1 year on and 10 irresistible excuses to finally buy that roof tent

Life is short - just think of the stories you haven't told because you never quite managed to get away. Get away more with a roof tent.

We first made our pitch for roof tents this time last year. We were naturally enthusiastic, as we are about most things, but as certified groundhogs we were not quite sure if they would be a good fit with the rest of the family.

We knew many of you would, like us, be coming from a lightweight backpacking tent set up. So how would the heaviest product we sell fit into the concept of fast and light - minimalist camping?

Turns out pretty well actually.

Some of the benefits have panned out as we expected; our roof tents are quick to set up, offer van like convenience and deliver high comfort levels.

This Transformer-esque upgrade is nothing short of having a mother ship makeover for your car, an advanced base from which you can launch your fast and light adventures.

Weather using our hardshell Nest rooftent or softshell Lookout rooftent were finding we could pack lighter for the adventure at home, getting all of that packing and unpacking faff done knowing that we wouldn't have to redo it after the first night away.

And after your adventure - well you have fresh bed sheets and a dry comfortable home base to come home to. Unpacking can be left until tomorrow.

1. We can be fully set up before the kettle boils

   Who wants to fumble with poles and pegs in the dark? A roof tent pops up in minutes—because you’ve earned that first sunset beer, not a wrestling match with canvas.

   Roof tents typically take only a few minutes to set up, no need for poles or pegs. This saves time and energy, especially in bad weather or after a long drive.

   Having had to put away the tent in the unpleasant rain and strong winds, the fact that it only took 5 mins in total proved invaluable in comparison to the regular pop up tent which was chased around the field for an hour in the same conditions. - Nest customer Thomas

2. No more sore backs from sleeping on rocks—promise

   With a built-in mattress and flat surface, a roof tent says goodbye to rocks, roots, and deflated air beds. It’s basically your bed—but with a view.

   Our roof tents come with built-in memory foam, offering a comfortable sleeping surface that feels closer to the your bed mattress than even our most comfortable lightweight camping mat. Sleeping in a roof tent will feel more comfortable than sleeping on uneven or rocky ground.

3. Imagine waking up to a sunrise over the hills… from bed

   Elevated sleeping isn’t just practical, it’s scenic. Catch sunrises and panoramic views right from your tent flap.

   Sleeping above the ground protects you from moisture, insects, and crawling animals, while also providing a sense of security and better ventilation.

4. We’ll be fine, even if the weather turns on us.

   Our roof tents are built to handle real weather, with durable, waterproof, and weather-resistant materials (like hardshells or ripstop fabrics), making them suitable for various climates and added peace of mind.

5. It just feels more private and cosy up there.

   Sleeping above the ground brings a peaceful sense of separation—from bugs, mud, and the morning foot traffic at the campsite.

   Camping in a roof tent offers a unique sense of comfort by keeping you off the ground, away from uneven terrain and inquisitive critters. It’s a cosy, elevated space that adds an extra feeling of privacy and relaxation, so you can focus on enjoying the outdoors with confidence.

6. It’s like turning our car into a little adventure cabin.

   Turn your vehicle into an adventure hub. Park and sleep comfortably within minutes all without a single peg.

   Once mounted on your vehicle you can set up your camp within minutes. Ideal for road trips, festivals, and spontaneous getaways.

7. And look - more room in the car for your stuff.

   With your bed on the roof, your car’s interior is free for gear, pets, bikes or just legroom. No more Tetris with sleeping bags. Roof tents free up interior space in your vehicle for gear and passengers by shifting your sleeping quarters to the roof.

   The mattress is comfortable and the insulated ceiling makes for a comfortable night. Included are dimmable LED lights on either side of the tent which use an USB power bank, storage pockets on either side and an exterior cover for when in storage. The cargo net on the ceiling is great for putting coats or other bulky but light items - and great for placing an iPad in to watch films/shows. - Nest Customer Thomas again

8. This thing will last us for years of epic trips.

   High-quality roof tents are built to last with robust materials, offering a long-term investment that withstands repeated use in rugged conditions.

9. Spectacular Views

   Elevated sleeping isn’t just practical—it’s scenic. Catch sunrises and panoramic views right from your tent flap. Whether you are chasing the Northern Lights or camped overlooking the sea you really will get to view camping from a new perspective.

10. Just think of the stories we’ll get to tell

    Having a mothership ready to go with your bedding and lighting is not to be underestimated. With just one less thing to think about, you’re always ready to camp without additional packing or unpacking.

Never again will you have to regret not getting away simply because you hadn't had time to get ready.

So there you have 10 good reasons why we think our roof tents are the perfect enablers for lightweight camping adventures and why you, yes you, should seriously consider plonking a tent on your car roof.