Napier Sportz SUV Tent vs Backroadz Truck Tent: Which Fits Your Camping Style?

Quick answer

Choose the Napier Sportz SUV Tent if you want to sleep inside your SUV with gear still packed, or the Backroadz Truck Tent if you prefer camping in the bed of your truck. The Sportz keeps you connected to your vehicle and lets you leave gear inside, while the Backroadz turns your truck bed into an elevated campsite that gets you off the ground.

If you camp from your vehicle, you've likely wondered whether an SUV tent or a truck tent makes more sense. Both let you skip the ground and stay connected to your ride, but they suit different vehicles, packing styles, and comfort needs. This comparison breaks down the Napier Sportz SUV Tent and the Napier Backroadz Truck Tent on the details that matter most: fit, setup, sleep comfort, and what you can leave in your vehicle.

We'll look at the Sportz SUV Tent, which is designed to attach to the back of your SUV, and the Backroadz Truck Tent, which sets up in the bed of your pickup. By the end, you'll know which one fits your camping style—and which one you should skip.

How each tent attaches to your vehicle

The Napier Sportz SUV Tent is built to attach to the rear of your SUV, creating a sealed passage between the tent and your cargo area. This means you can leave your gear in the trunk and still access it without stepping outside. It's a big advantage in bad weather or when you want to grab a snack at 2 a.m. without unzipping the main door.

The Backroadz Truck Tent, on the other hand, sets up in the bed of your pickup truck. It uses the truck bed as the tent floor, which keeps you off the ground and away from rocks, roots, and damp soil. The trade-off is that your gear has to share the bed or be moved out before you sleep, so you'll need to plan your packing differently.

• Think about how much gear you need at night. If you want it within arm's reach, the Sportz SUV Tent is easier. If you're fine with gear outside or in the cab, the Backroadz works well.

Sleep comfort and space

The Sportz SUV Tent gives you a dedicated sleeping area that attaches to your vehicle, so you can use an air mattress or sleeping pad on the tent floor. The Sportz Air Mattress, with its built-in hand pump, is a practical option for both tents—it's designed to fit between the wheel wells of a truck bed or lay flat in an SUV tent.

The Backroadz Truck Tent turns your truck bed into a sleeping platform. If you have a bed liner or a mattress that fits between the wheel wells, you get a flat, elevated sleep surface. The trade-off is that the truck bed's width and length limit your mattress size, and you'll need to work around wheel wells and tailgate height. The Sportz SUV Tent gives you more floor space options because the tent footprint is independent of the truck bed.

• Measure your truck bed before buying an air mattress for the Backroadz. The Sportz Air Mattress is designed to fit between wheel wells, but other mattresses may not.

Setup time and ease

The Backroadz Truck Tent is known for quick setup—you can typically have it ready in under 15 minutes. It attaches to the truck bed with straps and uses the tailgate as part of the tent structure. This makes it a favorite for tailgating and weekend trips where you want to minimize setup time.

The Sportz SUV Tent also sets up quickly, but it requires you to align the tent's sleeve or attachment points with your SUV's rear hatch. The process is straightforward once you've done it a few times, but it can take a bit longer the first time as you figure out the fit. The trade-off is that the Sportz gives you access to your vehicle, which the Backroadz doesn't.

• Practice setting up either tent at home before your trip. Knowing where the straps or sleeves go saves time in the dark or in wind.

Price and value

Both tents are offered at significant savings compared to their list prices. The Sportz SUV Tent is listed at USD 200.00 (down from USD 400.00), while the Backroadz Truck Tent Bundle is USD 172.00 (down from USD 344.00) and includes an air mattress and strap protectors. If you're starting from scratch, the bundle can save you money on accessories.

The Backroadz Truck Tent (Second Life) is a pre-loved option at USD 100.00 (down from USD 200.00). It's been inspected to meet Napier's quality standards but may show minor cosmetic signs of handling. If you're on a budget and don't mind a few scuffs, it's a way to get into a truck tent for less. The trade-off is that you won't get the full warranty or the pristine condition of a new tent.

• Compare the bundle price against buying a tent and mattress separately. The Backroadz Truck Tent Bundle includes the tent, air mattress, and strap protectors, which can be a better deal.

Trade-offs to weigh before you buy

• Vehicle access: The Sportz SUV Tent keeps you connected to your SUV's cargo area, so you can reach gear without going outside. The Backroadz Truck Tent doesn't offer vehicle access—everything you need at night has to be in the bed or cab. If you like having gear close, the Sportz wins.
• Sleep surface: The Backroadz uses your truck bed as the floor, which is elevated and off the ground. The Sportz gives you a tent floor that you can outfit with a mattress of your choice, offering more flexibility in size and firmness. For a custom sleep setup, the Sportz is more flexible.
• Setup and packing: The Backroadz sets up in under 15 minutes and is great for tailgating, but you'll need to rearrange gear in the bed. The Sportz takes a bit more time to attach to your SUV but lets you keep gear packed. For quick setup, the Backroadz is hard to beat.

Product facts at a glance

• Sportz SUV Tent: Unpack fun, not gear! Leave your junk in your trunk and stay connected to your vehicle during your next camping adventure with the Napier Sportz SUV Tent. You can keep gear in your SUV and access it from inside the tent, which is a big convenience in rain or at night.
• Backroadz Truck Tent Bundle: Turn your truck bed into a functional campsite with the Backroadz Truck Tent Bundle—perfect for overlanding, tailgating, and off-the-grid adventures. This all-in-one bundle includes a durable truck tent, comfortable air mattress with built-in pump, and strap protectors to keep your vehicle in top shape. The bundle gives you everything you need to sleep in your truck bed, including a mattress and protection for your truck's paint.
• Sportz Air Mattress: This air mattress features a built-in hand pump for convenient inflation anywhere you go. The ideal truck accessory designed to fit in between the wheel wells of your truck bed or lay flat in an SUV tent. It's a versatile sleep solution that works with both tent types, and the hand pump means you don't need to carry a separate pump or find power.

Which tent fits your camping style?

Best for

• SUV owners who want to keep gear in the trunk and access it from the tent
• Campers who prefer a dedicated tent floor that can accommodate a variety of air mattresses or pads

Not for

• Pickup truck owners who want to sleep in the bed and set up quickly—consider the Backroadz Truck Tent instead
• Campers who need to carry large gear that won't fit in the truck bed alongside a tent and mattress

Both the Napier Sportz SUV Tent and the Backroadz Truck Tent are solid choices, but they serve different camping styles. Choose the Sportz SUV Tent if you value vehicle access and a flexible sleep surface. Choose the Backroadz Truck Tent if you want a quick, elevated camp in your truck bed. Match the tent to your vehicle and how you like to camp, and you'll sleep better on your next trip.