Rooftop camping rewards packing light and packing smart. Unlike a ground tent, you cannot leave gear scattered around a campsite — everything lives in the vehicle. This checklist covers what to bring, what to leave behind, and the weight limits most first-timers forget.
1. Sleep system
- Season-appropriate sleeping bag (check the comfort rating, not the extreme rating).
- Two pillows and a fitted sheet for the built-in mattress.
- A condensation pad under the mattress in cool or humid climates.
- Earplugs and an eye mask — rooftop tents transmit wind noise.
2. Camp kitchen
- Two-burner stove, fuel, lighter and a wind guard.
- Collapsible water container (minimum 10 L per person for desert trips).
- Nesting pots, a pan, utensils, cutting board and biodegradable soap.
- Cooler with ice, plus dry goods stored in sealed bins to keep out rodents.
3. Clothing and weather layers
Pack for a 20 °F swing between day and night. Merino base layers, an insulating mid-layer, a waterproof shell, and a warm beanie — nights at altitude in Colorado, the Alps or the Scottish Highlands get genuinely cold, even in summer.
4. Safety and navigation
- First-aid kit, head torch and spare batteries.
- Offline maps and a paper map as backup in areas without signal.
- Fire extinguisher, jumper cables, tyre repair kit and a portable air compressor.
5. Vehicle and tent tools
- Torque wrench and the correct sockets for your mounting bolts.
- Spare ladder pins and a spare gas spring pair for long expeditions.
- Canvas repair tape, zipper lubricant and a small broom for the tent floor.
Weight limits: the mistake everyone makes
Your roof rack's dynamic rating applies only while moving. Once parked, the static rating governs — but do not store heavy gear inside the tent while driving, as that weight counts against the dynamic rating and stresses the shell. Keep heavy items inside the vehicle.
What to leave at home
- Bulky camp chairs if you already have an awning room bench solution.
- Heavy cast iron cookware — aluminium or titanium saves significant weight.
- Multiple changes of clothes; quick-dry items let you wash and re-wear.
Load the car the right way
Heavy items low and forward, frequently needed items accessible, and nothing loose inside the cabin that could become a projectile. Store the ladder inside the tent or on the vehicle — never loose in the boot.
Planning your first trip? Read our installation guide and the 2026 buying guide first.