A roof top tent can completely change the way you camp. Instead of setting up a tent on the ground, you have a ready-made sleeping space mounted directly to your vehicle.

But once you start looking at roof top tents, one question comes up quickly:

Should you choose a hard shell or a soft shell roof top tent?

Both have their advantages. Hard shell tents are generally designed around fast setup, a compact packed profile and convenience. Soft shell tents can offer more space, flexible layouts and a larger camping area.

The right choice comes down to how you travel, how often you camp and what your vehicle can comfortably carry.

This guide breaks down the differences between hard shell and soft shell roof top tents, what to consider before buying and how to make sure your roof rack setup is suitable.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Roof Top Tent: At a Glance

Before getting into the details, here's the simple comparison:

Neither design is automatically better.

The question is which one fits your vehicle and the way you actually camp.

What Is a Hard Shell Roof Top Tent?

A hard shell roof top tent has a rigid outer shell that encloses the tent when it is packed away.

The main attraction is simplicity.

Instead of unfolding a large tent structure and arranging multiple sections of fabric, many hard shell designs are designed to open quickly once you've reached camp.

For campers who regularly move between locations, that can make a significant difference.

Why Choose a Hard Shell Roof Top Tent?

Quick setup

The biggest advantage is speed. Many hard shell designs are designed to open with minimal effort, making them particularly convenient for overnight stops.

Fast pack-down

When it's time to leave, the tent can generally be closed without having to fold and arrange as much fabric.

Streamlined when closed

The rigid shell can create a relatively compact roof profile, which can be useful for people who spend a lot of time driving between campsites.

Protection when packed

The outer shell provides a rigid layer of protection around the tent when it is closed.

Good for frequent travellers

If you're regularly heading away for weekends or changing campsites every day or two, convenience becomes a major advantage.

The Downsides of a Hard Shell

The trade-off is usually space.

A hard shell design has physical limitations around how much the tent can expand once opened. Some models can still provide comfortable sleeping space, but they may not offer the same flexibility as a large fold-out soft shell.

Hard shells can also vary significantly in weight, so you should never assume that every hard shell tent is lightweight simply because it is compact.

What Is a Soft Shell Roof Top Tent?

A soft shell roof top tent uses a fabric tent structure that folds down onto the vehicle when packed.

When opened, the tent expands to create a larger sleeping or living area.

This design has been popular with campers who prioritise space and flexibility over the fastest possible setup.

For longer camping trips, that extra room can become particularly useful.

Why Choose a Soft Shell Roof Top Tent?

More usable space

Many soft shell tents provide a larger sleeping area once opened, making them attractive for couples, families or campers who simply want more room.

Flexible design

The fold-out structure can create additional usable space around the sleeping area.

Better suited to longer stays

If you're staying at one campsite for several days, the additional space can be more valuable than having the fastest possible pack-down.

Annex options

Depending on the tent design, an annex can provide additional sheltered space below or beside the tent.

More camping flexibility

Soft shell designs can provide a larger overall camping footprint without requiring the same rigid structure.

The Downsides of a Soft Shell

The main compromise is setup time.

There's generally more fabric and more structure to arrange when opening and closing the tent.

If you've been camping in wet conditions, you also need to think about how and when the tent will dry before being packed away for an extended period.

The packed profile can also be larger depending on the design.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell: Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your camping style.

Choose a Hard Shell Roof Top Tent If:

• You regularly take short weekend trips

• You move between campsites frequently

• Fast setup is important to you

• You want quick pack-down

• You prefer a more streamlined roof profile

• You usually camp with one or two people

• Convenience matters more than maximum interior space

Choose a Soft Shell Roof Top Tent If:

• You regularly spend several nights at one campsite

• You want more sleeping space

• You camp with more people

• You want the option of an annex

• You value flexibility over fast setup

• You don't mind spending a little longer setting up camp

• You want a larger camping area

There's no universal winner.

Hard shell wins on convenience. Soft shell wins on space and flexibility.

Roof Top Tent Weight: The Number You Should Check First 

Before comparing colours, mattresses or accessories, check the weight.

A roof top tent is a significant addition to your vehicle.

But the tent itself isn't the only weight you need to consider.

Your complete roof setup could include:

• Roof top tent

• Mounting brackets

• Roof racks

• Crossbars

• Roof platform

• Awning

• Other roof-mounted equipment

All of these contribute to the total load.

That's why you shouldn't simply ask:

“Can my vehicle carry a roof top tent?”

