Dachzelte

Hard shell tent or textile tent?

Hartschalenzelt oder Textilzelt?

As outdoor enthusiasts, we know that choosing the right tent is vital to the success of your camping trip. A question that often arises when choosing a tent is the choice between a hard shell tent and a textile tent. In this article, we will show the pros and cons of both options so you can make the right decision for your needs.

A hard shell tent is usually made from hard plastic or aluminum and offers a strong and durable structure. This type of tent is ideal for longer stays in one place or for extreme weather conditions as it offers excellent insulation and stability. Hard shell tents are often easier to set up than fabric tents and require less maintenance.

The hard shell tent is extremely resistant to wind and weather. Even in heavy rain it can be very cozy with the zippers closed. In addition, due to its aerodynamic shape, it offers little resistance when folded and therefore consumes less fuel than a textile tent.

On the other hand, a textile tent is usually made of soft fabrics like cotton or nylon, providing a breathable and comfortable environment. This type of tent is ideal for warmer weather conditions or for camping trips where mobility and weight are important. Textile tents are easier to transport and often offer more interior space than hard-shell tents.

When it comes to the available space and sense of space, there is hardly anything better than a roof tent with a textile fabric . When it is unfolded, it is not only usually higher, but the overhang over the side of the vehicle allows a width of up to 180cm. Depending on the model, such as the Family, the length can even be up to 310cm. Compared to a hard-shell roof tent, there is no comparable model that reaches this size.

Legal

When it comes to the legal aspects of choosing between a hard shell or fabric roof tent, there are a few things to consider. Especially if you drive a lot off-road away from campsites, you are not allowed to occupy public spaces in Germany and other countries with a vehicle that exceeds the permitted external dimensions. Here, roof tents with a hard shell have the advantage that they are only built up and can therefore be set up anywhere. In contrast, textile roof tents are often considered "camping behavior" and are therefore less welcome.

In addition, when choosing a roof tent, you also have to consider the maximum roof load of your own vehicle, as hard shell tents often weigh over 75kg due to their size and construction. In this case, you should first check the vehicle documents or the manufacturer and find out about the recommended maximum roof load.

It is important to note that the maximum roof load is only relevant when the vehicle is in motion, as the increased center of gravity can have an impact on handling. If you have any questions about the selection of suitable roof racks, it is best to consult an expert.

Conclusion

When choosing between a hard shell tent and a textile tent, you should consider your individual needs and requirements. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages and it depends on your personal situation which tent is best for you.

If you are looking for high-quality hard-shell tents or textile tents, take a look at outdooru.de. We offer a wide range of tents to suit every need and our products are of high quality and reliable.

You can find our Relax hard-shell tent here! Textile tents here !

Reading next

Regen und Sturm im Dachzelt - was solltest Du beachten?
Montage Dachzelt von OutdoorU