Yakima's SkyRise rooftop tent comes with a 2.5-inch foam mattress, several windows and skylights for ventilation and star gazing, and it takes just a few minutes to fully pitch.
Yakima's SkyRise rooftop tent is great for both amateur and seasoned campers alike. At $1,200, it's one of the cheaper options in this guide, but it offers a comprehensive package of quality, ease-of-use, and comfort. It has an included 2.5-inch foam mattress, several windows and skylights for ventilation and star gazing, and takes just a few minutes to fully pitch.
Though Yakima is known mainly as a manufacturer of quality car racks, the company's introduction of the SkyRise rooftop tent has proven successful. Designed for both casual and experienced campers, it's as much at home at a drive-up camping spot as it is on a week-long overlanding trip.
The SkyRise is available in two sizes, small or medium, and purchasing either depends on personal preference. The small is sized to sleep two people side by side while the medium is large enough for three. Additionally, the small is capable of handling weight up to 400 pounds while the medium is rated up to 600 pounds.
Aside from its size differences, each tent comes standard with the same features. Both have a comfortable 2.5-inch foam mattress that folds up into the tent when packed, as well as a built-in telescoping ladder for climbing inside. The tent is constructed of 210D nylon, which is the same durable tent material found on most backcountry tents. A series of windows and skylights provide for ventilation and a 360-degree view, and it also comes with an attachable rainfly.
Attaching the SkyRise to a vehicle does require at least two people but it's easy to secure once placed on a compatible roof rack. No tools are needed for this process, either. Roof rack locks are provided by Yakima, which improve the tent's security if it's left on a vehicle while unattended.
With a $1,200 price tag, the Yakima SkyRise rooftop is one of the most cost-effective rooftop tents available. Few rooftop tents are as easy to use, comfortable, and inexpensive as the SkyRise, making it an easy choice as our top pick.
Pros: Inexpensive for the quality, compatible with a range of Yakima accessories, easy to pitch and stow
Cons: Attaching the rain fly takes getting used to