Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Roof Top Tents: A Battle of the Best from PeakGear

When the spirit of adventure calls, roof top tents (RTTs) answer. Overland enthusiasts know that the journey matters as much as the destination, and the right roof top tent can make the difference between a luxurious outdoor escape and something a little more rugged. Due to their unique blend of convenience, comfort, and off-the-ground protection from wildlife and weather, RTTs have quickly become essential gear for adventurers who want to camp wherever the road (or trail) takes them.

But not all roof top tents are the same, or indeed anywhere close to equal. There are two distinct categories adventurers can consider when selecting their ideal RTT, hard shell and soft shell. Each type comes with its own set of strengths and trade-offs, and caters to different styles, preferences, and practical needs for overlanding.

Our goal with this guide is straightforward: We want to help you choose the roof top tent that perfectly matches your adventuring style, budget, and comfort needs. 

(And, of course, every model discussed here is proudly available through Open Road Overland, your trusted source for premium RTTs and other overlanding equipment.)

Meet the Contenders: Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Hard shell RTTs stand out with their solid, rigid structure, which is usually crafted from aluminum or durable ABS plastic. These tents have gained popularity for a number of reasons, chief among which is their impressively quick setup. A hard shell RTT can typically be deployed in a matter of seconds, making it ideal for adventurers who frequently change campsites or find themselves needing shelter quickly in unpredictable weather.

Beyond setup speed, hard shell tents offer exceptional durability, too. Their rigid shells provide substantial protection from harsh conditions such as hail, heavy rain, and trail debris like branches. Additionally, their sleek and aerodynamic closed profiles significantly reduce drag and wind noise while driving, improving fuel efficiency over long journeys. Many models also allow users to store additional gear, such as recovery boards or solar panels, directly on top, maximizing utility without compromising internal comfort.

Next, let’s look at the softer side of things.

Meet The Contenders: Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

Soft shell RTTs provide flexibility and generous interior space, making them popular with families and groups. They are often lighter than their hard shell counterparts, easing the burden on your vehicle’s roof rack and enabling compatibility with a wider range of vehicles. Additionally, soft shell RTTs typically come at a lower price point, offering budget-conscious adventurers an accessible entry into rooftop camping.

One major advantage of soft shell tents is their expandable design, which frequently allows for larger sleeping areas and optional annex rooms for additional living space. This adaptability makes them perfect for extended stays, for campers who desire a more comfortable and roomy environment at their campsite, or for trips where you’re not totally sure just how many people are coming with. 

Now that we’ve met the fighters in the red shorts and the fighters in the blue ones, how do they stack up against each other?

Hard Shell RTTs vs. Soft Shell RTTs: At a Glance

Hard Shell RTTs vs. Soft Shell RTTs: Deep Dive

Now that you’ve got the numbers, what do they mean? Did we come up with them by throwing darts at a dartboard? Nope. Here’s why we rated them how we did. 

Off-Road Durability

Hard Shell RTTs 

When your adventures regularly lead you down rugged, debris-strewn trails, hard shell RTTs are hard to beat. Built with rigid aluminum or robust ABS plastic shells, these tents deliver serious protection against common hazards encountered off-road, such as sharp branches, jagged rocks, and hail. Their sturdy external shells shield the tent (and its inhabitants) from harm, significantly reducing the likelihood of damage to the internal fabric and mechanisms, even in severe conditions.

Furthermore, the solid construction adds an element of structural integrity, ensuring that the tents remain stable and secure under high winds and harsh weather. This durability translates directly into peace of mind for adventurers who push the boundaries, knowing their shelter can handle just about anything the trail throws at it. While the upfront investment is higher, the longevity and protection offered by these tents justify the premium price for serious overlanders.

Soft Shell RTTs

Soft shell tents offer commendable durability thanks to their heavy-duty canvas and ripstop polyester fabrics. These tents are built to withstand normal outdoor usage, including rain and wind, but their soft exterior inherently presents some vulnerabilities.

Without the protective shell of their hard shell counterparts, soft shell RTTs are more prone to punctures, rips, or tears caused by sharp trail debris, branches, and other obstacles commonly encountered off-road. Overlanders opting for soft shell tents need to be proactive in maintenance and cautious when navigating tighter trails. Regular inspections and careful packing can help extend the life and reliability of these tents, but it's a clear trade-off when compared to the robust protection of hard shell options.

Winner: Hard Shell RTTs

Setup Speed

Hard Shell RTTs – PeakGear Rating: 5

For adventurers prioritizing convenience and speed, hard shell RTTs excel in their ease of deployment. Hard shell RTTs feature a streamlined setup process that often takes under a minute; campers simply unlatch a couple of clasps and gently push up the roof. This easy-use mechanism greatly reduces the complexity of setting up camp, which can be especially valuable when daylight fades quickly or weather conditions turn harsh with little notice.

