Imagine traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of Holland, Scotland, or even Africa while camping in the most breathtaking places with a roof top tent (RTT) like the CoreVibe mounted on your vehicle. Imagine pitching your tent on top of your vehicle and setting off to explore whenever you want, with your bed right above your head. It’s the ultimate freedom and something my husband and I have dreamed of for years. We have often fantasized about driving a cool 4WD vehicle, pitching a roof top tent each night and exploring the world whenever we want. While we have yet to realize this dream, we have certainly embarked on a nomadic lifestyle and used a roof-top tent while driving around Scotland, which was definitely an unforgettable experience! Want to know what it’s like to camp with a car roof tent? In this post, I’m going to share the experience of using a CoreVibe, including all the pros and cons of this unique way of camping. And, you don’t need a luxury off-road vehicle to use the CoreVibe!
Hello, I’m Kirsten, a photographer and author of the Dutch travel blog Where She Goes. If you enjoy exploring the outdoor world, going on camping adventures and looking for unique experiences staying in nature, then my blog is for you. I travel a lot, capturing beautiful moments and showcasing eco-friendly accommodations such as forest cabins and treehouses. As a columnist for Campspace, you’ll find practical camping tips and articles about the best camping and luxury camping locations!
What is a car roof tent?
As the name suggests, a roof top tent is a tent that is mounted on top of your vehicle. This means that you can sleep above ground level, away from the hustle and bustle of what’s going on underneath your vehicle. If you see a 4×4 vehicle with strange packages on the roof rack, it’s probably a roof tent! While many people think these tents are only good for adventures in Africa, they’re also great for exploring closer to home, and CoreVibe tents offer the ideal solution for outdoor enthusiasts.
Until recently, I thought roof tents were only suitable for 4×4 vehicles. But it turns out that roof tents can be fitted to almost any vehicle, including small cars, as long as your car has a sturdy roof rack!
Renting a roof tent
If you’re not sure if a roof tent is right for you, you don’t have to buy one right away. Renting a roof tent for the experience is a great option. I discovered this option a few years ago while planning a road trip to Scotland and was thrilled. We were looking for a comfortable and convenient way to sleep on the road and the CoreVibe roof tent was the perfect solution.
Roof tents like the CoreVibe have grown in popularity in recent years, and renting one for your next adventure trip just got a whole lot easier. It’s a great way to try car top tent camping before deciding whether or not to buy one. On our trip, we rented a 140cm wide CoreVibe tent and explored the Scottish Highlands for two weeks. After experiencing the convenience and comfort of rooftop tent camping, we now plan to purchase our own tent for future trips.
The Rooftop Tent Experience
Arriving at our first campsite near Loch Lomond in the Trossachs, the receptionist greeted us and asked if we were staying in a tent or a campervan. “Neither,” we replied, “we have a car-top tent.” She looked at us in disbelief. “What?” She asked. At the time, car-top tents were not common in Scotland and were still a new concept to many. Today, things have changed dramatically! Today, car roof tents are everywhere and companies like CoreVibe are promoting this innovative way of camping to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
As I tell this story, six years have passed since our adventure in Scotland. At the time, rooftop tents were still a novelty. And now, they’ve become so popular that I’m sure you won’t be confused about them anymore while traveling
Easy to install: park, unfold and enjoy
When we first installed our CoreVibe rooftop tent in Scotland, we were a little unsure about the installation process. But once we figured it out, we realized it was very simple. All we had to do was remove the top cover, loosen two clips, unfold the ladder and the tent was complete. It only needed a few pins to secure it and we were ready to enjoy our cozy elevated sleeping space. Everything was a breeze and we were ready to enjoy a relaxing night under the stars!
If you’re looking to elevate your camping experience, check out our guide with 10 essential tips for newbies to enjoy a cozy camping trip.
All About Canopy Tents: CoreVibe Ultimate Adventure Gear
Folding the CoreVibe roof tent and packing it up is easy – just reverse the steps! After a few setups, we had become so familiar with it that we were soon able to unfold the tent in less than two minutes. We’ve even had camping neighbors compliment us, “That’s great!”
Before we had a roof top tent, we couldn’t help but be a little envious of our RVing neighbors as they easily set up their awnings, crack open a bottle of wine, and relax. With a rooftop tent, you can experience the same sense of adventure as you did when you were a kid setting up a treehouse – so much better than the traditional way of setting up!
