Why are individuals still investing thousands in tents that connect to vehicles?

      Thule, edited by the author

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      Vehicle-mounted tents have existed since pioneer days, but saw a surge in popularity during COVID as #vanlife romanticized 4×4 excursions and Instagram fueled the concept of overlanding. Overlanding has since been interpreted by many as “car camping that involves dressing up like Nigel Thornberry.” While I understand the appeal of looking good as part of my hobbies, I received an email this week regarding the Thule Outset, and the price of this product raises some questions: What are we doing here, folks?

      Rooftop tents (RTTs) tend to be pricey. Sure, the quality ones feature superior craftsmanship, premium materials, and clever designs like gas shocks for easy setup. However, they come with common drawbacks: a significant weight mounted high and a considerable aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. Additionally, they complicate parking in garages and accessing them from the ground can be quite frustrating.

      The Thule Outset resolves these RTT issues by utilizing a trailer hitch mount. Instead of a large box on your SUV's roof, it offers a spacious box that hangs from the hitch. It unfolds within seconds and can be easily detached if you wish to drive away from your campsite without dismantling your living space. Just make sure not to leave the engine running while someone is sleeping inside, or they may not wake up.

      The Land Cruiser on the left features an ARB Altitude roof tent, one of the best available, priced around $6,000. On the right is the most affordable option I found from a reasonably reputable retailer (Walmart)—the “XBull,” priced at approximately $600. However, based on the poorly edited product image, I wouldn’t expect much. ARB, Walmart.

      It looks quite impressive in the promotional images at camp. I’ve had great experiences with Thule products (which I’ve always purchased secondhand after years of use), and I have no doubt that the Outset's build quality is exceptional.

      Thule

      However, I cannot comprehend how there is a market for this at $4,699.95.

      In fact, seeing that price tag (which is roughly double what a good RTT costs) makes me question why the vehicle-mounted tent trend persists. None of its touted advantages seem practical. Being elevated to avoid bugs? They can still crawl up your car. Some can even fly! Concerned about animals? They are generally more scared of you. Those that aren't can easily scale your roof if they choose.

      The only real practical advantage—nearly instant setup—is certainly not worth a thousand-dollar price increase. As you might have guessed, I'm a ground-tent user myself. Still, I can set up my tent, which is tall enough to stand in and includes a cot at normal bed height, in about the time it takes to listen to three songs. My family-sized ground tent packs down to roughly the size of a carry-on duffel bag and weighs about as much as a couple of jackets.

      When overland enthusiasm peaked a few years ago and people started purchasing $300 shovels, I thought, OK, this is a trend that will fade quickly. Now, in 2025, people are still trying to sell me tents that cost more than some of my cars. Am I just a broke cynic who would be happier with a tent affixed to my truck, or is this truly one of the most absurd aspects of the off-road aftermarket?

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