Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

    Hard Shell Roof Top Tents for Sale

    If you're looking for the perfect hard shell roof top tent to take on your next overlanding adventure, then you have come to the right place.

    Hard Shell Roof Top Tents are a kind of luxury among overlanders. They are similar to soft shell roof top tents but way more comfortable and crazy easy to set up and take down (~30 seconds).

    With so many hard shell tents out there it can be daunting to pick the right one. So to help you, we put together this resource on the 7 best hard shell roof top tents currently on the market. Without further ado, let's jump right into it.

    Best hard shell roof top tents



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    4 Person Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

    OVS Bushveld

    OVS Bushveld 4 Person Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

    $2,799


    Perfect for families and groups of friends.

    Bushveld by Overland Vehicle Systems is one of the most affordable and largest hard shell roof top tent currently on the market. It is available in multiple sizes and is very easy to set up and take down.

    Bushveld hard shell roof top tent body construction

    A 420-oxford ripstop rain fly cover and double 600D ripstop material are used to make Bushveld's body; both have a UV rating of PU 2500 and are completely waterproof. The top shell is made using a single-piece polymer cover, is highly robust, and can automatically drain snow and water.

    Bushveld has a black aluminum diamond plate insulation at the base to keep you warm on chilly winter evenings. In addition, marine-grade 304 stainless steel is used for all the latches and fittings to ensure nothing breaks while you're out adventuring.

    The Bushveld hard shell roof top tent is available in 2-person and 4-person models. Both variants come with a 3" thick quilted memory foam mattress that is soft and comfy to sleep on. And to avoid moisture buildup, an anti-condensation pad is built beneath the mattress.

    If you require additional sleeping space or a private room for your pet or changing clothes, the Bushveld hard shell tent offers the option of adding an annex to it. The annex is large enough to sleep one person and features a built-in PVC floor with a 100% waterproof body fabric.

    Bushveld 4 person hard shell roof top tent interior

    Thanks to the innovative gas strut design, you can set up and take down Bushveld hard shell roof top tent in just 30 seconds. Installing this tent on your vehicle is also relatively simple; it takes no more than an hour.

    Bushveld hard shell roof top tent rating banner
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    Bushveld Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Specs
    Sleeping Capacity 4 People
    Setup Time 30-60 seconds
    Weight 180 lbs
    Closed Dimensions 81" long X 47" wide X 10" tall
    Mattress 3" Memory Foam
    Windows Material 120g Breathable Environmental Fadeless Gaze

    Pros

    •   Large sleeping area with the option of adding an extra room if needed.
    •   Setup and takedown are really simple and quick.
    •   Body construction is extremely tough. It can be used in any weather situation.
    •   The anti-condensation mat keeps moisture from accumulating beneath the mattress.

    Cons

    •   The 4 person variant is quite heavy.
    Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps

    Premium Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

    Freespirit Odyssey

    Freespirit Odyssey Roof Top Tent

    $3,495


    Top-of-the-line hard shell tent with superior features.

    Frequently referred to as the "Rolls Royce" of hard shell roof top tents, the comfort and luxury that Freespirit Recreation Odyssey offers are unmatched. It is sleek, low-profile in design, and offers a tremendous overall sleeping experience.

    Odyssey hard shell roof top tent crossbar kit

    The body of the Freespirit Odyssey is made with an Aluminum Honeycomb Plate and a unique three-layer fabric that will keep you comfortable no matter the weather. It works as an air conditioner in the summer and a heater in the winter.

    The Odyssey hard shell tent has the option to install crossbars on the top of its roof, giving you the ability to carry additional items such as kayaks, storage boxes, solar panels, and so on. You won't have any trouble mounting gear weighing up to 250 pounds.

    Freespirit Odyssey is available in 2 person and 3 person sizes. Both sizes come with a 1.5" high-density foam mattress and 1.2" EPE flooring. The mattress is excellent and comfortable, but for the price you pay, we think it could be a little bit thicker.

