Are you unsure between a hardcover rooftop tent, hybrid rooftop tent or softcover rooftop tent?
In this guide, we’ll clearly explain the differences so you know exactly which rooftop tent is best for your car, travel style and budget.
The information is based on the range of FjällVila rooftop tents and will help you choose the right rooftop tent for your car.
Hardcover rooftop tent
A hardcover roof tent has a hard, aerodynamic shell and usually folds open with gas springs or hinges in seconds. When folded, the roof tent lies flat on the roof of your car.
✔️ Benefits of a hardcover rooftop tent
- Super fast to set up (usually within 1-2 minutes)
- Highly aerodynamic while driving → less wind noise and often lower consumption
- Hard shell provides excellent protection against rain, hail and dirt
- Strong and robust, ideal for frequent use
❌ Disadvantages of a hardcover rooftop tent
- Often more expensive than softcover rooftop tents
- Heavier, which may affect roof load
- Bedding usually cannot stay in the tent
- Limited interior space compared to softcover models
Best choice for: many travelers, quick overnight stays and long highway trips
Check out our hardcover rooftop tents.
Hybrid rooftop tent
A hybrid rooftop tent combines the best of a hardcover and softcover rooftop tent. You have a hard top (like a hardcover), but the tent folds open sideways like a softcover
This provides additional sleeping space and flexibility.
✔️ Benefits of a hybrid rooftop tent
- Compact while driving (less wind and noise)
- Quick to set up
- Lots of sleeping space when unfolded
- Good protection by hard top cover
- Bedding can often be left in place
❌ Disadvantages of a hybrid rooftop tent
- More expensive than a softcover
- Slightly more complex mechanism
- Need more space next to car when setting up
- Often heavier than softcover models
Best choice for: travelers who want to combine comfort and space
Check out our hybrid rooftop tents.
Softcover rooftop tent
A softcover rooftop tent sits in a sturdy cover and folds open like a harmonica. This creates a large sleeping surface with plenty of flexibility.
✔️ Benefits of a softcover rooftop tent
- Often cheaper than other types
- More interior space and flexibility
- Many different sizes available (2 to 4+ people)
- Expandable with awning or canopy
- Lightweight compared to hardcover
❌ Disadvantages of a softcover rooftop tent
- Setup takes a little longer (3-5 minutes)
- Cover must be reapplied after use
- More wind noise while driving
- Slightly less aerodynamic
Best choice for: longer camping trips and families who value space
Check out our softcover rooftop tents.
What do you notice in practice?
Setup time
- Hardcover: ± 1-2 minutes (fastest)
- Hybrid: ± 2-3 minutes
- Softcover: ± 3-5 minutes
Driving comfort & sound
- Hardcover: quiet and aerodynamic
- Hybrid: average
- Softcover: slightly more wind noise
Weatherproofing
All rooftop tents are waterproof, but:
- Hardcover provides extra protection due to hard shell
- Softcover depends on cloth quality and tension
Weight & roof load
- Softcover: often lightest
- Hybrid: average
- Hardcover: usually heaviest
Always check the dynamic roof load of your car and roof racks
Which rooftop tent is right for you?
Choose the right rooftop tent based on your travel style:
Lots on the road / short stops
Choose a hardcover rooftop tent
Combining comfort + space
Choose a hybrid rooftop tent
Longer camping / family / budget
Choose a softcover rooftop tent
Advice and viewing in the showroom
Stop by in IJsselmuiden for personal advice and a test setup. We measure your car, check roof load and carrier distance and show you the difference between hardcover and softcover roof tents. In our showroom you can see all colors and models. All models and variants can be found on our rooftop tents page. This way you can choose the roof tent that is right in set-up time, comfort and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hardcover rooftop tent quieter while driving?
Yes. The flat, aerodynamic shape means you hear less wind noise, especially on the highway.
How big is the difference in intention time?
Hardcover is the fastest (1-2 minutes). Softcover takes 3-5 minutes on average. In practice, you notice this especially when moving often.
Can a rooftop tent be used in the winter?
Yes. Pay attention to good tent canvas, ventilation and use an anti-fog mat. An extra blanket or topper helps with frost. Thermal inner tents are available for some models for additional insulation.
Are rooftop tents suitable for 4 people?
Not all of them:
- Hybrid: often 3+ people (depending on model)
- Hardcover: usually 2 people
- Softcover: often 2-4 people
Can any car carry a rooftop tent?
Almost any car with roof racks can carry a roof tent. Always check:
- roof rack specifications
- dynamic roof load
