Hardshell roof tent, folding tent or triangle roof tent?

Are you thinking of buying a rooftop tent? But you're not quite sure whether a hard-shell rooftop tent, a folding tent, or a triangle rooftop tent is better suited for you? In this article, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of all three types of rooftop tents to help you make your decision.

The choice is an individual decision and depends, among other things, on your personal usage requirements for your vehicle, your preferences, and your budget. Therefore, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of all options to make the best decision for your needs.

Hard shell

Themis hard-shell roof tent

The robust solution

A hard-shell roof tent is a robust and reliable solution for your car adventure and offers a number of advantages.

140 cm lying surface

165 cm lying surface

To the Themis roof tent →

✓ Advantages

1. Rigid shell construction: The rigid hard shell makes the roof tent robust and reliable. It also sits lower and is more aerodynamic on the roof, improving handling and reducing fuel consumption. The hard shell also protects you from all weather conditions and makes you feel especially secure.
2. Quick setup and takedown: The horntools hard-shell roof tent can be set up in under three minutes. You save even more time by storing your bedding inside the tent when it's folded up.
3. Compact size: A hard-shell roof tent requires less space when set up. The roof tent usually doesn't extend beyond the side mirrors of your vehicle, so you can easily spend the night almost anywhere.

Disadvantages

1. Higher price: Hardshell tents are generally more expensive than folding tents or triangle roof tents, mainly due to the materials.
2. Increased weight: Hard-shell roof tents are generally heavier for the same passenger capacity. Therefore, observe the maximum permissible roof load of your vehicle and also factor in the weight of the roof rack.
3. Limited space: A hard-shell roof tent can accommodate a maximum of two adults.
4. Higher tent interior temperature: Due to the non-breathable material, the interior temperature can be higher in summer. However, the hard shell also offers better insulation and a warmer sleeping environment in cold weather.
5. The vehicle must be large enough: The size of the roof tent when closed is larger than that of a folding tent or triangle roof tent.

The right choice if…

• ✅ you often change your sleeping arrangements and quick setup and takedown are important
• ✅ you are traveling alone or as a couple
• ✅ your car has a higher permissible roof load
• ✅ you want to brave all weather conditions in a particularly durable tent

Not the right choice if…

• ❌ you are traveling with your family (with more than one child)
• ❌ you drive a smaller vehicle with a permissible roof load of less than 70 kg

Triangle

Triangle Cloud roof tent

The lightweight all-rounder

The Triangle Cloud roof tent is one of the lightest roof tents on the market, combining the advantages of hard-shell and folding tents in a clever triangular design. Weighing only 60 kg and with an ultra-low profile of just 12.5 cm when closed, it fits almost any vehicle – from small cars and SUVs to camper vans.

140 cm sleeping area · 2–3 persons

To the Triangle Cloud roof tent →

✓ Advantages

1. Extremely lightweight: Weighing only 60 kg, the Cloud is one of the lightest roof tents on the market and fits almost any vehicle – ideal for lower roof loads.
2. Quick and easy setup and takedown: Set up in under 3 minutes – even alone. Simply open the four latches and push the roof tent upwards – thanks to gas springs, it unfolds automatically.
3. Wide sleeping area: 140 cm wide sleeping area for 2-3 people with a comfortable 7 cm cold foam mattress. Blankets and sleeping bags can remain in the tent during travel.
4. Ultra-flat and aerodynamic: Only 12.5 cm high when closed – minimal air resistance, optimized fuel consumption and hardly any wind noise.
5. Large roll-up canopy: 70 cm of protection from rain and sun at its widest point. Simply roll it up and secure it at the top when the weather is good.
6. Entry from three sides: Three entry options and four windows including mosquito nets for maximum flexibility.
7. LED interior lighting: Integrated LED lighting with 3 color modes for the right atmosphere.
8. Versatile and expandable: Grooves around the perimeter for horntools accessories, replaceable tent fabric and optional auxiliary heater inlet in the foot area.

