Can’t decide between a softcover hardcover roof top tent? In short: softcover offer more interior space and expansion options, while hardcover are quicker to set up and more aerodynamic while driving. Which one is best for you depends on your travel style, your vehicle, and how often you move from place to place. In this blog, we explain the difference, with specific pros and cons and a clear comparison.
At Koala Creek , we Koala Creek both types. Our softcover are the Eiger, Teide and Teide Overlander. Our hardcover are the Roadtrip and Outback. Each model is thoughtfully designed in its own way, and the type roof top tent choose largely determines how you travel.
What is a softcover roof top tent?
A softcover roof top tent a fold-out roof top tent of tent fabric. When folded, it forms a compact, flat package on your roof. Once set up, you unfold the tent over the side of your car, creating a spacious sleeping area that is larger than the actual footprint on the roof.
Our softcover are made from PolyCotton. This is a blend of polyester and cotton that combines the best of both materials: breathable and insulating like cotton, but lighter and quick-drying thanks to the polyester. It’s a choice we’ve made for good reason, as this fabric performs well in both summer heat and cool nights.
Advantages of a softcover
What our customers often appreciate about a softcover is the space it offers. The sleeping area is 240 cm long, and the tent provides ample headroom for sitting comfortably. Many models feature a covered entrance, to which you can optionally attach a groundsheet. This creates an extra living space or storage area, which is handy for longer stays or bad weather.
Thanks to our high-quality stainless steel hinges, you can leave sleeping gear or light luggage inside the tent when folding it up. This is something we’re proud of, because it makes setting up and taking down the tent at your next stop a lot faster. Our soft covers are also lighter than hard covers, making them suitable for vehicles with a lower maximum roof load.
Points to consider when choosing a softcover
Setting up and taking down the tent takes a little longer than with a hardcover, on average between 2 and 10 minutes, depending on the size and your experience. This is less pleasant in the pouring rain. The ladder is part of the support structure and must therefore always be assembled when you’re sleeping in the tent. Because the tent extends beyond your car when set up, you’ll also need a bit more space around your vehicle.
Please note: a heater hose opening —for example, for a diesel heater—is only available on the V3 versions of our softcover . If you plan to camp with heating during colder periods, this is an important detail to consider when making your choice.
What is a hardcover roof top tent?
A hardcover roof top tent a rigid aluminum shell that serves as the roof and protects the tent while driving. You open the tent by flipping the shell upward, similar to a loft bed that folds out on its own. The sleeping area fits within the shell’s footprint, so the tent protrudes little or not at all beyond your vehicle.
Our hardcover , the Roadtrip Outback, feature an insulated honeycomb aluminum floor and a 6-cm-thick SG40 foam mattress. They offer the same level of sleeping comfort as our soft-shell models, but within a streamlined hard shell.
Advantages of a hardcover
The biggest advantage of a hardcover its convenience. It’s ready to use in under a minute. This makes it ideal if you move around a lot or if you arrive late at night and want to get some sleep quickly. It’s especially nice in bad weather, since the fabric is exposed to rain for less time while setting up or taking down the tent.
Because the shell is aerodynamic, you’ll notice less wind noise while driving, and fuel consumption is often lower than with a softcover. Another advantage: the heater hose feed-through is included as standard in all our hardcover . This makes them ideal for travelers who hit the road with a diesel heater or similar heating system, even in the early and late seasons or in winter conditions.
Points to consider when choosing a hardcover
Hardcover are generally heavier than soft-shell ones. Therefore, always check your vehicle’s maximum dynamic roof load. Not every car is suitable for the weight of a hardcover, especially smaller passenger cars may run into this issue. Additionally, the sleeping area of a hardcover is hardcover to the dimensions of the shell itself. This means you have slightly less interior space than with a comparable softcover, and expanding it with an inner tent is not possible.
Softcover hardcover: A Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Softcover | Hardcover |
|---|---|---|
| Our models | Eiger, Teide Overlander) | Roadtrip, Outback |
| Setup time | 2 to 10 minutes | Less than a minute |
| Interior | 240 cm sleeping area | 215 cm sleeping area |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Stove hose vent | V3 models only | Included as standard |
| Inner tent available | Yes | No |
| Aerodynamics | Less streamlined | Very streamlined |
| Price | More favorable | Higher |
| Suitable for | Families, longer stays, campers looking for space | Travelers who move around a lot, quick stops |
Which roof top tent for you?
There is no single "best" type. The right choice depends on how you travel. In practice, we generally see two main types.
Choose a softcover
- You value space and comfort during longer stays.
- You're traveling with the whole family and could use some extra sleeping space in an inner tent.
- Your vehicle has a lower roof load capacity, or you want to reduce weight.
- You want a better price without compromising on quality.
If so, the Eiger, Teide Teide Overlander the models to consider. If you want to camp in cold weather with heating, be sure to choose a V3 model with a heater hose feed-through.
Choose a hardcover
- You move around a lot, and setting up quickly is important.
- You cover a lot of miles and aerodynamics is a factor.
- You want to be out and about in all seasons, with a diesel heater as an option.
- Your vehicle can support a sufficient roof load.
The Roadtrip Outback the logical choices. Both come standard with a heater hose feed-through and are designed for travelers who are always on the move.
Not sure yet which roof top tent is right roof top tent you?
We’re happy to help. Browse our full range of roof tents to compare models, or find a dealer near you. At our dealers, you can see and try out the tents in person and ask questions of people who actually use them on the road. This is something our customers often tell us is a deciding factor in making the right choice.