When you are heading out into the outdoors to spend some time with nature, a tent is a must unless you intend to sleep in your vehicle or you have an RV. While traditional tents have always been freestanding pieces that anchor to the ground and give you a basic shelter, vehicle rooftop tents give you a comfortable place to sleep up off the ground.

Before you head out to the sporting goods store to get a rooftop tent for your vehicle, it is a good idea to consider a few things to make sure you get the best model. These tents have a ton of awesome features and not every model works the same with each vehicle. Here are a few good keys to help you pick the best rooftop tent. 

Look at how the tent actually attaches to the vehicle. 

Certain rooftop tents work better with certain vehicle types, and some are actually specifically designed for specific vehicles. Plus, some tents are going to be heftier to haul around than others, which can be problematic for a smaller vehicle. Take a look at how the tent mounts to the vehicle and make sure your vehicle works well with the mounting mechanisms. Consider the weight of the setup; make sure the heft won't cause any issues with weight distribution. 

Determine which tent accommodates your camping needs.

Ask yourself a few questions, such as:

• How many people are normally traveling with you?
• Do you want sleeping space only or more living space?
• What kind of climate will you normally be camping in?

Knowing the answers to these questions can give you a good idea of which tents will work best for your needs as a camper. For example, if you continually camp alone but in cold weather, a small vehicle rooftop tent with insulated panels may suffice. 

Take a look at the internal and external features of the tent. 

Tents made to attach to the roof of your vehicle can be just as diverse as any other standard tent. You will find some tents that have a litany of features inside and out, but you will find some standard models with only the basic build. For example, some tents are designed with fold-over awnings that can be extended outward from the vehicle for a protected picnic space. And, you can find tents that offer a hard top, a rainfly, or a mesh roof to view the stars.

Keep these considerations in mind as you look at vehicle rooftop tents.