Disadvantages

1. The triangular shape limits headroom: less height in the foot area, however a clever mechanism provides an additional 25 cm of height when unfolding.
2. Limited space: Designed for 2-3 people – for larger families, a folding tent may be a better choice.
3. Wind and weather are more noticeable than with a hard shell: The tent fabric construction is somewhat more sensitive to the weather, but still offers good protection thanks to the canopy and ventilation.

The right choice if…

• ✅ you are looking for a particularly lightweight roof tent that fits almost any vehicle
• ✅ you want to set up and take down quickly without sacrificing a spacious lying area
• ✅ you are traveling alone, as a couple or with a child
• ✅ low air resistance and fuel consumption are important to you
• ✅ you want an expandable system with optional auxiliary heating

Not the right choice if…

• ❌ You are traveling with the whole family (more than one child) and need maximum space
• ❌ you are looking for a fully enclosed hard shell for extreme weather conditions

Folding tent

Elements Gen II folding tent

The spacious alternative is available in Ocean and Midnight Stone colors.

Folding tents, as the name suggests, are folded up on the vehicle roof. The tent is mounted on an aluminum plate, is set up by unfolding the plate, and is protected by a rubber cover when closed. When closed, it is approximately 10 cm higher than a hard-shell roof tent.

140 cm 1–2 persons

165 cm 3 people

220 cm 4 persons

To the Elements Gen II roof tent →

✓ Advantages

1. Very spacious and available in various versions: Depending on the version, the Elements Gen II offers space for up to 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) and is therefore particularly suitable for family trips.
2. Low weight: Depending on the model, folding tents start with a lower initial weight than a hard-shell roof tent and are therefore ideal for vehicles with lower roof load capacity.
3. Overlapping area as a shady spot: The overlapping area of folding tents can serve as a natural shady spot. This means you usually don't need an additional awning and can use the protection of your folding tent even on sunny days.
4. High-quality features: The Elements Gen II offers Sky-View roof windows for the perfect view of the starry sky, integrated LED lighting with dimmable switch and three color modes, an optimized 8 cm memory foam mattress and a practical cover roll-up system.

Disadvantages

1. Longer setup and takedown time: Compared to hard-shell roof tents and the Triangle roof tent (approx. 3 minutes each), folding tents require significantly more time for setup and takedown, at approximately 10 minutes.
2. Wind and weather are more noticeable: Due to their lighter construction, folding tents are more sensitive to strong winds and temperatures. If you like to sleep in your rooftop tent in colder temperatures, you can use a thermal inner tent for insulation.
3. Requires more space: The folding tent requires significantly more space when unfolded.

The right choice if…

• ✅ you are traveling with your family or several people and need a spacious sleeping space
• ✅ you primarily travel in warmer regions
• ✅ you value premium features such as a sky-view window and memory foam mattress

Not the right choice if…

• ❌ you mainly stay overnight in colder regions
• ❌ The setup and takedown of the roof tent should take as little time as possible.

Folding tent

Roof tent Track – the uncomplicated entry

Want to get into rooftop tent camping without breaking the bank? The Track rooftop tent is a high-quality, brand-name folding tent that focuses on the essentials: reliable protection, breathable canvas material, and a weight of only 46 kg – light enough even for smaller vehicles. Set up in about 5 minutes, it offers comfortable sleeping space for two people.

130 cm lying surface

155 cm lying surface

To the roof tent track →

All options at a glance

Want to see a direct comparison between our rooftop tents? Our explanatory video will quickly give you a feel for which tent is perfect for your adventures.

Ultimately, you decide, based on your preferences, expectations, and personal circumstances, which rooftop tent will best support you on your adventures. The important thing is to make an informed decision that best meets your needs.

If you still have questions about roof tents, take a look at our roof tent guide with the most important roof tent FAQs. Of course, you can also contact our customer service at any time.