How do Soft-shell Roof Tents Work?

Fold-out
Most common with soft-shell roof tents. Just pull off the travel cover, pull out the ladder and unfold the tent at a secure angle until it reaches the floor.

Getting in & out
You open and assemble your roof tent, typically within minutes, and climb into the tent through a large entry window with a ladder. Usually, they come with handy shoe bags for you to store your shoes away before you get into the main body of the tent.

1. Usually more spacious as they fold out into a larger sleeping area

Soft-shell roof top tents typically fold out so that half of the tent hangs over the side of the vehicle with a ladder that allows you to enter the tent. This enables a much greater sleeping space in comparison to hard-shell roof top tents with some being larger than a King sized bed.

2. Lighter in weight & more suitable for smaller cars.

Softshell tents tend to weigh between 45-60kg which makes them much more ideal for small vehicles and cars. This is due to the fact that smaller vehicles will have a lower dynamic weight limit (the weight you can carry on your car whilst in motion) than other large cars like SUVs or 4x4s.

3. Pack down smaller as they usually fold in half when closed.

Most soft-shell roof top tents have a fold out design which overhangs the side of the vehicle. That means when it is packed away it is folded and more compact. Because of this, it also makes them easier to manoeuvre when you install or pack away your roof top tent for the winter.

4. More affordable than hard-shell rooftop tents.

Soft-shell roof top tents are much more affordable with prices ranging on average at £1,000 to £1,500. In comparison, hardshell rooftop tents range from £1,500+ with some reaching the £3,000 mark.

5. You can stargaze

Most soft shell roof top tents come equipped with a window through the top rainfly which is awesome for stargazing at night or waking up to see the sky on a stunning summer day.

6. You can attach an annex or awning

Most soft shell roof top tents have an annex or awning designed to pair with the tent which gives you more private space when creating your own camping space. An annex is a small tent that usually covers the ladder giving you privacy to change or even have a shower

Are harder and more time consuming to set up and pack away.

Setting up and packing away takes longer and maybe frustrating the first couple of times you do it. After a bit of practice you should be able to assemble most roof tents in under five minutes.

You may need two parking spaces

Since most softshell tents have a fold out design they will take up space adjacent to the vehicle which means requiring you to purchase two parking spaces at the campsite you visit.

May not be able to leave your bedding or mattress inside when closed

The majority of soft-shell roof top tents do not allow for your bedding and pillows to be packed away with the tent. This is because most need to be folded and compressed when packed away.

1. Usually faster & easier to set up

A well designed one can be assembled in 30 seconds compared to Soft-shell rooftop tents that typically take 5 minutes. Simply unbuckle some straps and push the top of the shell and the gas-assisted struts can do the rest of the work for you

2. Can usually store mattress & gear in the tent when closed.

Most hard-shell rooftop tents have some space between the in-built mattress and the top shell which allows you to leave some light bedding and thin pillows.

3. Are more durable as they are made from tougher material

They are typically made from harder plastic to be able to take on the rough and tumble of camping. Some hard-shell roof tents include vehicle grade ABS or aluminium with UV protective agent materials. When you're camping you're bound to scuff your tent or have branches scrape and fall on it.

4. Store your gear on top

If you love a sporty or activity based camping trip then a hard-shell rooftop tent is your best bet. Soft-shell rooftop tents as of today do not have the capability to store and carry equipment on top of your rooftop tent.

1. Expensive due to the tougher and more durable materials

Hardshell rooftop tents are typically more expensive than soft-shell rooftop tents mainly due to greater design features and the higher quality or more durable materials used to make them.

2. Heavier than soft-shell rooftop tents. Typically excess of 60kg

They are typically heavier than soft-shell rooftop tents which based on the type of vehicle you have and the dynamic weight limit of your car means you can only purchase a soft-shell roof top tent.

3. Vehicle performance and handling is slightly worse than soft-shell rooftop tents being heavier and bulkier in nature.