Flying high: the latest roof tents at the world's leading trade fair
A rooftop tent instantly transforms your car into a mobile home – perfect for those who love to travel spontaneously and independently. With no need for time-consuming setup or dependence on campsites, the tent unfolds easily on your vehicle's roof. In just a few simple steps, your cozy sleeping space is ready – whether for a night under the stars or a longer road trip.
At the CARAVAN SALON, you’ll have the unique opportunity to compare a wide range of rooftop tent models side by side. Whether you're looking for something compact or spacious, fold-out or pop-up – you'll find plenty of options to suit every adventure. It's well worth a visit to get inspired, talk directly with manufacturers, and find the perfect model for your needs.
Rooftop tents represent a new way of traveling - close to nature, uncomplicated and full of possibilities. If you want to experience this feeling live, you shouldn't miss CARAVAN SALON 2025. Here you can discover the latest models and trends in mobile travel.
Traveling with a view: Why rooftop tents are becoming increasingly popular
Rooftop tents are all the rage - they combine comfort, spontaneity and independence in the smallest of spaces. In just a few minutes, any car can be transformed into a place to sleep, without the need for a campsite or major set-up work. You sleep elevated, safe and protected from the weather, with your equipment always to hand.
Modern models impress with their sturdy construction, high-quality materials and an amazingly spacious interior with a firm mattress. For outdoor fans, roof tents offer the ideal solution for flexible and uncomplicated travel - whether for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer tour off the beaten track.
Folding roof tents: Spacious, lightweight and ideal for flexible tours
Folding roof tents are particularly popular as they are compact and aerodynamic when closed, but expand to a generous size when opened - ideal for families or travelers with a lot of luggage. They are usually made of lightweight textile material, are cheaper than hard-shell models and are suitable for many vehicle types.
The interior offers a generous sleeping area, often with an integrated mattress. Additional space is provided by awnings or covered entrances, which also serve as storage space. Folding tents are somewhat more sensitive in bad weather, but can be weatherproofed with accessories such as inner tents.
A good choice for anyone who wants to be flexible and budget-conscious on the move - with plenty of room for adventure.
Hardshell tents - robust, fast and weatherproof
Hard shell tents, also known as hardshell tents, are one of the most popular types of roof tent for demanding campers. Their housing consists of a sturdy hard shell, usually made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) or aluminum. This not only ensures an aerodynamic design when driving, but also a particularly long service life.
The big advantage is the quick and uncomplicated set-up: the hard shell can be set upwards or sideways in just a few simple steps - without any poles or complicated devices. This means your sleeping area is ready for use within seconds.
Thanks to the sturdy outer shell, hard shell tents are particularly well protected against wind, rain and changeable weather conditions. Inside, they offer plenty of space, a comfortable mattress and practical storage space. This makes them the ideal choice for frequent travelers, all-weather campers or anyone who values comfort and stability - whether in summer or in harsher conditions.
Hybrid roof tents - versatility meets comfort
Hybrid roof tents combine the best of both worlds: the compact design of a hard-shell tent with the spaciousness of a folding tent. When closed, they impress with their slim dimensions and aerodynamic shape, which has a positive effect on handling and fuel consumption. When opened up, however, they reveal their full potential - with significantly more space and a well thought-out interior design.
This combination makes hybrid tents particularly attractive for campers who value flexibility and comfort. They offer a stable construction, reliable weather protection and at the same time a generous feeling of space - ideal for longer tours, rough terrain or changing climatic conditions.
Whether for weekend getaways or extended adventure trips: Hybrid roof tents are the perfect choice for anyone who doesn't want to choose between comfort, functionality and compactness. So it's no wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Inflatable roof tents - light, fast and surprisingly stable
Inflatable roof tents are an innovative further development of classic tent systems and rely on air instead of metal poles. The principle: instead of poles, robust air chambers are used, which are inflated quickly using a pump. This not only reduces weight and pack size, but also makes setting up and taking down particularly easy - ideal for anyone who wants to camp spontaneously and easily.
Despite their low weight, inflatable models offer a surprisingly high level of stability. Modern materials and well thought-out designs ensure reliable protection in wind and weather. At the same time, comfort is not neglected: many of these tents have integrated mattresses, windows with mosquito nets and practical ventilation solutions.
Minimalists in particular appreciate the easy handling and flexibility of inflatable roof tents. They are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to travel light and still have a permanent place to sleep.
What you should look out for when buying a roof tent
When buying a roof tent, compatibility with the vehicle plays a key role. The tent must be able to be securely attached to the roof rack without exceeding the permissible roof load of the car. This is the only way to ensure a stable installation that can safely cope with longer journeys and different road conditions.
The main criteria are:
• Weight and load capacity: The vehicle must be able to carry the tent without any problems. • Set-up: Folding roof tents offer more space, while hard-shell tents are quicker to set up. • Weather resistance: Good ventilation and waterproof materials are crucial for use in all weathers. • Sleeping comfort: An integrated mattress ensures restful nights. • Additional functions: Extras such as an extendable ladder or an awning can increase comfort and versatility.
The size of the roof tent depends primarily on the number of people who want to sleep in it. Not only should the sleeping area be sufficient, but the storage space for luggage should also be taken into account. Comfort factors such as height and ventilation also influence your well-being during the night and are important points when making your choice.
The material quality and workmanship of the tent are also crucial for protection in wind and weather. High-quality, waterproof fabrics and stable constructions ensure durability and resistance. Additional features such as integrated mattresses, awnings or mosquito nets increase comfort and make the roof tent a practical companion for flexible camping adventures. A careful comparison of different models will help you find the right tent for your individual needs.