Today we’re doing a deep dive into the most popular roof top tent brands and we’re pretty sure you’ll be surprised by how many brands have been built in the last few years, riding the overlanding industry’s explosive growth curve. Feel free to use this post to help your own research into what roof top tent to buy – we’ve put a lot of time so we can surface many niche and new RTT brands that most overlanders & adventurers won’t encounter in a casual search.
Ranking Disclaimer: this ranking is not meant to asses what the best roof top brands are – we use our own algorithm to rank how popular brands are at the time of publishing this post.
Data Disclaimer: keep in mind that brands are ranked using a multitude of data points across the web (Amazon, Google, Facebook data combined with various signals on a brand and product level) and you might be surprised by the results. For example, the extreme popularity of some brands on social media is attenuated by weaker signals taken from other sources (ex.: number of public reviews).
With that in mind, let’s jump into the list of the most popular roof top brands in the U.S.:
#1: Cascadia Vehicle Tents

“Cascadia Vehicle Tents was created to be more than just a company. We are a community, an idea that a family built from integrity and communication will always prosper. The belief that giving all your heart to something is the purest form of commitment, and through this commitment a mere product can be transformed into a life-changing service. We put our name on everything we do as a promise to you, our family, and we embrace our responsibility of getting families back outdoors.”
We knew Cascadia was popular, but, to be honest, we weren’t expecting our algorithm to rank it first place. After our own experiences with their products and the community plus a lot of double checking, it’s pretty much confirmed: while it may not own the largest market-share, Cascadia Vehicle Tents is one of the most desired and popular roof top tent brands at this time.
#2: IKamper

As with many other Korean brands, their passion for design has made them a highly desired brand and their commitment to quality has gathered quite a few advocates for their products. You wouldn’t believe they took off in 2017 with their crowdfunded Skycamp RTT.
#3: Smittybilt

“Smittybilt’s team of dedicated engineers designs and develops products at their R&D and Manufacturing facilities in Southern California and rigorously tests those products against normal wear and tear – but more importantly tests their products for off-road use and hazards.”
Coming in strong for the crown of most popular roof top tent brand, California’s homegrown Smittybilt builds rugged and highly resilient roof top tents that many truck owners adore and stand by.
#4: RoofNest

“At Roofnest, we believe escaping from your daily routine and immersing yourself in nature refreshes, relaxes, and reminds you of what’s most important.
That’s why it’s our mission to make camping accessible, convenient, and comfortable for outdoor explorers of every experience level by designing durable and easy-to-use hard shell roof top tents.”
RoofNest is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to compact roof top tents made out of premium materials, with an emphasis on ease of use, installation and comfort.
#5: Tuff Stuff Overland

“Tuff Stuff Overland has some of the most innovative overlanding products on the market. From rooftop tents and awnings to lights and truck racks we have what you need for the best overland experience.”
Just like their name implies, Tuff Stuff Overland produces some of the most reliable, yet innovative roof top tents on the market and lots of adventurers are always on the look for any deal they can find to get their hands on a Tuff Stuff roof top tent.
#6: ROAM Adventure Co

“ROAM is an outfitter of adventure equipment that strives to foster the curiosity and community that come from exploring the outdoors. Our goal is to offer high quality products at great prices and never cut corners. We vow to maintain the highest standard of customer service, going above and beyond to ensure every customer is proud to be a part of the ROAM family.”
ROAM has seen an explosive rise in popularity and demand in the last couple years and that’s been sustained by their product development and consistent marketing, which has helped them stand out from the crowd.
#7: 23Zero

“At 23ZERO we strive to create products to inspire people to get outdoors. With Australian born designs and visions to make world-class products. We make sure we have teams in of the most active countries in the world, Currently Australia, USA and Canada.
Our 26 years of manufacturing experience in outdoor products has taught us that using only the best materials gives that first class finish that will stand the test of time. Most importantly we constantly test and refine our products using real world use and feedback from customers just like you. we want you get our best. This allows us to get out and explore, just like you! After all that’s why we started….”
Coupled with a legion of hardcore Canadian fans, 23Zero has made their mark on the US market and the synergy between their awnings and roof top tents have left a lot of people considering buying a 23Zero RTT as soon as possible.
#8: Go Fast Campers