    Insect screens are built into all of the windows. This keeps mosquitoes out at night and lets more air into the tent, even when it's raining. Also included is a thin light strip that can be powered by a USB type-A port so that you can easily light up the tent at night.

    Freespirit Odyssey Hard Shell roof top tent interior

    The patented aluminum frame with gas struts makes setting up and taking down Odyssey completely automated. You just have to open the latches and give it a little push-up. It takes between 15 and 30 seconds or less.

    Freespirit Odyssey hard shell roof top tent rating banner
    Freespirit Odyssey hard shell roof top tent rating mobile banner
    Odyssey Hard Shell Tent Specifications
    Sleeping Capacity 2-3 People
    Setup Time 15-30 seconds
    Weight 155 lbs
    Weight Capacity 750 lbs
    Flooring 1 1/2" EPE
    Sleeping Dimensions 55"W x 80"L x 43"H

    Pros

    •   Low profile and lightweight design. Doesn't affect your vehicle's MPG.
    •   Setup and take down is lightning quick.
    •   Tri-layer technology keeps you comfortable no matter what the weather is like.
    •   An optional crossbar system can be added if you want to carry extra gear.

    Cons

    •   Mattress is not very thick.
    Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps
    Girl sitting in a roof top tent

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    Fiberglass Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

    Roam Rambler

    Rambler Fiberglass Hard Shell Roof Top Tent on a Ford Bronco

    $3,400


    Compact, lightweight, and extremely durable.

    Roam rambler is a one-of-a-kind ABS fiberglass hard shell roof top tent that features a lightweight and compact design. It has a very cool design and can even turn a boring minivan into an off-road looking beast!

    Rambler hard shell roof top tent fiberglass top

    The outer body of Roam rambler is made using 280g ripstop poly/cotton 100% waterproof fabric that is UV and mold resistant. Whereas the interior fabric is constructed using Quilted polyester taffeta -- this material adds a true sense of luxury and comfort to the Rambler hard shell roof top tent.

    The hard shell of Roam Rambler is made using custom-molded fiberglass reinforced with aluminum strands. This material is tough as nails and allows Rambler to keep you safe in all weather conditions.

    Weighing as low as 130 lbs, Roam Rambler is spacious enough to sleep two people. It includes a premium 2.75" inch high-density foam mattress that makes your night's sleep in the woods feel like a 5-star hotel.

    The Rambler hard shell tent's ceiling and base are insulated to ensure that the tent stays at the perfect temperature all night long. Plus, all the windows include mesh screens to prevent insects and mosquitoes from entering inside at night.

    Rambler person hard shell roof top tent windows

    Rambler's Padded Gas Struts design makes setting it up and taking it down a breeze. It takes no more than 30-60 seconds. Also, Rambler can be installed on almost any roof rack or bed rack on the market.

    Rambler hard shell roof top tent rating banner
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    Rambler Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Specs
    Sleeping Capacity 2 People
    Setup Time 30-60 seconds
    Weight 130 lbs
    Sleeping Space 81”L x 48”W x 36”H
    Cover Fiberglass Reinforced ABS hardshell
    Warranty 5 Years

    Pros

    •   Compact and very lightweight in design.
    •   Premium mattress and ceiling/base insulation combined provide a great sleeping experience.
    •   You get an amazing 360-degree view of your surroundings when you open all the windows.
    •   Constructed with high-quality materials, this hard shell tent is designed to last a lifetime.

    Cons

    •   The only thing we don't like about Rambler is its sleeping capactiy. For the price, It should offer more space.
    Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps

    3 Person Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

    OVS Mamba

    Mamba Hard Shell Roof Top Tent on sand colored Jeep

    $3,499


    Clean, Rugged, Durable, and Sleek all the same time.

    Designed with durability in mind, Mamba by Overland Vehicle Systems is the best 3 person hard shell roof top tent currently on the market. Considering all the awesome features it comes with; we think Mamba is way underpriced.

