Softshell

Soft shell tents are an affordable and practical option for anyone who wants a comfortable roof tent for camping, road trips and overlanding. Unlike hard shell tents, a soft shell tent has a soft protective cover or a softer outer construction, which often provides a simpler and more cost-effective solution. This makes soft shell a popular choice for anyone who wants to get started with a roof tent without moving into the highest price range.

With us, you will find soft shell tents for different needs, from compact models for two people to larger roof tents for more people and longer trips. A soft shell roof tent suits anyone who wants a flexible sleeping area on the car, good comfort and the ability to travel more freely without having to pitch a regular tent on the ground.

What is a soft shell tent?

A soft shell tent is a roof tent where the tent is protected by a soft cover or has a softer outer construction when closed. Just like other roof tents, it is mounted on the car’s roof bars or load carriers and folds out into a sleeping area above the ground when you arrive at your camp spot.

Soft shell tents come in several different designs and sizes. Some models are simple and compact, while others have more advanced features, a larger sleeping area or faster setup. There are both single-fold and double-fold soft shell tents, just as there are different constructions within hard shell. That is why it is important to compare each model based on weight, size, setup, comfort and intended use.

Why choose a soft shell roof tent?

One of the biggest advantages of a soft shell roof tent is the price. Soft shell tents are often cheaper than comparable hard shell tents, making them a good choice for anyone who wants to buy a roof tent while keeping costs down. You still get many of the most important benefits of a roof tent, such as an elevated sleeping area, built-in mattress and convenient overnight stays directly on the car.

Another practical advantage is that soft shell tents often provide better space for storing bedding, sleeping bags or pillows inside the tent when it is closed. This can make packing easier and save space in the car, especially on longer trips where every litre of storage space is valuable. In some cases, soft shell tents can also be lighter than hard shell tents, but this always depends on the model, size and construction.

Hard shell or soft shell: what is the difference?

The difference between hard shell and soft shell is mainly about the outer protection, price level, packing and how the tent is handled. A hard shell tent has a fixed outer shell that protects the tent while driving and often makes setup very quick. A soft shell tent instead has a soft cover or a softer outer construction, which often makes the tent more affordable.

However, it is important not to assume that soft shell is always larger or that hard shell is always smaller. Both types are available in different sizes and constructions, including both single-fold and double-fold models. The best choice therefore depends on how you want to travel, how often the tent will be used, which car you have and which features are most important to you.

What are the advantages of soft shell tents?

Soft shell tents are mainly appreciated because they are often affordable, practical and flexible. For anyone who wants to start camping with a roof tent, soft shell can be a smart first choice, as you get a comfortable sleeping area on the car without investing in a more expensive hard shell tent.

Many soft shell tents also have plenty of space for bedding when the tent is folded down. This means that in many cases you can leave the mattress, sleeping bags or duvet inside the tent between overnight stays. On a road trip or camping holiday, this can save both time and space in the car.

Are soft shell tents suitable for camping and road trips?

Yes, soft shell tents are very well suited for camping, road trips and spontaneous overnight stays with the car. You get an elevated sleeping area that is protected from the ground and makes it easy to sleep comfortably without having to pitch a regular ground tent. It works well for campsites, wild camping and longer car journeys.

For those staying several nights in the same place, soft shell tents can be especially practical. You get a stable sleeping area, good comfort and the option to add accessories such as an annex, storage and lighting. This makes soft shell a flexible solution for both short and long adventures.

Will a soft shell tent fit my car?

Soft shell tents fit many different types of cars, such as SUVs, pickups, estates, vans and many regular passenger cars. The most important thing is that the car has roof bars or load carriers that can handle the tent’s weight while driving. You should always check the car’s permitted roof load and the maximum load of the roof bars before choosing a model.

The dynamic roof load indicates how much weight the car may carry on the roof while driving. When the car is parked, the static load capacity is normally higher, which makes it possible for people to sleep in the tent when it is correctly mounted. Always check the weight specifications for the car, roof bars and roof tent before installation.

What do you need to mount a soft shell tent?

To mount a soft shell tent, you need stable roof bars, load carriers or a roof rack system adapted to the tent’s weight and mounting points. The roof bars need to be positioned at the correct distance and be robust enough for the tent to be mounted safely on the car.

Before installation, it is a good idea to check the tent’s dimensions, weight and mounting brackets. The tent should be positioned so that the weight is evenly distributed across the car and so that the ladder can be used safely when the tent is opened. If you are unsure which solution fits your car, it is wise to check compatibility before purchase.

How long does it take to set up a soft shell tent?

How long it takes to set up a soft shell tent depends on the model and construction. Some soft shell tents are very quick to set up, while others require a little more time to open the protective cover, fold out the tent and adjust the ladder, windows or guy lines.

In general, roof tents are much more convenient than traditional ground tents, because the mattress is already in place and the tent is mounted on the car. Once you have set it up a few times, the process often becomes quick and natural, making soft shell tents a practical option even for recurring camping trips.

Which features are important when buying a soft shell tent?

When buying a soft shell tent, you should compare size, weight, mattress comfort, materials, ventilation and how easy the tent is to set up and pack away. It is also important to consider whether the tent suits the way you travel: will it be used for short weekend trips, longer holidays or more regular overlanding?

For Nordic conditions, weather resistance and ventilation are especially important factors. A good soft shell tent should have durable tent fabric, rain protection, mosquito nets and good air circulation to reduce condensation. The ability to store bedding in the tent can also be an important detail if you want to save time and space while travelling.

Are soft shell tents comfortable to sleep in?

Soft shell tents are often comfortable to sleep in because they have a built-in mattress and a flat sleeping surface above the ground. You avoid uneven ground, stones, roots and ground moisture, making the sleeping experience more stable and comfortable than in many regular tents.

Comfort is affected by the mattress thickness, the size of the tent, ventilation and how much interior height there is. For longer trips, an extra mattress protector, insulation or annex can make the experience even better.

Can you use soft shell tents in rain and wind?

Many soft shell tents are built to handle varying weather conditions and work well in both rain and wind when used correctly. The material of the tent fabric, seams, rain protection and construction determine how well the tent withstands the weather. That is why it is important to choose a model that suits the conditions you plan to use it in.

In windy weather, correct setup is especially important. Make sure the tent is properly unfolded, that any guy lines are used and that the car is parked as sheltered as possible. With the right model and correct use, a soft shell tent can be a safe and comfortable solution for many types of camping weather.

Soft shell tents from Wild Land

Wild Land offers soft shell tents with a focus on function, quality and user-friendly design. Their models are developed for camping, road trips and overlanding, with details such as good ventilation, comfortable mattresses and durable materials.

For anyone who wants a soft shell roof tent with good comfort, practical use and a more affordable alternative to hard shell, Wild Land is a strong choice. The models suit both those who are new to roof tents and those who want a flexible solution for recurring trips.

Buy soft shell tents from Overland Experten

With us, you can buy soft shell tents online and find models that suit different cars, needs and travel styles. We offer roof tents for anyone who wants to travel more freely, sleep comfortably and get a practical sleeping area directly on the car.

Whether you are looking for a lightweight soft shell tent for two people, a larger roof tent for the family or an affordable option for camping and road trips, we help you find the right model. With a soft shell tent, you get a flexible, comfortable and cost-effective solution for your next adventure.