Instead, ask:

“Can my vehicle and roof-rack system safely carry my complete setup?”

Dynamic vs Static Roof Load: What's the Difference?

This is an important distinction when fitting a roof top tent.

Dynamic load refers to the load being carried while the vehicle is moving.

Static load refers to the load when the vehicle is stationary, such as when people are inside the tent at a campsite.

The static load can therefore be considerably higher than the dynamic load because the vehicle is no longer moving.

However, you should always follow the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle, roof racks and roof top tent.

Don't assume that a high static load rating means your vehicle can carry the same weight while driving.

Your Roof Racks Matter as Much as the Tent

A roof top tent needs a suitable mounting system.

This is where many buyers make the mistake of choosing their tent first and thinking about the roof racks afterwards.

Your roof system needs to be compatible with:

• Your vehicle

• The roof configuration

• The roof rack or platform

• The tent mounting system

• The tent's weight

• The applicable dynamic load

• Any additional roof-mounted accessories

If you're buying a roof top tent, it's worth treating the rack and tent as one complete system.

A tent that fits physically isn't necessarily a tent that's suitable for your particular vehicle.

Roof Top Tent vs Roof Platform: Which Should You Use?

There are several ways to mount a roof top tent, depending on the vehicle and tent design.

Some tents can be mounted directly to suitable crossbars.

Others may work better with a platform.

Crossbars

Crossbars can provide a simple mounting solution where the vehicle and tent are compatible.

They can also leave room for other equipment depending on the configuration.

Roof Platform

A platform provides a larger mounting surface and can be useful for more complex touring setups.

If you're also carrying an awning or other equipment, a platform can provide greater flexibility when planning the overall roof layout.

The important point is to check compatibility before buying.

Don't choose the rack based only on the tent's physical dimensions.

Consider the vehicle's roof rating, rack rating, tent weight and the complete load you're planning to carry.

What Else Should You Add to Your Roof Top Tent Setup?

Once you've chosen the tent and mounting system, you can build the rest of the setup around how you travel.

Awning

An awning provides a quick sheltered area beside your vehicle and can make a big difference during hot, wet or unpredictable weather.

Roof Platform

A platform can provide additional mounting flexibility for touring equipment.

Lighting

Good camp lighting makes arriving and setting up after dark much easier.

Storage

Think about where bedding, cooking equipment, recovery gear and other camping essentials will live.

Vehicle Protection

If you're heading off-road, consider whether your vehicle needs additional protection or recovery equipment.

The objective isn't to add every accessory available.

It's to build a setup where the tent, rack system and vehicle all work together.

How a Roof Top Tent Changes Your Vehicle

Adding a roof top tent affects your vehicle beyond simply adding weight.

Because the tent sits high on the vehicle, it can affect:

• Centre of gravity

• Handling

• Wind resistance

• Fuel consumption

• Overall vehicle height

• Parking clearance

A taller vehicle can also create practical issues in car parks, garages and low-clearance areas.

If you're using your vehicle as a daily driver as well as a camping vehicle, these factors are worth considering before choosing a larger or heavier setup.

The Sydney Camping Question

Sydney gives you access to a huge range of weekend camping and touring destinations, from coastal trips to longer inland and off-road adventures.

That makes the way you camp particularly important.

If you're regularly leaving Sydney on Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening, a quick-opening hard shell tent can make a lot of sense.

If you're heading away for longer trips and setting up a base for several days, the additional space of a soft shell tent may be more useful.

Think about your actual trips rather than choosing based on what looks best in a showroom.

How often do you move? How many people sleep in the tent? How much equipment do you carry?

Those answers will usually point you towards the right design.

The Roof Top Tent Buying Checklist

Before you buy, work through this:

● Decide how you camp: Short overnight stops and frequent movement favour convenience; longer stays may favour space.

● Choose hard or soft: Compare setup time, space, packed profile and flexibility.

● Check tent weight: Use the manufacturer's actual weight rather than estimating.

● Check your vehicle's roof load rating: Confirm the specification for your exact vehicle.

● Check your roof rack rating: Make sure the rack or platform is suitable for the tent.

● Understand dynamic and static loads: Don't confuse the two.

● Check mounting compatibility: Confirm the tent mounting system works with your rack or platform.

● Consider the complete roof load: Include the tent, racks, platform, awning and other roof-mounted equipment.

● Measure vehicle height: Remember that the tent will increase the overall height of the vehicle.

● Think about your camping frequency: Your setup should match how often you actually travel.