    Mamba 3 person hard shell roof top tent crossbars

    Manufactured with a premium rip-stop waterproof body, not a single drop of water can leak through this tent -- doesn't matter how heavy the rain is. Plus, the frame of Mamba is made using aircraft-grade aluminum to make it highly durable and long-lasting.

    Mamba 3 person hard shell roof top tent includes removable crossbars on the roof (You don't have to buy them separately). They have a weight capacity of about 250 lbs, and you can mount anything from kayaks to recovery boards on them.

    Weighing at about 250 lbs, Mamba is large enough to sleep two to three people. It features a 2" thick memory foam mattress with an anti-condensation mat underneath to prevent moisture buildup. The mattress itself is comfortable, but we suggest you add a sleeping bag or bedding on top.

    The base of Mamba is insulated with a honeycomb to ensure the tent stays at an ideal temperature throughout the night. Plus, there is enough space to store your bedding, pillows, blankets, etc inside the tent when closed.

    Mamba 3 person hard shell roof top tent sleeping dimensions

    Built-in nitrogen gas-charged struts and the nylon pull strap make setting up and taking down Mamba lightning quick. As for the installation, you will need some help to mount the tent on your rack as it's pretty heavy.

    Mamba hard shell roof top tent rating banner
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    Mamba Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Specs
    Sleeping Capacity 3 People
    Setup Time 30 seconds
    Weight 250 lbs
    Sleeping Area 86” x 50”
    Setup time 30 seconds
    Warranty 4 Years

    Pros

    •   Durable body construction with all-weather protection.
    •   Very quick to set up and take down.
    •   Included Crossbars make it easy to carry around extra gear.

    Cons

    •   The weight of Mamba is over 250 lbs. You will need a roof rack system to mount it on your vehicle, and you won't be able to use $200 aftermarket crossbars.
    Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps

    Cheapest Hard Shell Roof Top Tent

    BadAss Rugged

    Rugged cheap Hard Shell Roof Top Tent on a grey land rover

    $2,695


    Lightweight, low-profile option at a great price.

    BadAss Rugged is the best cheap hard shell roof top tent currently on the market. It is also the most lightweight option on the list. From rainfly to the roof, BadAss Rugged has quite a few customization options to fit your requirements perfectly.

    Rugged hard shell roof top tent closed on a land rover

    Designed and manufactured in the United States, BadAss Rugged features an industry-leading 420D nylon oxford waterproof body fabric tested to be durable in all conditions. It doesn't come with a rainfly awning out of the box like most hard shell tents on the list -- but you can add it for an additional $100.

    Weighing at about a total of 113 lbs, the frame of BA Rugged is made using ultra-slim extruded aluminum that supports up to 500lbs. Plus, The tent is very low profile with a height of 4.85" when closed -- This makes sure there is no wind noise or drop in your MPG.

    BadAss Rugged is spacious enough to sleep two people comfortably. It doesn't include a mattress, but it does come with a thermal regulating 1" sleeping pad to keep you warm and cozy during cold winter nights.

    All three windows of the Rugged hard shell roof top tent feature durable, micro-weave black mesh screens to keep the bugs out and provide unobstructed 270-degree views of your surrounding or seal up when you need privacy.

    Rugged cheap hard shell roof top tent sleeping capacity

    The gas shock strut arms used in the frame allow for quick setup and takedown of BA Rugged. Mounting it on your vehicle is also pretty, and it is designed to fits most vehicles that have a roof rack or crossbars that will support 150+lbs while moving.

    Rugged cheap hard shell roof top tent rating banner
    Rugged cheap hard shell roof top tent rating mobile banner
    Rugged Hard Shell Tent Specs
    Sleeping Capacity 2 People
    Height (Closed) 4.85"
    Weight 113 lbs
    Sleeping Pad 1"
    Manufactured In USA
    Warranty 3 Years

    Pros

    •   Durable, lightweight, and good quality for the price.
    •   Low profile design prevents wind noise and drop in your vehicle's MPG.
    •   The optional crossbar system allows you to mount 75 lbs of gear.

