Tuff Stuff vs iKamper Rooftop Tents
Compare Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha and iKamper Skycamp Rooftop Tents
Contents
Introduction
Roof top tents are AWESOME. We love ours and all friends that have them love theirs. We compare iKamper and Tuff Stuff so you can choose what tent is best for you. This comparison isn’t done in a shop, it’s done based on actual years of use!
We have the iKamper Skycamp - 4 person and our overland camping friends have the Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha - 3+ person. We camp with them all the time and we finally got around to doing a video on both of our tents. We use the iKamper on a Toyota Sequoia and the Tuff Stuff is on a Toyota 4Runner.
First of all both have been good quality, no part failures and are easy to open and close. It all comes down to the details.
iKamper and Tuff Stuff Roof Top Tent Comparison
Size of the tent when closed
iKamper is sleeker. Tuff Stuff is shaped like a rectangle and the iKamper is aerodynamic. The size isn’t that big of a deal, don’t expect to fit into underground parking garages with a truck and tent on top.
Ease to attach to roof
Similar. We put the iKamper on upgraded bars, our friends gots a roof rack to attach too - which seems a little more finicky than bars. We helped put on the Tuff Stuff and the placement of the screws is just a little tougher but still easy enough. Both tents require either a pulley system to put on or 2-3 strong people to lift up, they aren’t too heavy but ackward. No one wants to scratch a vehicle putting a tent on. iKamper Skycamp weighs 160 lbs and Tuff Stuff Alpha weighs 176 lbs.
Ease to open
Similiar. They both take minutes to open and set up. The more you do it the easier it gets.
Ease to close
iKamper wins (barely and personal opinion). I personally prefer the locking / closing mechanisms on the outside.
Sleeping size
iKamper Skycamp is a bigger sleeping space, truly fits 4 people. The Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha fits 3 comfortably but will be a little cozier with 4. We estimate it’s about a foot narrower. Both have similar headspace.
Tent vestibule
Tuff Stuff is slightly bigger. We bought a bigger version if we know it will be raining.
Windows
iKamper has 3 panel options, Tuff Stuff has 2. iKamper has a clear plastic panel, screen and black out. Tuff Stuff has screen and black out.
Skylight
iKamper has one, Tuff Stuff doesn’t. The iKamper skylight has a clear screen so you can see out or let light in. Both have skylights on the tent but only iKamper has a window to see out of on the fly.
Black out
iKamper is darker inside with everything zipped.
Lighting
Tuff Stuff wins! Our iKamper didn’t come with any lights, Tuff Stuff has them inside and out. We think this is extremely helpful. Headlamps work but lights on the tent are definitely useful.
Quality
Both have held up in rain, snow, wind, and sun. I think the iKamper can handle intense wind without as much movement (not lifting the leg area). We have had both tents in the most insane wind you would find in Canada. Neither collapsed so that’s something! Neither leaks or has needed repairs.
Price
Tuff Stuff is cheaper. 2022 price of a Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha (3+ person) $3000 USD, iKamper Skycamp 4 person $3700 USD. This doesn’t include shipping and any add-ons you want. Sometimes you can get free shipping or pick it up from a warehouse.
Walk through of the tents
Hope this helps you choose the right roof-top tent for you. There are many more options to look at such as Thule.
For more details on these roof top tent brands check out their websites, iKamper, Tuff Stuff, and Thule.