● Consider pack-down: If you move every day, a faster setup can become a major advantage.

● Plan your accessories: Decide what additional equipment you'll actually use before loading up the roof.

● Ask about professional fitment: Correct installation matters just as much as choosing the right equipment.

Hard Shell or Soft Shell: Our Verdict

If you're still deciding, keep it simple.

Choose a hard shell roof top tent if your priority is convenience.

They're particularly well suited to people who take frequent weekend trips, move between campsites and want the fastest possible setup and pack-down.

Choose a soft shell roof top tent if your priority is space.

They're a strong option for longer camping trips, larger sleeping arrangements and campers who want a more flexible setup.

Neither option is automatically better.

The best roof top tent is the one that fits your vehicle, your roof system, your camping style and your budget.

Roof Top Tent & Roof Rack Fitment in Sydney

Bars N Racks has more than 40 years of experience helping Sydney drivers build vehicles for touring, camping, work and adventure.

The team offers roof top tents, roof racks, platforms and related vehicle accessories, giving customers the option to build a complete setup rather than purchasing individual components without considering compatibility.

From choosing the right roof rack system to fitting your camping equipment, the goal is to make sure your setup works with the vehicle and the way you intend to use it.

If you're unsure which roof top tent or roof rack system is right for your vehicle, speak with the Bars N Racks team before buying.

Get a free, model-specific quote → barsnracks.com.au/pages/get-a-quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hard shell roof top tents better than soft shell tents?

Not necessarily. Hard shell tents are generally better suited to campers who prioritise quick setup, pack-down and a streamlined profile. Soft shell tents can provide more space and flexibility. The best option depends on how you camp.

What is the main advantage of a hard shell roof top tent?

Convenience. Hard shell tents are generally designed to open and close quickly, making them particularly useful for frequent weekend trips and travellers who move between campsites.

What is the main advantage of a soft shell roof top tent?

Space. Many soft shell designs provide a larger sleeping area and greater flexibility when opened.

Are hard shell roof top tents heavier than soft shell tents?

Not always. Weight varies significantly between models and manufacturers. Always compare the actual weight of the specific tent you're considering.

Can any roof rack carry a roof top tent?

No. The roof rack needs to be suitable for the tent's weight and mounting requirements, and the complete setup must remain within the applicable vehicle and rack load limits.

Can I put a roof top tent on an SUV?

Many SUVs can accommodate roof top tents, but suitability depends on the vehicle's roof rating, roof configuration, rack system and tent weight.

Can I mount a roof top tent directly to crossbars?

Some roof top tents can be mounted to suitable crossbars, while others may require or work better with a platform. Always check the tent and rack manufacturer's compatibility requirements.

What is the difference between dynamic and static roof load?

Dynamic load refers to the weight carried while the vehicle is moving. Static load refers to the load when the vehicle is stationary, such as when people are inside the roof top tent.

Does a roof top tent affect fuel consumption?

It can. The additional weight and aerodynamic drag from a roof top tent can increase energy or fuel consumption. The effect varies depending on the vehicle, tent design, speed and overall setup.

Can I leave a roof top tent on my vehicle permanently?

Many owners leave their tents fitted between trips, while others remove them when they're not camping. Your decision should take into account the tent's weight, vehicle use, fuel consumption, storage and manufacturer recommendations.

Do I need a roof platform for a roof top tent?

Not necessarily. Some tents are compatible with crossbars, while others may be better suited to a platform. The correct option depends on your vehicle and tent.

What else can I fit with a roof top tent?

Common additions include roof platforms, awnings, lighting and other touring equipment. Always account for the combined weight of all roof-mounted accessories.

Which is better for weekend camping, hard shell or soft shell?

If you prioritise fast setup and pack-down, a hard shell is usually the more convenient option. If you want more space and don't mind a longer setup, a soft shell may be better.

Which roof top tent is best for long camping trips?

A soft shell can be a strong choice for longer stays because many designs provide more sleeping and living space. However, the right choice still depends on your vehicle, number of campers and overall setup.

Does Bars N Racks sell roof top tents and roof racks?

Yes. Bars N Racks offers roof top tents, roof racks and platforms as part of its vehicle and touring accessory range.

Can Bars N Racks fit a roof top tent in Sydney?

Bars N Racks provides professional vehicle accessory fitment from its Brookvale workshop in NSW. The team can help determine the appropriate roof rack and mounting solution for your vehicle and intended roof top tent.