Are you interested in trying the latest camping trend, Roof Top Camping? Using your car as a camping tool can be a fun and exciting way to explore the great outdoors with friends and family without the expensive cost of renting an RV, plus you won’t be as limited to where you can camp as would be the case with a bulky RV. A roof top tent (RTT) and your vehicle will allow you many opportunities to get out and enjoy all the beauty Nature has to offer. Not sure what you’ll need? Don’t worry, we’ll help you get started with the essentials below.
- Roof Top Tent: RTT’s come in different sizes and you will want to make sure you pick a tent that is compatible with your vehicle and needs. They stow and set up quickly as opposed to ground tents, and can be easily managed by 1 person. Not a fan of creepy crawlies or brown bears in your tent? RTT’s offer added security from ground crawling bugs, snakes, and other animals that would have an easy time getting into your tent if you were camping on the ground. Another bonus, sleeping on the ground can be cold, but with an RTT you can avoid this for a more comfortable night’s sleep. Stop by either Ramsey Outdoor location on Saturday, 8/3 from 1-4PM for our Tepui Tent Event. We’ll have demos on setup, breakdown, getting inside, installation, plus there will be raffles, giveaways, specials in-store sales, and more!
- Sleeping Bag: This is a camping necessity. A sleeping bag will keep you warm, comfortable, and help ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Sleeping bags do differ, so if you are camping in a warm, wet climate make sure you have a sleeping bag that is designed for those conditions, such as the Marmot Micron 50 Sleeping Bag, as opposed to a colder weather bag like the Marmot Never Winter Sleeping Bag.
- Sheets and Blanket: You may choose just to get sheets and a tech blanket instead of a sleeping bag since RTT’s come with mattresses.
- Camping Stove and Cookware: You will need a camping stove and cookware if you want to eat on your trip. Make sure you have enough propane, pots and pans, cups, dishes, and whatever else you will need to cook and enjoy your meals.
- Cooler: Even if you’re eating freeze-dried meals, you’re still going to need a cooler to hold your beverages and water bottles. The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is durable and versatile and will keep food and beverages ice-cold even in sweltering conditions, like a triple-digit summer day in Texas.
- Utility Tarp: Without a utility tarp, basecamp just becomes your car and RTT in the middle of nowhere. Make sure it’s big enough to host a rainy-day card tournament or to be used as a dining space and gives you plenty of clearance.
- Camp Furniture: You will want someplace to sit outdoors, play games, and eat. Camp tables and chairs are an easy, portable way to set up an outdoor area under your utility tarp.
- Hammock: A hammock will give you a comfortable place outside of your tent to relax in Nature.
- Lighting: A must-have for your camping trip is lighting. Lanterns are great for inside the tent and the eating area, but also make sure you have headlamps and/or flashlights handy for nighttime trips to the restroom.
- First Aid Kit: Never go camping without a First Aid Kit like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Explorer Kit. Make sure to keep it stocked with waterproof matches and an Emergency Blanket just in case.
Now that you know the basics, stop by one of our locations and our knowledgeable staff will help you get the gear you need to get started!
Gear up for adventure with Ramsey Outdoor!
