Hard Shell Rooftop Tents

Artemis Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

• James Baroud
• Roofnest
• The Bush Company
• Howling Moon

Hard Shell roof top tents have a rigid outer shell made from fiberglass, aluminum, or hard plastic. The rigid shell forms the ceiling and floor of the tent. The tent walls are made from durable waterproof fabric such as nylon or canvas. The fabric walls join attach to the edges of the rigid ceiling and floor, joining them together. When closed for storage and while driving, the rigid floor and ceiling shells sandwich the bedding and tent walls.

Hard shell roof top tents open vertically. They come in two main styles. Wedge-shaped or clamshell models have a hinge at the front or foot end of the tent. When open, the top shell sits at an angle. The ceiling is high on the head side and low at the foot. The hinge points toward the front of the vehicle. Pop-up hard shell roof top tents open straight up in a box shape. All four walls are vertical and the ceiling is flat.

Most hard shell roof top tents open with the assistance of gas struts. Some models use a mechanical or electric crank system. The tent footprint covers most of the vehicle’s roof area. Most models offer around 27-30 square feet of floor space with a peak height of 36-46”. When collapsed, the unit looks similar to a roof top cargo carrier with a thickness of about 8-12”.