Hard Shell vs Soft Shell: Choosing the Right Roof Top Tent
Thiplid67 said
Jun 11, 2025
As rooftop tent camping continues to grow in popularity, more outdoor enthusiasts are discovering the comfort, convenience, and mobility that a roof top tent offers. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country overlanding adventure, your choice of tent can significantly impact your experience. Two of the most common types available today are hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents. Understanding the differences between them can help you choose the right model for your vehicle, terrain, and travel needs.
Understanding Roof Top Tents
A roof top tent mounts on the roof of your vehicle and unfolds to provide a sleeping area elevated from the ground. Unlike traditional ground tents, these innovative shelters keep you away from mud, bugs, and uneven surfaces. For campers who frequently venture into remote or rugged environments, a 4x4 rooftop tent is especially beneficial as it allows easy setup and pack-down regardless of terrain. These tents are ideal for roof top tent camping because they save internal vehicle space and reduce setup time. But not all rooftop tents are made the same. The two main categorieshard shell and soft shelloffer distinct features and benefits.
Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
A hard shell rooftop tent features a solid, protective outer shell typically made of fiberglass, aluminum, or ABS plastic. It opens upwards either vertically or in a clamshell design, using gas struts or hinges. This shell protects the tent fabric during travel and provides added insulation.
Advantages of Hard Shell Roof Top Tents:
Ease of Setup: A major advantage is the quick setup. Most hard shell tents can be opened in under a minute, making them ideal for overlanders who move frequently.
Durability: The rigid exterior offers excellent protection against wind, rain, and snow, making them great for harsh weather conditions.
Aerodynamic Design: Many hard shell models are streamlined, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
Extra Storage: Some models come with roof racks or solar panel mounts on top of the shell, adding utility.
Disadvantages:
Higher price point compared to soft shell models.
Heavier, which might affect smaller SUVs or crossovers.
Less internal space for larger groups.
If youre planning to go on long overlanding rooftop tent journeys, where you might set up and pack down daily, a hard shell option can save significant time and hassle.
Soft Shell Roof Top Tents
Soft shell rooftop tents feature a fold-out design and are usually made from heavy-duty canvas. When packed down, the tent is enclosed in a soft PVC cover and typically folds out to one or both sides of the vehicle.
Advantages of Soft Shell Roof Top Tents:
Affordability: These models are generally more budget-friendly, making them perfect for beginners or occasional campers.
Larger Sleeping Area: Soft shell tents often unfold to create more floor space, suitable for families or groups.
Lightweight: Easier on your vehicles roof load capacity, especially beneficial for smaller SUVs.
Disadvantages:
Longer setup and takedown times.
More exposure to wind and rain during setup.
Bulky when folded, which may affect fuel economy and vehicle handling.
For those looking for a rooftop tent for SUV use primarily in fair weather or occasional trips, a soft shell model could be the more practical option.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between a hard shell and soft shell roof top tent depends on several factors, including your budget, frequency of travel, weather conditions, and vehicle type.
Frequent Travelers: If you hit the road often or are into overlanding rooftop tent adventures, the durability and quick deployment of hard shell models make them a smart investment.
Family Camping Trips: A soft shell rooftop tent offers more space and affordability, making it ideal for weekend campers and those with larger families.
SUV Owners: Choosing a rooftop tent for SUV requires checking weight and load capacity. Soft shell tents are lighter, while hard shell tents offer more robust protectionboth can be suitable if matched correctly with your vehicle's specs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned overlander or a weekend explorer, investing in the right roof top tent can transform your outdoor experience. Rooftop tent camping is not only a convenient way to explore the wild but also a safe and comfortable one. Hard shell tents bring speed and ruggedness, while soft shell roof top tent deliver space and affordability. Consider your travel habits, vehicle type, and camping goals before deciding.
In the end, both hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Whichever you choose, youre one step closer to unlocking the freedom of the open road and the great outdoors.
As rooftop tent camping continues to grow in popularity, more outdoor enthusiasts are discovering the comfort, convenience, and mobility that a roof top tent offers. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country overlanding adventure, your choice of tent can significantly impact your experience. Two of the most common types available today are hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents. Understanding the differences between them can help you choose the right model for your vehicle, terrain, and travel needs.
Understanding Roof Top Tents
A roof top tent mounts on the roof of your vehicle and unfolds to provide a sleeping area elevated from the ground. Unlike traditional ground tents, these innovative shelters keep you away from mud, bugs, and uneven surfaces. For campers who frequently venture into remote or rugged environments, a 4x4 rooftop tent is especially beneficial as it allows easy setup and pack-down regardless of terrain. These tents are ideal for roof top tent camping because they save internal vehicle space and reduce setup time. But not all rooftop tents are made the same. The two main categorieshard shell and soft shelloffer distinct features and benefits.
Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
A hard shell rooftop tent features a solid, protective outer shell typically made of fiberglass, aluminum, or ABS plastic. It opens upwards either vertically or in a clamshell design, using gas struts or hinges. This shell protects the tent fabric during travel and provides added insulation.
Advantages of Hard Shell Roof Top Tents:
Ease of Setup: A major advantage is the quick setup. Most hard shell tents can be opened in under a minute, making them ideal for overlanders who move frequently.
Durability: The rigid exterior offers excellent protection against wind, rain, and snow, making them great for harsh weather conditions.
Aerodynamic Design: Many hard shell models are streamlined, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
Extra Storage: Some models come with roof racks or solar panel mounts on top of the shell, adding utility.
Disadvantages:
Higher price point compared to soft shell models.
Heavier, which might affect smaller SUVs or crossovers.
Less internal space for larger groups.
If youre planning to go on long overlanding rooftop tent journeys, where you might set up and pack down daily, a hard shell option can save significant time and hassle.
Soft Shell Roof Top Tents
Soft shell rooftop tents feature a fold-out design and are usually made from heavy-duty canvas. When packed down, the tent is enclosed in a soft PVC cover and typically folds out to one or both sides of the vehicle.
Advantages of Soft Shell Roof Top Tents:
Affordability: These models are generally more budget-friendly, making them perfect for beginners or occasional campers.
Larger Sleeping Area: Soft shell tents often unfold to create more floor space, suitable for families or groups.
Lightweight: Easier on your vehicles roof load capacity, especially beneficial for smaller SUVs.
Disadvantages:
Longer setup and takedown times.
More exposure to wind and rain during setup.
Bulky when folded, which may affect fuel economy and vehicle handling.
For those looking for a rooftop tent for SUV use primarily in fair weather or occasional trips, a soft shell model could be the more practical option.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between a hard shell and soft shell roof top tent depends on several factors, including your budget, frequency of travel, weather conditions, and vehicle type.
Frequent Travelers: If you hit the road often or are into overlanding rooftop tent adventures, the durability and quick deployment of hard shell models make them a smart investment.
Family Camping Trips: A soft shell rooftop tent offers more space and affordability, making it ideal for weekend campers and those with larger families.
SUV Owners: Choosing a rooftop tent for SUV requires checking weight and load capacity. Soft shell tents are lighter, while hard shell tents offer more robust protectionboth can be suitable if matched correctly with your vehicle's specs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned overlander or a weekend explorer, investing in the right roof top tent can transform your outdoor experience. Rooftop tent camping is not only a convenient way to explore the wild but also a safe and comfortable one. Hard shell tents bring speed and ruggedness, while soft shell roof top tent deliver space and affordability. Consider your travel habits, vehicle type, and camping goals before deciding.
In the end, both hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Whichever you choose, youre one step closer to unlocking the freedom of the open road and the great outdoors.