TL;DR: The best truck bed tent is the Napier Sportz Truck Tent because of it’s overall durability and ample comfort. This tent is made of polyester taffeta material with a 1200mm polyurethane-coated full tent floor and fits 5-6-foot truck beds. Setup takes just 15 minutes and you’ll be camping comfortability in this waterproof tent.
I don’t know where I’d be without my truck. Truck beds are so handy.
For example, I love bringing my truck on a camping trip because it’s easy to pack all my supplies into and it doubles as a place to sleep.
To sleep in my truck, I use my favorite piece of camping gear—a truck bed tent.
Truck tents help save space at the campground and are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.
Before I bought my first truck tent, I always slept in my sleeping bag in a ground tent. I still enjoyed those, but it wasn’t until I started using a truck tent that I realized their true convenience.
But, not every truck tent is created equal, and I found that out the hard way.
I used to be okay with the cheapest option, but lately I’m realizing how much quality matters, especially when talking about truck bed tents.
So, if you’re looking for alternatives to a normal camping tent, or you want to upgrade your current setup to get a better night’s sleep, check out my top picks for the best truck bed tents.
Looking for more ways to use your truck bed? Check out our picks for the best kayak racks for trucks!
Here’s a quick look at our recommendations
- Best for Cold Weather – Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
- Best Value – Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
- Best for Beginners – Quictent Pickup Truck Tent
- Most Waterproof Truck Tent – Joytutus Pickup Truck Tent
- Best Overall – Napier Sportz Truck Tent
- Best Standing Height – Fofana Truck Tent
- Best Small Truck Tent – GoHimal Pickup Truck Tent
- Most Features – Rightline Gear Truck Tent
#1 Kodiak Canvas Truck Tent
Best for Cold Weather
Weight: 30 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: Full-Size Trucks 5.5′-6.8′
Setup Time: 30 mins
Bed Liner: No
Some of the coolest destinations in the world are in cold climates. These spots often have fewer people, which attracts me to them.
Truck bed canvas tents work tremendously in cold conditions because they tend to be warmer than the ground. The Kodiak Canvas Truck tent is a great pick for icy weather!
The Kodiak Canvas tent uses high-quality, extremely durable material. Its 100% cotton duck canvas shell keeps you warm during winter camping.
Even when it gets hotter outside, its five windows help to increase ventilation throughout the tent. These windows help make the Kodiak tent feel like a truck bed tent with AC.
Unfortunately, I’ve had some issues getting dirty as there’s no bottom for the Kodiak Canvas truck bed.
I always have my sleeping pad, but make sure you put your bed liner down (or something else protective) before placing an air mattress.
What I love most about the Kodiak Canvas Truck bed is its mesh windows. One of these windows is near the back, so I can grab something from your truck bed.
Camping in winter? Read about the insulated tents, tents with a stove jack, and tent stoves.
PROS
- Made from high-quality material that’s perfect for winter conditions
- It has five windows to help with ventilation
- A back window so you don’t have to leave the truck bed
CONS
- There is no tent floor, so there’s a higher chance of getting dirty
#2 Napier Backroadz Truck Tent
Best Value
Weight: 16 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: Model Dependent
Setup Time: 15 mins
Bed Liner: Yes
Napier is one of the best truck tent companies on the market today. I currently have two on my list for the best truck bed tent.
The Napier Backroadz Truck Tent might not be the cheapest truck tent on this list, but this quality truck tent is the best value because of what you get for the price.
I always have the Napier Backroadz truck tent with me during the summer because I never know when an adventure will arise. And this truck tent is perfect for the summer weather.
When that adventure does arise, I can quickly set up this tent with its shock-corded fiberglass poles.
This full-size truck tent lacks windows compared to the Napier Sportz, but it makes up for it with large windows to keep me cool during the summer.
Unplanned adventure is what summer is all about, and this lightweight tent will have you covered.
If you’re looking for a waterproof truck tent, the Napier Backroadz truck tent is a 3-season truck tent with a full rain fly.
