Imagine this: You’ve packed up your Subaru Outback, ready for an amazing camping trip or a fun day at the beach. The sun is shining, and the adventure is calling! But then, you realize you need a bit more space to relax out of the sun or rain. That’s where a tailgate tent comes in handy! They connect right to your Outback, giving you a cozy spot to hang out.
However, picking the perfect tailgate tent for your Subaru Outback can feel like a puzzle. There are so many kinds, and not all of them fit perfectly. You might worry about whether it will be easy to set up or if it will really stay put in the wind. You want something that makes your trip even better, not something that causes more hassle.
This post is here to help you solve that puzzle! We’ll explore what makes a great tailgate tent for your Subaru Outback and what to look for. By the end, you’ll know exactly which features matter most and how to choose the best one for your adventures. Let’s dive in and find the perfect addition to your Outback experience!
Our Top 5 Tailgate Tent For Subaru Outback Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Tailgate Tent For Subaru Outback Detailed Reviews
1. UNP SUV Tent for Camping
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for your next adventure with the UNP SUV Tent! This spacious 6-person tent is designed to make your camping trips more comfortable and convenient. It easily connects to your SUV, giving you extra room for sleeping or storing gear. Whether you’re hitting a music festival or exploring the great outdoors, this tent is a versatile choice.
What We Like:
- It’s big enough for 6 people. You can fit two air mattresses or six sleeping bags inside.
- The 78-inch height means you can stand up and change clothes easily.
- It connects right to your SUV! This gives you more space for sleeping and keeping your stuff.
- You can use it as a tent attached to your car or as a standalone 6-person tent.
- Lots of mesh windows and a mesh top let the air flow through. You can also see the stars at night if you take off the rainfly.
- UNP offers a 1-year warranty and promises to help you with any questions in 12 hours.
What Could Be Improved:
- The connection to the SUV might need some adjusting for different car models.
- While it’s easy to set up, it might take a little practice the first time.
This tent offers a lot of space and smart features for any outdoor lover. It’s a solid option for making your camping trips more enjoyable.
2. HEYTRIP SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Shade Waterproof Windproof Hatchback Camping Car Tent
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to take your outdoor adventures to the next level? The HEYTRIP SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Shade is here to transform your vehicle into a cozy, convenient campsite. This innovative tent easily attaches to the back of most SUVs, vans, and other similar vehicles, giving you extra living space and protection from the elements. Imagine sleeping in your car but with the added comfort and room of a tent – that’s exactly what this product offers. It’s the ultimate companion for tailgating parties, spontaneous camping trips, or just enjoying a day at the beach with extra shade.
What We Like:
- It attaches to almost any SUV, van, or MPV with its stretchy design.
- The large awning creates a shaded area and can be closed for privacy.
- A mesh screen lets in fresh air while keeping bugs out.
- Made with 210T polyester, it’s water-resistant and blocks sunlight.
- It comes with guy lines and stakes to keep it stable in wind.
- Setting it up is super simple, even for one person.
- It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space for storage.
- The company promises satisfaction and will help if anything is wrong.
What Could Be Improved:
- Poles are not included, so you’ll need to provide your own.
This HEYTRIP SUV Tailgate Tent is an excellent way to expand your vehicle’s utility for camping and tailgating. It offers great features for comfort and convenience, making your outdoor experiences more enjoyable.
3. VEVOR SUV Camping Tent
Rating: 8.9/10
The VEVOR SUV Camping Tent is a versatile shelter that transforms your vehicle into a comfortable campsite. It easily attaches to various SUVs, minivans, and even some trucks, or it can be used as a standalone tent. This tent is designed to sleep 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family adventures or group getaways.
What We Like:
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with many SUVs, minivans, crossovers, and even Jeep Wranglers. It also functions as a stand-alone tent.
- Spacious Interior: Comfortably fits 6-8 people, offering plenty of room for everyone.
- Excellent Weather Protection: Features a PU2000mm waterproof rating and a double-layer design to keep you dry and protected from wind and rain. The sewn-in PE floor also helps prevent water from seeping in.
