Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Roof Top Tents: Pros and Cons

Choosing between a hard shell vs soft shell roof top tent is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when setting up a 4WD for touring or off-road travel. Both styles offer clear advantages, but the right choice depends on how you travel, how often you camp, and the conditions you expect to face.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of hard shell and soft shell roof top tents, explain which style suits different types of travel, and help you decide which option makes the most sense for your setup.

What’s the Difference Between Hard Shell and Soft Shell Roof Top Tents?

At a basic level, the difference comes down to construction and setup.

• Hard shell roof top tents use a rigid outer shell, often aluminium or fibreglass

• Soft shell roof top tents use a folding fabric design with a soft cover

Both get you off the ground and into a comfortable sleeping setup — but they behave very differently on the road and at camp.

Hard Shell Roof Top Tents: Pros and Cons

Pros of Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Fast Setup and Pack-Down

One of the biggest advantages of hard shell roof top tents is speed. Many hard shell designs can be deployed in just a few minutes, making them ideal for touring routes with frequent overnight stops.

Better for Long-Distance Touring

Hard shell tents are popular for long trips thanks to:

• Strong, rigid construction

• Better resistance to wind and weather

• Less movement on corrugated roads

Improved Aerodynamics

Low-profile hard shell tents reduce wind drag, road noise, and fuel consumption — a noticeable benefit on long highway stretches.

Durability in Harsh Conditions

For travellers tackling heat, dust, and unpredictable weather, hard shell designs offer excellent protection and longevity.

Touring-focused options like the X-Pro Hardshell are built with these long-distance conditions in mind.

Cons of Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Higher Initial Cost

Hard shell roof top tents typically cost more upfront due to materials, engineering, and build quality.

Heavier Than Some Soft Shell Options

While modern designs manage weight well, hard shell tents can be heavier than entry-level soft shell tents and require suitable roof load ratings.

Soft Shell Roof Top Tents: Pros and Cons

Pros of Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

More Affordable Entry Point

Soft shell tents are often the most budget-friendly way to get into roof top camping.

Lighter Options Available

Some soft shell designs are lighter, which can suit smaller vehicles or lower roof load limits.

Spacious Sleeping Area

Many soft shell tents fold out to provide a large sleeping footprint, which can appeal to families or occasional campers.

Cons of Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

Longer Setup and Pack-Down

Soft shell tents generally take more time to set up and pack away, especially when managing covers, poles, and fabric.

Less Streamlined for Touring

When packed down, soft shell tents sit higher and create more wind resistance, which can impact fuel efficiency and road noise.

Fabric Exposure

In dusty or wet conditions, exposed fabric can require more maintenance and care over time.

Which Roof Top Tent Is Better for Touring?

For frequent travellers, outback routes, and long-distance touring, hard shell roof top tents are often the preferred choice.

They suit:

• Quick overnight stops

• Solo or couple travel

• Harsh Australian conditions

• Vehicles set up for touring

Soft shell tents still have their place, particularly for:

• Occasional camping

• Budget-conscious builds

• Shorter trips closer to home

Solar, Storage, and Touring Features

Modern hard shell tents increasingly include touring-friendly features such as:

• Integrated solar options

• Internal LED lighting

• Low-profile storage solutions

For travellers wanting to stay off-grid longer, these features can significantly improve comfort and self-sufficiency.

Choosing Between Hard Shell and Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

When deciding between a hard shell vs soft shell roof top tent, ask yourself:

• How often will I camp?

• Will I be touring long distances?

• Do I need fast setup and pack-down?

• Can my vehicle support the weight?

There’s no single “best” option — only what’s best for your travel style.

You can explore and compare different hard shell and soft shell options in our roof top tent collection here:
https://stepabove4x4.com.au/collections/roof-top-tents

 

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