A South African summer asks a lot of a tent. Warm nights, storms that roll in after lunch, storm water running through camp, and long driving days that end after dark. A hardshell rooftop tent handles most of that better than a ground tent, as long as you set it up for the heat.
Why a rooftop tent works in summer
- You sleep above the run-off. When a summer storm sends water across a campsite, a tent on the roof stays dry while ground tents become puddles.
- Setup takes minutes. Arrive late after a long day on the road and you are in bed without hunting for pegs or flat ground.
- Better airflow. Off the ground you catch more of the evening breeze, and a hardshell has less fabric to trap heat.
- Fewer visitors. Ants, crawlies and the odd curious animal are far less of a concern up on the roof.
Orion 1200: the lightweight option
The Orion 1200 Lightweight Hardshell Rooftop Tent (R39,500) uses blackout-coated 280gsm ripstop polycotton for light and temperature control, with ventilation to keep the air fresh and reduce condensation. A front awning gives you cover at the entrance, and a high-density mattress with a 3D anti-condensation mat comes standard.
For summer, the useful extra is the heater and cooler hose inlet, which lets you run a portable cooler into the tent on still, humid nights.
Orion 1400: more room, more cover
The Orion 1400 Aluminium Hardshell Rooftop Tent (R42,500) steps up to a heavier 320gsm blackout ripstop polycotton and adds side awnings to the front awning, so you can keep windows open during light rain. It has the same thick mattress and anti-condensation mat, plus a heater hose inlet for the cooler months.
If you camp as a couple for weeks at a time, or you want more weather protection for storm season, the 1400 is the one to look at.
Keeping cool on hot nights
- Park for the breeze. Point the vehicle so the evening wind blows through the tent windows rather than across the back of it.
- Open it early. Pop the tent and open the windows an hour before bed so the heat built up during the drive can escape.
- Shade the vehicle. A vehicle parked in afternoon sun heats the roof. Under trees, or with an awning deployed alongside, the tent starts the night cooler.
- Use the side awnings in rain. They let you keep airflow going when a storm passes instead of zipping up a hot tent.
Before you buy: check your roof load
Every vehicle and roof rack has a dynamic load rating (what it can carry while driving). Make sure the tent, the rack and anything else on the roof sit within it. A consultant can help you check this for your vehicle before you order.
Common questions
Does a rooftop tent get too hot in summer?
It can if it has been closed up in the sun all day. Opening it early, parking for the breeze and using the ventilation makes a big difference. We sell a Portable Rooftop Tent Fan. On the Orion 1200 you can also run a portable cooler through the hose inlet.
What is the difference between the Orion 1200 and Orion 1400?
The 1400 has a heavier 320gsm canvas and side awnings as well as a front awning. The 1200 is the lighter option with 280gsm canvas, a front awning and a heater and cooler hose inlet.
Can I fit a rooftop tent to my bakkie?
Yes, on a suitable roof rack or load bed setup, provided the combined weight sits within the dynamic load rating of the vehicle and rack. Ask a consultant to confirm for your vehicle.
Is fitment included in the price?
No. Prices on the store include VAT and exclude fitment.
Browse the rooftop tent range, learn more about each tent in the range or find your nearest fitment centre on the store locator.