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Roof top tent on suv in forest

Best Hard Shell Roof Top Tent In 2024

Let's be honest – when you're planning an epic overland adventure, the last thing you want is to worry about is your roof top tent. You need a hardshell RTT  built to last, easy to set up, and will keep you comfy no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. But with so many options, how do you choose the best one?

There are so many options out there, so how do you choose the best one?

As a fellow overlanding enthusiast, I've been in your shoes. I've spent countless nights researching, testing, and getting hands-on with different hardshell roof-top tents. Here's what I've learned about finding the perfect hardshell RTT for your needs.

What to Look for in the Hard Shell RTT

Durable, Lightweight Construction

23Zero Armadillo mounted roof top tent with ladder

The best hard shell RTTs blend rugged, all-weather materials with intelligent design for lower weight. Look for aluminum or fiberglass shells paired with a durable tent fabric like rip-stop poly-cotton canvas. This combo provides outstanding protection without being a total beast to lift.

Quick, Easy Setup

After a long day on the trail, a complicated setup is the last thing you want. Top hard shells pop open in under a minute via intuitive hinges, gas struts, or spring-assisted mechanisms. No-fuss mounting hardware and retraction systems are also a must.

Smart Use of Space

While not quite as roomy as some soft shells, quality hard shell RTTs maximize every square inch. Integrated amenities like built-in vents, internal pockets, gear lofts, and modular expandability are essential for comfort and organization.

Versatility On and Off-Road

Your hard shell RTT has to play nicely with your vehicle. But the best options offer even more flexibility with features like removable annex rooms for extra living space, universal mounting to fit multiple rigs, and easy conversion to a ground tent when needed.

Top Recommendations for Hard Shell RTTs

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for, let's examine some of the leading hard shell roof top tents on the market. Based on my experience, I've included real-world pros, cons, and key features for each.

Ultra-Durable- Tuff Stuff Overland Stealth Black Ops Series

Key Features
  • Rugged aluminum unibody shell Matte black hardcoat anodized finish
  • Dual gas strut assisted opening
  • 600D poly-cotton ripstop tent body
  • Sleeps 2-3 adults on 2.5" foam mattress
Pros Cons
Ultra-durable aluminum construction Pricey compared to competitors
Fast, easy dual gas-strut setup No integrated annex rooms
Lightweight at 145 lbs
Sleeps 2-3 adults comfortably

 

Premium Performance- 23Zero Armadillo A2/A3

Key Features

  • Sandwich composite fiberglass shell Modular design to add annex rooms
  • Push-button automotive glass strut system
  • 420D poly-oxford ripstop tent body
  • Sleeps 2-3 adults on 2.5" foam mattress
Pros Cons
Ultra-durable fiberglass composite shell Premium pricing
Intuitive push-button opening
Weighs 175-225 lbs depending on model

 

Lightweight- Tuff Stuff Overland Alpine

Key Features

  • Aluminum unibody shell Diamond plated aluminum floor
  • Retractable aluminum access ladder
  • 600D poly-cotton ripstop tent body
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults on 2" foam mattresses
Pros Cons
Lightweight 135 lbs aluminum body No gas struts - requires more effort
Sleeps up to 4 adults Limited headroom for taller campers
Includes ladder and rain-fly
Very affordable pricing

 

Spacious & Loaded- Tuff Stuff Overland Alpha

Key Features
  • Aluminum unibody shell
  • Dual side and front vertical entries
  • Integrated night pad and shoe storage
  • 420D poly-oxford canopy
  • 320G poly-cotton base
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults
  • 3" high-density foam
Pros Cons
Huge interior space for 4 people Heavier at 185 lbs
Versatile dual side/front entries More complex setup
Built-in organization features
Thick 3" high-density foam mattress

 

Rugged & Loaded- 23Zero Armadillo X

Key Features

  • Fiberglass composite unibody shell
  • Innovative side-opening "clam" design
  • LED lighting and premium rain-fly
  • 520D poly-oxford ripstop tent body
  • Huge 83" x 58" interior sleeps
  • 3-4 adults
Pros Cons
Massive interior space Premium pricing
Side-opening clam shell design
Built-in LED lighting
Sleeps 3-4 adults comfortably

 

Lightweight with Value Combined- OVS Bushveld

Key Features

  • Fiberglass composite monocoque shell
  • Ultra-lightweight at just 115 lbs
  • Panoramic windows with built-in shades
  • 320G poly-cotton ripstop tent body
  • Sleeps 2-3 adults
  • 2" foam mattress
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
Pros Cons
Extremely lightweight at 115 lbs No integrated annex options
Quick 30-second setup Slightly smaller interior
Great views from panoramic windows
Sleeps 2-3 adults

Best Hard Shell Roof top Tents Comparison

Model Sleeps Key Features Shell Material Approx. Price
Tuff Stuff Stealth 2-3 Aluminum unibody, dual gas struts, 600D tent Aluminum $3999.99
Tuff Stuff Alpine 3-4 Aluminum unibody, ladder, diamond floor, 600D tent Aluminum $3499.99
Tuff Stuff Alpha 4 Aluminum unibody, dual entries, built-in storage, 420/320D tent Aluminum $2999
23Zero A2/A3 2-3 Fiberglass composite, modular annexes, push-button, 420D tent Fiberglass $2799
23Zero Armadillo X 3-4 Fiberglass unibody, side clamshell, LED lights, 520D tent Fiberglass $2949.99
OVS Bushveld 2-3 Ultralight fiberglass monocoque, panoramic windows, 320G tent Fiberglass $2049.99

 

Best Hard Shell Roof top Tents FAQs

Q: What makes a hard shell roof top tent so great?

A: Unlike soft shell RTTs, hard shells offer next-level protection from the elements. The rigid, aerodynamic shell is designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and even hail – something you definitely want when you're camping off-grid. Plus, they tend to be lighter and easier to mount compared to roof top tents.

Q: How durable are aluminum hard shell RTTs really?

A: Very durable! The aluminum alloys used can easily withstand impacts from branches, hail, and other trail debris without denting. Proper anodized or powder coatings also resist corrosion. A good aluminum RTT will last for years of adventures with reasonable care.

Q: Is ventilation an issue in enclosed hard shell tents?

A: Reputable models have integrated ventilation to avoid stuffiness. This includes vents near the top, plus mesh panels to encourage airflow. Some also utilize dual-layer designs to create an airspace between shell and tent body.

Q: How easy is it to mount a hard shell RTT without help?

A: Most weigh 150-200 lbs, so it's very difficult to mount solo - you'll want at least one partner to assist. Look for models with integrated mounting rails and hardware to simplify the job.

Q: I'm over 6' tall - will I be able to sit up in a RTT?

A: It depends on the model's interior height. Premium options like the Armadillo X provide over 40" of headroom for taller campers. For lower models around 36" interior, it may be a squeeze.

Q: Do hard shell RTTs attach to any vehicle, or do I need a special rack?

A: Most are designed for aftermarket roof racks and come with hardware to mount atop crossbars or side rails. A few models like the OVS Bushveld offer universal tent-to-vehicle mounts as well.

Don't see your question answered here? Drop a comment below and I'll do my best to help!

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