Soft Shell Roof Top Tents Guide

Soft shell roof top tents are more budget-friendly compared to hard-shell ones. They offer a cozy shelter for camping or overlanding trips all year round. Unlike hard shell tents with various opening styles, soft shell tents typically have a fold-out design where one half remains on the roof rack when unfolded, while the other half hangs in the air.

In this guide, we will discuss the various soft shell roof top tents in our collection. By the time you finish reading, you should be able to decide on the most suitable option for your needs. If you want to read the ultimate guide to buying a roof top tent see here.

Why Get A Soft Shell Roof Top Tent?

Soft shell roof top tents, being lighter than hard shell varieties, can help improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency and make it easier to handle. They are also more affordable than hard shell options, making them a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts with varying budgets.

Soft shell roof top tents are designed with a sleeker appearance when not in use, making them ideal for those looking to reduce wind resistance, minimize noise, or fit into small spaces such as garages. These tents often include useful add-ons like extensions or coverings that provide extra room for storage, changing, or protection from the elements. Additionally, they typically offer more choices for attaching accessories.

Soft shell roof tents work well on different vehicles like small SUVs, crossovers, and big trucks. They are versatile and suit various camping styles. While not as tough as hard shell options, soft shell tents can handle different weather conditions. They have strong, waterproof materials to keep you dry in rain or snow.

Selecting a soft shell rooftop tent is a smart and budget-friendly approach to improve your camping adventures and overlanding trips, all while keeping the option open to easily adjust to various vehicles and camping situations.

Top Soft Shell Roof Top Tents You Should Consider

Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic Roof Top Tent

Here we introduce one of the highly sought-after models from Overlanding Vehicle Systems (OVS), the Nomadic RTT. It's essential to note that this model is available in two different sizes, catering to various needs. The smallest option is the Nomadic Standard, followed by the medium-sized Nomadic Extended. Regardless of size, they all share the same robust construction and impressive features.

The Nomadic RTT is a soft shell roof top tent suitable for all four seasons. Its construction is exceptionally durable, crafted from rugged materials capable of withstanding even the most extreme weather conditions. Depending on the size you choose, this tent can comfortably accommodate anywhere from 3 to 5 people.

This OVS soft shell rooftop tent is built using sturdy 1-inch aluminum poles and a tough diamond anti-scratch aluminum base with protective edge guards to prevent canvas damage. One standout feature is the windows on both sides that let you enjoy the views all around. It also includes a skyview window for plenty of natural light during the day and a stunning view of the night sky.

When not being used, you can keep the tent safe in its tough 1000D PVC travel cover. This soft shell rooftop tent is surprisingly affordable for its size and has one of the thickest mattresses around. Inside, there's a 3-inch thick foam mattress with a cover that you can wash in the machine.

Inside the tent, there are handy storage pockets for organizing small items. A built-in LED light brightens up the tent's interior and surrounding area at night. The tent comes in different sizes and weights, so check out the details below. OVS roof top tents are both budget-friendly and sturdy, perfect for your next off-road trip. Check them out now!

NaturNest Soft Shell Roof Top Tent

This soft shell roof top tent by Naturnest is a top choice for overlanding trips. It's designed to accommodate four people and stands out in the market for being extremely lightweight. Despite its light build, it boasts impressive durability, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and strong winds, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience during your outdoor adventures.

This tent is made for three to four people and is really strong with its 600D heavy-duty ripstop polyester canvas. The canvas is waterproof and has polyurethane to make it even tougher. It also comes with a lightweight rainfly made of 420D oxford material that repels water, supported by strong 4mm steel poles. To store and carry it safely, there's a tough travel bag made of 650gsm, 1000d PVC material with UV-resistant straps and Velcro lining to keep everything dry.

This rooftop tent is built for four people and has a sturdy base made of a tough 1-inch aluminum/polyurethane mix. Despite its strong build, it weighs only 139 lbs but can hold up to 770 lbs. Inside, there's a comfy 60mm foam mattress with a washable cover. To keep bugs out, the tent has mesh windows on all sides.

Soft Shell Roof Top Tent FAQS

What is the best soft shell roof top tent out there?

That all depends on you and your needs. But some of the best and highest quality soft shell roof top tents would have to be those that were manufactured by iKamper and Guana Equipment.

What is the difference between a hard shell vs soft shell roof top tent?

Well, the major difference is that the hard shell tent has a, well, a hard shell which makes it more aerodynamic especially when driving at high speeds. However soft shell roof top tents are a lot more budget friendly option. Both hard shell and soft shell roof top tents have their pros and cons but you won’t make a mistake getting either of them.

What is the cheapest soft shell roof top tent?

The cheapest soft shell roof top tent would have to be the OVS TMBK 3 person soft shell roof top tent.