Hard Shell Roof Top Tents are rapidly becoming a popular accessory for adventurers. They are a game-changer in the world of camping. If you are considering a hard shell roof top tent you are in the right place!
Read on to learn more about the following:
For those new to the world of overlanding visit The Best RTT Tent Guide of 2023, our Soft Shell Roof Top Tent Page, or read below for more info on hard shell roof top tents!
Roof top tents generally come in two forms: hard shell or soft shell. Hard shell tents get their name from the rigid outer shell made of durable materials such as fiberglass, abs plastic, aluminum frame, steel, with polyester and canvas mixed in. Premium hard shell roof top tents take quality to the next level by using marine grade stainless steel or aluminum aircraft grade.
These hard material provides a layer of insulation and protection that simply is not there with traditional, all fabric, tents. The quality materials these tents are constructed from make theme a cozy shelter in high winds, snow, sleet, and beautiful days alike.
When unfolded, it provides a spacious and comfortable sleeping area. Hard shell RTTs are known for their durability, weather resistance, and convenience in setup/takedown compared to traditional tents. They are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and overlanding enthusiasts.
Mounted to almost any vehicle with the use of a roof rack or crossbars, a hard shell roof top tent means safety is built into your campsite. No more sleeping with the raccoons. Sleeping in your RTT - five feet off the ground - makes you feel like wilderness royalty.
1. Storage: Doubling as a roof cargo box in transit with roof rails for your kayak. Close it and store your bedding inside or open it at your campsite for interior storage hammocks.
2. Durability: The outer shell means more resiliance, less fabric tear, that can withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rain and snow.
3. Security: Added security as they are difficult for animals or potential thieves to access when closed. Sleeping off the ground and away from critters provides a good night's sleep.
4. Better Insulation: Hardshell RTTs tend to offer better insulation, keeping you warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot weather. Insulate your campground!
5. Quick Setup: Release a few latches for easy setup/take down with the help of gas struts.
Clamshell - The most popular style of HSRTTs. These tents open using hinges with the support of gas struts to give people inside a 270 degree view. While open, the hard shell becomes a slanted wall angling up to create a peaked roof. Engineered like a clam in the wild, these tents are easiest to open/close with the release of two latches on the front.
Pop-Up - This style resembles a cube with a 360 degree view. With the shell becoming a traditional flat roof. Set-up and take down is streamlined with this style as well. Consisting of releasing four latches or ratchet straps on the corners of the tent allowing it to pop up.
Dual Action - A combination of the two styles above. Dual Action tents allow you to choose your style for the day. Release two latches for a clamshell style tent or all four for the full pop up.
Hybrid - A combination between hard and soft shell. These tents are securely contained within a hard shell but when folded out exposes 420d or 280g rip stop polyester or canvas soft tent. These tents have the best of both worlds with extra space and durability but take longer to setup or take down.
Annex- An accessory to extend your campground's footprint. Essentially an extra privacy room that extends from the roof to the ground. Most brands offer these as an additional, easy to install, accessory to attach to your new RTT!
What affect do hard shell RTTs have on fuel economy?
What is included with a hard shell RTT?
Can my vehicle support a hard shell RTT?
How many people can a two-person roof top tent actually comfortably accommodate?
Are roof top tents water resistant, and how do they handle condensation?
