A roof top tent becomes less stuffy in summer than many people think, as long as you use proper ventilation, some shade, and a few clever accessories. You sleep high and free, with air able to flow along all sides of the tent. In this blog, we show you how to keep your roof top tent cool during warm summer nights, from thoughtful ventilation to an awning that keeps the sun out.
Doesn't it get too hot in a roof top tent?
It's a question we frequently hear from customers, especially as the first tropical nights approach. The reassurance: a roof top tent is elevated from the ground, on the roof of your car. This allows air to flow underneath and around the tent, which is much less the case with a regular ground tent. Furthermore, our tents are equipped with breathable fabric and multiple windows and doors that you can open. With a little attention to ventilation and shade, you'll sleep wonderfully cool even in summer.
Ventilation: how to keep the air moving
The most important key to a cool night is airflow. Warm, stagnant air is what makes the tent stuffy, so you want to continuously replace it with fresher outside air.
Windows and doors with mosquito netting
Our roof top tents have windows and doors on multiple sides, all equipped with mosquito netting. This allows you to fully open the tent for fresh air without being bothered by mosquitoes in the evening. The netting keeps insects out while allowing air to flow freely, which is exactly what you want on a warm evening.
Create cross-ventilation
The effect is greatest when you open openings on opposite sides. This creates cross-ventilation, allowing warm air to exit on one side while cool air enters on the other. When parking, consider the wind direction: position the tent perpendicular to the wind, and you'll benefit from natural airflow all night long.
Anti-condensation mat for ventilation under your mattress
An often-forgotten spot is the space under your mattress. Moisture can accumulate there, even in summer. Our anti-condensation mat creates an air layer between the base and the mattress, allowing air to circulate and preventing moisture build-up. It's a small accessory that noticeably improves your sleeping comfort.
Creating shade with an awning
The sun is by far the biggest source of heat. A tent that stands in direct sunlight all day heats up considerably and needs time to cool down in the evening. Shade therefore makes a huge difference, and that's where an awning comes in. An awning keeps direct sun off your tent and car, while also creating a cool living space next to it where you can comfortably sit or eat during the day.
Which awning is right for you?
We offer various awnings, so you can choose the shade that suits your car and travel style:
- Adventurer awning: compact and quick to set up at the back of your car, ideal if you occasionally want a spot in the shade.
- Explorer awning: a spacious side awning available in widths of 200, 250, and 300 cm, for maximum shade along your vehicle.
- Freedom awning: flexibly usable as an awning or a side wall, providing shelter from both sun and wind.
An extra tip: where possible, park so that your tent itself is in the shade, for example under a tree or on the shaded side of a building. An awning and a cleverly chosen spot together will keep things much cooler.
Extra tips for cool summer nights
Besides ventilation and shade, these small things will help you get through the night comfortably:
- Set up the tent in the evening. Keep the tent closed during the day if it's in the sun, or completely open in the shade, and set it up in the evening when it has already cooled down a bit.
- Choose light bedding. A thin duvet or a sleeping bag liner breathes better than a thick sleeping bag and prevents you from overheating at night.
- Consider climate control year-round. Our thermal inner tent is primarily known for retaining warmth during colder periods, but that same insulating layer also slows down external heat during the day, keeping the interior more pleasant.
- Hydrate and ventilate. Keep water within reach and leave a window open at night so the air keeps moving.
Ready for cool summer nights?
With the right ventilation, an awning for shade, and a few well-chosen accessories, a roof top tent is a wonderful place to sleep even in summer. This is something we are proud of, because we believe comfort belongs to every season. Want to see which roof top tent and accessories suit you? View our full range of roof top tents or find a dealer near you for personal advice and to experience our tents in person.