The word “annex” has a couple of meanings, but it is often used to refer to a small addition to a building. When you’re talking about annex tents, these accessories are just that: an additional space that you can attach to your outdoors setup to give you more room to work with. Is an annex tent right for you, or will it overcomplicate your camping trip?
What Is an Annex Tent?
When you think of a rooftop tent, you’re likely picturing something that sits strictly on top of your vehicle. However, most annex tents hang off the side and down to the ground, though the main portion of the tent is still on top of the vehicle. This added space can give you some of the benefits of a rooftop tent while providing additional space that is more akin to a ground tent.
Annex tents are a common add-on you can consider when buying a new rooftop tent. To decide if this is a worthwhile purchase, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros of an Annex Tent
Adding an annex accessory is generally cost-effective for the amount of space it adds. The main advantage of this option is, of course, the many ways to use this additional room in your tent:
- A private place to get dressed
- An additional sleeping space for kids or pets
- A storage area for gear
- Additional shelter from sun or inclement weather
Keep in mind that not all annexes are created equally. While there are large options that have a lot of utility, a smaller annex may not be as useful to you.
Cons of an Annex Tent
One of the main disadvantages of an annex is that it can make the setup process for your rooftop tent more complicated. If you want to be able to pop up your campsite quickly, the annex can cause frustration. It makes the whole setup bulkier.
Additionally, if you’re using the annex for an extra sleeping or storage area, keep in mind that it loses many of the advantages that come with a standard rooftop tent. It won’t be elevated out of reach of wildlife, and you’ll need to find a relatively smooth patch of ground to set it up as a comfortable sleeping space.
While the added cost of an annex should be reasonable for how much extra space is provided, it may not be worth it if you don’t have a specific purpose for the extra room. If you don’t have any need for a spare tent area, you may be better off investing your money into other upgrades or accessories for your camping setup.
Is An Annex Tent Right for You?
Now that you know the basics of what an annex tent is and what advantages and disadvantages come along with them, you can make an informed decision about whether one will be a good addition to your setup. Explore our roof top tent guides for more tips, tricks, and advice for creating the ultimate camping adventures.
