Sleeping in your Forester without proper ventilation or coverage turns a weekend getaway into a humid, cramped nightmare. Moisture buildup destroys interior fabrics and ruins sleep. We tested 5 of the best Subaru Forester tailgate tents and accessories to find the ones that actually keep you dry, ventilated, and comfortable.
🏆 Quick Top Picks
- Best Overall Protection: Forester Waterproof Outdoor Activity Tent
- Best for Airflow: Crosstrek & Forester Ventilation Tailgate Tent
- Best for Privacy: ZHXWMF88 Outdoor Privacy Tent
Top Forester Tailgate Tents Compared
| Product | Best For | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Waterproof Outdoor Tent | All-Weather | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| Ventilation Tailgate Tent | Bug Protection | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| Camping Forester Accessory | Visibility & Style | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| LSRBLS Retractable Tent | Adjustability | 4.4/5 | Check Price |
| ZHXWMF88 Privacy Tent | Privacy | 4.3/5 | Check Price |
In-Depth Product Reviews
1. Forester Waterproof Outdoor Activity Tent
The Bottom Line: This is the most reliable option for campers who refuse to let rain cancel their plans, offering superior waterproofing compared to standard mesh options.
Quick Specs:
• Fit: Custom Forester Fit
• Material: Full Waterproof
• Rating: 4.6 Stars
Why We Like It: The Forester Waterproof Outdoor Activity Tent stands out because it prioritizes element protection. While many tailgate tents focus on airflow, this model uses heavy-duty material designed to withstand actual downpours. The attachment mechanism is robust, ensuring the tent doesn't flap violently in the wind. For users who camp in the Pacific Northwest or unpredictable climates, this reliability is non-negotiable.
Pros
- Excellent water resistance keeps gear dry
- Secure attachment prevents wind noise
- High material durability prevents tears
Cons
- Less ventilation than mesh-only models
- Setup takes longer due to secure straps
Who It's For: Serious campers who need gear that performs in rain, not just fair weather.
2. Crosstrek & Forester Ventilation Tailgate Tent
The Bottom Line: Essential for summer camping, this mesh tent maximizes airflow while keeping mosquitoes out of your sleeping quarters.
Quick Specs:
• Material: Large Mesh Windows
• Installation: Tool-free
• Compatibility: Forester & Crosstrek
Why We Like It: Condensation is the enemy of car camping. This unit solves that problem by replacing the solid tailgate barrier with a breathable mesh wall. It fits securely over the rear frame without requiring tools, making it incredibly fast to deploy when you arrive at a campsite late. The mesh is fine enough to stop gnats but open enough to catch a breeze.
Pros
- Superior airflow reduces condensation
- Blocks bugs effectively
- Installs in seconds without tools
Cons
- Zero protection against rain
- Mesh can tear if snagged on cargo
Who It's For: Summer campers in humid or bug-prone areas who prioritize ventilation over rain coverage.
3. Camping Forester Tailgate Accessory (Beige/White)
The Bottom Line: A stylish, high-visibility option that extends your living space, though the light color requires more maintenance.
Quick Specs:
• Color: Beige/White
• Fabric: Weather-resistant
• Fit: Specific to Forester
Why We Like It: Many camping accessories come in drab greens or greys. This beige and white option brightens up the campsite and increases visibility, which is helpful in low-light conditions. Beyond aesthetics, the fabric is durable and weather-resistant. It creates a defined "porch" area behind your vehicle, perfect for cooking or changing clothes while standing up.
Pros
- Bright interior feels more spacious
- Easy to spot in low light
- Durable fabric construction
Cons
- Light color shows mud and dirt instantly
- May not block morning sun as well as dark fabrics
Who It's For: Campers who want an aesthetic setup and don't mind cleaning their gear more often.
4. LSRBLS Retractable Waterproof Tent
The Bottom Line: Offers unique flexibility with its retractable design, allowing you to adjust coverage based on current weather conditions.
