Best Lightweight Rooftop Tent

Quick Answer

The Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 at 112 lbs is the lightest rooftop tent available. It fits vehicles with dynamic roof load ratings as low as 120 lbs. The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini at 125 lbs is the lightest hardshell option.

Check Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 on Amazon →

Vehicle weight limits are the single biggest constraint when choosing a rooftop tent. If your car, wagon, or compact SUV has a dynamic roof load rating under 150 lbs, your options narrow significantly. Every tent on this list weighs under 130 lbs.

The Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 is the lightest rooftop tent on the market at 112 lbs. Its 10-inch closed profile is the slimmest available, meaning minimal impact on fuel economy and aerodynamics. It fits on Subaru Outbacks, Honda CR-Vs, Toyota RAV4s, and even some sedans with aftermarket crossbars rated for 120+ lbs.

The iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini at 125 lbs is the lightest hardshell tent. iKamper designed it to fit vehicles down to a Mini Cooper. The FRP shell is lighter than the ABS or steel shells used by cheaper hardshells. Setup takes 60 seconds with gas struts.

The Thule Tepui Foothill at 116 lbs takes a unique approach. Its half-width design takes up only one side of your roof rack, leaving the other half for bikes, kayaks, or a cargo box. Ideal for adventurers who need both a tent and roof-mounted gear.

The Thule Approach M at 115 lbs offers the most interior headroom of any lightweight softshell. Four support bars create near-vertical walls, making the tent feel larger than its footprint suggests. The tool-free mounting system means one person can install it.

Our Top Picks

Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2
#1softshell

Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2

Thule

~$1,300
Capacity
2
Weight
112 lbs
Sleep Area
82" × 48"

The lightest rooftop tent available at 112 lbs and only 10 inches tall when closed. The go-to choice for smaller vehicles, wagons, and anyone who cares about fuel economy.

Pros:
  • + Lightest RTT at 112 lbs
  • + Ultra-low 10" closed profile
  • + Fits vehicles with lower roof load ratings
Cons:
  • - 2-person capacity only
  • - Smaller sleeping area
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iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini
#2hardshell

iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini

iKamper

~$3,200
Capacity
2
Weight
125 lbs
Sleep Area
83" × 52"

The default premium pick for 1–2 people. At 125 lbs it fits vehicles down to a Mini Cooper, sets up in 60 seconds, and the FRP shell handles four-season abuse. The gold standard for hardshell rooftop tents.

Pros:
  • + 60-second setup with gas struts
  • + Only 125 lbs, fits almost any vehicle
  • + FRP double-layer shell (insulated)
Cons:
  • - Premium price at ~$3,200
  • - 2-person capacity only
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Thule Tepui Foothill
#3softshell

Thule Tepui Foothill

Thule

~$1,700
Capacity
2
Weight
~116 lbs
Sleep Area
82" × 48"

The only half-width rooftop tent on the market. Takes up just half your roof rack, leaving the other half for bikes, kayaks, or cargo boxes. Perfect for adventurers who need both a tent and gear space on their roof.

Pros:
  • + Half-width leaves room for roof cargo
  • + Lightweight at ~116 lbs
  • + Low profile when closed
Cons:
  • - 2-person capacity only
  • - Smaller sleeping area than full-width tents
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Thule Approach M
#4softshell

Thule Approach M

Thule

~$2,500
Capacity
3
Weight
~115 lbs
Sleep Area
90" × 56"

The most livable softshell tent thanks to four support bars that create near-vertical walls. Tool-free mounting system makes installation a one-person job.

Pros:
  • + Most interior headroom of any softshell
  • + 4 support bars create vertical walls
  • + Tool-free mounting system
Cons:
  • - Higher price than other softshells
  • - Still requires 5–8 minute setup
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Yakima SkyRise HD 3
#5softshell

Yakima SkyRise HD 3

Yakima

~$2,500
Capacity
3
Weight
~120 lbs
Sleep Area
96" × 56"

Feels like a high-end backpacking tent on your roof. Tool-free installation, familiar clip-in pole design, and a generous 96" × 56" floor. Great for experienced campers who want simplicity.

Pros:
  • + Tool-free install on most racks
  • + Familiar backpacking-tent pole design
  • + Generous 3-person floor area
Cons:
  • - ~120 lbs limits some vehicle compatibility
  • - Higher price point for a softshell
Check Price on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lightest rooftop tent?

The Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 at 112 lbs is the lightest rooftop tent currently available. It is followed by the Thule Approach M at 115 lbs, the Thule Tepui Foothill at 116 lbs, and the Yakima SkyRise HD 3 at 120 lbs.

Can I put a rooftop tent on a Subaru Outback?

Yes. The Outback's factory crossbars support about 150 lbs dynamic load. Aftermarket racks push that higher. The Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 (112 lbs), Thule Tepui Foothill (116 lbs), and iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini (125 lbs) all work on the Outback.

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