Best Hard Shell Roof Top Tents: Fun and Comfortable Outdoor Lodging

For those outdoor enthusiasts who truly enjoy “roughing it,” you know that tent camping is a double-edged sword. What you gain in an affordable and compact setup can often be trumped by waking up in a soaking sleeping bag surrounded by puddles, contending with lumpy, rocky ground that would prevent a dead body from sleeping soundly, and dealing with all manner of dirt, grass, and debris being tracked in and out on a daily basis. 

Enter the hard shell roof top tent. Relatively new to the camping scene, these high-tech, cleverly designed tents make roughing it a breeze. Mounted off the ground on smooth, solid surfaces, these durable and weather-resistant options are making happy campers out of many outdoor lovers. The speed at which the market is becoming flooded with choices of hard shell roof top tents is not surprising. To help you weed through the myriad of possibilities, I’ve come up with my list of top choices along with a handy buying guide to get you out and under the stars quickly.

When it comes to choosing the best hard shell roof top tents available, I wanted to provide you with a well-rounded list that features a solid variety of reputable manufacturers with a history of providing high-quality, long-lasting products. I wanted to include a wide range of price points to suit any budget. Lastly, I wanted to feature hard shell roof top tents that use the latest in construction technology and innovative materials that are durable, high-tech, and functional. There’s literally something for everyone. For more info on our selection criteria, go to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.

For the ideal combination of lightweight, durable construction, ease-of-use, functionality, and price point, my top pick has to be the Smittybilt Overlander Hard Shell Tent. This tent mounts and sets up in minutes, giving you quick access to spacious, above-ground sleeping quarters.

For a more budget-conscious, but durable and well-designed choice, check out the Badass Tents Packout MOLLE Tent. Made in the USA, this tent is a tactically styled, lightweight, and slim choice that’s great for more compact vehicles.

What to Consider When Buying Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

Buying a hard shell roof top tent involves a few more choices than just picking out your favorite color or price point. While options aren’t as numerous as car tires, there’s still plenty to consider in order to make sure you’re getting the ideal tent to suit your particular needs and fit well with not only your lifestyle, but your vehicle setup as well. 

Installing your hard shell roof top tent shouldn’t take an entire afternoon or require a team of experts. Most high-quality roof top tents will come with a comprehensive instruction manual and all necessary hardware to safely and securely mount the tent on your vehicle’s rack or crossbars. Be sure to check your vehicle’s compatibility with any included mounting hardware prior to purchase. Some of the best hard shell roof top tents also include handy video tutorials for added benefit. 

Sleeping capacity is always a major consideration with any tent purchase. However, with most roof top tents, the largest you can expect to reasonably be supported by your vehicle’s roof will still only accommodate three to four people. If you have a compact vehicle, you’re likely going to be looking at a one to two person tent, greatly limiting your options. It’s a great practice in minimalist travel.

Most hard shell roof top tents are composed of ultra-durable, yet lightweight materials like ABS plastic, rust-resistant aluminum, and waterproof, ripstop oxford, nylon, polyurethane-coated canvas, or a combination of these. It’s also important to make sure that your tent has spacious mesh-covered windows to promote good visibility and breathability. Ladders should be constructed from rugged and lightweight aluminum. Mounting hardware should be made from heavy-duty, rust-proof stainless steel with an optional powder coating for added longevity.

The overall weight of your tent is important when considering whether it can be safely supported by your vehicle’s crossbars or mounting hardware. Take into account how much the tent will weigh with all your gear and people inside it as well. 

While most hard shell roof top tents are a solid financial investment, you can pick up a well-constructed and long-lasting tent for between $1,600 and $2,000. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line construction, spaciousness, and high-quality accessories like included lighting, ladders, and high-density memory foam mattresses, plan to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on the size of the tent you want.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.