By Miles SinclairUpdated November 2026
A soft shell rooftop tent mounts to a roof rack or crossbars and folds into a compact, weatherproof clamshell or bi-fold package when you are driving. For many campers, it is the quickest way to add a sleeping platform without giving up cargo space inside the vehicle. This guide compares six soft shell rooftop tent options using research-based criteria: stated sleep capacity, fold design, waterproofing and UV protection, included accessories like ladders and rainflies, mounting approach, and the feedback owners most often share about setup and durability. We have not physically tested these tents; the comparisons draw on manufacturer specifications and common owner feedback patterns.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMeedo Apolle A86 M, Soft Shell Rooftop TentView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for familiesSoft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping, 3-Person (TMBK)View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest hard-shell alternative for comparison shoppersVEVOR Rooftop Tent Hard ShellView on Amazon - 4
Best for three sleepersMeedo Designs Apolle TNT L, Soft Shell Rooftop TentView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pickMeadowlark Soft Shell Roof Top TentView on Amazon - 6
Best for four-season useNaturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell (Sirius 1 Plus)View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Meedo Apolle A86 M | Two people, general overlanding | Clamshell design with rainfly and ladder included |
| Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping, 3-Person (TMBK) | Families and three sleepers | Universal fitment with rainfly and ladder |
| VEVOR Rooftop Tent Hard Shell | Shoppers wanting a hard-shell comparison | Telescopic ladder and LED strip light |
| Meedo Designs Apolle TNT L | Three people on SUVs, trucks and trailers | Bi-fold design with ladder included |
| Meadowlark Soft Shell Roof Top Tent | Light car camping on a tighter budget | Lightweight, waterproof, universal mounting brackets |
| Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell (Sirius 1 Plus) | Cold weather and year-round use | Blackout, UV-resistant, four-season rating |
Meedo Apolle A86 M, Soft Shell Rooftop Tent
Meedo Apolle A86 M, Soft Shell Rooftop Tent, Fits 2 People, Made with Waterproof Material and a Rainfly-Fold Design, Clamshell Army Green Roof top Tent for Overlanding Hunting, Ladder Included
Best for: Two-person overlanding and hunting trips where a simple clamshell setup matters most.
This model suits campers who want a fast, self-contained sleeping setup for a pair of adults and a light gear load. Its listing describes a rainfly-fold design and an included ladder, which covers two of the most common accessory questions up front.
Key specs
- Sleeps 2 people (per listing)
- Soft shell, clamshell army green finish
- Waterproof material and rainfly-fold design (per listing)
- Ladder included
Pros
- Clear two-person capacity suits couples and hunting pairs
- Rainfly-fold design is intended to shed water during packing
- Ladder included, so no separate purchase is needed
Cons
- Two-person footprint is tight for taller campers or large dogs
- Soft shell tents generally need a roof rack rated for the combined load, which must be checked before mounting
Bottom line: A good first soft shell tent for a pair of campers who want simple, complete packaging.
Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping, 3-Person (TMBK)
Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping, 3-Person – Overland Vehicle Systems TMBK – Universal Fitment with Rainfly & Ladder
Best for: Families and three-person groups on SUVs and trucks.
The listing emphasizes universal fitment across vehicle types and includes both a rainfly and a ladder. For families, the three-person rating gives a bit more room than a two-person shell.
Key specs
- Sleeps 3 people (per listing)
- Soft shell construction
- Universal fitment for SUVs and trucks (per listing)
- Rainfly and ladder included
Pros
- Three-person capacity covers small families
- Universal fitment language helps with a range of vehicles
- Rainfly and ladder come with the tent
Cons
- Universal fitment still requires checking your rack’s load rating and crossbar spacing
- Three-person sleeping area is best for smaller or average-sized adults
Bottom line: A sensible choice for a small family that wants one tent for SUV or truck trips.
VEVOR Rooftop Tent Hard Shell
VEVOR Rooftop Tent Hard Shell, Roof Top Tents for Car SUV Truck Jeep Van Camping, Rooftent with Telescopic Ladder Thick Mattress & LED Strip Light, 2-3 Person Family Camping Tent
Best for: Shoppers who want a hard-shell option to compare against soft shell designs.
