Not everyone needs the biggest rooftop tent on the market. Choosing the right size depends on how you camp, who you camp with, and what vehicle you drive.
How Many People Will Sleep in It?
Rooftop tents generally come in three sizes:
- 2-person tents – Compact and lightweight. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. They sit lower on the roof, reducing wind resistance and fuel consumption.
- 3-person tents – The most versatile size. Comfortable for two adults plus a child, or for couples who want extra space for gear inside the tent.
- 4-person tents – Family-sized options like the IDEEAUTO Sirius 1 Plus XL. Larger and heavier but provide genuine space for two adults and two children.
Hard-Shell vs Soft-Shell vs Clamshell
- Hard-shell clamshell (like the Orion Pro) – Opens like a book. Sets up in under 30 seconds and is aerodynamic when closed. Interior space is generous with straight walls.
- Hard-shell wedge (like the Polaris 1) – More aerodynamic than clamshell, but angled sides reduce headroom near the edges. Good for solo and couple campers who prioritise fuel economy.
- Soft-shell fold-out (like the Sirius 1 Plus) – Larger when open with more floor space and annex room options. Slower to set up but offers the most living space.
Check Your Vehicle Load Capacity
Every rooftop tent has a weight. You also need to account for the roof rack, mattress, occupants, and any gear stored on the roof. Check your vehicle manual for dynamic roof load (while driving) and static load (while parked). Most factory roof rails support 75-100 kg while driving but can handle much more when stationary.
IDEEAUTO tent weights:
- Polaris Lite – approx 50 kg – ideal for smaller SUVs and crossovers
- Polaris 1 – approx 55 kg
- Sirius 1 Plus – approx 60 kg
- Orion Pro – approx 65 kg
- Sirius 1 Plus XL – approx 70 kg – best for larger SUVs and trucks
Quick Size Guide
| Model | Type | Capacity | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Lite | Wedge hard-shell | 2 persons | ~50 kg | Solo travellers, couples, small SUVs |
| Polaris 1 | Wedge hard-shell | 2-3 persons | ~55 kg | Couples, aerodynamic priority |
| Sirius 1 Plus | Soft-shell | 2-3 persons | ~60 kg | Couples wanting annex room |
| Orion Pro | Hard-shell clamshell | 2-3 persons | ~65 kg | Fast setup, all-round performance |
| Sirius 1 Plus XL | Soft-shell | 3-4 persons | ~70 kg | Families, maximum space |
Final Advice
If you are still unsure, choose one size larger than you think you need. Extra space is almost always appreciated on longer trips, and a slightly larger tent is far better than one that feels cramped after two days.
Browse the IDEEAUTO rooftop tent collection to compare models side by side.
Featured image: Photo by Rob Wingate on Unsplash