Hard Shell Rooftop Tent vs Soft Shell Rooftop Tent: Which is Best for You?

Having a rooftop tent for your camping adventures makes life so much easier. Both hard shell rooftop tents and soft shell rooftop tents are easy to pack up, easy to deploy, and offer ample space for you and your adventure buddies to get a good night’s sleep.

But, there are significant differences between hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents. For some folks, a hard shell tent is the clear winner, while for others, a soft shell tent is more appropriate. Where you fall on that continuum depends on many different factors - which we’ll discuss below!

Hard Shell Rooftop Tent vs Soft Shell Roof Top Tent: What are They?

There isn’t much mystery when it comes to hard shell rooftop tents and soft shell rooftop tents…

A hard shell tent has a shell made of fiberglass, plastic, or in some cases, metal (like aluminum). This hard shell gives the tent extreme durability while in transport, offering an effective barrier for keeping dust, rain, snow, and other elements out.

The Eezi-Awn Sword shown above is a good example of a modern hard shell rooftop tent. The shell is made of aluminum and then powder-coated, giving it excellent durability for overlanding adventures of all kinds.

By contrast, a soft shell rooftop tent is usually made of traditional tent material. For example, the Tuff Stuff Ranger shown above is made of 280 G Poly/Cotton Rip-Stop, which offers excellent weather protection and durability, but lacks a hard shell for added protection while you’re navigating trails in your vehicle.

Obviously, these two types of tents offer the advantage of having an elevated place to sleep. But there are many other benefits (and a few detriments) for both types of rooftop tent, too.

Pros and Cons of a Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

If you’re shopping for a rooftop tent and want the strongest, most durable option, a hard shell tent is the way to go. These tents, like the Roofnest Condor XL shown above, have a stronger structure that provides more stability in inclement weather. Hard shell tents often have higher wind ratings than soft shell tents, and they’re typically quieter in strong winds, too.

Another primary benefit of hard shell roof top tents is their ability to keep the interior warmer. Typically, the heat loss from the day is slower in a hard shell tent because of the hard shell. Many hard shell rooftop tents are insulated as well, offering yet more heat retention for those chilly nights.

But these tents offer many other advantages as well:

• Unlikely to leak due to the impervious hard shell.
• Fast process of packing and unpacking - you can usually pack the tent down with your bedding inside!
• Some hard shell rooftop tents (like the OVS Sidewinder shown below) have locking latches to protect your gear inside.
• Excellent aerodynamics, with a small form factor that reduces drag and helps keep your vehicle’s fuel efficiency as high as possible.
• Can be used on many different vehicles, from trucks to vans to SUVs to trailers.

On the downside, hard shell rooftop tents are limited in their size due to the hard shell. To expand the footprint of the tent, the shell would need to be expanded as well, so it becomes a balancing act between maximizing interior space while minimizing the overall size and weight of the tent.

Another issue to consider is the price. Hard shell tents are generally more expensive than soft shell tents, so if you’re on a shoestring budget, a hard shell option might be out of the question.

Pros and Cons of a Soft Shell Rooftop Tent

The Tuff Stuff Ranger Soft Shell Rooftop Tent fits on many different vehicles.

One of the biggest advantages of a soft shell rooftop tent is that its size isn’t limited to a shell. This makes soft shell tents an ideal choice if you’re camping with two or three other people. In fact, some soft shell rooftop tents accommodate up to six adults!

Another advantage is weight - soft shell rooftop tents are often lighter than their hard shell counterparts. If you have a smaller vehicle with a lower static roof weight rating, a lightweight soft shell tent might be the only option you have. Moreover, a lighter soft shell tent is easier to maneuver on top of your car.

Other benefits of soft shell rooftop tents include the following:

• Lower price point than hard shell tents.
• Enormous range of sizes for one to four adults
• Compatible with annex rooms for added space (some hard shell tents are annex room-compatible, but it’s far less common).
• More ventilation options with optional roof windows.
• Can be used on many different vehicles, from trucks to vans to SUVs to trailers, as well as smaller vehicles like Jeeps and Subarus.

Soft shell rooftop tents might offer more interior space, but they have a greater negative effect on aerodynamics,too.

One of the first disadvantages that come to mind with soft shell rooftop tents is that they require more setup than hard shell options. This isn’t to say that it requires a lot of time to set up a soft shell tent; it just isn’t as speedy as unfolding a hard shell. Related to that is a more difficult tear-down procedure. Soft shell tents have to be packed down, which can be difficult in windy conditions or inclement weather.

Speaking of weather, a soft shell tent is usually much louder in windy conditions due to the tent fabric flapping in the breeze. Another concern is the weather resistance of the tent fabric. Though many soft shell rooftop tents use weather-resistant materials, they aren’t as waterproof as a hard shell made of plastic, aluminum, and so forth.

