If you’ve been to a campsite lately, you’ll know rooftop tents are everywhere. They’ve become a rite of passage for anyone serious about overlanding – but not all RTTs are created equal. Traditional softshells are still popular thanks to their affordability and lighter weight, while clamshells brought in quicker setups and tougher materials. Enter the hardshell RTT: the latest evolution that combines rapid deployment with extra comfort and durability.
A hardshell RTT uses a rigid top and base (usually aluminium, ABS, or honeycomb panels) instead of canvas or fabric covers. This makes them more aerodynamic on the road, better insulated against wind and weather, and far easier to set up. Most pop open in under a minute, often with the help of gas struts, and many allow you to keep bedding inside when packed away. Compared to clamshell designs, full hardshells generally offer more headroom, better storage integration, and in some cases, the ability to mount gear on the shell itself.
Yes, they’re more expensive and heavier than softshells, but if comfort, speed, and long-term durability are your priorities, a hardshell RTT can transform the way you travel. To give you an idea of what’s out there, we’ve rounded up some of the latest models available locally – from family-sized four-sleepers to compact two-person setups.
Alu-Cab RT-4S
Cape Town’s own Alu-Cab is no stranger to innovation, and the RT-4S is proof of how they listen to their customers. After the success of their ModCAP Family Camper, fans asked for the same spacious design in rooftop tent form – and the result is a four-sleeper hardshell that’s currently the largest on the market. Thanks to a flip-out bed design, the RT-4S creates more than 4.5m² of sleeping space with extra headroom. Side-opening flexibility means you can mount it on an SUV or canopy, and the integrated telescopic ladder stows neatly inside when travelling. It’s a proper family tent built for overland adventures.
Materials: Aluminium frame, double-layer 280gsm UV-resistant ripstop canvas
Dimensions (closed): 2 400mm x 1 400mm
Dimensions (open): 2 400mm x 2183mm
Weight: 127kg (with mattress & ladder)
Price: To be confirmed (expected late 2025 release)
More information: www.alu-cab.com
Eezi-Awn Sword Family Hard Shell Tent
With nearly four decades of tent-building experience, Eezi-Awn is one of South Africa’s heritage names in overlanding gear. The Sword Family tent blends aerodynamic design with true four-person capacity, thanks to a clever one-piece hinge and gas strut system. Setup is lightning-fast, and inside you’ll find thoughtful touches like LED lighting, USB ports, and a thick 70mm high-density mattress. The K9 track system on the shell allows you to mount accessories, load bars, or even a solar bracket – making it as practical as it is comfortable.
Materials: Aluminium shell, canvas (green/grey/beige options)
Dimensions (closed): 2 200mm x 1 450mm x 380mm
Weight: 74kg
Price: From R56 543
More information: www.eezi-awn.com
ARB Esperance
ARB’s Esperance is all about simplicity – unclamp, lift, and pull, and you’re done. The slimline ABS hardshell looks sleek on top of a vehicle and keeps the packed height low for better aerodynamics. Inside, the Esperance feels roomy for its size, offering a 2m × 1.52m bed and a quilted mattress. Extra features include internal and external LED strip lights, stargazing roof panels, multiple storage pockets, and quality stainless-steel hardware for long-term durability. At just 56kg, it’s one of the lighter hardshells on the market, making it suitable even for smaller SUVs.
Materials: ABS/acrylic shell, 200gsm poly-cotton canvas, 210D flysheet
Dimensions (closed): 1 520mm x 1 266mm x 344mm
Dimensions (open): 1 520mm x 2 221mm x 1 205mm
Weight: 59kg
Price: From R64 995
More information: www.4x4megaworldoline.com
iKamper Skycamp 3.0
Korean brand iKamper has built a cult following worldwide, and their Skycamp 3.0 is arguably the most famous hardshell RTT out there. This king-sized fold-out design comfortably sleeps four, using a clever extension panel to create massive floor space. The honeycomb aluminium base makes it strong yet light, while the double-layered FRP shell keeps it durable and aerodynamic. Inside, you’ll find a plush mattress, a star-gazing sky window, and detachable canvas walls that can be swapped out. It’s designed for families who want comfort without sacrificing speed of setup.
Materials: FRP hardshell, 300gsm poly-cotton canvas, aluminium honeycomb floor
Dimensions (closed): 2 170mm x 1400mm x 330mm
Dimensions (open): 3 290mm x 2 570mm x 1 220mm
Weight: 74kg
Price: From R75 000
More information: www.ikamper.co.za
DAG Wolfpack Rooftop Tent
Aimed at small families or couples wanting a little more space, the DAG Wolfpack is a three-person semi-automatic RTT. Hydraulic rods assist with setup, making it straightforward to pitch. The aluminium honeycomb shell is tough, while the 280gsm polyester-cotton fabric offers solid weather protection. Inside, you get a high-density mattress, shoe bag, and thoughtful storage touches. At 86kg it’s a bit heavier than some rivals, but the build feels robust and confidence-inspiring.
Materials: Aluminium honeycomb shell, 280gsm polyester-cotton + 420D Oxford fabric
Dimensions (closed): 1 900mm x 1 200mm x 250mm
Dimensions (open): 2 100mm x 1 900mm x 1 100mm
Weight: 86kg
Price: From R39 500
More Information: www.4x4wholesalersafrica.com
Wild Land Desert Cruiser 140
Compact yet clever, the Wild Land Desert Cruiser is a 1.4m-wide hardshell that’s perfect for two people. Gas struts make setup almost effortless, while thoughtful details like shoe bags, an integrated LED strip, and big mesh-covered windows add practicality. The honeycomb aluminium shell can carry up to 100kg on top, thanks to integrated load bars, making it useful for mounting bikes or kayaks. Despite its modest footprint, the Desert Cruiser is one of the most versatile RTTs available.
Materials: Honeycomb aluminium shell, poly-cotton canvas
Dimensions (closed): 2 290mm x 1 590mm x 220mm
Dimensions (open): 2 000mm x 1 400mm x 1 330mm
Weight: 75kg
Price: From: R39 999
More information: www.frontrunneroutfitters.com
