Tent Accessory Checklist: What to Add After Your First Setup
By ROAM Adventure Co. | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Product Reviews
A practical FAQ for new rooftop campers covering the tent accessory checklist, must-have add-ons, and how to choose gear that fits your setup without overspending.
Quick answer
After your first rooftop tent setup, prioritize a fitted sheet for easier cleanup, ladder comfort and safety add-ons, and a small camp knife you will actually use. Buy the accessories that solve a nightly or daily friction point first, then add convenience items. If you are unsure, start with the Vagabond Rooftop Tent Sheet and Ladder Soft Steps because they directly improve sleep and middle-of-the-night exits.
How to build your tent accessory checklist without overbuying
Start by walking through a full camp day: setup, sleep, midnight bathroom trips, morning coffee, and pack-down. Any step that feels annoying or slow is a candidate for an accessory. This keeps your rooftop tent gear list grounded in real use instead of hype. For most campers, the first upgrades fall into three buckets: sleep surface protection, ladder safety and comfort, and small tools that stay in the tent or vehicle.
Fit is the most common mistake. Accessories designed for one tent model often do not work on another. Check the product description for compatibility notes before buying. For example, the Ladder Soft Steps explicitly do not work on Rambler ladders, and installation requires drilling into the ladder. That is a real constraint, not a minor detail. If you are not comfortable drilling, skip them or choose a different comfort solution.
Which accessories actually improve sleep and cleanup
A fitted sheet changes how your tent feels and how fast you can clean up. The Vagabond Rooftop Tent Sheet comes in a soft 400 thread count cotton cover and a waterproof terry cloth cover for extra protection. It installs and removes in seconds, which matters when you are packing down in the rain or after a dusty trip. The key step is selecting the correct size: Standard Vagabond uses the standard sheet, Vagabond Lite uses the Lite sheet, and Vagabond XL uses the XL sheet.
If you camp with a partner or kids, a sheet also reduces wear on the mattress itself. That extends the life of the tent's built-in mattress and keeps crumbs, sand, and dog hair from working into the fabric. For cold-weather trips, a sheet is not insulation, but it does make the sleep surface feel more like a bed and less like a camping pad.
When a camp knife earns its place in your gear list
A fixed-blade knife is optional for car camping but useful if you cook at camp, process firewood, or want a sturdy tool for small tasks. The ROAM Coyote Knife is a limited edition made by Sasquatch Survival Gear. It has a hefty everyday carry design, an 80CRV2 blade, removable handle scales, and a storage cavity inside the blade. That makes it a practical choice for slicing food at camp and handling everyday tasks, though it is heavier than a simple folding knife.
If you already carry a multitool and rarely cook outside, you can delay this purchase. If you want one knife that handles camp kitchen duty and general tasks, the Coyote is a reasonable single-tool option. Just note that the catalog does not list a sheath or mounting system, so plan how you will store and carry it safely.
Tent accessory FAQ
- What should I add first after my first rooftop tent setup?
- Start with a fitted sheet that matches your tent model, then add ladder comfort or safety items if your ladder supports them. These solve sleep and nightly movement issues before you spend on convenience gear. Buy for the problems you noticed on your first trip, not for a generic list.
- Are ladder soft steps worth it?
- They are worth it if you often get up at night or have kids, because they add cushion and a non-slip tread. Check compatibility first: they do not work on Rambler ladders and require drilling into the ladder. Skip them if you are not comfortable drilling or have a Rambler ladder.
- Do I need a special sheet for my rooftop tent?
- A dedicated sheet fits better than a household sheet and makes cleanup faster. The Vagabond sheet comes in cotton or waterproof terry cloth and must be ordered in the correct size for your tent. Measure or confirm your tent model before ordering.
- Is a camp knife a must-have tent accessory?
- Not for everyone. It is useful if you cook at camp or want one sturdy tool for multiple tasks. The Coyote Knife is hefty and limited edition, so it is more of a deliberate purchase than an impulse add-on. Buy it if you will use it for food prep and camp tasks; otherwise a small multitool may be enough.
- How do I avoid buying accessories that do not fit?
- Read the compatibility notes in each product description. Look for model-specific warnings, installation requirements, and size options. If a specification is not listed, treat that as a reason to ask before buying. One incompatible accessory costs more than waiting for the right one.
Product facts
- Ladder Soft Steps: Ladder Soft Steps are designed to add cushion between your feet and the ladder steps, with a custom tread to prevent slipping and all mounting hardware included. They do not work on Rambler ladders, and installation requires drilling into the ladder. These help barefoot middle-of-the-night exits feel more comfortable and safer, but only if your ladder is compatible and you are willing to drill.
- Vagabond Rooftop Tent Sheet: The Vagabond Rooftop Tent Sheet is available in a soft 400 thread count cotton cover or a waterproof terry cloth cover. It installs and removes in seconds, and you must match the sheet size to your tent: Standard Vagabond, Vagabond Lite, or Vagabond XL. A sheet makes cleanup faster and protects the mattress, but ordering the wrong size means it will not fit properly.
- ROAM Coyote Knife (Limited Edition By Sasquatch Survival Gear): The ROAM Coyote Knife is a limited edition by Sasquatch Survival Gear with an 80CRV2 blade, removable handle scales, and a storage cavity inside the blade. It is described as a hefty everyday carry survival knife suitable for camp tasks and slicing food. It can replace a separate camp kitchen knife and small tool, but it is heavier than a basic folding knife and the catalog does not list a sheath.
