Which Roof Tent Accessories Do You Need?
First things first: everything you truly need to use your roof tent is included – ladder, mattress, shoe bag and mounting hardware. Accessories are about making the experience better. Here we split them into three categories: important small things, gear that can elevate the whole trip, and pure luxury.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Everything you truly need ships with the roof tent – ladder, mattress, shoe bag and more
- ✓Small things like the Car Step, lock system and extra backrests make life with the tent easier
- ✓Try the tent as-is first – buy a condensation mat and comfort mattress once you know what you need
- ✓Camping as a family? We almost always recommend an air-gap mat from the start
- ✓An insulation tent matters for winter camping – but isn't needed for the Voyager Pro series
What's already included
Before you look at accessories, it's good to know that every Wild Land roof tent ships complete. Everything necessary to mount the tent and sleep your first night is included – such as the ladder and the standard mattress.
So the accessories in this guide are never required to get started – they're about making life with the roof tent easier, more comfortable and more fun.
Important small things
These are small, affordable accessories that make a big difference in everyday use. Most of our customers benefit from them from day one.
Car Step
The Car Step is a foldable foot plate that hooks into the car's door latch and gives you a stable extra step. It makes reaching the roof tent much easier when mounting, packing down and loading – especially on taller cars. It holds up to 150 kg and fits most cars with traditional door latches.
Lock system
The lock system is simple theft protection that you install together with the roof tent. The lock nuts replace the standard nuts on the mounting kit and can only be removed with the included key. That means a thief can't unscrew the tent from your car – the only option is sawing it off, which deters most. Fits all Wild Land roof tents and other tents with M8 bolts.
Backrest and Backrest Pro
There's usually nothing to lean against in a roof tent, so a backrest makes a big difference when you want to sit up and read, have coffee or just relax. Most Wild Land roof tents come with one Backrest Pro – but if you'll be more than one person, we recommend adding more so everyone can sit comfortably. The difference between the models is mainly the materials: the Pro uses heavier canvas with a stainless steel frame and feels more robust, while the standard model is thinner and can stay in the tent when it closes.
Overland Experten
Foldable footplate for car door, max load 150 kg
- Easier access to roof-mounted gear
- Mounts in the car door latch
Wild Land
Locking system for rooftop tent, M8 lock nuts, 2-pack
- Locks the mounting kit in place
- Fits M8 screws
Wild Land
Backrest, thin backrest for rooftop tent, 300D poly oxford
- Can stay inside the roof tent
- For roof tents, beach & camping
Wild Land
Backrest Pro, backrest for rooftop tent, durable canvas
- Adjustable 0–180°
- Comfortable support in the roof tent
Gear that can elevate the trip
These accessories can be game-changing for many – but not for everyone. When we talk to customers we usually give the same advice: try the tent as it is first. After a few nights you'll know exactly what you need to elevate the experience, instead of guessing in advance.
Our advice
Start with the tent as delivered. Everything in this category is easy to add later – once you know what would actually make a difference for you.
Air-gap mat – against condensation
Condensation in roof tents is usually caused by poor ventilation – each person breathes out up to a litre of water vapour per night. Start with the tips in our guide on avoiding condensation and try the tent first. If moisture still builds up under the mattress, an air-gap mat creates circulation between mattress and tent floor that effectively reduces the problem.
One important exception: for family trips we almost always recommend an air-gap mat from the start, since more people in an enclosed space means significantly more moisture. For 1–3 people it can be needed – but not always. The mat comes in four widths, choose the one matching your tent.
Wild Land
Ventilation mat 120, ventilating mat for rooftop tent
- Reduces moisture & condensation
- Placed directly under the mattress
Wild Land
Ventilation mat 140, ventilating mat for rooftop tent
- Reduces moisture & condensation
- Placed directly under the mattress
Wild Land
Ventilation mat 160, ventilating mat for rooftop tent
- Reduces moisture & condensation
- Placed directly under the mattress
Wild Land
Ventilation mat 230, ventilating mat for rooftop tent
- Reduces moisture & condensation
- Placed directly under the mattress
Comfort mattresses
Everyone is different, but many feel the standard mattress in a roof tent needs an upgrade for the best comfort. That's why we sell mattresses made specifically for roof tents. The same advice applies: sleep a few nights on the standard mattress first, so you know how much softer you want it.
We most often recommend the UltraLight (130 for most tents, the 180 set for wider models like the Voyager Pro 230 and SE-180) – it's fully inflatable, sits under the standard mattress and takes minimal space when the tent closes. The Sky Foam in 120 and 140 cm is our premium option with a self-inflating foam core for maximum comfort.
Wild Land
Wild Land UltraLight 130, uppblåsbar madrass med pump
- Extra komfort i taktältet
- Placeras under madrassen
Wild Land
Wild Land UltraLight 180, 2 uppblåsbara madrasser med pump
- Extra komfort i större taktält
- Placeras under madrassen
Wild Land
Sky Foam 120, self-inflating mattress, foam core
- Quickly ready for camping
- Self-inflating mattress
Wild Land
Sky Foam 140, self-inflating mattress, foam core
- Quickly ready for camping
- Self-inflating mattress
Annexes and pop-up tents
Sooner or later most customers want some kind of sheltered space by the tent – for changing, cooking or shade. In most cases we recommend our pop-up tents, the Hub 400 and Hub 400XL: they're up in under 2 minutes, freestanding and fit every roof tent model. Want to compare all the options – annexes, tarps and awnings – see our complete guide to what fits each tent.
Wild Land
Hub 400, square pop-up tent, up to 3 people
- Pop-up in under 60 sec
- Protection from sun & insects
Wild Land
Hub 400XL, pop-up tent, 4–5 people, LED lighting
- Pop-up in under 60 sec
- Room for 4–5 people
Insulation tent – for winter camping
If you plan to camp during the really cold months, an insulating inner tent is practically a must. It mounts inside the roof tent, keeps the warmth in with three-layer thermal fabric and can stay in place when the tent packs down. Note that it isn't available – and isn't needed – for the Voyager Pro series, which is already insulated with slightly lighter materials.
Luxury and comfort
Finally, the accessories nobody needs – but that make camp life genuinely comfortable. This includes our complete BaseCamp Pro outdoor kitchen with two burners, work surface and water function, as well as camping chairs, camping tables, cool boxes and crossbars for loading gear on top of the roof tent.
Unsure what you need?
Get in touch and we'll help you find the right accessories for your roof tent and your trips.
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