A soft shell tent travels folded in half under a zip-on cover. At camp you pull the cover, unfold the tent over the ladder side and prop out the window awnings, and the floor ends up about twice the size of the base. That makes it the cheapest way to get a big bed on a roof, and many have an annex room that hangs below for changing or gear. Setup and packing take longer than a hard shell, and the cover catches more wind on the highway.
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 23
- OVS HD Nomadic 4 Extended#1 of 23Full review
A family sized soft shell with a long warranty for a full size truck or SUV on a strong rack. Its weight rules out most factory roof racks.
Amazon $1,999.97$1,999.97449.2 sq ft172 lb - OVS HD Nomadic 2 Extended#2 of 23Full review
A well built, mid priced two person soft shell with a long warranty and a covered entry. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs about 150 lb.
Amazon $1,599.99$1,599.99235.9 sq ft150 lb - OVS HD Nomadic 2#3 of 23Full review
A mid priced full size soft shell with a long warranty for couples who camp in all seasons. It skips the extended entry canopy of the Nomadic 2 Extended.
Amazon $1,499.99$1,499.99235.4 sq ft- - Tuff Stuff Trailhead#4 of 23Full review
A budget full size soft shell for couples who camp in fair weather and want a light tent. Plan on a thicker sleeping pad.
Amazon $1,235.96 Quadratec $1,183$1,183236.3 sq ft110 lb - Thule Approach L#5 of 23Full review
A family sized soft shell with quick mounting and a low folded height, on sale for much less than the Approach 2 L. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Thule $2,239.96$2,239.96444.2 sq ft150 lb - ARB Flinders#6 of 23Full review
A roomy, low profile two person soft shell from a big off road brand, for couples who want a large bed without a tall roof box. Supply in the US is now patchy.
Amazon $1,689$1,689236.2 sq ft119 lb - 23Zero Walkabout 87 2.0#7 of 23Full review
One of the biggest soft shell tents sold, for large families who want everyone sleeping off the ground in one tent. It needs a truck, trailer or full size SUV rack rated for the load.
23Zero $2,995$2,995658 sq ft198 lb - 23Zero Walkabout 72 2.0#8 of 23Full review
A four person soft shell with a California king bed, for families who want one tent on the roof for everyone. Expensive next to rivals of the same size.
23Zero $2,695$2,695448 sq ft165 lb - CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier#9 of 23Full review
A three person soft shell with a 71 x 94 in floor and an optional annex, for small families on longer trips. At 198 lb it needs a strong roof rack.
CVT $2,399$2,399346.3 sq ft198 lb - 23Zero Walkabout 62 2.0#10 of 23Full review
A queen size soft shell for three adults or a couple who wants room to spread out, with a darker fabric for better sleep. Pricier than similar sized rivals.
23Zero $2,495$2,495341.3 sq ft152 lb - Thule Tepui Kukenam 3#11 of 23Full review
A classic, roomy three person soft shell for couples or small families who camp in all weather. It costs more than budget tents of the same size.
Amazon $2,347.15$2,347.15337.3 sq ft119 lb - Tuff Stuff Ranger 65#12 of 23Full review
A wide, sturdy soft shell for three adults or a couple with a child, at a fair price. The short warranty and 164 lb weight are the trade offs.
Amazon $1,705$1,705341.8 sq ft164 lb - CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali#13 of 23Full review
CVT’s biggest soft shell, sleeping four on an 86 x 94 in floor, for families who camp off a truck or trailer rack. At 262 lb it needs a heavy duty rack and a vehicle rated for the load.
CVT $2,899$2,899456.1 sq ft262 lb - Thule Approach 2 L#14 of 23Full review
A family sized soft shell from a big rack brand, with quick mounting and a low folded height. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Amazon $3,599.95$3,599.95444.2 sq ft150 lb - CVT Pioneer Mt. Bachelor#15 of 23Full review
A narrow two person soft shell for a solo camper or a couple who wants a full length bed, a thick mattress and good ventilation. Check the roof load first: CVT lists it at 152 lb.
CVT $1,699$1,699230.8 sq ft152 lb - CVT Pioneer Mt. Shasta#16 of 23Full review
A slightly wider two person Pioneer for couples who want elbow room and the option of an annex. It is heavy for its size, so check the roof load before buying.
CVT $1,999$1,999235.9 sq ft176 lb - Tuff Stuff Elite#17 of 23Full review
One of the biggest soft shells sold, for families of four or five with a full size truck or SUV on a heavy duty rack. The included annex adds a second room.
Amazon $3,025$3,025551.3 sq ft194 lb - Thule Approach M#18 of 23Full review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile, for $300 less than the Approach 2 M.
Amazon $2,699.95$2,699.95333.6 sq ft128 lb - Thule Approach 2 M#19 of 23Full review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile. It costs far more than budget tents with the same bed.
Amazon $2,999.95$2,999.95333.6 sq ft128 lb - Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent#20 of 23Full review
A light, low profile two person soft shell for smaller SUVs and racks with modest load ratings. The thin mattress and short floor make it better for one or two shorter sleepers.
Northridge4x4 $1,799.99$1,799.99228.7 sq ft99 lb - Thule Approach S#21 of 23Full review
A light, quick to mount two person soft shell for couples or solo campers with a smaller vehicle. It is $200 less than the Approach 2 S with the same bed and weight.
Thule $2,299.95$2,299.95224.5 sq ft110 lb - Thule Approach 2 S#22 of 23Full review
A light, quick to mount two person soft shell for couples or solo campers with a smaller vehicle. The bed is narrow for the price.
Amazon $2,499.95$2,499.95224.5 sq ft110 lb - Thule Foothill 2#23 of 23Full review
A narrow, low profile two person tent for people who need roof space for bikes or boats as well as a bed. The bed is small for the price.
Amazon $2,099.95$2,099.95225 sq ft122 lb
