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Hard vs. Soft Shell Rooftop Tent: 7 Factors To Determine Which Rooftop Tent Is Best for Me

Hard vs. Soft Shell Rooftop Tent: 7 Factors To Determine Which Rooftop Tent Is Best for Me

Time to take your camping game to the next level. Overlanding is a fun and accessible way to get away from society and immerse yourself in nature, but where do I begin? Your first step is getting the best rooftop tent. There are so many different options on the market, so how do you know which type of rooftop tent fits your specific needs? Car Camp Pro is here to help by showing you the side-by-side difference between Hard Shell and Soft Shell Rooftop Tents with these 7 differentiating factors:

  1. Shell Material

  2. Setup Time

  3. Weight

  4. Aerodynamics

  5. Durability

  6. Cost

  7. Storage

These 7 factors will give you everything you need to know to pick the best rooftop tent for you:

  1. Shell Material

Hard Shell – Outer shell made of hard, durable material, such as ABS plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum, that provides extra sturdiness and protection from the elements

Soft Shell – Outer shell usually made of canvas, polyester fabric, or pliable PVC that offer flexibility and ease of folding.

               This is the most obvious difference, hence the name. Hard Shell Rooftop Tents provide an extra level of durability, but that doesn’t mean that Soft Shell Rooftop Tents are weak by any means. All Soft Shell Rooftop Tents sold on Car Camp Pro use waterproof travel cases that are designed to stay on your vehicle through every day use and keep your tent safe in sun, rain, snow, wind, and even branches scraping by in your offroad adventures.

Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha Hard Shell Rooftop Side Open Tent (4 Person). Rear view of closed tent on vehicle on white background
Above Pictured: Hard Shell Rooftop Tent - Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha closed mounted on Toyota 4Runner
Tuff Stuff Overland Ranger Soft Shell Rooftop Tent (3 Person). Rear view of closed tent on vehicle on white background
Above Pictured: Soft Shell Rooftop Tent - Tuff Stuff Overland Ranger closed mounted on a Chevy Silverado

2. Setup Time

    Hard Shell - Generally quicker to set up as they often utilize hydraulic or gas-assisted mechanisms for easy opening and closing.

    Soft Shell - May take slightly longer to set up due to manual unfolding and securing of poles and fabric.

                   While Soft Shell rooftop tents are set up similar to traditional ground tents, Hard Shell rooftop tents often “pop” open with hydraulic or gas assisted struts. Setup for Hard Shell rooftop tents is as simple as unlocking the latches and letting the tent open for itself.

    Photo Example: Overland Vehicle Systems Mamba III Hard Shell Rooftop Tent Nitrogen Gas Charged Struts
    1. Weight

    Hard Shell - Tends to be heavier due to the rigid structure and materials used.

    Soft Shell - Typically lighter in weight, making them more suitable for vehicles with lower weight capacity or for those looking to minimize vehicle load.

                   Soft Shell rooftop tents can range from 88lb – 200lb, with the lightest at the moment being the C6 Outdoor Rev Rooftop Tent X at 88lb all-in. Hard Shell rooftop tents can range from 113lb – 275lb, with the lightest at the moment being the Badass Tents RUGGED Rooftop Tent weighing in at 113lb. Campers each have their own threshold of how much weight they are willing to carry as it compares to the size and material of their rooftop tent.

    Above Pictured: C6 Outdoor Rev Rooftop Tent X - the lightest rooftop tent at 88lb
    Above Pictured: Badass Tents RUGGED Rooftop Tent - the lightest hard shell rooftop tent at 113lb
    1. Aerodynamics

    Hard Shell – Generally more aerodynamic when closed, which may lead to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise during transportation.

    Soft Shell – Can cause more wind resistance and noise, especially at higher speeds.

                   The soft nature of the transportation covers on Soft Shell rooftop tents will catch more wind in transit than Hard Shell rooftop tents. That being said, the effect on gas mileage attributed to this factor alone is unknown.

    Photo: Overland Vehicle Systems Bushveld II Hard Shell Rooftop Tent shows off aerodynamic shell design

     

                   Overall, the rooftop tent that is the most aerodynamic is the Badass Tents CONVOY tent. These are available for the 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender 110, 2005-2016 Land Rover LR3/LR4, and the 2009-2024 (5th Gen) Toyota 4Runner. The Convoy has an OEM style design crafted to match specific vehicles and contour the tent to the vehicle. In this design, there is no gap between the rack where the tent is mounted and the tent itself.

    Photo: Badass Tents CONVOY Hard Shell Rooftop Tent for 2009-2024 (5th Gen) Toyota 4Runner has an OEM design style that reduces wind resistance with a sleek appearance.

     

                   One trick to reduce wind resistance for pickup truck owners is to use a half-height bed rack to mount your rooftop tent. This height is designed to hide your rooftop tent behind the cab while closed and in transit. Our best-selling example of this is the Sherpa Equipment Company Mid Height PAK System Bed Rack. Please feel free to inquire about other options that might fit your vehicle. Car Camp Pro has access to thousands of products that can be sourced and shipped even if they are not posted on the site. Our team is happy to consult with you about your vehicle to meet your car camping needs!