Quick setup offers flexibility as well as convenience. The ability to swiftly establish shelter means travelers spend more time enjoying their surroundings and less time wrestling with their gear.

Soft Shell RTTs – PeakGear Rating: 3

Conversely, soft shell RTTs typically involve a more detailed and time-consuming setup process, including:

• Unfolding the tent structure
• Properly positioning internal poles
• Attaching additional annexes or rain flies
• And more, depending on the complexity of the soft-shell RTT.

While these steps aren't overly complicated, they do add up, especially under adverse weather conditions like wind or rain. This setup complexity can be a challenge during a long journey or after a tiring day on the trail. The extra time investment required for soft shell RTTs may be worthwhile for campers planning longer stays at each location but could be frustrating for those frequently changing campsites or encountering unpredictable weather.

Winner: Hard Shell RTTs

Weather Protection

Hard Shell RTTs

Hard shell tents excel in weather protection due to their rigid outer shells and robust construction. The solid construction inherently provides excellent insulation, significantly reducing heat loss in colder temperatures and overheating in warm ones. 

Other advantages in extreme weather include:

• Superior Wind Resistance: The firm material minimizes fabric flapping and noise during gusty conditions, ensuring a quieter, more restful night.
• Reliable Snow Load Capacity: Solid shells can handle moderate snowfall accumulation without structural compromise.
• Reduced Condensation: With fewer seams and better insulation, internal moisture buildup is less common compared to soft shell options.

While not infallible, hard shell RTTs provide reliable shelter in harsh weather, making them ideal for adventurers facing extreme climates or unpredictable conditions. The peace of mind they offer in challenging weather scenarios is a significant advantage.

However, even with these strong points, it's important to remember no tent is entirely invincible. Proper maintenance — like ensuring seals remain intact and regularly checking hinges and latches — is essential for sustained protection.

Soft Shell RTTs

Soft shell RTTs provide dependable weather protection under most typical camping conditions. Made with waterproof canvas or polyester fabrics, they generally keep campers dry and comfortable during rain showers or mild storms. However, their reliance on fabric rather than a rigid outer shell does introduce certain limitations.

Soft shells typically require an additional rain fly for optimal protection, and the need to set this up correctly becomes crucial if the weather is looking like you’ll have sustained rain or snow. The fabric construction also makes these tents more susceptible to condensation, especially in cooler weather, leading to occasional moisture accumulation inside.

Overall, soft shell RTTs deliver sufficient performance in mild to moderate weather. Still, adventurers expecting heavy rainfall, strong winds, or significant snowfall should consider additional weatherproofing measures or opt for the increased reliability of a hard shell tent, unless you want to have a rough night — or reschedule.

Winner: Hard Shell RTTs

Packed Profile

Hard Shell RTTs

Hard shell RTTs are notable for their compact, aerodynamic profiles when closed. With sleek, streamlined shapes designed specifically to minimize wind resistance, these tents significantly improve vehicle handling and fuel efficiency compared to bulkier alternatives.

Reduced drag doesn't just improve fuel economy, it also means less road noise and a smoother, quieter driving experience overall. This lower profile is particularly valuable for adventurers with long drives either on highways or on windy roads.

Additionally, the streamlined design provides a neat, organized appearance, appealing to campers who prefer a more refined look for their vehicle. Hard shells also offer the practical advantage of being easier to maneuver in tight spots, such as dense forests or crowded campgrounds. For overlanders who value both form and functionality, the lower packed profile of hard shell RTTs is a strong advantage

Soft Shell RTTs

At first glance, you might assume soft shell RTTs would pack down smaller and more conveniently than their rigid counterparts, but that's not always the case. Despite their flexible construction, soft shells typically travel while folded into bulky, zippered PVC covers. This often creates a noticeably larger profile when mounted atop your vehicle, increasing wind resistance and affecting fuel efficiency on longer drives.

Some practical considerations include:

• Greater Wind Drag: The bulkier shape can noticeably decrease fuel economy, especially at highway speeds.
• Height Clearance Issues: The added height could complicate access to garages, parking structures, or trails with low-hanging branches.
• Increased Road Noise: The larger, less aerodynamic profile often leads to more noticeable wind noise while driving.

Overall, while soft shells offer versatility and spaciousness, their packed profile isn't always as streamlined as one might expect, making them less ideal for extended highway travel.

