilation and let in some fresh air when needed. They also appreciated that the insulator didn’t add too much bulk or weight to our rooftop tent setup.

While the Tepui Insulator did a decent job of keeping us warm, they did notice that it could be a bit thicker for better insulation. Additionally, the fit may not be perfect for all rooftop tents, so be sure to double-check the measurements before purchasing. The price may also be a bit steep for some budgets, but we think it’s worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of cold weather camping.

Crua Culla Solo

If you’re looking for a versatile and lightweight insulator for your rooftop tent, the Crua Culla Solo is a great option.

Pros

• The temperature regulating inner tent keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making it perfect for year-round camping.
• Quick and easy setup thanks to the airframe beam design.
• The integrated mesh keeps bugs out and provides ventilation.

Cons

• The Crua Culla Solo is only meant to be used as an inner tent, so it may not work for all camping setups.
• The noise insulation could be better.
• It’s not waterproof, so you’ll need to make sure you have a waterproof outer layer.

Campers who took the Crua Culla Solo on a camping trip were impressed with how easy it was to set up. The airframe beam design made it a breeze to inflate, and the integrated mesh kept bugs out while still allowing for plenty of ventilation. The temperature regulating inner tent was a game-changer, keeping them warm on chilly nights and cool during hot summer days.

However, they did notice that the noise insulation wasn’t as good as hoped, so if you’re a light sleeper, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, it’s important to note that the Crua Culla Solo is only meant to be used as an inner tent, so it may not work for all camping setups. And while the tent itself isn’t waterproof, it does come with a waterproof rain fly to keep you dry in case of rain.

How to Insulate a Roof Top Tent

First up, consider the tent material – cotton (a.k.a. canvas), polyester, poly-cotton, and nylon are your options. Picking a tent made from a single material like cotton or a multi-season one will help trap some heat without extra effort.

One simple hack for insulating your tent is using a space blanket. Just tape or hang it on the inside of your canopy – it’s perfect for casual campers and won’t cost you much. Want something better? Opt for a thicker, all-purpose weather blanket to improve insulation on the roof.

You can also look into quilted insulation that’s specially made for roof top tents. These are a bit pricier but totally worth it for avid campers. They’ll fit your tent like a glove and offer great insulation.

Electric heaters might be tempting, but we don’t recommend them for tents. Instead, consider propane heaters, which are safe and portable. Just remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and crack open a window for ventilation.

Roof Top Tent Insulation Materials

Poly-cotton is a popular choice for roof top tent insulation materials. This blend of polyester and cotton offers the best of both worlds: durability and breathability. It’s common to find poly-cotton in high-quality tents like Tepui because it helps to regulate temperature effectively.

Canvas is another solid option for insulating your roof top tent. This heavy-duty material is not only weather-resistant, but also retains heat well, making it ideal for use in colder environments. Keep in mind that this type of fabric might be a bit heavier and bulkier than other options, but it’s a trade-off worth considering if you need that extra insulation.

Synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon provide lightweight insulation options, which are particularly useful if you’re after a portable and packable tent. These materials are resistant to stains and mildew, making them great for dealing with the unpredictable outdoors. While they may not be as warm as canvas or poly-cotton, they still offer good insulation qualities, so don’t dismiss them entirely.

• Rubber can be used in various ways to enhance insulation. Adding rubber or foam mats as underfloor insulation can help prevent cold from seeping up through the base of your tent. Rubber weatherstripping can also be applied to seal gaps that might allow drafts to enter.

Roof Top Tent Insulation Kits

Insulating your roof top tent can make a huge difference when it comes to staying warm on those chilly nights. Roof top tent insulation kits are essential to trap heat, and they’re perfect for keeping you cozy during your camping adventures.

One option you can consider is the James Baroud Thermal Insulation Kit. This kit features insulated panels that attach to your rooftop tent’s interior walls, providing exceptional thermal insulation. It’s specifically designed for each rooftop tent model and has got your back when temperatures drop. You might also look into Thule Insulator products if that’s the brand of your tent.

Fitted insulators are another great option. They can be easily snapped internally onto your tent for convenience. For example, the Vagabond Tent Insulation from ROAM Adventure Co is a quilted insulation that integrates with Vagabond Tents and adds that extra bit of warmth when the mercury dips.

You can even bring along electric blankets as an additional option to keep you nice and toasty. Just be mindful of your power source and the waterproof nature of the tent and blankets.

What Affects Warmth in Rooftop Tents?

When camping in colder conditions, staying warm inside your rooftop tent can be crucial. There are several factors that can influence how cozy your tent remains, so let’s dive into some of them.

First off, insulation plays a significant role in keeping you warm. By trapping heat inside the tent and preventing it from escaping through the fabric, you’ll stay warmer and avoid unpleasant condensation forming on the floor. Good insulation can be achieved with materials like cotton, which works well with both cold and heat, or polyester for milder “everyday weather.”

The overall design of your rooftop tent can also impact warmth. For cold weather camping or winter use, a 4-season tent might be your best bet. These tents typically have double walls, offering better insulation and protection from wind, and can handle more snow and harsher conditions than a standard tent. So, choose the right type of tent for the climate you’ll be facing.

In rooftop tents, you’ll notice that the material used is often thicker, heavier synthetics than in regular tents. This helps retain more heat, giving you an advantage over a ground tent. Plus, being elevated off the ground also keeps you away from the cold earth below. However, don’t rely on these features alone to keep you toasty when temperatures drop.

Make sure to also consider your tent’s windows and any sky panels it might have. These can be great for stargazing, but they might let in some cold air or drafts. Use a weather cover to shield these openings and optimize your rooftop tent insulation.

Never underestimate the power of a few complementary items like a heated sleeping bag or a small heater to help you stay warm through the night. A combination of factors will work together to keep your rooftop tent comfortable even when camping in colder seasons.

Winterizing Your Roof Top Tent

Winter camping can be a blast, but it’s essential to prep your roof top tent for the cold, snowy weather conditions. To ensure you stay warm and cozy during those chilly nights, follow these simple tips to winterize your sky-high sanctuary.

If you haven’t snagged a tent yet, consider investing in a quality hard-shell, four-season tent. These bad boys are designed to handle the extreme cold and provide you with extra insulation against the chilly elements. They offer a thicker shell compared to their soft-shell counterparts, helping to keep more heat inside and keep the cold out.

Insulation is the name of the game when upping your roof top tent’s winter-protection game. Look for specialized insulation kits designed for your specific tent or buy materials to create a snug, insulating layer. A quick zippered access lets you get in and out without sacrificing your newly-added warmth shield.

Consider adding an extra layer of protection by covering your tent with a durable nylon snow cover. Not only does it help keep the cold out, but it helps shield against wind and snow buildup. Bonus points: nylon covers provide a barrier for escaping heat, so your tent stays nice and toasty.

Since heat rises, being off the ground is a big-time advantage for staying warm in your roof top tent. But go the extra mile and insulate your tent’s floor, especially on extremely cold nights. You can use foam pads or even electric blankets to maintain a toasty, welcoming floor.

Speaking of electric blankets, when you’re winter camping, sometimes it’s worth hauling along a portable heater as well. Many camping heaters are compact and work well for adding warmth to your roof top tent. Just be cautious with propane heaters, as they can give off carbon monoxide and endanger your safety.

Make sure to seal up all the zippers, doors, and air vents to trap the warmth inside your tent and keep the cold out. You can use weatherstripping and draft stoppers for added protection against frigid drafts.