The Thule Approach M at ~115 lbs is the lightest rooftop tent we recommend, with the Thule Tepui Foothill close behind at ~116 lbs. Both fit 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.
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.
Thule has discontinued the Low-Pro 2, which at 112 lbs was the lightest tent in this roundup. Its role now falls to the Foothill and the Approach M, both of which fit 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Thule Approach M at ~115 lbs is the lightest rooftop tent we recommend, followed by the Thule Tepui Foothill at ~116 lbs, the Yakima SkyRise HD 3 at 120 lbs, and the iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini at 125 lbs. The 112-lb Thule Tepui Low-Pro 2 has been discontinued.
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 Approach M (~115 lbs), Thule Tepui Foothill (~116 lbs), and iKamper Skycamp 3.0 Mini (125 lbs) all work on the Outback.
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