Every tent gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Tents are grouped by type, soft shell or hard shell, and each group has its own price scale.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per square foot of mattress | 30% |
| Weight | tent weight per square foot of mattress | 20% |
| Weather | waterproof rating and season rating | 20% |
| Comfort | mattress thickness, anti-condensation mat and skylights | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 15% |
Where the numbers come from
Mattress size, weight, fabric, waterproof rating, warranty and the rest come from the maker’s product page, spec sheet or manual, or the maker’s own copy on its Amazon listing. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used.
Why bed size is the yardstick
A rooftop tent’s job is to give you a bed. Two tents at the same price can differ by a third in sleeping area, and the “sleeps 3” on the box depends on how friendly the sleepers are. So price and weight are both measured per square foot of mattress, the one size figure every maker publishes.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the mattress area in square feet, on a log scale for each group, so going from $60 to $30 per square foot counts as much as going from $120 to $60.
| Group | Scores 0 | Full marks |
|---|---|---|
| Soft shell | $120 per sq ft | $30 per sq ft |
| Hard shell | $200 per sq ft | $50 per sq ft |
Weight is the tent’s weight divided by its mattress area: 6 lb per square foot scores zero and 2.5 lb full marks. A lighter tent is easier to lift on and off, leaves more of the roof’s load rating for gear, and costs less fuel.
Weather is the waterproof rating of the rainfly or tent body, the height of water column in millimeters the fabric holds back (75%): 1,000 mm scores zero and 3,000 mm full marks. A 4 season rating adds the remaining 25%; a 3 season rating adds none. A tent with no season rating gets half.
Comfort is mattress thickness, 2 in (zero) to 4 in (full), for 60%; an anti-condensation mat under the mattress, which stops damp building up between the mattress and the base, for 25%; and a skylight or stargazing window for 15%.
Warranty is the length of the tent’s warranty: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks. The product page notes what each warranty covers.
What isn’t scored
Sleeping capacity, packed height, setup time claims, static load, ladder length, built-in lights and looks are listed but not scored. Fit matters most: make sure the tent’s weight is within your roof and rack’s dynamic load rating and its size suits your rack and garage before comparing scores. Independent tests are listed where they exist, but there are too few to score.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.