Why you need a special rooftop tent packing list for summer
Anyone traveling to southern countries with a rooftop tent quickly realizes that sun, heat, and sometimes a lack of infrastructure require different preparation than camping in Germany or Scandinavia. With the right packing list for rooftop tent trips to southern countries, however, you'll be perfectly equipped – whether for a road trip to Italy, Greece, or Spain.
This rooftop tent packing list summer edition shows you what to look out for to enjoy your adventure in a relaxed way – with a focus on lightweight materials, good organization and clever camping solutions – without missing anything important on the way.
Documents & travel documents: Have everything readily available
You won't get far without the right documents. That's why you should always keep important documents well-organized and easily accessible, ideally in a waterproof folder.
Document checklist:
- Passport / identity card + visa (if applicable)
- Driving licence (possibly international)
- Vehicle registration document, insurance card, international breakdown cover
- Car spare key
- Key safe to secure the car key on the outside of the vehicle, for example when you are taking a bath.
- Credit card, cash, emergency funds
- International health insurance and vaccination certificate
- Copies of all documents (digital and/or printed)
💡 Tip: Upload all your documents to the cloud – this saves space and ensures you have them readily available even on your road trip. You can download our packing list for your next road trip with a car and rooftop tent here .
Rooftop tent & rooftop tent equipment: Your home on the car roof
The rooftop tent (here you'll find peace and recharge for the next day). To avoid getting too hot – except in the sun – it's worth considering a few extras for shade, comfort, and safety. Here are our rooftop tent equipment recommendations.
Packing list for roof tent & roof tent equipment:
- Roof tent + ladder & fixings
- Sun sail / tarp / awning for shade
- Levelling ramps (usually you can simply find a few suitable stones on site which, with a little skill, can replace the space-consuming levelling ramps)
- Comfortable mattress/sleeping pad + light blankets/sleeping bag (Optional additional topper or alternative inflatable mattress for more sleeping comfort)
- Mosquito net & insect protection
- awning
(for bad weather, or alternatively, to retreat to accommodation)
- Security lock ( secure roof tent against easy disassembly)
💡 Tip : Find out about the legal regulations regarding wild camping beforehand and consider whether a folding roof tent or a pop-up roof tent is better suited to you and your style of travel. Then nothing will stand in the way of your roof tent trip.
Camping kitchen & catering: Cooking under the sun
Food and drink are at the heart of every trip – and for that, you naturally need a practical camping kitchen, like our squiq-Traveler. Keeping food fresh is especially important in the south – and you should always carry enough water. Plan your trip so that you can also be self-sufficient at times.
Camping kitchen checklist for the trunk :
- Camping stove + gas / fuel
- Pots, pans, cutlery, cutting boards
- Glasses, cups, and water bottles for on the go
- Tupperware containers for snacks on the go
- Water canister / collapsible canister (min. 10 liters with or without electric tap)
- Cooler box or compressor refrigerator (12V) + power station
- Spices, oil, basics
- Folding bowl
- Folding boxes (for storage and organization)
- Dishwashing supplies, biodegradable soap
- Small freezer bags (practical for packing on the go)
- garbage bags
💡 Tip: With a camping trunk extension , such as the squiq-Traveler, you can make optimal use of your car's storage space – no more annoying restacking, everything is within easy reach and perfectly organized.
Clothing & sun protection: Lightweight, airy and safe
In southern countries, clothing isn't just about comfort; it's also about protection from the sun and insects. Breathable fabrics are invaluable – as is good sun protection. For your rooftop tent packing list for summer: less is more.
Clothing checklist:
- Lightweight shirts, shorts & swimwear
- Long-sleeved shirts / thin trousers for sun & mosquito protection
- Cozy and warm clothes for cool evenings
- Sun hat / cap, sunglasses
- Hiking boots, sandals, flip-flops
- rain jacket
- Sunscreen (high SPF), after-sun lotion, lip balm
💡 Tip : Pack your clothes in Euro crates. Put a large one (40x60 cm) on the bottom and a smaller one (40x30 cm) on top. This way you can always access everything and stay organized – especially if you're traveling with a compact car camping setup! With good organization, you might even be able to fit a guitar or a SUP in there!
Hygiene & Health: Staying fresh, even without a shower
Especially on a road trip in warm regions, you might not always feel fresh, but rather sticky. With a little preparation, it can still be comfortable.
Hygiene & Health Checklist:
- Toiletry bag with basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, all biodegradable)
- Water supply: minimum 10 liters of fresh water
- Microfiber towels
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit + personal medications
- Earplugs (in case it gets noisy at the campsite)
- Wet wipes, disinfectant
- Solar shower / shower bag
- Toilet paper & folding or composting toilet
Technology & power supply: how to stay self-sufficient
To prevent your smartphone, refrigerator, or lights from running out of power, you should plan for a reliable power supply. Solar panels and power banks are especially practical, because nothing works without electricity when car camping.
Checklist Technology & Electricity:
- Power station
- Power banks & chargers
- Solar panel - only if you plan to stay longer in a place where there is no mains electricity.
- Headlamps, lanterns, spare batteries
- Adapters for power outlets in the destination country
- Extension cord, power strip ( for longer stays in one place)
- Handheld vacuum cleaner (for roof tent and car)
Tools & Safety: Prepared for any eventuality
Whether it's a breakdown or a minor mishap, anyone traveling with a rooftop tent should be prepared. Especially on remote routes in the south, a few tools and accessories can save the day.
Checklist Tools & Safety:
- First aid kit, warning triangle, high-visibility vests
- spare wheel or puncture repair kit
- Jack, wheel wrench
- jumper cables
- Engine oil, spare fuses
- Multitool, tape, cable ties, ropes
- Traction aids (for sand or gravel)
Comfort & Extras: For a true holiday feeling with a rooftop tent
Rooftop tent trips are practical, but your vacation should also be comfortable. With a few extras, you can create truly feel-good moments on the road.
Comfort checklist:
- Camping chairs & table
- Hammock (from Squiq, of course 😊)
- picnic blanket
- Books, games, music
- Clothesline + clothespins
- Small strings of lights create a mood
Conclusion: Start every rooftop tent adventure relaxed with the rooftop tent packing list.
With this rooftop tent packing list for southern countries, you'll be perfectly prepared – from the right rooftop tent equipment and self-sufficient power supply to safety and comfort.
Pack light, stow cleverly and stay flexible – ideally with the squiq-Traveler as a well-designed trunk extension for camping.
This is the perfect way to start your next car camping adventure in the south. 🌍🚗
Download the document here – so you have the packing list for your road trip by car readily available.
