The 7 Best Roof Top Tents For Your Subaru Forester, Outback Or Crosstrek

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is an adventure machine. It gets even better with a roof top tent.

If you have a new Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback you have the ideal vehicle for those with active lifestyles. It’s what the brand is about, developing vehicles that are off-road ready, and all you need to add if a few accessories and camping gear. Subaru is an adventure brand and it gets even better for adventure enthusiasts with a rooftop tent to get away from civilization.

Subaru Corporation brings a new Crosstrek (XV) Fun Adventure Concept to the Tokyo Motor Show for those with active lifestyles. Subaru knows the Crosstrek attracts the youngest buyers to the brand, and they are offering up a new concept vehicle to show how adventure enthusiasts can use their new all-wheel-drive crossover.

Subaru says about 30 percent of Crosstrek buyers will take the small SUV off-road and when you add a roof-top tent, it makes for an ideal outdoor adventure vehicle. Add in Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive and it gets you far away from civilization.

7 roof top tents for your Crosstrek

Here’s a few roof-top tents you can click on to see which brand best fits your needs and budget. The Tepui Baja Series roof-top tents are the ideal solution for explorers who camp year-round. Smittybuilt's Overlander is made to sleep two and weighs only 118 pounds which makes it ideal for cars and racks with lower weight capacities. The new ARB Kakadu roof top tent is easy to set up and provides maximum ventilation when needed, as well as a lighter high density mattress which makes it easier to fold when packing up.

The popular Mombasa Adventure II roof top tent sleeps 3 and also includes a 2 1/2-inch foam mattress. Yakima has been in the roof rack game for years, and has recently unveiled the Skyrise rooftop tent that is available in small and medium sizes. The Roofnest Sparrow may be one of the most convenient, easy-to-set-up rooftop tents on the market. One of the most innovative hard shell tents on the market, the iKamper Skycamp is for campers who want to sleep with a view of the stars.

We aren’t sure if Subaru will bring this model to production, but the Crosstrek (XV) Fun Adventure Concept gets a tougher more rugged design outside and adds exclusive off-road tires and additional body cladding. Outside it comes in a “Sunshine Yellow” which Subaru has used in the past on Crosstrek. Subaru says the new colors have proven to be popular with their younger Crosstrek buyers, and they also have broad appeal. Add your roof top tent and get far away from civilization. Because these tents can be set up quickly, you can spend more time hiking, fishing or mountain climbing.

Photo credit: Subaru Global

Submitted by Kenny Kamel (not verified) on November 13, 2017 - 1:44PM

Permalink

If Subaru makes that Crosstrek I 100% guarantee that it will sell and sell well. That is an awesome color and it looks great with the additional "Adventure" add ons.

Submitted by Monica Bonin (not verified) on March 24, 2020 - 12:02PM

Permalink

I don't see a Tuff Stuff Overland tent on this list but I see them rated very well on other Best RTT lists. Any reason they didn't make your list?

Submitted by Justin Gil (not verified) on June 19, 2020 - 1:08AM

Permalink

G'day mate, I'm looking into buying a beautiful Adventure King Rooftop tent, for my 2005 Subraru Forrester; however, it's not 4WD and I have standard factory issued roof racks, would I be able to use the rooftop tent no worries? Or would I have to make adjustments to the car before I use it? Thank you.

Submitted by David Kisler (not verified) on July 9, 2020 - 1:52PM

Permalink

Does someone know where to go to see all of the tent models ? And is there more than 7 models.
Thank you for your help.

Submitted by jennifer (not verified) on September 2, 2020 - 5:28PM

Permalink

I was interested in the rooftop tents for my Subaru. Some of the links do not work. Please fix or remove.

Submitted by VikP (not verified) on November 30, 2022 - 7:13AM

Permalink

Hi,
I have Subaru outback touring 2021 fitted company provided roof rack.
if I need to put RTT then:
1) do I need to change this company provided with something else. if yes pls suggest something which is tested and best suited. (we will be essentially 2 adults and 1 kid)
2) if we are putting any of this NON company provided stuff (like any 3rd party) will it void the warranty my Subaru comes with.