We Compare Softshell against Hardtop Rooftop Tents!

Choosing between a soft and hardtop rooftop tent (RTT) can significantly impact your camping experience. Both have unique benefits and drawbacks, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision. Let's explore the key distinctions between soft and hardtop rooftop tents.

Softshell Rooftop Tents (Grip & Budget Mini Camper)

Pros:

• Comfortable Mattress: Softshell rooftop tents often come with thicker mattresses. In some cases, bedding can be left inside, making setup more convenient. However, it’s important to check the specific model to ensure it can accommodate bulky bedding.
• Interior Space: The softshell tents usually offer more space once set up, as they fold over themselves.
• Airflow: The softshell tents have slightly better airflow, making them perfect for a warm climate.

Budget Mini Camper softshell rooftop tent, TAS. Photo: Campervan Village

Cons:

• Setup Time: Softshell tents usually require a more involved setup process compared to hardtop tents. While the extra minutes might not be a deal-breaker, practicing setup and pack-down can help reduce the time significantly.
• Aerodynamics: These tents tend to be less aerodynamic, resembling the broad side of a vehicle, which can create significant drag. This can affect fuel economy, handling and overall vehicle performance.
• Waterproofing: Despite good seasoning, softshell tents have more surface area made from canvas and nylon, increasing the chance of water ingress during heavy rain.

Grip 4WD camping set-up with hardtop rooftop tent at front and softshell rooftop tent at back, QLD. Photo: Campervan Village

Hardtop Rooftop Tents (Desert Sands)

Pros:

Structural Stability: Hardtop tents feature a stronger, more stable structure, making them better suited to withstand storms and high winds. Their robust design also reduces noise from rustling, ensuring a quieter sleep in stormy conditions. Temperature Control: These tents retain heat better due to their solid construction and, in some models, insulation in the roof. This makes them ideal for camping in cold, wet, and windy environments. Quick Setup: Hardtop tents are much faster and easier to set up and pack away. Typically, they can be set up in around 30 seconds and packed away in a minute, compared to the five minutes it might take for softshell tents. This efficiency is especially useful for frequent travelers who move between destinations often. Aerodynamics: With a more streamlined design, hardtop tents tend to be more fuel-efficient and quieter while driving, as they create less wind resistance and noise. Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning hardtop tents is often quicker & simpler due to their shell material, which allows dirt to wash off easily. There are also not as many difficult areas to reach compared to the canvas in softshell tents. Waterproofing: Hardtop tents are less prone to leaking. Rainwater cannot penetrate the solid ABS/fiberglass shell and runs off the vertical sides, unlike softshell tents where pooling water might eventually seep through the material.

Cons:

Space: hard shell rooftop tents don’t use a bi-fold design, so they will provide less interior space and take up more roof space. Airflow: The hardtop tents retain heat better, making them slightly less breathable than softshell tents and therefore hotter in warm weather.

Desert Sands 4WD camping with 2 hardtop rooftop tents, QLD. Photo: Campervan Village

Conclusion

Choosing between a soft and hardtop rooftop tent ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Softshell tents offer comfort and affordability but require more setup time and may be less durable and aerodynamic. On the other hand, hardtop tents provide quick setup, better aerodynamics, durability, and superior performance in adverse weather conditions. Consider these factors carefully to ensure your camping adventures are as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. For extra comfort we recommend buying a mattress topper to add on top of the mattress. These are available at big stores like Kmart or Target for $15-$45.

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