This tent is included here as a reference point. Hard shells typically trade some packed-size convenience and weight for quicker setup and a more rigid, weather-resistant top. The listing mentions a telescopic ladder, thick mattress and LED strip light.
Key specs
- Listed for 2 to 3 people (per listing)
- Hard shell roof
- Telescopic ladder, thick mattress and LED strip light (per listing)
Pros
- Hard shell offers a more rigid roof for wind and weather
- Mattress and LED light are included
- Telescopic ladder aids entry and exit
Cons
- Hard shells are typically heavier, which affects roof load
- Less compact when folded than a soft shell
Bottom line: Worth considering if you prefer a hard shell and want to compare it directly with soft shell tents.
Meedo Designs Apolle TNT L, Soft Shell Rooftop Tent
Meedo Designs Apolle TNT L, Soft Shell Rooftop Tent, Fits 3 People, Made with Waterproof Material and Bi-Fold Design, Clamshell Army Green Roof top Tent for SUV, Truck, Pickup,Trailer, Ladder Included
Best for: Three sleepers on SUVs, trucks, pickups and trailers.
The listing describes a bi-fold design, waterproof material and an included ladder, with a three-person rating. It is a natural step up from two-person shells for groups who still want a soft shell package.
Key specs
- Sleeps 3 people (per listing)
- Bi-fold design (per listing)
- Waterproof material, army green finish
- Ladder included
Pros
- Three-person rating gives more room than two-person models
- Bi-fold design is listed for quick setup and packing
- Ladder included
Cons
- Larger tents add weight and wind load, so roof rack rating matters more
- Owners often note that three adults are a snug fit
Bottom line: A strong option for three campers who want a soft shell with a larger footprint.
Meadowlark Soft Shell Roof Top Tent
Meadowlark Soft Shell Roof Top Tent for Car Camping and Overlanding, Lightweight, Waterproof, 2 Person Tent, Easy Assembly, Universal Mounting Brackets Included
Best for: Light car camping and buyers looking for a simpler, lower-commitment soft shell.
The listing highlights a lightweight build, waterproofing, easy assembly and universal mounting brackets included. It is built around straightforward car camping rather than extended expedition use.
Key specs
- Listed for 2 people (per listing)
- Lightweight soft shell construction (per listing)
- Waterproof, universal mounting brackets included (per listing)
Pros
- Lightweight design is easier on roof racks and loading
- Mounting brackets are included
- Easy assembly is listed as a feature
Cons
- Lighter materials may show wear sooner under heavy use, according to some owner feedback patterns
- Best suited to milder conditions rather than harsh alpine or desert trips
Bottom line: A practical choice for weekend car campers who want a lighter, less involved setup.
Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell (Sirius 1 Plus)
Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell, Easy Set Up Pop Up Large Tent for 2-3 Person Camping, Waterproof UV-Resistant Blackout 4 Season Tents for Truck, Jeep, SUV, Van, Trailer – Sirius 1 Plus
Best for: Cold weather and year-round camping where weather protection matters most.
This hard-shell model is included as a four-season comparison point. The listing mentions waterproof and UV-resistant materials, blackout fabric and a pop-up design for two to three people.
Key specs
- Listed for 2 to 3 people (per listing)
- Pop-up hard shell design
- Waterproof, UV-resistant, blackout fabric (per listing)
- Four-season use (per listing)
Pros
- Blackout and UV-resistant materials suit long sunny days and early mornings
- Pop-up design is listed as quick to deploy
- Four-season positioning suits cold-weather trips
Cons
- Hard shell adds weight and reduces packed-size compactness compared with soft shells
- Four-season claims should be checked against your local conditions
Bottom line: Best for campers who expect cold, wet or high-UV conditions and accept a heavier hard shell.
Buying Guide
Sleep capacity and interior space
Check the stated sleeping capacity, but also look at usable length and width. Many owners report that tents rated for three adults feel snug for two adults plus a large dog. Measure the mattress surface and compare it with your own height and sleeping habits.
Good picks for this: Meedo Designs Apolle TNT L, Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping (3-Person)
Roof rack and load rating
Your roof rack, crossbars and vehicle roof each have a dynamic and static load limit. Manufacturers typically specify both the tent weight and the combined load capacity. Confirm that the total weight of tent, mattress, gear and occupants stays within the lower of those ratings. Check crossbar spacing against the tent’s mounting brackets.
