Camping with a rooftop tent – the right equipment

With a rooftop tent and a car, you can get around more flexibly than with almost any other vehicle. Assembling and dismantling the tent may take some time, but your vehicle is usually smaller than a camper van. In other words, it’s easier to park and you don’t have to worry on narrow streets. Without the camping gear in the boot and the tent on the roof, it’s just a normal car again.

Travelling with a rooftop tent is also comparatively cheap: you usually need less petrol because cars are lighter than fitted-out camper vans – which saves you money. Rooftop tents fit almost all cars – the only requirement is a roof rack and a sufficiently high permissible roof load.

Fitting out the rooftop tent: what you need

You can’t buy a rooftop tent at Transa – but you can get everything else you need to travel with one. Here are some tips on the right equipment, to help ensure you have everything you need for your adventure.

Cooking

A small gas or petrol stove will get you a long way, but as you don’t have to carry the equipment yourself, why not bring a stove with two burners? They take up more space and are heavier than those with only one burner, but they make it easier to prepare proper meals. A heat-resistant table to cook on is another practical idea.

Baking

Do you like baking? Then an Omnia oven should accompany you on your travels with a rooftop tent. Simply place the oven on a réchaud or on a grate over the fire. You’ll probably need to play around a little bit until you figure out the right baking time for your recipes. But then you can enjoy fresh pastries and savoury dishes straight from the oven.

Eating

Foldable bowls and mugs save space. Do you have some space left in the car? Then perhaps you can take enamel or stainless steel tableware instead.

It’s best to pack fresh food in a cooler or coolbag. These may not keep it as cold as a fridge, but they are a great help for a short trip.

Drinking

A water canister lets you stay on the move independently for a while, without having to worry about where to find the next shop. And, unlike with PET bottles, you won’t be carrying any rubbish around with you.

Washing up/washing

A foldable sink makes washing up easier – whether on a campsite or a pitch. The dirty dishes can be easily transported to a washing point or washed directly in the basin with a little water. The foldable sinks are also practical for handwashing.

Bathroom

OK, bathroom is a bit of an exaggeration, but toiletries and a towel should be part of every trip. You can also pack a solar shower for your adventure with a rooftop tent. This doesn’t take up much space and lets you take a warm shower even when you’re away from civilisation.

Lighting

A headlamp is always practical outdoors, while lanterns or even spotlights provide the necessary visibility in the evening. A few small lanterns for the rooftop tent are worthwhile to brighten up the mood when it rains, as well as in the morning and evening. Fairy lights also create a nice ambience.

Electricity

It’s best to charge smartphones, e-readers, navigation devices and other electronic devices directly from your car while you’re driving – take the appropriate cables with you. As a backup, a powerbank is handy; if you’re out and about in sunny regions, it’s also worth having a small solar module.

Table and chairs

Sitting comfortably outdoors and enjoying yourself – camping furniture that can be packed up small and stowed away is worth it. Chairs with or without armrests, with a high backrest or a lower one, with long legs or short ones – you’re sure to find something suitable. The table should match the height of the chairs. Otherwise, the options differ above all in terms of their material: heat-resistant aluminium for cooking versus tabletops made of polyester or laminate. Some table legs can be adjusted in height so that the tabletop stands straight on any ground.

Tarp

Many rooftop tents already project over the edge of the car when unfolded and can therefore be used for shelter. However, a tarp is still worthwhile: it protects against wind coming from the side and serves as an extension of the rooftop tent in rain and sun.

Storage

The car offers plenty of space for the necessary equipment. Packsacks help to keep it all tidy. It’s best to store your equipment in boxes by theme. That way, for example, you’ll have everything you need for cooking in one place.

Sleeping

In the rooftop tent, you can sleep with sleeping bags or even a real blanket. A blanket takes up more space than a sleeping bag, but if you sleep better with it, it’s probably worth it. And with most rooftop tents, you can leave all your bedding in the tent, even if you fold it up for the ride.

Rooftop tent FAQ