Rooftop tents are perfect for adventure lovers. They make it effortless to pack up the car on a whim and go camping. Rooftop tents are versatile and fit most SUVs, trucks, and Jeeps.
If you own a smaller SUV, such as an Outback, you may not know if a rooftop tent will fit. It's crucial to look into the weight capacity of your vehicle to make sure. The last thing you want is to embark on a trip only to realize that your tent is too heavy for your vehicle.
Can you put a rooftop tent on a Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can, but you need to pay attention to two factors in particular. You'll need to know the dynamic load (150 lbs) and the static weight (over 1,000 lbs) for your Outback. Next, look at the weight of the rooftop tents you want to buy. If it's less than 150 lbs, you're good to go. Another option is to replace the OEM roof rack with an aftermarket one.
If you want to learn about rooftop tents that work with Subaru Outbacks, you're in the right place. Read on to discover some of the best-selling rooftop tents for Outbacks.
Thule Tepui Foothill Low-Profile Rooftop Tent
The Thule Tepui Foothill on amazon is a lightweight rooftop tent, weighing in at only 108 pounds. That means it's ideal for the Subaru Outback, even with the OEM roof rack. The 'low-profile' in the name refers to how compact it is during transport.
It rests on only one side of your vehicle - and you won't even notice that it's there.
It's designed to house up to 2 full-sized adults and has an oversized panoramic rear window. If you're camping somewhere with scenic views, you will love this feature. The mounting rails come pre-installed so that you won't have much trouble during installation.
Its core features include:
- Telescopic internal frame poles for one-person setup and breakdown
- Reduced weight from the special-designed tent base.
- Low-profile with symmetrical design
- Effortless to store during the off-season
- Dual skylights for adequate insulation and stargazing
If you're planning on going on a camping road trip in your Outback with your spouse, you'll love this rooftop tent.
Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent
The Thule Tepui Explorer is the best rooftop tent for Subaru Outback on Amazon. It's light, small, and simple to transport across a variety of vehicles, including crossovers to sedans. It doesn't add much weight to the top of the vehicle when packed in its travel bag, which is excellent.
Compact, lightweight and spacious. It's one of the lightest rooftop tents available today, weighing in at only 115 pounds.
As with the other versions, it can accommodate two people and has a high-density foam mattress. The fabric is UV-resistant and durable, so it's suitable for use in all seasons. It's a great tent for any season since it has a waterproof finish as well as strong materials.
Other features include:
- The roof is made of triple-layer tiles with ventilation gaps between them.
- Inside, there are five storage compartments for shoes, tools, equipment, and other items.
- A telescoping ladder can be extended and retracted.
- The Annex room add-on is available.
- Compact travel cover
Whether you're going to the beach or a wet swamp, this rooftop tent will keep you dry and comfortable.
Campoint 2 Person Lite Rooftop Tent
The Campoint 2 Person Lite Rooftop Tent on amazon weighs 120 pounds, making it an ideal fit for a Subaru Outback. If you're driving in areas that see a lot of rain, you'll want to have a rooftop tent like this. It comes with an extra-large rainfly, and it's constructed with waterproof material. There's also a sunroof for insulation and stargazing.
The exterior consists of 600D heavy-duty waterproof polyester, so you won't have any issues with it ripping or tearing, even during severe weather.
Despite being so lightweight, it can still comfortably accommodate two full-sized adults.
There are four side windows to always take in the local scenery. Also, both entrances feature built-in mosquito meshes to protect you from insects. You'll be able to stay cozy and dry in this rooftop tent - and it installs within seconds.
Other features include:
- Collapsible telescopic tubular ladder
- Oxford waterproof rooftop cover
- Spacious 92" x 55" 2.5-inch thick foam mattress
- 661-pound max load
Should it start raining and limiting your visibility - you can quickly pull over and wait it out in this rooftop tent.
KingCamp Rooftop Tent Hard Shell
Lastly, the KingCamp Rooftop Tent on amazon
weighs 116 pounds, well within the Outback's limit. It features a hard shell top - which provides added protection from wind, rain, and debris. If you're going somewhere with extreme weather or with a small child, you'll want a hard shell tent such as this.
The hydraulic strut means you can assemble this tent in less than 60 seconds. There's a queen-size mattress inside that's large enough for two full-size adults.
The hard shell consists of durable ABS material. It also contains a 3,000 mm waterproof coating and a reinforced aluminum alloy base. It's by far the most durable rooftop tent on this list.
Other features include:
- Telescopic aluminum ladder
- Hydraulic lever for quick installation
- Sponge-mat mattress
- 2 side mesh windows for scenic views and ventilation
As you can see, the KingCamp rooftop tent is a true powerhouse that can withstand the harshest of conditions.
Related: How Many People Can Be In a Rooftop Tent
Closing Thoughts: Can You Put a Rooftop Tent on a Subaru Outback?
By now, you should have a better idea of how to select a rooftop tent for your Subaru Outback. You need to carefully consider which tent you buy if you stick with the OEM roof rack. Choosing an aftermarket rack will add to the weight capacity. By default, you'll be able to carry tents up to 150 pounds. Any of the rooftop tents on this list will more than suffice.