Good picks for this: Meadowlark Soft Shell Roof Top Tent, Meedo Apolle A86 M
Fold design and packed size
Clamshell and bi-fold designs differ in how they open and pack. Clamshells often open from both sides, while bi-folds open in one direction. Measure the folded height, since it determines clearance with a rear hatch, awning or roof-mounted accessories.
Good picks for this: Meedo Apolle A86 M, Meedo Designs Apolle TNT L
Waterproofing and rainfly
Look for a rainfly, sealed seams and a waterproof rating in the listing. Owners frequently mention that rainflies make condensation and rain management easier, especially in humid climates. Check whether the rainfly is included or sold separately.
Good picks for this: Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping (3-Person), Meadowlark Soft Shell Roof Top Tent
Ladder and entry system
A ladder that is included and rated by the manufacturer is preferable to a sourced-later accessory. Look for a stable, non-slip step design and a stated weight limit. Check that the ladder mounts without interfering with your tailgate or rear door.
Good picks for this: VEVOR Rooftop Tent Hard Shell, Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell (Sirius 1 Plus)
Durability and materials
Soft shell covers are typically made from polyester or canvas-style fabrics. Look for UV-resistant coatings, reinforced stress points and quality zippers. Owners often report that zipper and seam wear are the first issues in long-term use, so inspect them regularly.
Good picks for this: Meedo Apolle A86 M, Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell (Sirius 1 Plus)
Care and seasonal use
Dry the tent fully before packing to prevent mildew. Clean the fabric with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh solvents. In cold weather, check that zippers and fabric remain flexible and that condensation is managed with ventilation.
Good picks for this: Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell (Sirius 1 Plus), VEVOR Rooftop Tent Hard Shell
FAQ
What is a soft shell rooftop tent?
A soft shell rooftop tent has a fabric cover over a folding frame. It mounts to a roof rack or crossbars, opens for sleeping, and folds into a compact package for driving.
How much weight can a soft shell rooftop tent handle?
Weight limits vary by model and by roof rack. Check the tent’s listed capacity and the rack’s static and dynamic load ratings, then confirm the combined weight with occupants and gear stays within the lower value.
Do I need a ladder?
Most owners use a ladder for safe entry and exit, especially when the tent is mounted higher on a truck or SUV. Several models in this guide include a ladder, which removes one purchase from your list.
Can I leave a soft shell rooftop tent mounted on the car all the time?
Leaving the tent mounted adds wind resistance and can affect fuel economy and roof load. Many campers remove the tent between trips for storage. Check your vehicle manual and rack instructions before leaving it installed.
Are soft shell tents suitable for winter camping?
Soft shells can handle light snow and cold temperatures if they are rated for it and properly insulated. For heavy snow, high wind or extended sub-freezing trips, a hard-shell or four-season rated design may be better. Consult manufacturer guidance for your conditions.
How do I keep condensation down inside the tent?
Use the rainfly and vents, avoid bringing wet gear inside, and open windows slightly when weather allows. Pack a dry towel for wiping down surfaces in the morning.
Do I need a professional installer?
Most owners install these tents themselves, but if you are unsure about load ratings, rack compatibility or mounting hardware, a professional installer or your vehicle dealer can confirm the setup safely.
Conclusion
For a two-person soft shell setup with included accessories, the Meedo Apolle A86 M is a logical starting point. Families and three-person groups on SUVs or trucks may prefer the 3-person Soft Shell Rooftop Tent for SUV & Truck Camping or the Meedo Designs Apolle TNT L. The Meadowlark model suits lighter car camping, while the Naturnest hard-shell and VEVOR hard-shell options are useful comparison points if weather protection and rigidity matter most. Always confirm your roof rack’s load rating before choosing a model.
Sources
- Vehicle safety guidance, including load and roof-related considerations for passenger vehicles (nhtsa.gov)
- Consumer product safety information on outdoor and camping equipment (cpsc.gov)
- Backcountry and campsite guidance for managing gear and conditions on public lands (nps.gov)
About Miles Sinclair
Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our off-road trails & overlanding guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