    Cons

    •   Doesn't include a mattress.
    •   Rainfly awning is not built-in. You will have to buy them separately.
    •   Doesn't come with a Ladder. You will have to spend about $120 to add it to the tent.
    Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps

    Clamshell Roof Top Tent

    Freespirit Aspen

    Aspen Hard Shell Roof Top Tent on a ford bronco

    $3,295


    A classic design with premium features.

    Freespirit Recreation Aspen clam hard shell roof top tent is a premium spin to the traditional clamshell roof top tents. It combines all the great features of a good hard shell tent and a clamshell tent to deliver a fantastic overall rooftop tent experience.

    Aspen hard shell roof top tent side view

    Like other Freespirit tents we saw before, Aspen also features a tri-layer body fabric that is made using 3 Layers of 150D poly-oxford with 90g/m2 poly-fil to keep you cozy in all weather conditions. It also includes a rainfly to prevent leaks during rainfall.

    The body of Aspen is constructed from aluminum honeycomb to ensure the tent stays durable and lightweight at the same time. You also have the option to add crossbars on the roof in case you want to carry more gear on your trip.

    The Aspen clamshell roof top tent is available in 2 and 3 person sizes and comes with a 1.25" thick high-density foam mattress and a 1.5" thick EPE flooring beneath it. The mattress is pretty good, but some might feel like adding more bedding or a sleeping pad on top of it to make it more comfortable.

    Windows on the front and sides are pretty large and include a mesh screen. The entire overhead space features a USB Type-A LED light strip that will provide all the light you need at night. Plus, there are storage pockets on the interior roof where you can store all your essentials.

    Aspen hard shell roof top tent interiors

    Setting up and taking down Freespirit Aspen is freakishly quick and easy. It hardly takes 15-30 seconds. As for the installation, you can mount it on any car or van as long as you have the right roof rack or crossbar system.

    Aspen hard shell roof top tent rating banner
    Aspen hard shell roof top tent rating mobile banner
    Aspen Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Specs
    Sleeping Capacity 2-3 People
    Weight (3 person) 154 lbs
    Weight Capacity 750 lbs
    Shell Aluminum Honeycomb Plate
    Setup Time 15-30 seconds
    Interior Dimensions 55"W x 80"L

    Pros

    •   Very easy to set up and take down.
    •   Lightweight and low-profile design prevent a decrease in the MPG of your vehicle.
    •   Very spacious and durable body construction that will keep you comfortable in all weather conditions.

    Cons

    •   The mattress quality could be better.
    Includes 3-months Subscription to onX Maps


    Hard Shell Roof Top Tent Comparison

    Hardshell Tent Price Weight Sleeping Capacity Mattress Thickness Roof Crossbars Warranty
    Freespirit Odyssey $3,495 155 lbs 2-3 people 1.5" Optional ($325) 1 Year
    OVS Bushveld $2,799 175 lbs 4 people 3" No 4 Years
    Roam Rambler $3,400 130 lbs 2 people 2.75" No 5 Years
    OVS Mamba $3,499 250 lbs 3 people 2" Included 4 Years
    Freespirit Evolution $4,095 172 lbs 2-3 people 2.5" Optional ($325) 1 Years
    BadAss Rugged $2,695 113 lbs 2 people - Optional ($100) 3 Years
    Freespirit Aspen $3,295 154 lbs 2-3 people 1.25" Optional ($325) 1 Years



    Why Buy A Hard Shell Roof Top Tent?

