Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Roof Top Tent – Which One Should You Choose?

Getting a high-quality rooftop tent for your vehicle will transform the way you enjoy the outdoors. 

Shelter is one of the most important parts of your gear setup, and a rooftop tent ensures you have suitable shelter attached to your vehicle. But unlike having a normal tent, you’re also safely elevated off the ground—protecting you from wild animals, flooding, and uneven terrain.

However, there are two main types of rooftop tents on the market: hard shell and soft shell. While they both serve the same purpose, each has its own pros and cons.

Today, we’re going to help you choose the right rooftop tent for your needs. Let’s dive in!

What is a Soft Shell Rooftop Tent?

A soft shell tent is going to give you the tent-camping experience you’re most likely used to. It’s very similar to your standard camping tent that you set up on the ground and enjoy a traditional night outdoors. 

This type of tent does a good job of keeping water and wind out if it’s in good shape, and it’s lightweight for easy use.

The only difference is that this one goes on the roof of your car, and setting it up is a little different because of that.

That doesn’t mean it’s the best option, though.

What is a Hard Shell Rooftop Tent?

A hard shell rooftop tent is a little different. It’s made from a hard, sturdy, and rigid material that folds up and down for camping and driving modes. 

It’s a lot like a pop-up camper, but you don’t haul it around since it gets attached to your vehicle’s roof.

Comparing Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Rooftop Tents

At first glance, this is a small difference, and you probably already guessed some of the most obvious pros and cons of each design. 

But we’re going to compare the two head-to-head to give you a better idea of what will work for you, and then we’ll drop some recommendations based on different lifestyles and needs.

1: Cost

Cost is a big factor in any purchase, and there is a clear winner when it comes to soft shells vs. hard shells.

Soft shells are going to be your more budget-friendly option. It’s more cost-effective to make a sturdy frame and line it with fabric than it is to mold an entire hard shell. So, those savings are passed on to the customer.

A good example of this is the OVS TMBK, a soft shell model known for balancing affordability with reliable construction.

Now, this price disparity shouldn’t sway you directly to soft tops. Soft shells have some flaws that you’ll have to accept in exchange for those savings.

2: Weight

Again, the soft shell wins in this category, and you can probably tell why. It’s more or less a pipe or rod-style frame, and fabric is laid over the top of that. 

This creates a rather featherlight design, like the Roofnest Meadowlark, which gives you all the comfort without the weight.

Hard shells, on the other hand, are made of dense polymers and metals that weigh quite a bit. However, some models like the Freespirit Recreation Aspen Lite offer a lighter design to help offset the weight while maintaining strength.

The lightweight nature of soft shells helps in two ways.

First, it’s easier for you to mount it. You're not likely to camp all the time, and if you don’t, you likely don’t want a tent adding weight to your car all the time. A lighter tent is easier for you to mount and remove as needed. 

It’s also easier on your car since weight can decrease gas mileage or increase the effects of impacts.

Then, there’s the fact that some cars, even powerful SUVs, simply can’t hold heavier tents. Every vehicle’s roof has a weight capacity, and heavier tents might go over that, or they might not leave enough capacity for you to actually get in the tent without causing issues. 

3: Durability

This is where hard shells shine, and it’s their main draw. It’s hard to damage a hard shell. Whether it’s the elements, dropping it during installation, or something crazier in the unpredictable outdoors, a hard shell can take a lot of abuse.

In general, this means that you’ll have your hard shell a lot longer than a soft shell. So, those savings you get upfront might not be all that important in the long run.

4: Setup

When you’re enjoying the outdoors, anything can happen at a moment’s notice. 

You might be enjoying a day fishing in the mountains, and suddenly, the sunny sky turns green, and a heavy rain pours down on you. You don’t want to have to fuss with your rooftop tent to keep yourself dry and safe.

Well, hard shells are generally easier to deploy. Being rigid, when you go to pop it up, everything slides into place with very little that can go wrong or need to be tweaked. A soft shell can be a little less responsive and require you to tweak bits of it before you get it fully deployed.

That doesn’t mean that soft shells are difficult to deploy, but convenience matters in the outdoors. Even if you don’t need to deploy it quickly, you’re likely going to be tired out and ready to get in bed without a hassle.

Who is a Soft Shell Rooftop Tent Best for?

Soft shell rooftop tents are best for two types of outdoorsmen.

First, if you’re on a budget, it’s a great choice. Even though they’re less durable and a little more finicky to set up, they’re not junk. They will give you a comfortable experience for years to come, and you can save a few bucks.

Then, if you’re driving a car that has a lower weight capacity on the roof, you’ll want to stick with a soft shell to ensure you don’t damage your car. For those reasons, the OVS Nomadic 3 Extended is often considered one of the best overall soft shell rooftop tents.

Who is a Hard Shell Rooftop Tent Best for?

If you have the money to splurge, a strong roof to mount it on, and plan on camping a lot, you can’t go wrong with a hard shell. 

The only drawbacks are its weight and cost, and if those aren’t issues, there’s no reason to go with a soft shell. The Condor 2 by Roofnest hits a sweet spot here—it’s been our go-to pick overall for its balance of function, comfort, and ease of use.

Get Your Rooftop Tent at Overland Junction

Of course, the quality of the rooftop tent you buy matters just as much as the type if you want to truly experience any of the benefits we talked about.

When you’re ready to find a rooftop tent you can rely on, look no further than Overland Junction. Explore our selection of hard shell and soft shell tents today and gear up for your next adventure with confidence!