Short answer: a roof top tent is one of the best gifts you can give an angler, because it removes the single biggest barrier to fishing dawn and dusk — having somewhere comfortable to sleep at the put-in. 23Zero make excellent ones. We also stock roof top tents ourselves, covered further down.

Fly anglers want to spend more time camping these days to beat crowds and enjoy solitude. A roof top tent is an easy way to accomplish that without the hassle of a trailer, but with the comfort of a bed. This rugged, versatile gear isn't just an excellent addition to any angler's kit — it's an ideal present for plain old outdoor enthusiasts too.

Hard shell roof top tent deployed on the rear of a vehicle

1. Roof top tent innovation

A roof top tent is a genuine game-changer for fly anglers. Setting it up is a breeze, providing comfortable, secure shelter within minutes. Whether you're casting by a serene riverbank or spending a night at a secluded high mountain lake, it changes what's practical.

You gain extra space both in the tent and inside your vehicle. Once up, you have a burly shelter that captures heat and extends your season. And you get unrivalled sleep on a top-of-the-line cushion, with some distance between you and the bears on the ground.

2. Durable and adventure-ready

Good roof top tents are built to withstand the challenges of the outdoors. Look for light-dampening, water-resistant fabric, an alloy frame, and genuine engineering behind the folding mechanism — that's what handles varying weather and rough terrain.

Hinge mechanism on a hard shell roof top tent

Tents come in hardshell or softshell styles depending on your preference. Personally I prefer hardshells, but it's usually just two of us. Hardshells go up and down faster, which matters if you're relocating nightly. Softshells generally give you more floor space and often a much larger annex for the money, which matters more if you're basecamping.

3. Convenience

Convenience is the standout feature, and anglers who value fishing time appreciate it most. It mounts to just about any vehicle. Setting up camp is effortless, and when it's time to move to the next spot it folds away within minutes — more time casting, less time on tedious campsite chores.

You can often leave your sleeping bag and pillow in the tent when it's stowed, which saves real room in the vehicle.

4. Tailored for fly fishing adventures

For anglers this is a dream setup. It lets you explore remote fishing locations and get a comfortable night's sleep far from the hustle. Look for a two or three-inch premium mattress with a cotton topper and a waterproof base, which eliminates the need for a separate condensation mat. Clamshell models often let you attach additional roof rails where rod holders can go.

Imagine listening to your favourite fly fishing podcast nestled in the comfort of a roof top tent, warm and surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Premium mattress inside a roof top tent

5. Features and accessories

The accessory ecosystem is what turns a tent into a camp: a comfortable mattress, built-in mosquito nets, ample storage for fishing gear, and a dry, warm place to sleep. Beyond that, annexes, showers, tables, and bedding are all available across the better brands.

6. It gets them out there more

Gifting a roof top tent isn't just exceptional gear — it enables overnighters that go further and last longer, so they maximise fishing time. Sharing stories with fellow anglers is an integral part of the journey, and this facilitates that connection.

Frankly, leave the stories at the campfire and head to bed in the comfort of a tent. That way they get tight lines the entire trip, and even better stories about the hog they roped on 7X tippet.

The roof top tents we stock

I'll be straight with you: 23Zero make genuinely good tents, and if that's what your angler wants, buy it from them with my blessing. But we carry roof top tents too, and for a fishing-specific gift they have one advantage worth understanding.

The Guana Equipment Wanaka 64" with XL Annex sleeps 3-4 up top, and the annex measures 100" x 100" against a market average of roughly 65" x 75". That's close to the largest available, and here's why it matters for an angler specifically: it gives you a covered, standing-height space to strip out of waders in the rain and hang wet gear overnight, outside the vehicle. Anyone who has changed out of soaked waders in a February parking lot understands the value immediately.

It's a 4-season tent — 600D waterproof ripstop with taped seams and PU coating, YKK zippers throughout, 1" aluminium poles, a diamond plate aluminium base, 3" high-density foam mattress, anti-condensation mat, LED light strip, boot bags, and a 2-year warranty.

For smaller vehicles or tight garage clearance, the Wanaka 55" carries the same build on a narrower footprint and fits anything with a rack rated to 165 lbs dynamic. Gifting for a family? The Wanaka 72" sleeps four up top with room for two more in the annex.

One thing to check before buying any roof top tent as a gift: the recipient's rack must have a dynamic weight rating high enough, which is the figure that applies while driving. These run 140-175 lbs before anyone climbs in. It's an awkward gift to unwrap if their vehicle can't carry it.

What else goes in the camp

Round it out with storage that keeps wet and dry gear apart — the Overland Storage Cube Set, Van Gear Box Storage Bags, and the Gear & Shoe Storage Bag for muddy boots. Add a Beacon 500 Lumen Headlamp, the Fiber Light EDC Fire Kit, and a hitch-mounted grill from the HitchFire collection so the camp kitchen travels with the vehicle.

Browse camping and off road and overlanding.

The bottom line

A roof top tent is a gift that gets treasured, because it doesn't sit in a garage — it changes how often someone gets out. Durability, convenience, and comfort are what make it an outstanding choice. If you're after a present that combines a passion for fly fishing with genuine practicality, this is the answer.

Happy gifting and tight lines!

Read a comparison of 23Zero and iKamper, or see all 5 tent types for the fly fishing angler.