“GFC DEVELOPS INDUSTRY TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND MANUFACTURES CONSUMER PRODUCTS THAT EMPOWER PEOPLE.
We make truck campers that help people connect with themselves, with each other, and with their environment—but we also care abouthow those campers are made. So we develop the automated systems required to make them, and manufacture everything in-house in Belgrade, Montana.
By using automation, we’re able to create a better, more empowering work environment for our employees; and because we strive to create a flat company structure, profits are distributed more evenly too, meaning that no one who works for GFC gets left behind.”
Go Fast Camper’s philosophy definitely sets them apart and their platform approach to roof top tents has allowed them to put out some really interesting products at competitive price points without compromising on quality.
#9: Thule

“We are an international group of passionate employees who focus on developing safe, easy-to-use and stylish solutions for active families and outdoor enthusiasts. We help them bring what they care most about when they are living an active life.”
It was simply impossible for the IKEA of adventure products – Thule – to not make it in the top 10 in terms of popularity with their roof top tents. We have to admit, we’re a bit surprised by the ranking, but Thule is looking like it’s going to keep growing in popularity on the overlanding scene. Of course, keep in mind that RTTs are just a small part of their complete offering.
#10: Overland Vehicle Systems (OVS)

“Our mission is To Inspire and Empower People To ADVENTURE. There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush when you get to your first major obstacle and have to follow that perfect line or that first scenic view when coming around the corner of a trail and you see the most majestic site in your life and then wrapping it all up with family and friends hanging out by camp fire talking about the accomplishments of the day. These memories keep driving the next ADVENTURE, what fuels the passion and continue the future inspirations. We know what you need and have the right gear to get your there. We’re a passionate and very experienced off road team that has more than 70 years of combined experience within the off-road community. Our extensive experience in desert wheeling, rocks crawling or exploring in remotes parts of US & Mexico goes behind every product we make. Don’t let bad product get in the way of enjoying your adventure.”
If there’s one thing that has made OVS one of the top 10 most popular roof top tent brands in the US it’s the splash they’ve made with actual accessories for their roof top tents. If utility is your main concern, you can’t go wrong with OVS products and their accessories.
#11: Yakima

“Yakima has a history of making bold moves in the name of new horizons. We started as a small machine shop in our namesake city in Washington state. Then in 1979, Steve Cole and Don Banducci, hardcore kayakers and cyclists, acquired the company. By 1984, they put Yakima on the map at the Summer Olympics, decking out every race vehicle with original aerodynamic fairings. Today, we continue to lead the niche we helped establish so many decades ago—with the same enthusiasm for the widest skies and the open road.”
Although Yakima have built their repution on racks and mounting accessories, their roof top tents have started making a dent in terms of market-share and, with their diverse mounting solutions, Yakima seems poised to keep growing in popularity when it comes to RTTs (starting with their SkyRise RTT).
#12: Front Runner Outfitters

“Legend has it that Front Runner was conceived between a 1988 Land Cruiser 70 and a 1992 Mercedes G-Wagen in Botswana, around a campfire, near a majestic Baobab, amongst elephant tracks, by a handful of friends from South Africa with backgrounds in engineering, design, manufacturing and off-road racing. After suffering through numerous equipment failures on their expeditions around the world, they decided to take their shared passion for vehicle based adventure travel and dream up new, smart gear and build it stronger than… well, as they put it, “stronger than the elephants at the watering hole 1 klick over.” And just like that, before the moon gave way to the sun, we were born.”
We love Front Runner Outfitters for their roof rack lines and we’re excited to see what they have up their sleeve with their next product lines, now that they’ve been acquired by Dometic. Having a considerable market-share in the roof rack segment, their popularity and growth in the overland industry was only natural and we expect them to keep growing.
#13: CRUA Outdoors

