Hardshell and softshell roof tents

Hardshell vs Softshell roof tents

By Kenny Stocker

Choosing between a softshell and hardshell roof tent is a trade-off between speed vs. space, cost vs. durability, and convenience vs. comfort. Without knowing your camping style and priorities, it’s easy to end up with the wrong fit.

Thinking about a roof tent to enable this seasons adventures, but not quite sure whether a hard shell or a soft shell is right for you?

We have both style of roof tents in our range. While both do essentially the same thing there are some subtle differences that might help you decide which is best for you.

Nest is our hard shell rooftent. This simply means it has a hard plastic roof. When closed it looks very much like a large luggage roof box. It is the fastest and simplest roof tent to erect thanks to its pneumatic struts.

Lookout is our soft shell rooftent. Whilst still benefiting from a pop up mechanism it looks more like a traditional tent. The sides and roof are constructed from polycotton giving a spacious and comfortable living area.

Feature Nest Hard Shell Roof Tent Lookout Soft Shell Roof Tent
Setup Time Extremely fast (can be erected in seconds, often with pneumatic struts) Slower setup compared to hard shell; quicker than ground tents but involves unfolding
Ease of Use Very easy—ideal for solo travelers or tired campers Fairly simple but requires more effort than hard shell
Durability More durable due to hard ABS shell Durable but more prone to wear due to fabric construction
Weather Resistance Superior protection from wind, rain, and UV Waterproof (4000mm fly) but less protective in extreme conditions
Comfort Features Includes memory foam mattress, built-in lights, and storage Also includes mattresses and lights but may feel more like a traditional tent
Weight Heavier than soft shell (typically requires 2 people to install) Lighter than hard shell, easier to lift and mount
Storage Can often store bedding inside when closed Limited storage—usually must pack bedding separately
Aerodynamics/Travel Efficiency More aerodynamic; better fuel efficiency while driving Less aerodynamic; slightly reducung your fuel efficiency
Price Generally more expensive More affordable
Aesthetic/Design Sleek and modern looking Looks more like a traditional tent; often more spacious visually

Summary:

  • Hard shell tents are ideal for those who prioritise speed, convenience, and weather resistance.

  • Soft shell tents are better suited to campers who want more space with a more traditional tent feel with rooftop convenience.

Tents

  • Email when available

alpkit elan hooped bivy bag Alpkit elan hooped bivy rear

Elan

Lightweight, waterproof hooped bivvy bag weighing less than 1kg
$119.99 $149.99
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Alpkit polestar in kelp Polestar pitched

Polestar

3-season ultralight 1-person backpacking tent, 980g
$129.99 $189.99
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Aeronaut 1 aeronaut 1

Aeronaut 1

Air pole tent great for bikepacking and hiking trips: 1-person, 3-season, 1.2kg
$179.99 $239.99
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Aeronaut 2 inflatable pole tent - closed alpkit aeronaut 2 tent

Aeronaut 2

Innovative air pole tent great for bikepacking and hiking trips: 2-person, 3-season, 1.5kg
$229.99 $289.99
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Ultra 1 Ultra 1

Ultra 1

Ultralight bikepacking tent: 1-person, 2-3 season, sub 900g (2lb)
$359.99 $439.99
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Soloist one person lightweight tent soloist in Mallorca - action

Soloist

Ultralight backpacking tent: 1-person, 3-season, 1.2kg
$179.99 $219.99
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Soloist one person lightweight tent soloist in Mallorca - action

Soloist XL

Ultralight backpacking tent: 1-person XL, 3-season, 1.31kg
$189.99 $249.99
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viso-tunnel-tent-new-kelp SHAKVISO2_viso-location-norway-1-2 - action

Viso 2

Spacious, backpacking tunnel tent: 2-person, 3-season, 3.2kg
$189.99 $239.99
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viso 3 tent blue viso 3 tent blue

Viso 3

Spacious, backpacking tunnel tent: 3-person, 3-season, 3.9kg
$219.99 $259.99
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Tetri SHAKTETRI_tetri3 - action

Tetri

Geodesic backpacking tent: 2-person, 3-season, 3kg
$169.99 $219.99
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alpkit ordos 2 ultralight 2 person tent in kelp green ordos 2 tent with fly

Ordos 2

Ultralight backpacking tent: 2-person, 3-season, 1.4kg
$269.99 $319.99
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ordos 3 tent blue ordos 3 inner

Ordos 3

Ultralight backpacking tent: 3-person, 3-season, 1.7kg
$299.99 $369.99

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