Soft Shell vs. Hard Shell Roof Tents
When it comes to choosing a roof tent, the biggest question most campers ask is…
Soft Shell or Hard Shell?
It’s the age-old debate in the rooftop camping community, and here at Latitude, we get this question all the time! Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends entirely on your camping style, personal preferences, and how you plan to use it.
Let’s break it down and compare both options side-by-side to help you decide which one’s the best fit for your next trip!
What’s the Difference?
In simple terms, soft shell roof tents are typically larger and more spacious with a fabric body, while hard shell roof tents come with a rigid, solid outer shell that offers a sleek and compact design.
Let’s dive into what each type brings to the table…
Soft Shell Roof Tents
Why Choose a Soft Shell Roof Tent?
If you love a bit of extra space to spread out and enjoy the comforts of home while you’re out on the open road, a soft shell roof tent is a fantastic option. While hard shell tents are known for speed, soft shell tents are the undisputed kings of camp comfort and liveable space.
The Benefits of Going Soft Shell
Room to Move: Because these tents fold out beyond the footprint of your vehicle's roof, they are generally much larger than their hard shell counterparts. This fold-out design offers plenty of headroom, an expansive sleeping area, and a much more open, airy feel.
The Ultimate "Downstairs" Extension: Our soft shell tents come with the option to add fully enclosed ground-floor annexes. This extra living space serves as a perfect mudroom for dirty boots, a weather-protected kitchen area, or a private lounge space.
Built-In Star-Gazing: Every soft-shell tent features integrated overhead skylights, allowing you to drift off under the stars while staying warm and tucked into bed.
Whether you're hiding out from a rainy afternoon or just need a private spot to change clothes, a soft shell tent gives you a true multi-room basecamp anywhere your wheels can take you.
A Quick Thing to Keep in Mind
Because these tents fold out to give you all that wonderful extra space, they do take just a few minutes longer to unclip and unfold compared to a hard shell tent. If your camping style is all about hyper-fast, on-the-go stops, the extra minute or two of setup is just something to keep in mind. But if you love having room to breathe once you arrive, it is well worth the tiny bit of extra effort!
Hard Shell Roof Tents
Why choose a hard shell roof tent?
If you prefer quick, no-fuss setup and a compact, sleek design, hard shell roof tents are your go-to choice. Our Explorer roof tent features a rigid aluminium shell that opens up in seconds, offering a fast and easy setup no matter where you find yourself. Hard shell roof tents also tend to offer better aerodynamics, which can help with fuel efficiency during long road trips.
Advantages of Hard Shell Roof Tents
Quick setup – Our hard shell tents feature an innovative gas strut mechanism that make setup a breeze. You can go from packed up to pitched in seconds.
Compact and aerodynamic – The hard shell design is sleek and streamlined, reducing wind resistance and helping you save on fuel during those long road trips.
Durability – The rigid outer shell makes hard shell tents more rugged, providing better resilience when venturing through rougher terrains.
Ideal for frequent travellers – If you’re constantly on the move or just need something that’s quick to set up and pack down, a hard shell roof tent is a real time-saver.
Things to keep in mind:
While they’re super convenient, hard shell tents usually offer slightly less space compared to their soft shell counterparts. So if you prioritise space over speed of set-up, this might be something to consider
So, Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the decision comes down to your camping style, your budget, and what you need out of your vehicle's roof space. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Go for a Soft-Shell tent if:
You need max sleeping space: Because they fold outward, soft-shells often double their footprint when open, making them ideal for families or anyone who likes room to stretch.
You want an indoor/outdoor living area: Soft-shells easily connect to zip-on annex extensions, giving you a private "downstairs" room next to your car.
You love stargazing: Many soft-shell models feature dedicated skylight windows so you can watch the stars right from your mattress.
You are budget-conscious: Soft-shells offer massive value and are generally much more affordable than hard-shell alternatives.
Go for a Hard-Shell tent if:
You move camp every day: Hard-shells use gas struts to pop open in under 60 seconds and pack away just as fast—no separate travel covers or complex folding required.
You face rough weather: The rigid outer shell acts as a natural shield against howling winds and heavy rain, meaning less fabric rustling while you sleep.
You want better gas mileage: Their slim, aerodynamic profile reduces wind drag and highway noise when closed.
You still want to haul gear: Many heavy-duty hard-shells feature top rails, allowing you to mount solar panels, bikes, or kayaks directly to the roof of the tent.
The Bottom Line:
If you prefer to set up basecamp for a few days and want maximum living space for your dollar, grab a soft-shell. If you are on a fast-paced road trip where setup speed and quick morning departures matter most, invest in a hard-shell.
Ready to hit the road? No matter which tent you choose, remember that adventure always starts with the right gear, and at Latitude Tents, we’ve got you covered. Get out there and enjoy the freedom of camping—Adventure starts here.