“Developing tents that deliver when it counts, no matter the conditions, is why Crua was founded in the first place. If you’re happy, we’re happy. We set out to achieve our goal by integrating cutting-edge design practices with premium materials, sturdy but lightweight support structures, and the most up-to-date insulation technology. The result is truly something to brag about; a highly engineered, weatherproof environment that you can rely on to protect you from the elements and prevent intrusive light and noise pollution from interrupting your beauty sleep. It’s like having your very own cocoon in the great outdoors.”
A fairly young company (founded in 2014), CRUA Outdoors has found its focus and is committed to ensuring their products are by far the most comfortable products on the market. They’ve been expanding their product line and technology continuously and they now offer some really cool roof top tents with a focus on comfort that many people simply adore.
#14: RedTail Overland

“We decided to fill the void by taking the best elements from each end of the overland spectrum and creating something totally new – a state-of-the-art tent/camper hybrid that offers the nimble freedom of a rooftop tent with the security and comforts of a larger camper. To achieve this, we knew our version of a rooftop camper needed to be hard-sided, something that did not yet exist. We wanted it to be lightweight, bright and airy, stylish, and packed with cutting edge features. There were many challenges to overcome but our manufacturing and design background gave us the skillset to create exactly what we wanted. Redtail Overland was formed and the first hard-sided rooftop camper was created – the Redtail Rooftop Camper (RTC).”
Red Tail Overland is what we’d call a small business success, having entered and grown so fast in the overland industry. Focused on one premium roof top camper (ok, we get it, it’s not a tent per se, but some of our readers use it interchangeably) system, they took the industry by surprise and they’re now sold through 2024. Yup.
#15: The Bush Company

“With its South African heritage The Bush Company has high quality, practicality and durability at the core of all of its 4WD and Outdoor products.”
The Bush Company has quite the reputation both in Australia and South Africa and have made serious inroads into the US market, with a very positive reception and an ever growing fanbase. Hopefully they keep it up and we’ll see them a few spots up in our list.
#16: Free Spirit Recreation

“At Freespirit Recreation, our goal has always been to reinvent the rooftop tent from the ground up, creating industry-leading designs that Elevate Your Adventure. Founded in Bend, OR in 2014, Freespirit Recreation (GoFSR, LLC) is known for using high quality material like our tri-layer all season fabric, creating designs that are easy to use, and that allow you quick set-up times. Our offices in Bend, OR and Golden, CO are comprised of a team of avid outdoors people always looking for the next adventure whether overlanding, cycling, hunting and fishing, camping with family, skiing, or hiking. We are always imagining, innovating, and creating the very best products for you.”
FSR, short for Free Spirit Recreation, is at its core an outdoors adventure company that made the most out of overlanding and delivered some really popular roof top tents, hitting all the right spots in terms of design, pricing and quality.
#17: Area BFE Tents

“Designed for the ultimate off road enthusiast, our tents are low profile and tough enough to withstand the most rugged terrain. We know who we are. We’re extreme, hardcore and love a good adventure.”
Area BFE Tents brings you a balanced selection of 3 roof top tents at balanced price points and we’ve seen a surprising amount of demand for their brand this year.
#18: James Baroud

“INNOVATION, COMFORT, STRENGTH AND QUICKNESS. These are the major elements that have made the
James Baroud roof top tents famous worldwide”
James Baroud produces some of Canada’s most popular roof top tents and they’ve made a splash in the US market with their premium designs and aesthetics. As the overlanding indsutry keeps growing, we expect James Baroud to become a key player in the premium segment.
#19: Alu-Cab

“In 2000, when Alu-Cab Cape Town (H/O) opened its doors and our journey began, our own African travel experiences taught us that space and weight were the two greatest hurdles facing any overland traveler. To address this, we developed the first-ever aluminium canopy – specifically engineered for adventure travellers. But the development didn’t stop there: and the more we refined, strengthened and accessorised the canopy, the more we realised its boundless potential. The company has grown from building the very first aluminium canopy to a full swing manufacturing plant catering to the world market.
Our manufacturing plant consists of 10 factories with just over 400 staff members. We are a home-grown South African Company that has its full manufacturing facility based in Ottery, Cape Town. Our Alu-Cab product range is distributed in 60 Countries.”
We’re not surprised to see another South African company get a good ranking, as Alu-Cab has created some innovative products over the years and expanded their footprint globally quite fast. We’re seeing that adventure-driven product design is increasing popularity and Alu-Cab is well positioned to generate even more demand.
#20: TrustMade

