One of the most important considerations when choosing a roof tent is its size, as it affects how many people can sleep in it and what kind of gear you can bring.
In short, we believe you should get a roof tent that has a little extra space for comfort and if you ever decide to get a furry little friend.
In this article, we will explore the various factors to consider when choosing the best roof top tent size for your needs.
How many people can sleep in a roof top tent?
The number of people that can sleep in a roof top tent depends on its size. Roof tent sizes range from 1-4 people or even more. However, it's important to note that the number of people a tent can accommodate is not always the same as the number of people it can comfortably fit.
Consider the amount of camping accessories you will be bringing with you, such as sleeping bags, clothing, and other essentials, as well as your personal preferences for space and comfort. If you want a spacious tent, it's better to choose a larger size than you actually need.
What is the common roof top tent size?
The most common roof top tent size is a two person roof tent which typically measures W:140cm by L:240cm.
This size is ideal for couples as it fits two adults with some extra space. If you're traveling solo, a smaller tent might be more appropriate, such as a 1-2 person tent, which typically has a floor area of around W: 125cm x L:210cm.
What mattress size do I need for a family?
When choosing a roof top tent for your family, it's important to consider the size of the mattress. You want to ensure that everyone has enough space to sleep comfortably, so it's essential to choose rooftop tent dimensions that can accommodate the right mattress size. We recommend a minimum of W:140cm x L:240cm in mattress size if you are two adults and one child.
The best thing to do would be to test out how your family would fit in a king-sized bed or super king-sized bed as these are typically as big as roof tents go in terms of size.
The Latitude Tents Pioneer XL has a mattress size of W: 190cm by L: 240cm and can fit up to 4 adults.
Below is a chart referencing the typical bed sizes in the UK so that you can get a better idea of your ideal rooftop tent dimensions:
| BED/MATTRESS SIZE | DIMENSIONS (IMPERIAL) | DIMENSIONS (METRIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 2'6'' x 6'3'' | 75 x 190cm |
| Single | 3'0'' x 6'3'' | 90 x 190 cm |
| Small Double (Queen) | 4'0'' x 6'3'' | 120 x 190cm |
| Double | 4'6'' x 6'3'' | 135 x 190cm |
| King Size | 5'0'' x 6'6'' | 150 x 200cm |
| Super King Size | 6'0'' x 6'6'' | 180 x 200cm |
What’s the best roof top tent size for two adults?
The best roof top tent size for two adults depends on your personal preferences for space and comfort. As mentioned earlier, the most common roof top tent size for 2-3 people has a floor area of around W:138cm by L:240cm.
At this size this is bigger than a double bed which would be more than enough for most people's situation.
What’s the best roof top tent size for one person?
For one person, a 1–2 person rooftop tent is usually ideal — but it’s smart to choose one with a bit of extra space. A true solo tent (around W:125 cm × L:210 cm) works, but a compact 2 person size (W:138–140 cm × L:240 cm, similar to a roomy double bed) gives you noticeably more comfort and flexibility without being overly bulky.
Sizing slightly up makes it easier to move around, store a bag or even bring a small dog, especially if you pick a soft-shell fold-out style that stays compact when closed. So while a 1 person tent is technically enough, most solo travellers prefer the comfort of a small 2 person model — the same way you’d probably rather not sleep in a narrow single bed if you don’t have to.
Conclusion
The best way to determine the best size for your needs is by testing out if you would be comfortable sleeping all together in your queen size or king-sized beds and going from there. With the table on bed sizes above you can start looking at roof tents that fit that criteria for you.
If you're like us and need your space when you're sleeping you may need to budget for a bit more space. We would recommend a soft shell roof tent that has a fold out mechanism as this saves space when the roof tent is closed and fits the majority of cars.