An honorable mention for the best-value truck bed tent would be the Guide Gear Tent. However, I chose the Backroadz because I love the Napier brand.
Napier is also a great fit for a RAM 1500 if you have that truck.
PROS
- It has large windows that keep you cool
- Full rain fly to help with wet weather
- Uses shock-corded fiberglass poles
CONS
- It only has two windows
#3 Quictent Pickup Truck Tent
Best for Beginners
Weight: 12 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: (5.5′-5.8′)Full Size Short Bed
Setup Time: 5 mins
Bed Liner: Yes
When switching from a ground tent to a truck tent, I wanted something easy to set up that was also affordable. Quictent Pickup Truck Tent is exactly what I was looking for.
The many windows, especially the rear window, allow access to items in my truck, making the transition to truck bed tents easy.
Plus, the Quictent Pickup tent is an affordable truck tent with storage pockets on the side.
There is one thing it lacks, however. I had durability issues when first using this tent. However, it wasn’t a big deal because I knew it wouldn’t be my last tent.
The stitching on the tent poles’ sleeves was already beginning to tear after a couple of uses. My experience may be bad luck, but I haven’t had this issue with the many truck tents I’ve used since.
By far, the best thing about the Quictent Pickup tent is the large awning. Whether it’s raining or sunny, I like having protection, and it did that perfectly.
PROS
- Large awning
- Affordable Price
- Rear window for easy cab access
CONS
- Durability issues
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#4 Joytutus Pickup Truck Tent
Most Waterproof Truck Tent
Weight: 9 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: 5.5-6 ft bed
Setup Time: 5 mins
Bed Liner: Yes
Nobody wants water to get inside a tent; it’s so frustrating when it happens. That’s why I love the Joytutus Pickup Truck Tent!
This truck tent is uses 50D polyester Oxford with PU2000 waterproof coating and has an added layer of protection.
This added layer of protection is a sewn-in waterproof floor that keeps any pesky water out. Other truck bed tents simply don’t have this feature.
But not all tents are perfect. I may be clumsy, but I accidentally tore some fabric using the poles.
Joytutus’ customer service and warranty help make up for this durability fault. When purchasing this truck tent, it comes with a 1-year quality warranty.
Another perk of a tent that I’ll always enjoy is its easy setup. Setting this tent up for only five or ten minutes saves so much more time for the important stuff, like cooking and relaxing.
Learn more about the best waterproof tents, how to waterproof a tent, and tent waterproofing spray.
PROS
- Extremely waterproof
- It comes with a 1-year quality warranty
- Easy to set up
CONS
- Durability issues when using the poles
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#5 Napier Sportz Truck Tent
Best Overall
Weight: 20 – 25 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: 5-6 ft bed
Setup Time: 15 mins
Bed Liner: Yes
My love for the Napier brand continues with the Napier Sportz Truck Tent. I love their Backroadz model, but the Sportz version is an upgrade.
If I buy a truck tent for the long term, I look for the highest quality. Purchasing more expensive truck tents will help to ensure they last longer.
Another thing that makes the Sportz tent last longer is its material. The Napier Sportz Tent is made from polyester taffeta with a 1200mm polyurethane coating and has a full tent floor.
I love Sportz’s tent floor mainly because of its comfort. On top of that, it’s highly waterproof, which is a must when truck camping in the summer.
The price tag of the Napier Sportz tent might seem too high, but I haven’t regretted my purchase, and I feel that it was worth the money.
My favorite part about the Sportz truck tent is its vast awning. I mentioned previously that I look for a large awning on my truck tents, and this one has that in spades.
When truck camping with the Napier Sportz, I feel protected from the sun and have zero worries about getting wet from the weather.
PROS
- Huge awning
- High-quality material that protects you from wet weather
- Extremely comfortable floor for a good night’s sleep
CONS
- The price might be too steep for some
#6 Fofana Truck Tent
Best Standing Height
Weight: 13.5 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: 5-6.8 ft bed/ truck dependent
Setup Time: 5 mins
Bed Liner: Yes
This truck bed tent is for all you tall people out there.