“At Trustmade, we are here to share our passion for the outdoors and help create memories that last a lifetime. Since 2017, our goal has been to make outdoor camping safe, easily accessible, convenient, and simple for any camper. Trustmade rooftop tents are easy to use, made with the best durable material, and comfortable. We take great pride in designing our softshell rooftop tents, hardshell rooftop tents, as well as car camping gear. Freedom is calling. Let’s explore new heights together.”
We can only call TrustMade’s growth since its inception in 2017 “meteoric”. Although their main focus is a roof top tent offering, they’ve expanded with roof racks and (somewhat surprisingly) electric scooters and electric bikes. Hopefully they maintain their focus and keep bringing in cool adventure products.
#21: AutoHomeUS

“Autohome®, manufactured in Rivarolo Mantovano, Italy, and sold worldwide since 1958. Our company, Autohome USA, was founded in 2005 to import and distribute these products as its primary business. The principals have been using these tents in North America for more than twenty years and selling them for over 15; we have assisted thousands of outdoor professionals and enthusiasts in enjoying the benefits of Autohome roof top tents. Autohome USA’s corporate office is located in Carson City, Nevada. It operates a North American distribution center on the West Coast of the United States, servicing Canada, Mexico, and the United States. If you are looking for a strong, reliable roof tent, you can do no better than Autohome.”
AutoHomeUS is THE premium roof top tent brand and the original creator basically of roof top tents. Of course, considering their price ranges, their popularity is more limited than would be deserved, but in the end…affordable overlanding is what most consumers are looking for.
#22: ARB USA

“The origins of ARB can be traced back to Australia’s remote Top End, circa 1975. A region of vast distances and rugged terrain, it was fast becoming a Mecca for the nation’s burgeoning 4WD community. However, the very environment that attracted 4 wheelers also wreaked havoc on their equipment – when driving in extreme conditions, only the best 4×4 accessories will do.”
It may have started as an Australian company, but ARB USA has definitely made itself feel at home and they keep delivering awesome off road accessories, now complemented by a line of affordable roof top tents that are reasonably popular among overlanders who want to keep their budget under control, without too many compromises on features and quality.
#23: Bundutec USA

“Located in NE Iowa, the heartland of the United States, Rory Willett founded BundutecUSA, Inc. in 2013 after retiring as president of Northstar Campers. It was a 40-year long career in the family business that began in the early 60s by his grandfather Tex Willett. Northstar grew to one of the top truck camper manufacturers in the USA, powered by his designs and engineering experience. With that much experience behind BundutecUSA models, you can be assured that your camper is going to be solid and dependable for worry free camping with a brand new look!”
Bundutec, while a niche roof top tent brand, is focused on customizability and making sure the features of their products match the needs of customers. With a more custom-configured approach than other RTT brands, Bundutec has its share of fans.
#24: Cap-It

“With a new Logo design and store concept Cap-it expanded the Adventure department offering a complete package for outfitting customers vehicles for Overland Adventures and Camping. We have continued expansion of stores throughout Western Canada, and our online presence across Canada and the US.”
Mainly a Canadian-focused roof top tent brand, Cap-It seems to be growing in popularity and making in-roads into the U.S. market, even with a fairly limited selection of roof top tents.
#25: Tentrax

“Building the lightest, toughest off road camping trailers in the USA since 2001. Also, check out our rooftop tents and other camping gear!”
Tentrax seems to be carving their own little market between roof top tents and camping trailers combos, following the growth curve of the overlanding industry.
#26: Eezi-Awn