- Sturdy Construction: Built with durable 9mm fiberglass poles that resist corrosion and provide strong support, even in winds up to force 5.
- Breathable Design: High-density mesh windows and a skylight allow for good airflow and a view of the stars, while the double layer adds insulation for cooler nights.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it accommodates many vehicles, it might not fit all specific truck bed configurations without caps.
- The setup process, while generally straightforward, could benefit from clearer instructions for first-time users.
This VEVOR SUV Camping Tent offers a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor experiences. It provides reliable shelter and ample space, making camping more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Hasika SUV Camping Tent Car Tailgate Shade Awning with Screen Net Waterproof 3000MM UPF 50+ Black (Small)
Rating: 9.3/10
Transform your SUV into a cozy campsite with the Hasika SUV Camping Tent Car Tailgate Shade Awning. This clever awning provides extra living space and protection from the elements, making it ideal for car camping adventures, music festivals, or any outdoor event where you need a comfortable place to rest. Its smart design ensures you can enjoy nature’s sounds without pesky bugs bothering you.
What We Like:
- Fits any SUV size, from small cars to larger vans, offering versatility.
- Sets up quickly and easily, even for one person, in less than 5 minutes.
- Provides excellent protection from rain and sun with its 3000mm waterproof and UPF 50+ fabric.
- The mesh screen offers great ventilation and keeps bugs out.
- Creates valuable extra space for sleeping or relaxing.
- Its windproof design with an integrated storm flap adds privacy and security.
- Compact and lightweight for easy carrying and storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “small” size might be too small for larger SUVs, so careful measurement is important.
This awning is a fantastic addition for anyone who loves camping or spending time outdoors. It’s a practical and comfortable way to enhance your vehicle-based adventures.
5. JOYTUTUS SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Shade
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready for your next adventure? The JOYTUTUS SUV Tailgate Tent with Awning Shade is your ticket to a more comfortable and convenient outdoor experience. This versatile tent attaches right to your SUV’s tailgate, giving you extra living space and protection from the elements. It’s perfect for camping, road trips, or even just a day at the beach.
What We Like:
- This tent keeps you dry and protected from the sun thanks to its water-resistant 150D polyester oxford fabric and PU2000 coating.
- You get a full car roof cover for privacy and protection, plus an expandable awning that’s big enough for 4-6 people to gather.
- Setting it up is a breeze! It only takes about 8 minutes to get it ready, and it folds down small enough to fit in its carrying bag.
- The adjustable straps make it fit most SUVs, vans, and MPVs snugly and securely.
- JOYTUTUS offers a 1-year warranty and technical support, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the awning offers shade, it might not be completely waterproof during heavy downpours.
- The setup instructions, while generally clear, could benefit from more detailed diagrams for absolute beginners.
This JOYTUTUS SUV Tailgate Tent is an excellent addition for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to upgrade their camping setup. It offers great space and protection, making your adventures even more enjoyable.
Your Subaru Outback’s Best Buddy: The Tailgate Tent Buying Guide
So, you love your Subaru Outback. It’s your trusty sidekick for adventures, from weekend camping trips to spontaneous beach visits. But what if you could make your Outback even more awesome for outdoor fun? Enter the tailgate tent! These clever shelters attach directly to your Outback’s open tailgate, giving you extra living space, shade, and protection from the elements. Let’s find the perfect one for your next adventure.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a tailgate tent for your Subaru Outback, keep these important things in mind:
- Vehicle Fit: This is the most important thing! Make sure the tent is designed to fit your specific Outback model and year. Some tents are universal, but a custom fit is always better.
- Ease of Setup: You don’t want to spend hours wrestling with poles. Look for tents with simple pole systems and clear instructions. Quick setup means more time for fun!
- Size and Space: How much room do you need? Think about how many people will be using it and what you’ll be doing inside. Do you need space to sleep, cook, or just relax?
- Ventilation: Good airflow keeps the tent comfortable and prevents condensation. Look for mesh windows and doors.
- Water Resistance: Even on a sunny day, unexpected rain can happen. Check the waterproof rating of the fabric.
