The roof tent is the perfect alternative between camping and the van. It's winning over more and more travellers who want to experience adventure without blowing their budget. But with so many models to choose from, and prices so high, it's hard to know where to start.
In this article, I share my experience with our roof tent NaïtUp TriUp, and a few tips on how to make the right choice and plan your budget.
Why we chose a rigid roof tent
Initially, I was very hesitant about other brands such as iKamper or Lexagones. In the end, I chose Aventure Loisirs and Vans that we found the ideal tent, after receiving excellent advice on our requirements and budget.
We chose the NaïtUp TriUp, a rigid tent designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. What tipped the scales?
- Ultra-fast opening The tent is ready in 30 seconds.
- A reasonable weight 75 kg, which is still compatible with our Clio 3 (after finding roof racks on Le Bon Coin).
- Good value for money compared with other brands on the market.
Everyday use: the freedom of roaming
We use it mainly for itinerant roadtrips, changing the spot every night. In just ten nights of testing, the tent has already proved its worth: practical, comfortable and suited to summer conditions.
In theory, it can withstand rain and winds of up to 60 km/h, although we haven't yet had the chance to test it in extreme conditions.
This way of travelling completely changes the way you approach a holiday:
- We don't book anything in advance, so we adapt our programme according to the weather; ;
- we avoid the weight of the accommodation budget, which means we can treat ourselves to other items such as restaurants; ;
- you're free to drive, stop wherever you like, sleep in front of a sunrise...
Strengths and limitations
| ✅ Highlights | ⚠️ Limits |
|---|---|
| Express opening and closing in 30 seconds | Less discreet than a van: once unfolded, you won't go unnoticed |
| Comfort of a real mattress, you can leave mattress, duvet and pillow in the folded tent | Reduced insulation: light-coloured fabric lets in light early in the morning |
| Total freedom to roam and bivouac | Weight of 75 kg impossible to remove without help, the tent remains permanently attached |
The budget
The roof tent represents an initial investment, but much less than buying a van. Here's what we spent (all taxes included):
- NaïtUp TriUp with mattress + under-mattress : 3 373 €
- Awning + annex : 490 €
- We took advantage of an exceptional discount: -€300
👉 Total tent : 3 818 €
Added to this were a number of essential ancillary costs:
- Used roof bars: €35
- Double sleeping bag (Décathlon): €110
- Made-to-measure fitted sheet (home-made)
- Two cushions already available at home
➡️ Overall budget for roof-tent equipment : about 3 963 €
(not to mention the little bonus accessories like nets or protective covers - some of which you can do yourself, in fact I crocheted our shoe nets instead of buying them!)
Who should buy a roof tent?
In my opinion, the roof tent is for :
- those who want touring without buying a van and without sacrificing their everyday car; ;
- travellers looking for a back to basics, with just the essentials; ;
- people who like to improvise and move around a lot, rather than stay fixed in a campsite or AirBnb.
It's a “small” investment compared with a van, but it opens up a whole host of travel possibilities.
My practical advice
- Some might say that you should rent before you buy. Why not, but for a real roadtrip, you also need all the equipment (kitchen, shower, etc.). Unless you want to try it out on a campsite to benefit from the comforts that come with it (but which don't allow you to experience this return to nature), it's better to invest directly if you're convinced of the concept.
- Using apps like Park4night, stopping off at farms or finding remote corners: there's no shortage of places to visit,
- A reminder for nature spots: respect the environment and leave no trace of your visit.
- Provide a storage or support system (such as a pulley) if you don't want to keep the tent on the roof all year round.
Conclusion
The rooftop tent has changed the way we travel: we're freer, closer to nature and on a more manageable budget than we would be if we were multiplying Airbnb.
It has its limits, but for us it's an excellent compromise between camping and the van.
👉 If you're still hesitating: take the plunge and enjoy this freedom, it's worth it!
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