The Best Volkswagen Atlas Rooftop Tent

By on 9 November 2021 / Leave a comment Updated on: 9 November 2021

There’s not a whole lot more comfort out there than this when out adventuring in the country. Much cheaper than hotels, more convenient and a little more comfortable than tent camping. A Rooftop tent for your Volkswagen Atlas is a great option if you are choosing to have a newer style of tent for your next weekend getaway. No bookings required, all you need is a parking spot or a place to park and you will be high above any hard ground and in comfort.

Very easy to install, rooftop tents take only a few minutes to fasten down onto your existing roof rails and fold into a sleeping area for up to four adults. They are almost completely universal in their design and require very little to no maintenance. And with it being on the roof, this allows you to have all the space you need for storage and pets, family and or friends on your adventure.

Types of Rooftop Tent

There are two main types of roof tents and that divide takes place with the construction. One design is a hard plastic shelled tent and the other is a canvas style that folds, more like a conventional tent. Let’s jump into a breakdown.

Hard Shell

The hard shell tents are typically the more durable but also more expensive option. So if you’re looking for a tent that is durable and you are going to be going on adventures regularly and exploring you may want the more protection that the hard shell has to offer. The hard plastic shell gives a solid and rigid structure that allows for better resistance from the elements and allows for easier travel conditions. They also generally offer better insulation and sound deadening to help those who may struggle to sleep in a canvas tent.

Soft Shell

As with the name, soft shell tents have a big advantage over their hard-shell counterparts in both the weight and foldability departments. These give you the ability to package these sorts of tents neatly and allow for a larger sized tent, as it can be folded back down and fit into a smaller compartment. This compactness can also give you added cargo space that you may not have with a hard shell tent with added space on the luggage racks like cargo boxes or even bike racks. They are also better for those of us on a budget as the soft shells often come in well under the price of a hard shell rack.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing

Weight

The tents weight capacity itself isn’t really a limited factor, what can be however is the weight on the cars roof rack of a moving vehicle that would be more so. Both the roof rails as well as the vehicle’s roof all have maximum load ratings that cannot be passed while the vehicle is driving. You will be able to find these ratings in a manufacturers handbook.

Some tents may also have a limit for both maximum weight and number of people that it may be able to carry, however size typically comes into play far before weight may become a factor and to be worried about exceeding.

Size

When it comes to conventional tents, the bigger the better. Having more space not only makes it a more comfortable experience but it allows you to have the option of bringing more friends and family for the next adventure. Larger roof top tents will come with supports that can be moved around the sides or rear of the vehicle that way they still fit on the roof of even smaller vehicles.

Please be aware before purchasing however, larger tents can exceed the load ratings of smaller vehicles roofs while travelling.

Material

Material is also just as crucial when it comes to roof tents as it does with a conventional tent. Whether that is for a hard or soft shelled, a roof’s waterproofing, sound deadening, and insulation are all highly important based on the materials used in its construction.

And as with all things, the more expensive the tent generally the material will be stronger and thicker, and subsequently increasing the longevity of and improving the sleeping experience within the tent.

The Best Volkswagen Atlas (All Variants) Hard Shell Rooftop Tents on the Market

tmb motorsport pop up rooftop tent danchel outdoor hard shell rooftop tent kingcamp pop up rooftop tent
Product TMB Motorsport Pop Up Rooftop Tent Danchel Outdoor Hard Shell Rooftop Tent KingCamp Pop Up Rooftop Tent
Sleeping Capacity 2 adults 2 adults and 1 child 2 adults
Dimensions Open 82 x 47 x 37 in 83 x 50 x 35 in 82.7 x 50.8 x 45.3 in
Dimensions Closed 84 x 49 x 13 in 83 x 50 x 11 in 82.7 x 50.8 x 11 in
Weight 180 lbs 165 lbs 116 lbs
Sleeping Footprint 82 x 47 x 2 in 83 x 50 in 81 x 48 in
Peak Internal Height 34 in 34 in 39 in
Price
Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon

TMB Motorsport Pop Up Rooftop Tent

tmb motorsport pop up rooftop tent

Check out the latest price on Amazon

Dealing in all products and accessories for anything from ATV’s, motorcycles, cars, and trucks, the California based company TMB prides themselves on delivering quality products as well as professional customer service. All in all making a great company and a plethora of quality products. So for us looking for roof top tents, we are in luck.

The TMB Pop Up Rooftop Tent is a great product and the first hard shell tent we have on the list so far. With a hard plastic shell to keep the canvas protected during storage, this tent gives you a strong and a rigid tent that is low profile while driving. And when ready to use only takes minutes to get ready for your first stay. It is capable of sleeping up to 2 people comfortably and also has storage nets inside to allow you to hold flashlights or whatever else you may want at night. Making this a great option for anyone looking for a hard shell style camp tent for the next adventure.