I have a lot of tall friends, so when I go truck camping with others, I’m always worried about the tent’s size being too small.
I love the Fofana Truck tent because it’s a high-quality tent for tall people. Not only is this tent generously sized, but it’s also super easy to set up, with a setup time of just five minutes.
One drawback of this tent being so tall is that the rain fly sometimes touches the tent. This creates moisture inside the tent and has me feeling icky.
The Fofana tent has a 6-foot height, which is taller than I am. This spacious tent height makes the truck bed camping experience easier and more comfortable.
This polyester tent has lasted me quite a while. Polyester is a strong fiber and can withstand abrasions.
If being tall has made you hesitant about going truck camping, try the Fofana Truck tent!
PROS
- 6-foot tall tent
- Made from polyester to withstand the scrapes and bruises
- Speedy setup time
CONS
- Moisture can sometimes get inside when the rain fly touches the tent
#7 GoHimal Pickup Truck Tent
Best Small Truck Tent
Weight: 7.72 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: 5.5-6 ft bed
Setup Time: 15 mins
Bed Liner: Yes
If having a small truck has made you apprehensive about trying truck camping, fear not! The GoHimal Pickup Truck Tent is my preferred truck tent for smaller trucks.
Most truck bed tents can fit a range of truck sizes. This may sound like a good thing, but in my experience, it’s better that the entire tent fits your particular vehicle like a glove.
Pickup trucks are popular because they aren’t too big but still get the job done, just like this tent. The mesh windows made breathing easy when sleeping overnight, and I didn’t feel trapped.
The tent’s storage pockets made me feel at home. I could bring everything I needed into the tent and didn’t have to return to my truck’s cab.
Setup, however, was a big issue with the GoHimal Pickup Truck Tent. I had problems even during the slightest winds (4-6 mph).
Maybe it’s just me, but I read other reviews of people having the same issue. It could take practice, but it took me around 15 minutes to set this tent up.
PROS
- Made specifically for a 5.5 to 6-foot pickup truck
- Huge pockets to store everything you need
- Breathable mesh
CONS
- Difficult to setup
#8 Rightline Gear Truck Tent
Most Features
Weight: 8 Pounds
Size of Truck Bed: 5.5-6 ft bed
Setup Time: 10 mins
Bed Liner: No
If you’re looking for a tent that has it all, the Rightline Gear Truck tent is for you! This truck tent gave me a camping experience that outperformed its price.
The Rightline gear tent comes in many different sizes to choose from. I also love how easily this tent sets up due to its color-coded poles.
One of my favorite parts of truck camping is looking at the stars at night. I was ecstatic when I discovered that the Rightline gear truck tent had an excellent sky-view section.
Unfortunately, this is one of those truck tents that doesn’t have a bed liner. So, it’s essential that you put down your liner before setting up an air mattress.
The last feature that I loved was the lantern hook. This helped me see at night without holding it up the whole time.
It’s important not to wake up whoever I’m camping with at night. Rightline’s glow-in-the-dark zippers made it easy to get out of the tent at night without turning on the light.
If you are more of a glamper, check out the best glamping tents.
PROS
- Many different sizes to choose from
- Sky-view vent
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper
- A hook to hang your lantern
CONS
- It doesn’t come with a bed liner
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tent for Your Truck Bed
Setup Time
Seeing others set up their tent in minutes makes me jealous. I hate wasting time struggling with a tent instead of enjoying the experience with family and friends. So, setup time is crucial.
Most truck tents on this list are easy to set up. When you’re browsing through them, be sure to look at the setup time before purchasing.
When arriving at the campsite, one way to help with your setup time is to read through the instructions ahead of time so that you already know what you’re doing when you arrive.
Tents, and especially truck tents, can be more complicated than they seem. Another reason to choose a tent with a quick setup time is that it helps allow you to have spontaneous adventures.
A lower setup time will help make sporadic adventures more appealing and manageable.