- Insect Protection: Mesh screens are a must-have to keep bugs out while letting fresh air in.
Built to Last: Important Materials
The materials used in a tailgate tent make a big difference in how well it performs and how long it lasts.
- Tent Fabric: Most good tailgate tents use polyester or nylon. These fabrics are strong, lightweight, and can be treated to be water-resistant. Higher denier (a measure of fabric thickness) usually means a stronger fabric.
- Poles: Aluminum or fiberglass poles are common. Aluminum is lighter and stronger, but fiberglass is often more affordable.
- Zippers: Durable, smooth-gliding zippers are essential. Look for heavy-duty zippers that won’t snag or break easily.
- Waterproofing Coatings: Tents often have a PU (polyurethane) coating on the inside of the fabric to make them waterproof. The higher the hydrostatic head rating (like 2000mm), the more waterproof it is.
Quality Matters: Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a tailgate tent great, while others can make it a pain to use.
- What Makes it Better:
- Strong Seams: Well-stitched and taped seams prevent leaks.
- Good Ventilation: Plenty of mesh panels and vents.
- Sturdy Poles: Poles that don’t bend or break easily.
- Easy-to-Use Attachments: Clips and straps that securely connect to your Outback.
- Included Stakes and Guy Lines: These help keep the tent stable in windy conditions.
- What Makes it Worse:
- Flimsy Poles: Poles that snap or bend easily.
- Poor Stitching: Weak seams that can tear or leak.
- Difficult Setup: Confusing instructions or tricky pole designs.
- Cheap Zippers: Zippers that get stuck or break.
- No Ventilation: A stuffy, hot tent.
Living the Dream: User Experience and Use Cases
Imagine this: you pull up to your campsite, open your Outback’s tailgate, and in minutes, you have a cozy extension to your vehicle.
- Camping: Enjoy more space for sleeping bags, gear, or even a small table.
- Picnics and Tailgating: Create a shaded, comfortable spot for eating and gathering at sporting events or concerts.
- Beach Trips: Stay out of the sun and sand while enjoying the ocean breeze.
- Road Trips: Have a quick and easy shelter for overnight stops without setting up a full tent.
These tents are fantastic for adding convenience and comfort to your Outback adventures. They extend your living space, offer protection, and are super easy to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will a tailgate tent fit my Subaru Outback?
A: You need to check the specific model and year of your Outback. Many tents are designed for certain vehicle types, so always confirm the fit before buying.
Q: How easy is it to set up a tailgate tent?
A: Most are designed for easy setup, often taking 10-20 minutes. Look for tents with color-coded poles and simple instructions.
Q: Can I sleep in a tailgate tent?
A: Yes, many people use them for sleeping, especially if they have enough headroom. It’s like an extra room attached to your car!
Q: Are tailgate tents waterproof?
A: Good quality ones are water-resistant. Check the waterproof rating (hydrostatic head) to know how well it will hold up in rain.
Q: What’s the difference between a tailgate tent and a regular car tent?
A: A tailgate tent specifically attaches to your open tailgate, using your vehicle as part of the structure. A regular car tent might attach to the roof or just be a freestanding tent.
Q: Can I use a tailgate tent if my Outback has a spare tire mounted on the back?
A: Some designs can accommodate a rear-mounted spare tire, but many are made for Outbacks without one. Check the product description carefully.
Q: How much wind can a tailgate tent handle?
A: They can handle light to moderate winds if set up properly with stakes and guy lines. Very strong winds might be too much for any car tent.
Q: Can I open my tailgate when the tent is attached?
A: No, once the tent is set up and attached, you typically cannot open the tailgate itself. The tent is designed to work with the tailgate in the open position.
Q: What if I want to take my Outback off-road with the tent on?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Tailgate tents are best used when your vehicle is parked. Driving with one attached could damage the tent or your Outback.
Q: How do I clean and store my tailgate tent?
A: Let it air dry completely before storing it to prevent mold and mildew. Brush off any dirt or debris. Store it in its original bag in a cool, dry place.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.