Rooftop camping is popular with explorers seeking comfort, portability, and durability. However, choosing a hard shell or soft shell roof top tent is difficult. Each type has perks and downsides, from setup to upkeep. This extensive guide will help you choose between a hard shell roof top tent for sale and a jeep tent.
Hard shell roof top tents what are they?
Hard top roof top tents have a strong, metal shell that protects the tent fabric when closed. Hard shell tents deploy quickly and are solid, unlike soft shell tents, which fold like backpacks. Hinge mechanics and gas struts make tent opening and closing easy.
Hard-shell tent benefits:
- Quick set-up/takedown
- Excellent rain, wind, and UV protection
- Compact driving storage
Frequent travelers who value speed and durability prefer roof top tent hard shells.
Advantages of Soft Shell Tents
Heavy-duty cloth soft shell tents are lighter and cheaper than hard shell tents. They extend vertically when deployed, increasing internal room and flexibility. In the outdoors, soft shell tents are easier to repair if the fabric breaks than stiff hard shell panels.
They may be harder to set up and take down than hard shell roof top tents, and extreme weather can limit their lifespan.
Durability and Maintenance of Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
Adventurers buy rooftop tent hard shells for durability. Quality textiles resist UV radiation and heavy rain, while aluminum shells prevent corrosion. Maintaining your tent extends its life:
Regular Cleaning: Wash the cloth and shell with mild soap. Do not use aggressive chemicals that degrade coatings.
Check Zippers and Seals: Tight seams and smooth zippers make your tent waterproof. Lubricate with silicone to avoid sticking.
Protect against Sun and Weather: Covering the tent during storage avoids fading and damage, even with UV-resistant fabrics.
Lubricate moving parts: Lubricating hinges and gas struts helps them run smoothly.
For long-term storage, keep the tent cool and dry. Before winter storage, remove solar panels and gear boxes to avoid ice, snow, and heavy rain damage.
Considerations for Comfort
Some hard shell roof top tents have memory foam mattresses and ventilation, making them comfortable like indoor camping. Airing out the mattress, using washable covers, and avoiding wetness creates a fresh sleeping environment. Although they require extra padding for comfort, soft shell tents offer more headroom and sleeping space for families and parties.
Space, weight factors
Vehicle compatibility should be considered while choosing hard or soft shells. Though heavier than soft shell tents, hard shell tents are compact and don’t impair aerodynamics. Soft shell tents are lighter but protrude more when closed, reducing fuel economy and roof storage.
Ideal Situations for Each Type
Hard Shell Rooftop Tents: Ideal for lone travelers or couples that value rapid setup, durability, and regular camping in different conditions. For frequent SUV, jeep, and truck drivers, a hard shell roof top tent is ideal.
Soft-shell tents: Fit bigger parties, families, and budget-conscious shoppers who want more space. Ideal for weekend campers and occasional adventures.
Jeep Tent Choices
A hard-shell Jeep tent is ideal for 4×4 and off-road vehicles. It’s sturdy enough to handle off-road impacts and provides a comfy sleeping place. Roof racks and other vehicle accessories are less affected by the small design.
Conclude
The choice between a hard shell and soft shell roof top tent relies on travel style, frequency, and priorities. Hard shell variants are worth considering for serious adventurers because to their durability, rapid assembly, and weather resistance. Casual campers benefit from soft shell tents’ flexibility, room, and affordability.
Openroad’s aluminum roof top tents hard shell are durable and convenient for years of outdoor excursions. Clean, lubricate, UV protect, and store your hard shell roof top tent to keep it reliable on every trip.