Sleeping Capacity: 2 adults

Dimensions Open: 82 x 47 x 37 in

Dimensions Closed: 84 x 49 x 13 in

Weight: 180 lbs

Sleeping Footprint: 82 x 47 x 2 in

Peak Internal Height: 34 in

Pros:

  • USA based company and good customer service
  • Can be assembled in minutes
  • Has a good internal height with a hard shell

Cons:

  • One of the more expensive options on the list

Danchel Outdoor Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

danchel outdoor hard shell rooftop tent

Check out the latest price on Amazon

Established recently in 2016, Danchel Outdoor is an outdoor product brand that prides themselves on delivering products to help people have fun and get closer to the outdoor world. Priding themselves on making tents of all kinds, and that includes roof top tents.

The Danchel Outdoor Rooftop Tent is another great option for couples or small families of 3. It is made from a hard plastic shell with an aluminum structure for the tent itself and a thick canvas material to keep you out of the elements. It has a thick foam mattress pad to also let you rest softly and in comfort during your camping excursion. And with the ability to set this tent up in minutes, you have a leg up on anyone else you may be camping with, and more time to have fun than anyone else.

Sleeping Capacity: 2 adults and 1 child

Dimensions Open: 83 x 50 x 35 in

Dimensions Closed: 83 x 50 x 11 in

Weight: 165 lbs

Sleeping Footprint: 83 x 50 in

Peak Internal Height: 34 in

Pros:

  • Easy to install and setup
  • Has a higher weight capacity

Cons:

  • Has a smaller sleeping capacity compared to soft shell tents

KingCamp Pop Up Rooftop Tent

kingcamp pop up rooftop tent

Check out the latest price on Amazon

For the last company on the list we have another one who has made its name over the past 20 years in the global online market, and that is the outdoor accessory and equipment company of KingCamp. That includes making quality equipment like hard shell roof tents like the one we will go over.

As one of the most expensive tents on our list, the KingCamp Pop Up Rooftop Tent is a quality tent made for the outdoor nomad and everyday adventurer that is going out regularly. Made for 1 to 2 people, the KingCamp is made from a hard plastic composite material with a waterproof coating and has canvas side skirts. The cool part about this is that with an automatic pop-up system the tent can be set up in seconds. Virtually being one of the easiest tents to put up on the market. Combine this with mesh windows and a foam mat this tent is one of the most comfortable and best overall hard shell tents on the market today.

Sleeping Capacity: 2 adults

Dimensions Open: 82.7 x 50.8 x 45.3 in

Dimensions Closed: 82.7 x 50.8 x 11 in

Weight: 116 lbs

Sleeping Footprint: 81 x 48 in

Peak Internal Height: 39 in

Pros:

  • Has a hydraulic pop-up setup system
  • Low profile and easy to mount
  • Quality made from reputable company

Cons:

  • Is the most expensive tent on the list

The Best Volkswagen Atlas (All Variants) Soft Shell Rooftop Tents on the Market

thule tepui explorer kukenam 3 rooftop tent campoint 2-3 person sunroof rooftop tent with skyline rainfly and ladder raptor series voyager rooftop tent
Product Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Rooftop Tent Campoint 2-3 Person Sunroof Rooftop Tent w/Skyline Rainfly & Ladder Raptor Series Voyager Rooftop Tent
Sleeping Capacity 3 adults 3 adults 2 adults
Dimensions Open 96 x 56 x 52 in 90 x 53 in 86 x 54 in
Dimensions Closed 48 x 56 x 12 in 57.09 x 49.21 x 11.02 in 86 x 54 x 11 in
Weight 131 lbs 127 lbs 159 lbs
Sleeping Footprint 96 x 56 in 90 x 53 in 78 x 48 in
Peak Internal Height 52 in Unavailable Unavailable
Price
Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Amazon

Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Rooftop Tent

thule tepui explorer kukenam 3 rooftop tent

Check out the latest price on Amazon

“Whether it’s exploring the spectacular nature of the great outdoors or traveling the world with family and friends, we all have a passion for enjoying an active life.” This tagline Thule uses is a perfect example of everything the Swedish made company does. Making everything from luggage to bike racks and camping accessories, Thule is a robust company geared towards giving its customers the feeling of adventure and helping them on their trips. This new tent is a great example of that.

The Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Rooftop Tent is the first tent on the list and we are starting off the right way. As a soft shell style, the Tepui is a great option for many people looking for a high quality tent at an affordable cost. Crafted from a coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend to help keep you out of the elements in comfort for up to three people. It is also open and well ventilated to keep you cool during hot summer nights out. The Tepui Explorer Kukenam Roof top Tent is a great overall tent for anyone wanting a small footprint during storage and a comfortable soft shell tent for your vehicle.

