Vehicle-mounted tents, popularized by the #vanlife movement and overlanding on Instagram, continue to be successful despite often exorbitant prices. The recent announcement of the $4,700 Thule Outset has reignited the debate about the relevance of this equipment.
Roof Top Tents (RTTs): A Luxury with Multiple Drawbacks
Roof Top Tents appeal with their high-end manufacturing, premium materials, and gas-assisted quick deployment. But they present major challenges: significant weight high up that alters handling, a substantial aerodynamic penalty that increases fuel consumption, and problems with parking in underground garages. Not to mention the difficulty of accessing them from the ground.
The Thule Outset: A Hitch-Mounted Solution
Thule offers an alternative with the Outset, which mounts on a hitch rather than the roof. This model deploys in seconds and can be easily detached from the vehicle. A definite advantage for being able to leave the campsite without dismantling everything. However, be careful not to leave the engine running with someone inside, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A Dizzying Price Range
The RTT market features considerable price disparities. You can find premium models like the ARB Altitude for nearly $6,000, while entry-level options like the “XBull” sell for around $600 at Walmart. The difference is obviously felt in the quality of construction and durability.
Questionable Practical Advantages
Do the marketing arguments for RTTs hold up to analysis? Being elevated to escape insects? They know how to climb and fly. Fear of animals? Most avoid you, and those that are curious can easily reach your roof. Does the sole tangible benefit – ultra-fast deployment – truly justify a surcharge of several thousand dollars compared to a classic ground tent?
The Ground Tent: A Reasonable Alternative
A traditional family-sized tent can be set up in minutes, offer standing room, a camp bed at a normal height, and pack down to a size similar to a carry-on suitcase. For a featherweight equivalent to a few jackets. A simple, economical, and versatile solution that questions the real added value of RTTs.
Passing Fad or Camping Revolution?
While overlanding has led to sometimes unreasonable purchases ($300 shovels…), the high-end roof top tent market persists in 2025. Is it merely a fashion trend, a need to stand out, or do these products genuinely offer superior comfort and experience? The debate between the 4×4 glamour enthusiasts and the “ground tent peasants” remains open.