“There are good reasons why Eezi -Awn is one of the largest manufacturers of Rec vee Equipment. Since its inception in 1983 the name Eezi Awn has long been synonymous with quality roof tents, retractable awnings, fridge sliders, roof racks and accessories. Eezi- Awns dedication for exceptional service is evident in all the equipment we produce, sell locally and export too many countries around the world.
Eezi- Awn is beyond comparison. Remember that long after the sweetness of price is gone Quality prevails.”
As an established outdoors accessories manufacturer, Eezi-Awn got into roof top tents as well with moderate success and seems to have carved out a little niche for itself in the United States, although not as popular as in Australia or Germany. Nonetheless, yet another brand with a lot of potential.
#27: Rough Country

“Rough Country was one of the founders of the off-road industry and remains one of the fastest-growing manufacturers and marketers of aftermarket suspension products and off-road accessories with a product portfolio covering ~90% of truck and Jeep models on the road.”
Rough Country seems to be testing the waters with its roof top tent selection and playing it safe. Nonetheless, overlanders have started noticing their selection and it’s gaining popularity.
#28: Outer Tents

“Outer Tents is the product of two nomadic hearts, that truly believe the best part of life is not the end-game, but the journey that gets you there. Our products are designed to provide a simplified way of adventuring – and we help people do it with ease.”
Veering into small brand territory, Outer Tents is another choice that’s good to consider when you’re dong in-depth research on what roof top tent to buy and where to buy from, especially with all the shortages.
#29: Pittman Outdoors

“James Pittman, owner of Pittman Products International owns the first utility & design patents issued for air mattresses that are fit for truck beds, with several additional patents pending. An outdoor enthusiast and avid camper, Jim would often find himself sleeping uncomfortably on a regular air mattress in the back of his truck. Knowing there had to be a better way, he set out to design and manufacture a mattress which would offer a more comfortable night’s sleep for those who may find themselves in a similar situation. The result was AirBedz…The Original Truck Bed Air Mattress.”
Made famous by their truck bed air mattresses, Pittman Outdoors have expanded into roof top tents and captured a little bit of the demand for roof top tents.
#30: Body Armor 4×4

“Body Armor 4×4 started as a passion from a weekend Jeep enthusiast. He realized it was better to build his own bumpers that looked and fit just right and performed beyond comparison. When others began to see what was built, he realized there was a huge void in what people wanted for their Jeeps versus what was available in the market, and a business was born.”
Mainly an off road performance brand focused on Jeeps, Body Armor has entered the roof top tent market with their own RTTs and awnings, to the delight of some hardcore Jeep fans that know them well.
#31: Hutch Tents

“I personally vet every available fabric and design until I find the perfect mix of quality, durability, and affordability. Then I cut out the middlemen, sourcing my tents direct from the manufacturer so I can pass along the savings to my customers. Because at the end of the day, the best adventure is one you can share.
Designed to take you from the mountains to the beach and everywhere in between, Hutch Tents fit seamlessly on most conventional trucks, SUV, and hybrid crossovers. Waterproof, mold-proof, and made from rip-stop poly canvas, our tents give new meaning to “living the highlife”. Take your car camping game to new levels and enjoy the great outdoors from a slightly elevated vantage point- just like nature intended.”
Ran by an experienced overlander, Hutch Tents is a small importer of roof top tents that has its own fanbase and following.
#32: Desert Armor

“» 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 & 𝗢𝗛𝗩 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿 » 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗚𝗢 𝗥𝗧𝗧 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗽 » 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 & 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱”
We have to admit – a patent pending roof top tent ladder is not what we were expecting to find these days, but – it’s useful, it exists and Desert Armor has a few interesting things to brag about alongside their selection of slim roof top tents.
#33: Feldon Shelter

“Roof top solutions that are as good looking as they are innovative and functional, Feldon Shelter are New Zealand’s premium supplier of outdoor lifestyle. We all know that our country is the most beautiful place in the world, and we are giving you the best tools to help you take the first of many adventures into the wild.
With the highest quality roof top living designed right here in our little ol’ country…Come and experience New Zealand with us, the way it should be seen.”
A very popular roof top tent brand in New Zealand, Feldon Shelter also made its way to the U.S. and captured a small piece of the overlanding pie.