    Photo: Sherpa Equipment Company Mid Height PAK System Bed Rack hides rooftop tent behind the cab to reduce wind resistance while in transit. Please inquire with our team to help you find the best fit for your truck!
    1. Durability

    Hard Shell - Generally more durable and resistant to wear and tear over time, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions or rough terrain.

    Soft Shell - While still durable, may be more prone to damage from sharp objects or prolonged exposure to sunlight and moisture.

                   Simple explanation – plastic, fiberglass, and metal are all more durable than fabric composites. However, one Soft Shell material that I have found impressive from personal experience is the patented RHINOTEK texturized waterproof rubber used on the “Packout” Rooftop Tent from Badass Tents. This thick woven, rubber-infused material can easily withstand the elements and even branches scraping in tight offroad transit.

    Badass Tents "PACKOUT" Soft top Rooftop Tent (Universal Fit) - Black/Rhinotec Cover + Grey/Org Tent - 45x78”. Close up of corner of closed tent with cover on vehicle
    Photo: Badass Tents Packout Rooftop Tent uses a RHINOTEK rubberized cover that I found impressively durable in the soft shell rooftop tent marketplace
    1. Cost

    Hard ShellTends to be more expensive upfront due to the complexity of design and materials used.

    Soft Shell - Usually more budget-friendly compared to hard shell tents, making them a popular choice for casual campers or those on a tighter budget.

                   Hard Shell Rooftop Tents range from $1,749 to $4,000, with the least expensive being the Trustmade Hard Shell Pop-Up Rooftop Tent at $1,749. Soft Shell Rooftop Tents range from $999 to $2,500, depending mostly on size. Our customers love the Tuff Stuff Overland Trailhead Soft Shell Rooftop Tent (2 Person). Priced at just $999, this is a top seller site-wide in any category.

    Above Pictured: Trustmade Pop-Up Hard Shell Rooftop Tent is the most cost effective Hard Shell Rooftop Tent at $1,749
    Tuff Stuff Overland Trailhead Soft Shell Rooftop Tent (2 Person). Open tent with ladder on vehicle on white background
    Above Pictured: Tuff Stuff Overland Trailhead Soft Shell Rooftop Tent (2 Person) is one of our best selling Soft Shell Rooftop Tents at $999
    1. Storage

    Hard ShellCan provide additional storage space on top of the tent when closed, which can be useful for carrying extra gear or equipment.

    Soft Shell - Generally doesn't offer additional storage space on top when closed, but some models may have storage pockets or compartments inside/outside of transportation cover.

                   When comparing Hard Shell rooftop tents, take note of the shape of the top of the shell, as well as the weight capacity in transit. Some Hard Shell Rooftop Tents have built in cross bars that are designed for storage in transit. We’ve used these to mount basket racks, luggage containers, and all kinds of other equipment. The posterchild for this is the Tuff Stuff Overland Alpine 51 and Alpine 61 Rooftop Tents. These models offer up to 728lb crossbar load capacity in transit and up to 70lb crossbar load capacity while the tent is open. Others, like the Badass Tents Convoy Rooftop Tent, allow for light storage in transit, such as bicycle racks, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Finally, some rooftop tents have a smooth, contoured top, that aren’t recommended for any storage on top.

    Tuff Stuff Overland Alpine 51 Hard Shell (Aluminum) Roof Top Tent. Rear corner view of closed tent with ladder on truck on white background
    Photo: Tuff Stuff Overland Alpine 51 comes with load bearing crossbars that can support up to 728lb while in transit and 70lb while open

    Hard vs. Soft Shell Rooftop Tent Comparison Table

    Factors Hard Shell Rooftop Tent Soft Shell Rooftop Tent
    Shell Material Hard. Durable material such as ABS plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum Soft. Canvas, polyester fabric, or pliable PVC that offers flexibility and ease of folding
    Setup Time Quicker. Utilize hydraulic or gas-assisted mechanisms.

    Longer, more manual process

    Weight Heavier, due to materials

    Lighter, helps minimize vehicle load

    Aerodynamics More aerodynamic. More fuel efficient and less wind noise.

    Less aerodynamic. More wind resistance.

    Durability More durable long term Not as durable long term
    Cost

    More expensive.

    More budget-friendly
    Storage Can provide additional storage space on top of the tent when closed.  

    No additional storage space on top when closed.

     

    Ultimately, personal preference on these 7 factors will help you find the best rooftop tent for you. After years of experience, we at Car Camp Pro, our customers, and our friends all have different preferences, and that is ok! As our site is made by campers, for campers, it is our promise to carry only the top, most reputable, and most durable rooftop tent options on the market.

     

    Please give us a call at 844-888-5669 or email info@carcamppro.com with questions, feedback, or help picking the best rooftop tent for you!

    Next article Badass Tents: Behind The Scenes of your Favorite Rooftop Tents

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