About RooftopTent.au
Passionate Australian overlanders helping you find the perfect roof top tent for your adventures.
Our Story
RooftopTent.au was born around a campfire in the Victorian High Country during winter 2024. Our founders—a group of mates who had spent years exploring Australia's most remote tracks—realised that finding reliable, unbiased information about roof top tents was surprisingly difficult. Every forum thread seemed to end in brand wars, and most review sites were clearly just pushing whatever tent paid them the most commission.
We decided to change that. Armed with nothing but a passion for overlanding and a belief that fellow adventurers deserved better, we set out to create Australia's most comprehensive and honest roof top tent resource. Since then, we've personally tested over fifteen different roof top tents across some of the country's most challenging terrains—from the corrugated red dirt of the Gibb River Road to the alpine frost of Tasmania's Central Highlands, and the humid tropical conditions of Cape York.
What makes us different? We're not a faceless corporation or a content farm churning out AI-generated reviews. We're real Australians who actually use this gear. We understand the difference between a 260gsm ripstop canvas and a premium 320gsm poly-cotton weave. We know why the right ladder angle matters after a long day on the tracks. We've experienced the frustration of a zipper failing at 2am in the rain, and the joy of waking up to a sunrise over the Simpson Desert from the comfort of a well-designed tent.
Our mission is simple: help every Australian adventurer find the roof top tent that's right for their vehicle, their budget, and their camping style. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking for your first softshell tent, a seasoned overlander upgrading to a premium hardshell, or a family seeking a spacious setup for touring the country, we're here to guide you with honest, experience-based advice.
Every tent we feature has been evaluated against real Australian conditions. We consider factors that matter here—ventilation for our hot summers, condensation management for the Top End's humidity, and durability for the rough roads that define outback travel. We don't accept payment for positive reviews, and we clearly disclose our affiliate relationships. When we recommend a tent, it's because we genuinely believe it offers value, not because we're getting a bigger commission.
Meet the Team
Our small but dedicated team brings together decades of combined experience in overlanding, 4WD touring, and outdoor gear testing. From weekend escapes to multi-month cross-country expeditions, we've done it all—and we're still doing it.
James Mitchell
Founder & Lead ReviewerFormer 4WD magazine editor with 15+ years of overlanding experience across Australia and Africa.
Sarah Chen
Content DirectorOutdoor journalist and RTT enthusiast who has camped in every Australian state and territory.
Dave Thompson
Technical SpecialistMechanical engineer and gear tester specialising in roof rack systems and load calculations.
Our Testing Process
We don't just read spec sheets and regurgitate manufacturer claims. Every roof top tent we recommend has been physically set up, slept in, and evaluated under real conditions. Our testing process includes:
- Setup & Pack-down Testing: Multiple timed trials in various conditions, from calm mornings to windy afternoons
- Weather Resistance: Assessment during actual rain events, not just a garden hose test
- Ventilation & Condensation: Overnight monitoring in different humidity levels and temperatures
- Comfort & Space: Real-world sleeping tests with different body types and sleeping arrangements
- Material Quality: Close inspection of canvas weight, stitching, zippers, and hardware
- Durability Assessment: Long-term follow-ups with owners after 12+ months of use
We believe this hands-on approach is the only way to provide advice that you can actually trust. The Australian outback doesn't care about marketing claims—and neither do we.