When comparing our top roof tents, there’s a feature that sets the premium products in our range apart – hard shell or soft shell?
There are pros and cons to both the hard and soft shell designs. Here we’ll explore them all so you can choose a rooftop tent that serves you well on your upcoming trip and every off-road adventure after!
More space to play with
One of the main benefits of opting for a soft shell tent rather than a hard shell alternative is the increased living space on offer. The soft shell ARB Flinders Tent is often compared to the brand’s hard shell Esperance model, with the space on offer differing dramatically as GearJunkie details:
“ARB’s other new tent model is the Flinders, an ‘airy counterpart’ of the Esperance. The Flinders offers the company’s biggest footprint at 55 x 94 x 55 inches, yet still packs down comparable to previous models. The ladder for the Flinders packs on externally, unlike the Esperance. However, the bigger variant also offers more interior space, a skylight, and five zipper windows. It comes with a foam mattress and a USB charging port.”
A speedy and aerodynamic setup
The Flinders roof tent may excel in size and space, but the ARB Esperance Hard Shell Roof Top Tent delivers a shape and setup time that will certainly be appreciated by avid off-roaders.
Thanks to its hard-shell design, the Esperance offers a more aerodynamic shape as well as stability that’s easy and even enjoyable to travel with off-road. Setup is also made simple, with hard shell tents able to be erected and dismantled in no time at all.
With their taller footprint and longer setup, soft shell roof tents offer a little less convenience during off-road travel.
Extra shade for off-road living
Soft shell tents are well known for their versatility, with a range of compatible awnings and accessories able to transform your 4×4 into the ultimate campsite.
When going premium, hard shell tents offer similar practicality to ensure your choice of roof tent is well suited to a wide range of climates and conditions. The ARB Esperance even has built-in rain and sun awning shelters that require no ropes or ground poles!
The ultimate form of weatherproofing
While the high-quality soft-shell roof tents we provide are well known and much loved for the protection they provide from the elements, the hard-shell roof tents we proudly stock go one step further. Our hard shell designs ensure the ultimate form of weatherproofing and a must-have overlanding accessory for all seasons.
A lighter load for your 4×4
The weight difference can be a sore point when deciding between a hard- or soft-shell roof tent. It doesn’t have to be, however. When comparing our ARB Flinders and Esperance models, you may be surprised to discover that both roof tents have the same total dry weight of 56kg!
Should I go hard or soft shell?
Whether going hard or soft shell, quality matters. Here at 4×4 Works, we only stock and supply roof tents that use the highest standard of materials and components to guarantee a setup you can rely on in the most rugged settings.
It’s not just ARB hard and soft shell rooftop tents we proudly stock. Our Dometic electric and inflatable roof tents are clever, convenient choices that are easy to use, simple to install and unbelievably versatile. Browse all our roof tents to find the perfect match for your next off-road camping experience.
Just purchased one of our premium roof tents? Read our guide to making the most of your new addition here.