Winner: Hard Shell RTTs

Cost

Hard Shell RTTs

There’s no denying that hard shell rooftop tents come with a steeper price tag. The higher cost is primarily driven by their durable materials — think reinforced aluminum, molded ABS shells, and gas-assisted struts — as well as the engineering behind their forms to get that sleek, aerodynamic function we discussed in the previous section. These features provide superior performance and longevity, but they also raise the barrier to entry for many overlanders.

In addition to the upfront investment, hard shell RTTs may also require sturdier roof racks, which can further increase the total cost of setup. For seasoned adventurers who camp frequently and value speed, durability, and ease of use, the premium price may feel well justified.

Still, for those new to overlanding or only camping occasionally, the price difference can be a major consideration, making hard shell tents a luxury choice rather than a default one.

Cost Shell RTTs

Soft shell RTTs may have taken a beating in the comparison to this point, but they absolutely shine when it comes to affordability. Offering many of the same core benefits — elevated sleeping, all-season weather protection, and room for multiple campers — they’re an excellent way to step into rooftop camping without breaking the bank.

With fewer moving parts and less rigid construction, soft shell tents naturally cost less to manufacture. That savings is passed on to buyers, making them ideal for weekend warriors, budget-conscious explorers, or families investing in their first RTT.

Beyond initial cost, soft shells are often compatible with a wider range of roof racks, potentially saving on vehicle upgrades as well. While they may lack some of the durability and convenience of hard shell models, soft shell RTTs offer unbeatable value for overlanders looking to maximize comfort and space at a more accessible price point.

Winner: Soft Shell RTTs

Hard Shell RTTs vs. Soft Shell RTTs: Other Things to Consider

Budget vs. Features

Hard shell RTTs bring a number of things to the table, as we’ve discussed throughout this blog:

• Speed of setup
• Durability
• Weather resistance

But the truth is, those benefits come with a higher price tag. If you camp often, move locations frequently, or travel in unpredictable conditions, the investment might be well worth it. On the other hand, soft shell RTTs deliver a more budget-friendly entry point without sacrificing the core rooftop camping experience. 

For many, starting with a soft shell allows for more gear purchases or upgrades elsewhere in the build. For instance, if the money you save on a soft shell RTT lets you buy other accessories like power sources or portable stoves, is it worth spending a little less for a tent that isn’t as nice as it could be? That’s not a question we can answer for you; it’s all up to what you value.

Vehicle Compatibility

Not every RTT fits every vehicle. Always check your vehicle’s static and dynamic roof load ratings, and confirm your rack system can handle both the weight and mounting style of your chosen tent. 

For heavier hard shell models, a reinforced rack might be a necessity. For smaller SUVs or lighter-duty setups, the reduced weight of a soft shell may be a better fit.

Camping Style

Ask yourself: Do you envision quick overnights, setting up in minutes and hitting the road at first light? If so, a hard shell will match your pace with its much quicker setup/teardown speed. If you prefer to set up camp for several days, or want extra space for cooking, lounging, or sleeping more people, a soft shell (especially one with an annex) offers roomier comfort and expanded living space.

Climate & Terrain

Your destinations should heavily influence your choice. For harsh winters, heavy rains, or strong winds, the rigid shell and reduced seam exposure of a hard shell make it a better performer. For mild climates and well-maintained trails, a soft shell’s weather protection is often more than adequate, and you’ll benefit from its lighter weight on rough terrain.

So, depending on where you regularly like to travel, that can inform the type of tent that you should invest in. 

Sleeping Capacity

Finally, make sure your RTT can comfortably fit everyone coming along. Hard shells tend to have slightly smaller footprints, while soft shells, especially extended models, often provide more sleeping area for their packed size. Families or groups may find the extra room worth the trade-off in setup time and packed profile.

In the end, the “best” rooftop tent is the one that fits your budget, your vehicle, and your adventures — not just in specs, but in how you actually travel.

Conclusion: Are Hard Shell Rooftop Tents or Soft Shell Rooftop Tents Better For You?

Both hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents bring something valuable to the table, and the “right” choice depends entirely on how, and where, you travel. Hard shells shine for those who want speed, durability, and top-tier weather protection in a sleek, aerodynamic package. They’re an investment, but one that pays dividends for frequent travelers or those tackling unpredictable conditions.

Soft shells, on the other hand, excel in offering generous sleeping space, adaptability, and a more accessible price point. For overlanders who prefer longer basecamps, travel primarily in moderate climates, or simply want maximum space without stretching their budget, they’re hard to beat.

Ultimately, choosing your RTT is more about matching the tent to your own adventures than it is picking the one that looks best on paper. Think about your vehicle, your destinations, your budget, and your camping style, and you’ll find the option that truly fits.

Open Road Overland offers top-quality models in both categories, ensuring your next adventure begins with the perfect elevated home away from home.