The Campfire Blog

Roof top tents are a great way to add extra sleeping space to your vehicle, and they can be a great option for overlanding and other outdoor adventures. But with so many different roof top tents on the market, it can be tough to decide which type is right for you.

In this blog post, we'll compare hard shell roof top tents and soft shell roof top tents, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Hard shell roof top tents are made of a hard, rigid material, such as fiberglass, ABS plastic, or aluminum. This gives them a number of advantages over soft shell roof top tents, including:

• Durability: Hard shell roof top tents are more durable than soft shell roof top tents, and they can withstand more wear and tear. This makes them a good choice for people who plan on using their roof top tent in harsh conditions.
  
• Weatherproofness: Hard shell roof top tents are more weatherproof than soft shell roof top tents. They can withstand rain, snow, and wind, and they're less likely to leak.
• Aerodynamics: Hard shell roof top tents are more aerodynamic than soft shell roof top tents. This means that they have less of an impact on your vehicle's fuel economy.
• Ease of setup: Hard shell roof top tents are generally easier to set up than soft shell roof top tents. This is because they don't have to be folded out, they simply open up like a clamshell.

Soft Shell Roof Top Tents

Soft shell roof top tents are made of a soft, flexible material, such as canvas or vinyl. This gives them a number of advantages over hard shell roof top tents, including:

• Versatility: Soft shell roof top tents are more versatile than hard shell roof top tents. They can be folded out into a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes them a good choice for people who want a lot of flexibility.
  
• Weight: Soft shell roof top tents are lighter than hard shell roof top tents. This makes them a good choice for people who have smaller vehicles or who are concerned about weight.
• Price: Soft shell roof top tents are generally less expensive than hard shell roof top tents.

Which Type is Right for You?

So, which type of roof top tent is right for you? It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a durable, weatherproof tent that's easy to set up, then a hard shell roof top tent is a good option. If you're looking for a versatile, lightweight tent that's more affordable, then a soft shell roof top tent is a good choice.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of roof top tent is right for you is to try out both types and see which one you prefer. There are many different roof top tents on the market, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you.

Additional Factors to Consider

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing between hard shell and soft shell roof top tents. These include:

• Your vehicle's roof: Not all roof top tents are compatible with all vehicles. Make sure to check the compatibility requirements of the tent you're interested in before you buy it.
• Your budget: Roof top tents can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so you don't overspend.
• Your personal preferences: Ultimately, the best way to choose a roof top tent is to consider your own personal preferences. What's important to you in a roof top tent? Do you want a durable tent that can withstand harsh conditions? Do you want a lightweight tent that's easy to set up? Once you know what's important to you, you can start shopping for a tent that meets your needs.