Cons of Rooftop Tents
You’re probably wondering, “Are there downsides to rooftop tents?” Yes, they do have drawbacks, but they are few and far between and uncommon. However, here are a few things you may want to consider before embarking on your CoreVibe adventure:
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Folding the tent before every time you hit the road: unlike an RV, you must fold the tent before every drive. However, we don’t find this to be a problem. We move every day, so packing up the tent is a quick and routine thing. And you don’t usually store much in the tent, so it doesn’t take long. If it’s a hassle, you can bring your bikes with you and it’s a smart solution for short trips.
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Staying in your car: with limited space in a roof top tent, you’ll find yourself relying on your vehicle to store most of your gear. Every time you pack, you’ll have to think about where you’re going to put things, such as shoes or clothes you’re going to wear the next day.
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Dealing with midges in Scotland: these small, pesky bugs are worse than mosquitoes! Between May and September, midges swarm in the Highlands and bite relentlessly, leaving you itching all over.CoreVibe roof tents do come with insect screens, but unfortunately these midges will always find a way to get in. If you’re planning to camp in an area where midges are abundant, be sure to check your tent’s insect protection.
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Rainy days in a tent: most roof tents, including CoreVibe models, are used for sleeping only and have no other function. When it rains, you are confined to sitting on a mattress inside the tent or in your car. However, some roof tents can be paired with a tent base cover to provide you with a sheltered seating and cooking space when the weather is bad.
Other than that, we can’t think of any drawbacks. Now, let’s talk about the many benefits of CoreVibe roof tents.
Why choose a CoreVibe rooftop tent?
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Quick to set up: the CoreVibe roof tent unfolds very quickly. In just a few moments, you can have your own cozy space to relax and have a drink. No fuss, no muss – pure comfort!
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BUILT-IN MATTRESS: One of the best features is the mattress already placed inside the tent. There is no need for an inflatable mattress or self-inflating pad. In addition, you can leave your sleeping bag and pillow inside the tent when you pack up, which makes it even more convenient.
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Freedom to go anywhere: with a roof tent, you can enjoy wild camping anytime, anywhere! In Scotland, wild camping is permitted with the permission of the landowner, allowing you to enjoy unforgettable adventures to your heart’s content.
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Freedom from cold ground: sleeping on cold, wet ground can be tough in places like Scotland. With a roof tent, you can get off the ground and stay warm and comfortable while you sleep.
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WATERPROOF DESIGN: Whether you’re caught in a downpour or your tent gets wet, there’s no need to worry! The CoreVibe roof tent is waterproof to ensure you stay dry. Simply fold it up at the end of your trip and you’re ready to use it again.
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Adventure Factor: Let’s face it – owning a roof top tent is a huge adventure in itself! It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s an experience. Everywhere you go, you’ll be the center of attention, with people stopping to admire your gear and compliment it on how awesome it is.
CoreVibe roof tents turn tradition on its head by offering freedom, comfort and a whole new level of adventure. Want to make the most of your camping trip? For more tips to enhance your camping experience, check out our list of camping must-haves for your next outdoor adventure.
The roof top tent experience was nothing short of amazing, and I completely agree with everyone’s rave reviews about it. We were really sad when we had to return the car top tent. For sure, we are already planning to camp with a car roof tent again and this time we are planning to buy the CoreVibe TentBox!
Which Car Top Tent Should You Choose?
With so many options to choose from, it may not be easy to find the best one for you. There are a variety of price points in between, from affordable soft-shell tents with retractable tops, to pricey hard-shell tents that resemble a roof box. Some tents come with panoramic sunroofs (great for stargazing), while others have the option to expand into large under-seat tents for extra space.
Regardless of which roof tent you choose, there are a few key factors to consider: mattress size, tent width, bug netting, and how the roof tent attaches to the roof of your car. In other words: is the tent compatible with your vehicle and roof rack?
For a more traditional camping experience, read our tent maintenance guide for tips on cleaning, maintenance and storage. Camping with a roof tent is a unique adventure that everyone should experience at least once. It’s about freedom, convenience and enjoying the outdoors!
Want to learn more about my camping and luxury camping trips and the best (natural) campgrounds? Check out my blog Where She Goes and Instagram page for more updates.
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