For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Trucks are great for camping trips. They’re big enough these days to fit at least four in comfort in the cab, have space for all your gear, and can take you well beyond the paved road. You’ll need to sleep eventually, however, and although the truck bed provides plenty of room, you’ll be exposed to rain, cold, bugs, and who knows what else nature throws at you. Sure, pitching a regular tent is a viable option, but it can take a long time to set up and pack, needs a flat surface, and won’t offer the best protection against heavy rain, mud, or pests.

The obvious solution is setting one up right in your truck’s bed, and there is no shortage of options to choose from. Below are five of the best pop-up truck bed campers available right now, along with some things to keep in mind when choosing the best one for you:

This sturdy, waterproof truck bed tent will comfortably fit two people and only takes about 10 minutes to set up. It’s made from high-quality polyester and includes a waterproof floor that extends a few inches up each lateral wall, so you’ll be fully protected even if the truck bed is wet. It also comes in five different sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your truck bed dimensions.

Key specs:

• Material: High-quality polyester taffeta and rugged polyethylene

• Estimated time to set up: 10 minutes

• What makes it special: Its sturdy frame and zippered storm flaps keep it secure during heavy rain and strong winds.

If you have lots of gear inside your truck bed that you don’t want to clear out before your camping trip, this floorless camping tent may come in handy. It’s great for summertime camping, as it comes with a sky view vent that you can use for ventilation or simply for stargazing. Although it’s water resistant, you probably shouldn’t rely on it to keep you 100 percent protected from heavy rain and severe storms. It’s great for a quick camping trip, though, as you can set it up and take it down in minutes.

Key specs:

• Estimated time to set up: 15 minutes

• What makes it special: Floorless, so you can keep other items in your truck bed

If you’re planning a fishing trip, outdoor picnic, or any other activity that involves staying in the same place for hours, it helps to have something to protect you from the sun and rain. This truck bed camper comes with a removable awning that shades the area behind your truck, so you can set up a chair or two and stay covered. It’s also fully waterproof, and its three windows come with shading layers to keep the sun from waking you up in the morning.

Key specs:

• Estimated time to set up: 10 minutes

• What makes it special: Awning to protect you from sun or rain

Although all the truck bed campers in this article are relatively simple to set up, this one is arguably the easiest. Once it’s up, it will keep you safe from rain and wind while still maintaining adequate airflow due to its extra-wide air vents. It’s not built for particularly harsh weather conditions, though. It also comes with a large entry door, which can be convenient if you’re packing a lot of gear.

Key specs:

• Material: Polyurethane-coated fabric

• Estimated time to set up: Under 10 minutes

• What makes it special: Super easy to set up

If you want the most interior space you can get from a truck bed camper, this may be the best choice for you. It’s almost 6 feet tall, so most people can move inside it without crouching too much or at all. It also stretches over the tailgate and extends even further with a 4-by-4-foot awning. Once you’re inside, its high-quality polyester taffeta material is designed to keep you safe and protected even under heavy rain and wind.

Key specs:

• Estimated time to set up: 15 minutes

• What makes it special: Taller and longer than most other truck bed campers

Things You Should Know When Choosing Your Truck Bed Camper

Although all the truck bed campers we’ve discussed so far would make great camping companions, some may be better suited for you than others. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing one for your truck.

Floor Design

A tent floor will give you excellent insulation from the rain and wind. It will also keep you safe from bugs, insects, snakes, and any other creatures that may decide to check up on you while you’re sleeping. They’re difficult to clean, however, and odds are you’ll be tracking in plenty of mud and dirt when going in your tent after a long day hiking or fishing. They also require an empty truck bed. If the downsides outweigh the benefits, you may be better off with a floorless model.

Weather Resistance Level

Another essential factor is the type of weather you expect to be exposed to. Some tents are designed to offer light protection and will only work on short summertime camping trips. Others, like most on our list, provide three-season protection, meaning that they’re sturdy and insulated enough to keep you covered in harsher autumn and spring weather conditions. If you’re an extreme camper and like to camp out during freezing cold winters, consider getting a four-season truck bed camper.

Door and Window Design

Having a well-ventilated tent is essential, especially on a hot summer day. Look for tents with multiple mesh windows that let the air circulate, but make sure that you can also cover them when needed to protect you from heavy winds and prevent that annoying morning light from ruining your sleep. Some tents also have a sky view, and some have a cab window that lets you access the cabin without having to get out.

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