Choosing between a hard shell and a soft shell rooftop tent comes down to how you adventure – and your budget. Whether you’re chasing off-road missions or family weekends at the lake, knowing the differences will help you pick the setup that truly fits your journey.

Hard Shell Rooftop Tents

Hard shell rooftop tents are built tough, with a rigid protective lid – usually aluminium, fibreglass, or heavy-duty plastic. They open like a clamshell or pop-up box, with gas struts or hinges doing most of the work. Unlock a couple of latches and within seconds you’ve got a ready-to-sleep shelter.

Where they really shine is in durability. Aluminium hard shells, like the Bushbuck Armourdillo, can take the knocks of off-road tracks, overhanging branches, and years of rough camp life without batting an eyelid. 

Aluminium hard shells can also be used to mount roof racks, solar panels, or storage boxes, which is a massive win if you’re trying to maximise limited roof space on long missions. Another space-saving benefit of hard shell roof tents is you can often close the tent with your bedding (duvet and pillows) inside.

On the road, their low-profile, aerodynamic shape keeps wind noise and fuel consumption down (although the extra weight may equate to using more fuel than a soft shell tent overall). In camp, they handle wild weather better than just about any fabric tent. 

The trade-offs? They’re heavier and more expensive than soft shell tents. And while our 1.9m Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent can sleep up to three adults, most hard shells are limited in size.

Best for:

• Frequent travellers who move camp daily

• Fast set-up and pack-down

• Solo adventurers or couples

• Off-road and 4WD adventures

• Maximising roof storage space

Does this tick your boxes? Check out the Bushbuck Armourdillo® Aluminium Hard Shell Rooftop Tent 

Soft Shell Rooftop Tents

Soft shell rooftop tents are the classic design – a folding base with a heavy-duty fabric body, usually protected by a PVC cover while you’re on the move. When it’s time to set up camp, you undo the straps, remove the cover, flip the base open, and the tent unfolds.

Their biggest strength is space. Because they fold outward, soft shells often double their footprint, giving you a roomy platform that comfortably fits three to four people. You can still get compact soft shell roof tents, there’s just a wider range of sizes available compared to hard shell roof tents.

They’re also lighter and more affordable than hard shells, which means they suit a wider range of vehicles and budgets. You don’t need heavy-duty roof racks to run one, and they’re often the best way to get into rooftop camping when you’re on a budget.

The trade-offs? They take longer to set up and pack down, they’re less aerodynamic on the road, and while modern ripstop fabrics are tough, they won’t shrug off bumps and scrapes like an aluminium shell. But for campers chasing comfort, room to spread out, and great value, soft shells are a great option.

Best for:

• Families or groups

• Budget-conscious campers

• People setting up for a few nights at one spot

• Smaller vehicles with lower load ratings

Sound like you? Check out the Bushbuck Ardvark Soft Shell Rooftop Tent

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Comparison Table

Dive Deeper: Check out our Complete Guide to Choosing a Rooftop Tent

Let’s take a more granular look at the key features, benefits, and disadvantages of both hard shell and soft shell rooftop tents.

Hard Shell Roof Tents: Pros and Cons 

Pros

• Setup speed: Nothing beats the “pop and done” of a hard shell. They’re super fast and easy to set up. If you’re road-tripping and moving every night, this alone can be worth the investment. Don’t believe us? Here’s a video of the Armourdillo® Rooftop Tent being set up in less than 90 seconds.

• Weather resistance: With solid walls and tight seals, hard shells shrug off wind and rain better than any soft shell tent.

• Durability: Aluminium shells (like the Armourdillo) are tough as nails. They don’t fade or wear out like fabric covers and they’re up to the hard knocks of off-road adventures and camp life.

• Aerodynamics: Slim, flat profiles reduce drag. That means quieter highway driving and better fuel efficiency than bulky soft shells.

• Storage: One thing campers really like about hard shell roof tents is you can leave most of your bedding set up when the tent is packed away. This is super convenient, especially if you’re moving between campsites on a road trip. Not all hard shell roof tents have the same amount of space, so make sure to check.

• Mounting: If you choose a heavy duty aluminium hard shell rooftop tent, like the Bushbuck Armourdillo®, you can mount roof racks, rails, solar panels, and storage boxes on top. This means you can still carry things like a kayak, surfboard, or other camping gear on your roof. Just be mindful of your vehicle’s dynamic load ratings.

• Longevity: Hard shells tend to last longer if looked after correctly so while you’re paying more upfront, you’ll likely get more use out of the roof tent.

Cons

• Price: Hard shell rooftop tents are significantly more expensive upfront.

• Weight: Many are 70–90kg, which requires strong roof racks and may rule out smaller vehicles. Again, make sure to check your vehicle’s load ratings if you’re thinking about getting a hard shell roof tent.

• Space: Hard shell roof tents aren’t able to expand as much as some soft shell models and are usually limited to 2-3 adults, which means they’re not well-suited to families.

