Hardshell vs Softshell Rooftop Tent: Which Should You Buy?

If you're buying your first rooftop tent, the hardshell vs softshell question will come up quickly. Both designs have real advantages — and both have trade-offs. The right choice depends on how often you camp, how far you drive, and how much you value convenience. Here's an honest comparison.

What is a Softshell Rooftop Tent?

Softshell tents fold flat on your roof rack with a canvas or polyester fabric shell. When you arrive at camp, you unfold the tent and it expands upward. Escapade's Summit Rooftop Tent (under two minutes to set up) and THRE360 Rooftop Tent (under a minute, with a powder-coated aluminium base and lid) are softshell designs.

Pros:

Lower price point for a given tent size
Larger sleeping area for their folded footprint
More natural feel — canvas breathes well in warm weather
Easier to repair in the field if fabric gets damaged

Things to consider:

Fabric can absorb moisture if packed away damp
Slightly higher wind drag when driving

What is a Hardshell Rooftop Tent?

Hardshell tents have a rigid aluminium shell that protects the sleeping area when closed. Most open like a clamshell — you release a latch, push the lid up, and the tent is ready quickly. Escapade's Horizon Rooftop Tent is a full aluminium hardshell, and the Discovery Rooftop Tent uses the same aluminium shell with a softshell-style closed profile and our largest sleeping area.

Pros:

Gas-strut assisted opening on both the Horizon and Discovery
Mattress stays inside and protected between trips — no packing away
More aerodynamic profile when closed
Better protection from extreme weather when closed on the vehicle

Things to consider:

Higher price point
Sleeping area is dictated by the shell size

Which is Right for You?

Choose a Softshell (Summit or THRE360) if:

You want the best value for money
You camp a few weekends a month and want a quick setup (under a minute for the THRE360, under two for the Summit)
You want a larger sleeping area for the same roof footprint
You often camp in warm weather where canvas ventilation matters

Choose a Hardshell (Horizon or Discovery) if:

You use your vehicle as a daily driver and leave the tent mounted full-time
You drive long motorway distances between camps and want lower drag
You want a gas-strut assisted setup at camp
You camp in all weathers and want the mattress protected year-round

Our Recommendation

If you're just getting started with rooftop camping, the Summit is the natural choice — great value, simple setup, and comfortable enough for any trip. If you're upgrading or you want the convenience of a permanent mount, the Horizon is worth the extra investment.

Use our vehicle checker to see which tents fit your car, then browse the full range. Fitting is available at our Swindon HQ, and the THRE360 ships free across the UK. Fitting and delivery options for each tent are shown on its product page.

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