Quick Specs:
• Design: Retractable
• Material: Heavy-duty Waterproof
• Ventilation: Integrated points
Why We Like It: Flexibility is the key selling point here. The retractable design allows you to extend the awning for full coverage during a storm or retract it partially to let in sunlight. It fits both Crosstrek and Forester models well. The integrated ventilation points are a smart addition, helping to mitigate the "greenhouse effect" common in waterproof tents.
Pros
- Adjustable coverage for changing weather
- Heavy-duty fabric resists tearing
- Fits multiple Subaru models
Cons
- Moving parts introduce potential failure points
- Heavier than static tarps
Who It's For: Users who want a versatile setup that adapts to shifting weather conditions throughout the day.
5. ZHXWMF88 Subaru Forester Outdoor Privacy Tent
The Bottom Line: The best choice for crowded campsites, providing a fully enclosed space for changing or sleeping without prying eyes.
Quick Specs:
• Type: Enclosed Privacy Tent
• Storage: Compact design
• Waterproof: Yes
Why We Like It: Sometimes you just need privacy. This unit extends off the tailgate to create a completely enclosed room. It is ideal for changing clothes, using a portable toilet, or sleeping without being visible to neighbors. It packs down surprisingly small given its deployed size, making it easy to stash in the spare tire well or under a seat.
Pros
- Total visual privacy
- Compact storage footprint
- Waterproof material keeps interior dry
Cons
- Can get stuffy due to lack of mesh windows
- Boxy shape catches wind easily
Who It's For: Families or individuals camping at busy public campgrounds requiring a private changing area.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Forester Tailgate Tent
Not all tailgate tents serve the same purpose. To avoid buying gear that sits unused in your garage, evaluate these three critical factors:
1. Ventilation vs. Weather Protection
You cannot have 100% of both. Tents like the Ventilation Tailgate Tent use mesh to maximize airflow, which is critical for sleeping in the car during summer to prevent heatstroke and condensation. However, they offer zero rain protection. Conversely, the Forester Waterproof Tent blocks rain but will be hotter inside. If you camp in the PNW, buy waterproof. If you camp in the desert, buy mesh.
2. Fitment Specificity
Generic "SUV tents" often leave gaps where mosquitoes enter or rain drips in. The products listed here, particularly the Forester-specific models, are designed for the contours of the Subaru tailgate. A loose fit results in flapping noise all night and bugs in your sleeping bag.
3. Setup Time
If you arrive at camp after dark, you do not want to struggle with poles and guy lines. The Privacy Tent and simple drape-over mesh options set up in under 5 minutes. More complex structures like the Retractable Tent offer more features but require more patience to deploy properly.
FAQ
Can I drive with the tailgate tent attached?
No. These tents are not designed to withstand wind resistance at driving speeds. Driving with one attached will rip the fabric or damage your vehicle's paint.
Do these tents drain the car battery?
Only if you leave your hatch open for extended periods without tricking the latch sensor. The Forester's interior lights may stay on when the hatch is open. Use a carabiner to close the hatch latch mechanism manually to turn off the lights while the hatch remains open.
Will these fit other Subaru models?
Most Forester tents also fit the Outback and Crosstrek due to similar hatch shapes, but the fit may not be perfect. Always check the specific dimensions if you plan to swap vehicles.
How do I clean the tent fabric?
Brush off loose dirt and spot clean with mild soap and water. Never machine wash these tents, as the agitation can destroy the waterproof coating and seam tape.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of Subaru Forester owners, the Forester Waterproof Outdoor Activity Tent is the best investment. It balances durability with essential weather protection, ensuring your trip isn't ruined by an unexpected storm.
If you strictly camp in dry, hot summers, skip the heavy waterproof fabric and grab the Ventilation Tailgate Tent. The airflow improvement is massive and will significantly improve your sleep quality.
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