Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > TRAVEL Hints and Tips
Roof tent versus normal one? Roof tent versus normal one?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East England
Posts: 48
Roof tent versus normal one?
Lots of people travelling in Africa seem to take a roof tent. We are planning to take an ordinary ground based one (cost, weight being the main reasons)! Are we deluded?? Will this be an awful decision?? At the moment I can't see a problem, but would welcome comments from those who have used either ( preferably both) in NW Africa!
Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Hi there

I have used roof tents and ground tents in north west and central africa.

both work and each has its advantages.

Ground tent is light and relatively cheap and can be located in a sheltered position out of the wind (strong wind can be almost unbearable in a roof tent!).

Roof tent is heavy, quite expensive, but allows you to sleep above the creepy crawlies and catch the breaze on a hot night.

The roof tent can be used in crowded campsites or on the side of the road when sometimes it is not convenient (or possible) to pitch a tent.

I suppose I would tend towards the roof tent, but if money or weight is limited I would have no hesitation using a good ground tent, even on an extended trip.

Hope this helps

cheers

John
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 100
I've used both in Africa and would agree with all the above, I would add that roof tents seem colder than ground ones.
Though they seem to be quicker to erect.
Ground tents let you shuffle the car about, pop out for things etc.
If I had the cash i'd use a roof tent but not at the expense of the trip.
I did collapse the roofrack on my landcruiser bouncing through a gully with the rooftent and one spare wheel on top so make sure the racks solid.
Have fun.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 65
Friend of ours used a cheap (Dome) ground tent on the roof of their Hilux- worked very well - Took maybe an extra 2 minutes to erect. One word of warning if you are going for more than 6 months with a cheap tent - the sunlight will distroy it - Our cheap ground tent was perfect for our trip but by the time we reached Cape Town you could push a finger through the fabric due to the UV rotting it. We also camped near a river bed in Northern Ethiopia that was "infested" with spiders and scorpions but as long as the zips work fine there was no problem. Quitet a few cheap hotels(and police barracks) will have good secure parking compounds but poor quality rooms - where pitching a tent on the ground is not a option - and a roof tent would have been an advantage.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 22
Howdy!

I love my rooftop tent! It was custom made for me by Zimbabwe Canvas in Harare and if I zip up the outside canvas flaps I am nearly surrounded by mesh. I've spent many early mornings and late nights watching animals in and around my campsite from the heavenly comfort of my little rooftop tent. I think a rooftop tent is the best place to sleep in the world.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ezi Awn Roof tent for sale stanoverlander TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 24 Jun 2009 13:24
Looking for roof tent and awning itchyfeet38 Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 17 Jul 2008 13:44
options for roof tent? lacrits68 Camping Equipment and all Clothing 4 20 Jan 2008 17:56
Roof tent Col Campbell Equipping the Overland Vehicle 2 7 Jan 2004 16:10
Roof Tent/Lifting Roof ollieholden Equipping the Overland Vehicle 6 17 May 2002 20:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:37.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top