Soft Shell Roof Tents: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Room to move: The fold out design of a soft shell roof tent means they can often be larger and more roomy than hard shell models. This makes them a good option for families and couples who like more space. However, you can also get compact soft shell rooftop tents for 1-2 people.

• Value for money: Soft shell roof tents are much more affordable than hard shell options, making them a great entry point. A lot of people test the waters of roof tent camping with a soft shell before moving onto a hard shell.

• Lightweight: At 50–70kg, most vehicles can carry them with standard roof racks. You don’t need a big ute or SUV. Smaller soft shell roof tents can usually be mounted to station wagons and even regular sedans. This generally makes them more fuel efficient than heavier hard top tents.

Cons

• Setup time: Soft shell roof tents take longer to deploy and pack away. Not a big deal if you’re parked up for a few days, but a hassle if you’re moving daily.

• Weather resistance: To be fair, a good quality soft shell roof tent will be highly weatherproof, but they can’t provide the same level of protection as a hard shell.

• Durability: Fabric degrades faster than aluminium and heavy duty plastic, especially when exposed to sun, rain, wind, and dust. It’s also more prone to damage on off-road missions.

• Noise: Even packed down, the big vinyl cover is less aerodynamic than a hard shell and some people find the wind noise annoying.

Different Types of Hard Shell Roof Tents

Not all hard shell rooftop tents are built the same. The shell material affects weight, durability, weather resistance, and lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of the main types and what to look for:

Aluminium Hard Shells

• Shell thickness: 1.5–3mm aluminium panels or honeycomb sheets are ideal. Thinner shells may flex or dent and won’t be suitable for mounting.

• Construction style: Honeycomb or double-skin builds offer more rigidity and insulation than single-skin designs.

• Finish: Powder-coated aluminium resists corrosion and scratching better than bare or painted shells.

• Mounting capability: Many aluminium shells have integrated rails for mounting roof racks, solar panels, or storage boxes.

• Key benefit: The toughest option, built for serious off-road use and long-term durability.

Fibreglass / FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) Hard Shells

• Layup quality: High-quality models use multiple fibreglass layers with resin, reinforced at stress points.

• Thickness: A solid shell should be 3–5mm thick. Thin shells are prone to cracking.

• UV protection: UV-stabilised gel coats or protective paint prevent yellowing and cracking over time.

• Shape: Fibreglass allows sleek, aerodynamic designs, which reduce drag and look sharp.

• Key benefit: A good balance of strength, weight, and aerodynamics at a lower cost than aluminium.

ABS Plastic / Heavy-Duty Plastic Hard Shells

• Plastic grade: Look for UV-stabilised ABS to prevent brittleness, fading, and cracking.

• Wall thickness: 4–6mm thick panels are stronger and less prone to warping in heat.

• Reinforcement: The best ABS shells are reinforced with an internal steel or aluminium frame.

• Heat resistance: High-quality ABS uses stabilisers to resist deformation in hot weather.

• Key benefit: Lightweight and affordable, a cost-effective entry into hard shell tents.

How much time will I save in setup and pack down with a hard shell vs a soft shell tent?

Hard shells often deploy in under a minute; soft shells usually need 5-10 minutes (or more) depending on how many straps, covers, and annexes are involved.

Will a hard shell tent really withstand off-road use and harsh weather better than a soft shell?

Yes, hard shells resist wind, rain, brush and impacts better. Soft shells are more vulnerable to fabric wear, water ingress, and flapping in strong wind unless well-maintained.

Does the type of tent affect fuel economy and road noise?

It does. Hard shells generally have a sleeker profile when closed, leading to less drag, lower wind noise, and better fuel efficiency. Soft shells can increase drag and noise, especially at highway speeds. However, the weight of a hard shell tent may negate any fuel efficiency achieved through aerodynamics.

Is a hard shell roof tent too heavy for my vehicle? How do I know if my roof rack will cope?

Hard shells are heavier; you’ll need to check your vehicle’s dynamic roof load, the capacity of your rack system, and possibly the roof strength and suspension. Soft shells are lighter and more forgiving in this regard.

Which style gives more usable space and flexibility (for families, extra gear, annexes)?

Soft shells usually win for space. They expand off the roof, often allow annexes or awnings, are better for groups, and provide extra room for gear or protection. Hard shells are more constrained in size, usually best for two people. However, the Armourdillo® Hard Shell Rooftop Tent has an Annex, Wall Body, and Family Tent that can expand its footprint considerably.

Which type of rooftop tent offers better long-term value and resale potential?

Hard shells cost more upfront but often last longer if well maintained, and may retain resale value better. Soft shells are cheaper, but may need more repairs or fabric treatment over time.

Can I mount solar panels, storage boxes, or gear on top of either tent style?

Hard shells (especially aluminium ones) are more compatible with mounting gear on top (roof racks, panels), but you still need to check design, stiffness and load rating. Soft shells typically don’t handle additional weight on the roof as well.

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