The Lightest Roof Tent in the UK: Why the Tentbox Go Stands Out

When it comes to choosing a roof tent, most of us are guilty of looking at the big ones first. The models with room to stretch out, a mattress thick enough to swallow you whole, and annexes that turn your car into something closer to a two-bedroom flat.

They’re great, don’t get me wrong, but not everyone wants to carry half a house on the roof. For some of us, weight is everything.

Enter the Tentbox Go — the lightest roof tent in the UK. And in my opinion, one of the best options out there if you’re looking for something simple, compact, and travel-friendly.

Why a Lightest Roof Tent UK Option Matters

Anyone who’s ever tried hoisting a roof tent onto the top of a vehicle knows the struggle. Even with two people, some models are so heavy you feel like you need a crane or at least a mate who plays prop forward for the local rugby team. The lighter the tent, the easier it is to get on and off, the less stress it puts on your roof bars, and the less it affects fuel economy.

That’s where the Tentbox Go earns its place. It’s designed to be a truly lightweight roof tent that works even on smaller cars. It’s manageable, portable, and makes roof tent camping realistic for solo travellers who don’t want to wrestle with 60+ kilos of canvas and poles.

Meet the Tentbox Go

The Tentbox Go is built with portability and speed in mind. It’s the entry-level option in the Tentbox range, but don’t let that fool you — it still packs plenty of punch. At just 40 kg, it’s the lightest roof tent Tentbox has ever made, meaning almost any car can carry it without looking like it’s about to topple over. Price: £995.

Inside, it’s designed as a solo camping roof tent, but you can sleep two if you’re happy to get cosy. If you are going to use it as a two-man tent, Tentbox advises installing the support bar inside to reinforce the canvas base. Without it, the bottom can sag a bit under extra weight, which is fine if you’re on your own, but less ideal if you’re doubling up. Forget the bar and you’ll soon be rolling on top of each other in the middle of the night — which is either a bonus or a disaster, depending on who you’re sharing with.

Setup in Minutes

Like all Tentbox models, the Go is quick to set up. You can have it ready in under five minutes — unzip the cover, fold it open, and you’re good to go. Compared to some heavier soft-shells that can leave you swearing into the wind while fighting poles, this simplicity is a blessing. For solo travellers or anyone rolling into camp late at night, it’s the perfect quick setup roof tent. Less faff, more time to boil the kettle (or crack open a beer).

Living with the Lightest Roof Tent UK, The Tentbox GO.

The biggest draw of the Go is how little fuss it creates. It doesn’t dominate the car the way bigger models do, and you don’t need a burly 4×4 to carry it. Pop it on a hatchback, estate, or van, and suddenly you’ve got a small car roof tent that turns your runaround into a micro-camper.

Inside, you’ve got enough space to sleep comfortably, with room for your bag or a dog at your feet. There’s no built-in mattress like the bigger Tentbox models, so you’ll need a roll mat or sleeping pad — but look at it this way: if you already own a decent mat, you’ve saved yourself lugging around another 10 kg of foam.

The Go also shines for those who like to travel light. If you’re bouncing between campsites, doing a road trip, or sneaking in a weekend adventure, it’s perfect. Less weight means less drag, which means better fuel economy — and less grumbling when you hand over your card at the petrol station.

Who’s It For?

The Tentbox Go isn’t trying to be all things to all people. If you’ve got a family of four, you’re better off with the Lite XL or a Ventura Deluxe. If you want plush comfort with a mattress you can sink into, the Classic or Cargo are better options. But if you’re a solo traveller, a couple who doesn’t mind being cosy, or someone who just wants the best compact roof tent available in the UK, the Go makes a lot of sense.

It’s also one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into the world of roof tents. You don’t need to spend over £2,000 or worry about whether your car can handle the weight. At £995, it’s an affordable roof tent that keeps things simple: lightweight, easy to use, and effective. In other words — less money on the tent, more money for the adventure snacks.

Final Thoughts

Roof tents have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and with good reason. They make camping easier, quicker, and in many cases, far more comfortable than pitching a ground tent. But not everyone needs a fortress on their roof. Sometimes, the lighter and simpler option really is the best.

The Tentbox Go proves that point perfectly. At 40 kg, it’s the lightest in the range, making it easy to live with day to day. It sets up in minutes, fits almost any car, and gives you a raised, comfortable place to sleep — all for just £995. Just remember, if two of you are climbing in, fit that support bar — your canvas floor will thank you. If not, you’ll soon be rolling into each other like a pair of mismatched sleeping bags.

For solo campers, weekend warriors, or anyone who values lightweight practicality, the Tentbox Go isn’t just the lightest roof tent in the UK — it’s one of the smartest buys you can make.

How does it compare to other rootents?

And if you’re curious how it stacks up against other lightweight designs, have a look at the Ventura Roof Tents & Awnings 2025 – Complete Guide, where the Ventura Deluxe 1.4 offers another budget-friendly option. Both have their place, but when it comes to ease of use, portability, and avoiding hernias when lifting it onto your roof, the Tentbox Go takes the crown.

If you’re looking for something bigger, then Tentbox offer a great range of roof tents to suit your requirements. From the spacious Tentbox Lite XL that’s ideal for families, to the all-rounder Tentbox Classic, and the rugged Tentbox Cargo built for serious adventures, there’s an option for every setup. Whether you want maximum space, year-round durability, or a balance between the two, Tentbox has you covered.

Don’t forget — if you decide to order, you can use the code VILDMARK for £50 off your Tentbox order, or use the same code with Ventura to claim a free gift with your purchase.