Struggling to set up your tent? You might like pop-up tents and instant tents.
Durability
Most people know that the cheaper a tent is, the less durable it might be, and vice versa. Even if they’re more expensive, durable truck beds will save you money.
Polyester tents are popular due to the strength of that material, which makes them highly durable. The best truck tents cost the most for a reason. They’re durable and worth it.
Seasonal Preference
Some people don’t like the cold, and I get that. It’s helpful to know your seasonal preference before buying a truck bed tent.
There’s no reason to buy the Kodiak Canvas truck tent if you have no desire to go truck camping during the winter.
These truck camping tents come in specific ratings. A winter truck bed tent will be labeled as a 4-season tent.
Truck camping tents for summer, spring, and fall are labeled 3-season.
Size
Truck bed tents are a fantastic way to enjoy nature, but for the most part, they’re made only to fit two people. If you need one that holds more people, look into ground tents.
The best truck tent for taller people is the Fofana Truck Tent.
Compatibility
Whether you have a Toyota Tundra, F150, Jeep Gladiator, Toyota Tacoma, or a different make and model, truck bed tent companies will have the perfect size for your truck.
Everyone doesn’t need the same size truck tent, so double-check before purchasing.
I’d suggest measuring your truck’s bed and then looking at the truck tent sizing guide that will typically be on the company’s website.
FAQs About Truck Bed Tents
Do truck bed tents work?
Truck bed tents absolutely work. There are tents out there that might have some faulty issues, like not being waterproof. Truck beds are a perfect and cheap place to sleep with the right tent!
Be careful when choosing your truck bed tent. Some don’t come with a floor, but the better tents will have a sewn-in floor.
What is the fastest setup truck tent?
The Fofana Truck tent is the fastest tent to set up as it’s also considered an instant tent. On average, It only takes five minutes to set this truck bed tent up! Now that’s speedy.
Not only is the Fofana truck bed tent easy to set up, but it’s also an excellent purchase for those wanting a higher ceiling.
Can you drive with a truck bed tent up?
One disadvantage of a truck bed tent is that you can’t drive with it on. You’ll either have to move it down to the ground and leave it there or disassemble it.
This is another excellent reason to choose a truck bed tent with speedy setup times to help with these decisions.
Can you put a regular tent in a truck bed?
Regular tents fit in a truck bed when they’re the proper size. However, I only recommend this if it’s out of necessity. It’s better to have a truck bed tent made specifically for your truck’s back.
A ground tent usually doesn’t have a rear access panel to help grab things from a truck cab. The best truck tents will make you glad you decided to buy a specified one.
Securing a regular tent to the entire truck bed is also impossible. During storms and other scenarios, firmly securing a truck bed tent to your truck is a good idea.
Having cab access is an underrated value of a truck bed tent. Some things you don’t need in the tent, but it’s nice to have the ability to grab it at a moment’s notice.
Conclusion: What is the Best Truck Bed Tent?
It took much trial and error, but the best truck bed tent I’ve found is the Napier Sportz Truck Tent. This bad boy has everything, from large mesh windows to high-quality materials.
Purchasing this tent has turned out to be a great decision. I love having a vast awning because it feels more inviting when guests come over to the campsite.
This tent is a bit more expensive than the others, but the price tag is well deserved. The Napier Sportz tent is so durable it’ll last for years to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phillip Anderson
Phillip Anderson is a freelance travel writer, personal trainer, and adventure enthusiast. He has traveled to 32 countries and embarked on various challenging multi-day treks in diverse terrains worldwide—most notably in Peru, Ecuador, and the US. These adventures took him through some of the most pristine landscapes in the world. Over time, Phillip learned how to do things the right way, emphasizing safety and the best gear for camping, hiking, mountaineering, and travel.
Whether finding the perfect view, cooking tasty food outdoors, or knowing what to bring, Phillip has you covered. He loves helping others prepare for camping trips and ensuring they have a great time. For more from Phillip, check out his website, JaywalkTheWorld.com.
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