Rooftop Tent Camping Checklist

Track & Canopy · Updated 2026-10-16 · Tick items as you pack — print or save as PDF from your browser.

Rack, load and mount

Every gram up top is borrowed against ratings you can look up and torque you can check.

  1. Rated crossbars or roof rack platform Essential
  2. Torque wrench for rack bolts Essential
  3. Anti-theft tent bolts or locking kit
  4. Spare mounting hardware pouch
  5. Ladder with ground-rated feet Essential

The bedroom up top

The mattress is thin by design; comfort comes from what you add and how you ventilate.

  1. Topper or self-inflating pad sized to the tent Essential
  2. Fitted sheets that survive folding
  3. Bags or quilt for the season
  4. Low-profile pillows
  5. Vent covers to sleep with windows open

Ladder and night access

Every night trip uses the ladder. Make the ladder and its surroundings stupid-easy.

  1. Magnetic or hook light at ladder base
  2. Head torch per person Essential
  3. Non-slip mat at the ladder foot
  4. Boot tray or dry bag at the ladder
  5. Night-pouch hook on the ladder rail

Living kit below

The tent is the bedroom; the awning side is the house. Pack the house.

  1. Awning with at least one side Essential
  2. Camp kitchen table and stand
  3. Chairs and one shade structure
  4. Two-burner stove and wind guard
  5. Water container with tap Essential
  6. Cooler or 12V fridge at the tailgate

Wind, rain and sun

Up high you feel weather earlier and harder than ground campers do.

  1. Rain fly or storm cover for the tent
  2. Guys and pegs for storm nights
  3. Wind-rated awning weights
  4. Absorbent towel for condensation wipes
  5. Sunshade for the tent's worst-facing side

Vehicle adjustments

The tent changes your clearances, centre of mass and mirror picture from day one.

  1. Height sticker on the windscreen corner Essential
  2. Reverse camera or awareness habit for car parks
  3. Checklist of cleared car parks and ramps
  4. Roof-wash kit for the drive home
  5. Spare fuse set for the rack lighting