OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent In-Depth Review

OEX has recently launched the Vertex Lite. The two-person fold-out roof tent offers an affordable entry to the growing trend of rooftop camping and is compatible with almost any vehicle. We took a closer look at one of this summer’s most exciting releases and answered all your burning questions.

Can you put the OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent on any car?

The OEX Vertex Lite is one of the most versatile roof tents on the market and fits on almost any car with a solid roof rack. You’ll need to check that your roof bars have a minimum dynamic load of 50kg for one camper and around 75kg for two campers. This is because a static load is usually around three times bigger than the dynamic load. So 225kg max static load, accounting for the 37.5kg weight of the roof tent, would leave 187.5kg which is plenty for two people.

The brackets on the roof tent will fit any bar widths between 25mm and 55mm, which covers most standard bars. It’s also recommended not to use a roof tent on a glass-roofed (panoramic) car – sunroofs are fine though.

Is the OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent easy to set up?

The Vertex Lite is extremely simple to set up. It comes with a detailed set of instructions and no tools are required when fitting the tent to your roof bars. Once it’s assembled, all that’s left to do is to park up in a picturesque spot and pitch the tent in seconds with its easy fold-out design. The built-in telescopic ladder is then used to level the tent with its adjustable height. Have a watch of this step-by-step setup video from OEX to see just how easy it is.

Is the OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent comfortable?

The OEX Vertex Lite is a very comfortable sleeping experience. It has a built-in 3-inch memory foam mattress that’s large enough for two people, so you can leave your sleeping mats at home. You can enjoy panoramic views with the windows open or total darkness when closed unless you choose to strap a lantern to the integrated hanging point. Plus, two internal pockets and integrated boot bags help you keep the inside of your tent tidy and free from mud.

How much does the OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent weigh?

The Vertex Lite is one of the lightest roof tents around with a total weight of just 37.5kg, and that’s including the telescopic ladder! Not only does this make it suitable for the majority of cars and roof bars, but it also makes assembly much easier. We’d still recommend two people for the initial assembly onto roof bars. Once it’s on, it takes seconds for one person to pitch the tent.

Can you use the OEX Vertex Lite Roof Tent in the rain?

The OEX Vertex Lite is well-equipped for wind and rain. The transport cover is made from durable fabric with a PVC coating, while the main roof tent fabric is waterproof to 3,000mm (Hydrostatic Head). That’s plenty to keep you dry in a classic British downpour. Just make sure you have the windows closed!

Where is it legal to sleep in a roof tent in the UK?

If you’re planning to take your roof tent away from the campsite, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Sleeping in a roof tent is essentially wild camping, so the etiquette and rules around where you can and can’t stay are the same. That means that ‘leaving no trace’ is a must, and unless you’re in Scotland or parts of Dartmoor then you must have landowner permission. That being said, if you are in the middle of nowhere there is a widely assumed tolerance as long as you act respectfully. Read our Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camping for more information.

Can you leave a roof tent on your car?

It’s not recommended to leave your roof tent on your car for long periods between camps. That’s because the extra weight will increase your fuel consumption and moisture levels in winter can cause it to become damp. There’s also a security risk of leaving a roof tent attached, as it may be targeted by thieves.

Our overall verdict

The Vertex Lite is a fantastic entry into the roof tent market. It’s lighter than most roof tents, made from premium materials and is a piece of cake to assemble and pitch. Roof tents are a growing market with increasing numbers of campers attracted to the freedom, comfort and convenience they offer. At the price offered by OEX, the Vertex Lite will allow even more people to try rooftop camping for themselves.