Welcome back to another Feature Friday! If you missed last week’s FF, we looked at 4Runner Rear Cargo Drawers/Storage Systems. This week, we will be looking at six soft-shell RTT options that owners chose for their overland-ready Toyota 4Runner builds.
As always, feel free to DM the owners on IG to ask any additional questions about their setup if needed.
Enjoy!
Top Products Featured
- Freespirit Recreation High Country Tri-Layer 80”
- Freespirit Recreation High Country 63″
- 23Zero Walkabout 87″
- 23Zero Walkabout 72″
- CVT Mt. Rainier
- Roam Vagabond Lite
Table Of Contents
Why Choose A Soft Shell RTT?
Soft shell rooftop tents are a great option for those getting into the RTT game. These tents offer significantly more interior space for their relatively compact size compared to their hard-shell counterparts. Soft shell tents are also typically more affordable. The main advantage is the extra room inside, thanks to either a bi-fold or pull-up folding style. Only soft shell RTTs can offer this kind of space.
Most soft shell tents consist of a hard floor with a mattress included. Mattress comfort ranges depending on the price and quality of the RTT purchased. Your surrounding shelter is made from a durable, weather-resistant fabric material (soft shell). The frame of the tent and its folding structure design will determine how much space the tent has and how easy it is to set up.
The primary method for storing soft shell RTTs for travel is with a waterproof canvas or PVC-based material to protect the tent fabric from road conditions. A big downfall of a soft shell over a hard shell tent is its overall height. This added height on your roof rack causes more wind drag and an increased center of gravity, which is not ideal for off-camber trials or your fuel economy.
Soft-shell tents typically weigh less than hard-shell tents, but this also depends on the tent’s size.
One major drawback of a soft-shell tent is the setup and tear-down process. Manufacturers have tried their best to make setting up camp as simple as possible; however, a soft-shell RTT still tends to be a bit trickier to fully close and secure than a hard-shell. Think of it as cramming a tent back into a bag compared to folding up an umbrella.
If you are still on the fence about soft shell vs hard shell RTTs, then be sure to check out our full comparison post: Hard Shell or Soft Shell RTTs.
1. Britnie Pollard (@heradventurelife) – Freespirit Recreation
RTT Details
- Brand: Freespirit Recreation
- Model: High Country Tri-Layer 80”
- Price: $3500
What Made You Choose A Soft Shell RTT? What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I had chosen this RTT over a hard shell as it was able to fit my husband, me, and our two boys comfortably. The price point for such a large tent was another reason why I ended up choosing the Freespirit 80”. Its setup and takedown only take a few minutes, and the comfort of it is top-notch!
Additionally, the tri-layer keeps the inside of the tent pitch black, eliminating issues with the sun waking you up early in the morning.
2. Ben Rose (@bhen_rose) – 23Zero
RTT Details
- Brand: 23Zero
- Model: Walkabout 87″
- Price: $2400
What Made You Choose A Soft Shell RTT? What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I specifically chose the walkabout 87″ due to its ability to fit my whole family comfortably. It fits my baby’s pack-and-play (portable crib), my wife, and me. I’d say it has at least a queen-size mattress’s worth of room, even with the pack-and-play inside.
The Light Suppression Technology (LST) fabric of 23Zero’s tent is phenomenal. My wife and I can finally sleep in while camping. It’s so dark that my baby can take a nap in the middle of the day inside the tent. The mattress is also very comfortable. I have never slept so well while camping!
3. Rich Ivey (@richivey82) – CVT
RTT Details
- Brand: CVT
- Model: Mt. Rainier
- Price: $3600
What Made You Choose A Soft Shell RTT? What Do You Like About Your Setup?
When I purchased this RTT, I also had a hard shell. This tent, however, made more sense for the family due to the additional space it allowed us to have. I mean, it’s a king-size bed! That being said, in a worst-case scenario, all four of us can sleep up there.
4. Jordan Weimer (@jordanweimer93) – Roam
RTT Details
- Brand: Roam
- Model: Vagabond Lite
- Price: $1500
What Made You Choose A Soft Shell RTT? What Do You Like About Your Setup?
I was introduced to this tent because we carry them at my work. You don’t see as many of them around as you do with other brands, but I thought I’d give it a try. I love the tent and have spent around 30 nights in it. It has a 3-inch mattress, which is thicker than most other brands.
5. Zachary Diehl (@expedition.collective) – 23 Zero
RTT Details
- Brand: 23Zero
- Model: Walkabout 72″
- Price: $2150
What Made You Choose A Soft Shell RTT? What Do You Like About Your Setup?
No RTT is one-size-fits-all. We all have specific needs and wants from our tents, and I found that the 23Zero Walkabout 72″ best matched what I wanted. I needed a tent that could comfortably house me and my three large-breed dogs during winter camping months, provide adequate cooling during summer months, and have enough room for a 6’5” camper to spread out after a long journey.
The Walkabout 72″ did all of this and then some. I never felt cramped in the tent. During the winter months, the pups and I hid away in our rooftop bunker without feeling pressed for space. In the summer months, the superior window space allowed for cool breezes to blow through on a hot southern evening. As a bonus, I also received an optional annex that provided the dogs with a designated area to sleep when temperatures rose.
Finally, I got the LST (Light Suppression Technology), a major benefit of the 23Zero product line. It allows for pitch black conditions inside the tent, even at high noon. This is perfect if you want everyone to sleep in on Sunday morning.
6. Viscencio Di Stefano (@cimarunner) – Freespirit Recreation
RTT Details
- Brand: Freespirit Recreation
- Model: High Country 63″
- Price: $2550
What Made You Choose A Soft Shell RTT? What Do You Like About Your Setup?
One of the main reasons I chose the High Country Series was the space it provided for my family of three and our dog. The layout seemed like a perfect fit and provided the possibility of adding an annex room in the future. This tent also features their tri-layer technology, which has worked wonders in both keeping us warm in the winter and cool in the summer (with the help of some breeze).
The downside of owning this type of tent is that it creates some wind drag due to its high profile and boxy shape, which hinders fuel economy. It also lacks the capability to add additional hardware or equipment for mounting on top, unlike GoFSR’s Odyssey or Aspen Hardshell RTTs.
Overall, I have loved my tent, and it has worked exactly like I imagined it would.
Final Thoughts
I feel that if I were to finally pull the trigger on an RTT, it would be a soft shell. Yes, hard shells are nice and easier to set up and take down, but I love the added space you can achieve with a soft-shell tent. Specifically, with the bi-fold setup. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
We want readers to get inspired by a variety of rigs/products. Next week, we will be showcasing Aftermarket Fog Light Options.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Great Content Jon & nice to see you here at Trail4runner, WOW. You have came a long way and I am amazed at the energy that you bring. I am enriched!! Great find!
nice article Jon, thanks for sharing