Sleeping Capacity: 3 adults

Dimensions Open: 96 x 56 x 52 in

Dimensions Closed: 48 x 56 x 12 in

Weight: 131 lbs

Sleeping Footprint: 96 x 56 in

Peak Internal Height: 52 in

Pros:

  • Compact storage when travelling
  • Thick material to protect you from the weather
  • Has interior storage cubbies

Cons:

  • Zippers may break easily but can be replaced

Campoint 2-3 Person Sunroof Rooftop Tent with Skyline Rainfly and Ladder

campoint 2-3 person sunroof rooftop tent with skyline rainfly and ladder

Check out the latest price on Amazon

Up next on our list is a US based company called Campoint that imports products from overseas. They specialize in camping equipment for those of us starting out or are not the avid outdoors people. Really making great products for the average camper.

The Campoint 2-3 Person Sunroof Rooftop Tent with a skyline and ladder is a low cost option for someone who wants to try out roof top camping without completely destroying your budget. With a non-rip polyester material these tents are waterproof and durable and even include a rainfly and mosquito netting for summer nights in the woods. It also has a built-in net sunroof so you can sleep under the stars in comfort. Tent poles and the ladder are made from aluminum tubing to make a rigid and lightweight frame that is easy to assemble and disassemble in a matter of minutes. With a sleeping capacity of up to 3 people the Campoint is a great option for couples or a small family wanting to escape busy life.

Sleeping Capacity: 2-3 adults

Dimensions Open: 90 x 53 in

Dimensions Closed: 57.09 x 49.21 x 11.02 in

Weight: 127 lbs

Sleeping Footprint: 90 x 53 in

Peak Internal Height: Unavailable

Pros:

  • One of the most affordable tents on this list
  • Is easy to set up
  • Has added rain flys and mosquitos screens

Cons:

  • You will have to go through amazon for all customer support as they are based through amazon

Raptor Series Voyager Rooftop Tent

raptor series voyager rooftop tent

Check out the latest price on Amazon

Since 2004, Raptor has been routinely shipping out off-roading and camping equipment for off road vehicles like trucks, suvs, and Jeeps alike. Whether it’s nerf bars, suspension parts, or camping equipment, they got you covered for all your camping equipment needs. That includes this rooftop tent.

The Raptor Series Voyager Rooftop Tent is a great budget friendly option for anyone wanting a hassle free tent for 1 to 2 people. The hinge system that the tent is attached to allows for easy assembly that can be done in minutes and with a large screen door you have great views as well as an easy way to get in.

Overall a great product for a couple or the lone wanderer who wants a comfortable place to sleep out in the wild.

Sleeping Capacity: 1-2 adults

Dimensions Open: 86 x 54 in

Dimensions Closed: 86 x 54 x 11 in

Weight: 159 lbs

Sleeping Footprint: 78 x 48 in

Peak Internal Height: Unavailable

Pros:

  • Very easy to assemble for use
  • Small footprint for more storage or smaller vehicles
  • Very cost effective

Cons:

  • Can only hold a max of two people

In Conclusion

If you’re in need of a convenient and easy solution for a way to have a weekend spent outdoors somewhere then a roof tent may be the perfect fit for you. Gone are the days where you needed reservations to stay somewhere and so are the days of looking for way over priced hotel rooms or camping spots in cramped campgrounds filled with massive RV’s and other “glampers.” With your roof tent on your vehicle all is required is you find a parking spot or any resting location with a few feet around both sides. Then all is needed is to throw it up and you have a comfortable bed wherever you go to make one of the most flexible options out there for anyone out there wanting to go out and explore.

The initial purchase cost for these tents may also seem expensive compared to a regular tent but the added comfort and improved experience while also not taking up any space inside the car are reasons alone to invest in the roof tent option. No more wet, rocky, bumpy, or muddy and uneven ground for you. These kinds of roof tents are gaining in popularity and it’s not surprising.

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Collin Andrews

Automotive Journalist and all around gearhead. I am the first U.S. and one of Czok’s newest contributors. I have grown up in California surrounded by classic cars and drag racing and ever since I could walk and talk I’ve been helping out in the shop wrenching on old iron. I now help run our family’s shop as well as write automotive articles and work on my automotive photography skills. I am an avid drag racing enthusiast and currently bracket race my 1967 Chevrolet Nova that I have had since I was 14 and hope to continue for years to come. Hopefully I can share my knowledge and experiences to help as many people as possible both work on and make decisions for there own automotive adventures.

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