    Hard shell tents are better in so many ways compared to soft shell tents and ground tents. Yes, they are way more expensive, but the features and the luxury they come with make them worth it. Here are a few reasons why hard shell roof top tents are the best choice for overlanding:

    Hard shell roof top tent on a truck

    Easy Setup

    If you have ever done tent camping, you know setting up and taking down a tent is not an easy process -- especially when it's raining cats and dogs. Hard shell roof top tents are designed in such a way that you can open and close them in any weather in under 30-60 seconds. You can do it on your own without anyone's help.

    Hard shell roof top tent on a red suv

    Extremely Durable

    Hardshell rooftop tents are way more durable when compared to ground tents and soft shell roof top tents. They hold up well in all bad weather conditions and stay steady without making much wind noise during high winds. Also, the materials used to make a hard shell roof top tent are generally of a higher quality when compared to the materials used in a soft shell roof top tent.

    Freespirit Aspen Lite Low Profile Roof Top Tent

    Doesn't Reduce MPG

    If you have used a soft shell roof top tent on your trip, you know they tend to reduce your vehicle's MPG because of their huge size. However, hard shell roof top tents don't have this issue. Most hard shell tents are low profile with an aerodynamic design to prevent wind drag and MPG loss.




    What Do You Need To Install A Hard Shell Rooftop Tent On Your Vehicle?

    This is probably the most common question our customers ask us. Mounting a hard shell rooftop tent on your vehicle is pretty simple as long as you have the right rack system. There are 3 different types of racks you can use to install a hard shell rooftop tent on your vehicle. You can learn more about them below:

    Crossbars for hard shell roof top tent

    Crossbars

    Yakima, Thule, and Rhino-Rack are a few of the biggest brands that make crossbars. They range anywhere from $150-$400, and you can find them for almost any vehicle out there.

    Roof Rack for hard shell roof top tent

    Roof Racks

    Roof racks are a bit more expensive when compared to crossbars. They typically range anywhere from $700-$1200. On average, roof racks have a weight capacity of 500 lbs+, and you can mount other heavy gear when you are not using your hard shell rooftop tent. You can check out our quiz to find the perfect roof rack for your vehicle.

    Bed Rack for hard shell roof top tent

    Bed Racks

    You might consider using a bed rack to install your hard shell tent if you own a truck. Bed racks go on the bed of your truck and typically have a weight capacity of 900 lbs or more. CBI and RCI are two of the most popular brands currently manufacturing bed racks.


    Can I mount a hard shell rooftop tent on the factory roof rack my vehicle came with?
    The answer to that is almost always NO, as factory roof racks typically don't have the weight capacity to hold a hard shell tent.




    Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

    It is not completely fair to do a hard shell vs soft shell roof top tent comparison as the hard-shell is really standing on the shoulders of the soft shell and simply enhancing it further. The one obvious major advantage of a softie is that you can still pick those up for just over $1200 whereas hardtops sell for $2500 plus generally.

    With the price caveat dealt with here are the general differences between them:

    • The Cover – Soft shells come with a tarp like cover that takes work to slide over the frame and strap in. With the hardtop the shell is the cover
    • The fold over base – Soft shell tent makers have come along way in creating light structures, but campers are still inevitably left with the task of manually lifting one half of the tent over the other. This can be heavy, and at an awkward angle. Not so with the hard top – they simply pop up.
    • Durability – Both are built to withstand the elements, but naturally a hardcase is going to better withstand the seasons than the seams and sinews of the softshell
    • Aerodynamics – Hard shells have the advantage that the shell can be styled to be aerodynamic whereas the soft shell forms a square which needs to be strapped down carefully to minimise drag and noise on the road
    • Protection against the elements – This can vary drastically according to the quality of each brand but as a rule hard shells tend to be better at temperature control and wind protection. The solid roof helps with heat loss and the rigid frame reduces flapping



    Got Questions About Hard Shell Roof Top Tents?

    Overland Junction can help you make an informed decision about a hard shell roof top tent for your vehicle. If you have any further questions or concerns before making a purchase, please browse our website or contact our customer service department at 833-205-7703 or support@overlandjunction.com through phone or email.

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