Soft shell rooftop tents aren’t as aerodynamic as hard shell tents, either. Despite their lighter weight, soft shell tents have a larger form factor than hard shell options, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency.

Hard Shell Rooftop Tent Options

If, based on the comparison above, you think a hard shell tent is your best bet, we’ve got a number of models you can choose from, each with its own unique features.

Eezi-Awn Sword

The Eezi-Awn Sword hard shell rooftop tent is designed with small families in mind, accommodating up to two adults and two children. It features a one-piece hinge mechanism with gas struts for quick setup and takedown, with the tent unfolding to provide additional room that securely hangs off the side of your vehicle.

The tent is constructed from durable rip-stop canvas, and with an insulated roof and floor, it ensures comfort throughout the night. The tent easily opens using just two latches, and includes privacy mesh panels, double entry points, and a hidden platform for extra space.

The Sword includes a range of convenient features, such as an internal LED light, storage pockets, a USB port, and a 70mm high-density laminated mattress. It also boasts a low-profile aerodynamic design, internal gas struts, a rear rainfly, and a built-in king-size mattress.

The lightweight aluminum body is powder-coated matte black with stainless steel hardware, and the tent comes with a patented anodized aluminum extension ladder. Additional features include a 12V power supply socket, lockable stainless steel latches, and compatibility with the Eezi-Awn K9 track system for mounting accessories.

Roofnest Condor and Condor XL

Roofnest’s Condor and Condor XL are both fold-out style hard shell tents offering ample space for your camping adventures. 

The Condor, which weighs 135 pounds, is perfect for 2-3 people and can be mounted on any vehicle. It features an ASA/ABS plastic shell with interior dimensions of 83"L x 60"W. The exterior dimensions are 60"L x 48"W. The tent has a maximum headroom of 50" when open and is 12" high when closed.

Included with the tent are a 7.5-foot ladder, two detachable pockets, a 4x4 ground mat, a Roofnest privacy tent, and an interior LED light. These features provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience with easy setup and practical storage options.

The Condor XL, meanwhile, offers space for up to four people. The tent weighs 160 pounds and measures 93" x 74" inside. Its exterior dimensions are 74" x 55". The XL version is made of the same durable materials and comes with the same goodies, like the detachable pockets, 4x4 ground mat, and interior LED lighting noted above. The XL comes with a longer ladder, though, at 8.5 feet.

OVS Sidewinder

We also stock the OVS Sidewinder, a unique hard shell rooftop tent that requires less than a minute to set up and take down. The tent includes several standard options, such as an anti-condensation mat under a thick 2” mattress, removable cross bars for extra exterior storage, and an insulated honeycomb base. It also offers adjustable interior pop-up struts for added headroom and support, as well as ample interior space to store bedding when the tent is closed.

The base is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, while the body is crafted from waterproof 600D ripstop polyester canvas. It includes 120G environmental fadeless, breathable window screens, an oversized storage loft, and built-in storage bags. When closed, the Sidewinder is 91” x 55.5” x 8”, and when open, the sleeping area is 86” x 50” to accommodate 2-3 people.

A Great Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for Camping

The Tuff Stuff Ranger includes a host of features and accessories designed for ease of use and comfort.

For example, a sliding ladder is included for easy access, and a rainfly provides additional weather protection. The tent is equipped with a durable PVC cover and a 2.75-inch mattress for comfortable sleeping. Additional storage solutions include a shoe bag that attaches to the tent's railing for outdoor storage and an under-tent storage hammock that can be mounted inside or outside the tent. 

The tent can accommodate up to three people and has open dimensions of 65” x 96” x 52”, expanding to 65” x 132” x 52” with the overhang. The tent material is made from 280G poly/cotton rip-stop, with a rainfly made from 420D polyester/Oxford PU coated material. The driving cover is made from black 1000D PVC, providing waterproof protection.

Rooftop Tents Elevate Your Camping Experience

Whether you opt for a hard shell rooftop tent or a soft shell rooftop tent, you’ll benefit from a better sleeping experience. You’ll be up off the cold ground, away from predators, and don’t have to worry about a nighttime thunderstorm turning your tent site into a muddy mess.

What’s more, as we discussed earlier, rooftop tents are simply a more convenient way to camp, given their ease of setup and take down - especially hard shell models. Instead of spending all kinds of time unpacking your tent, setting it up, and taking it down, you can instead park your rig, unfold your tent, and, in a matter of a minute or two, have your shelter ready to rock.

Just like rooftop tents elevate your camping experience, we at BTR Outfitters strive to help you make the most of your time outdoors. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about our available rooftop tents and any other gear you might need for your excursions. Stop by our facility just off I-20 in Abilene, drop us a message, or give us a call at (888) 323-5902 to see how we can make your outdoor experiences better!