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Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
DARCHE Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
Get on the road faster with a DARCHE hard shell roof top tent. Built for overlanders and 4WD tourers who want a compact, low-drag sleep solution without compromising on comfort, DARCHE hard shell roof top tents are engineered to handle the toughest Australian conditions while keeping your setup clean, secure and ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
Hard shell roof top tents fold down flat for a sleek, aerodynamic profile on the roof rack, reducing wind noise and fuel impact on long highway hauls. When you arrive at camp, a simple gas-strut or hinge system opens the shell in seconds, revealing a full-size sleeping platform with a quality foam mattress already fitted inside. No poles, no hassle, no wet canvas to pack away in the morning.
Need to extend your campsite? Add a roof top tent annex or wall to create sheltered space beneath the tent for gear, extra sleeping or a changing area. Browse our roof top tent accessories for mounting hardware, mattress covers, carry bags and more to get the most out of your setup.
Pairing your hard shell tent with a full touring kit? Explore our range of vehicle awnings for fast shade and shelter at camp, our camping swags for passengers sleeping ground level, and our camping furniture and camping lighting to round out your campsite.
Whether you're chasing remote tracks on a solo mission or heading away with the family, DARCHE hard shell roof top tents deliver a fast, weatherproof and comfortable night's sleep wherever your 4WD takes you. Shop online today.
What is a Hard Shell Roof Top Tent?
A hard shell roof top tent or hard top roof tent features a hard top design, often being made out of aluminium alloy. They typically fold out like a clamshell, but sometimes come in pop up models. Hard top roof top tents are known for their durability and simple setup. Their stable structure means they can handle bad weather and winds, making them a popular choice for remote camping.
Different Styles of Roof Top Tent
Darche hard shell roof top tents come in a range of different sizes, all offering unique advantages. It's important to consider your needs and personal preferences when selecting a style. Here are some of the most common styles:
Clamshell
Hard top roof top tents in the clamshell style open straight up, from the back, forming a clamshell shape. In this style, you access the tent from the back of the car via a ladder.
Popular models of clamshell style roof top tent include the Ridgeback and the Streamliner.
Side opening
Side opening hard shell roof top tents like the DARCHE Double Dee open from the side of your 4WD, as the name suggests. This style allows for more sleeping area while using a smaller footprint
Pop up
Popup hard shell rooftop tents provide an easy and convenient setup. By popping directly up, the setup process is simplified. Popup roof top tents are structurally sound with internal frame and offer ample head room.
Popular models of pop-up style roof top tents include the Lightrize and the Highrize.
Advantages of Hard Shell Roof Top Tents
Hard top rooftop tents have a number of key benefits to consider.
These include:
- Durability
- Easy Setup/Packdown
- Aerodynamic
- Easy to clean
- In-built bedding
- Comfortable and secure
How to Install
You should check the specific installation process for your hard shell roof top tent, but generally they are all fitted to roof racks. This provides elevation between the car roof and the tent, so it doesn’t damage your vehicle and has a secure mount.
The Darche Range
Among DARCHE's impressive lineup are the Ridgeback, Ridgeback Highrize, Streamliner, and ECO Green Ridgeback models, each offering unique features to suit your specific needs.
Ridgeback
The Ridgeback tent combines rugged durability with sleek aesthetics. With a spacious interior and comfortable mattress, the Ridgeback guarantees a restful night's sleep under the stars.
Ridgeback Highrize
For those seeking extra headroom and interior space, the Ridgeback Highrize is the perfect choice. Its extended height allows for more freedom of movement, making it ideal for families or taller individuals. You can enjoy the same level of protection and convenience as the Ridgeback model while relishing the added roominess.
Which roof top tent is the most compact?
The Darche Streamliner, is a hard top roof tent designed to cater to those who seek a low profile and lightweight camping solution. Engineered with a focus on weight reduction, this tent guarantees effortless setup while maintaining exceptional durability and comfort. It's our lightest hard shell roof top tent.
ECO Green Ridgeback
For eco-conscious campers, DARCHE offers the ECO Green Ridgeback. This innovative tent incorporates sustainable materials and practices to minimise its environmental footprint. From the use of recycled fabrics to eco-friendly manufacturing processes, the ECO Green Ridgeback is a testament to DARCHE's commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality or performance.
