Softtop Rooftop Tent – Groenberg Fold-Out Tents
A softtop rooftop tent – also called a fold-out or softshell rooftop tent – offers more interior space, more windows and a completely different feel than a hardtop. When you open it, the tent fabric folds upwards and the sleeping tent unfolds sideways – so you sleep in a full-size tent on the roof of your vehicle. Ideal for warm climates, festivals, family trips and anyone who does not want to compromise on sleeping comfort.
The Groenberg Halvor 160 is our softtop rooftop tent for 2–3 people: made from PFAS-free ripstop cotton blend fabric (65/35), with a memory foam mattress, five windows and a removable rainfly made from recycled ripstop polyester.
Our softtop rooftop tent at a glance
Halvor 160 – Softtop Rooftop Tent
The Halvor 160 is our space champion for 2–3 people. The breathable ripstop cotton blend fabric (65/35) creates a pleasant interior climate – especially in warm, dry regions. Five generous windows, a removable rainfly and a memory foam mattress turn the Halvor into a full-size bedroom on top of your car.
| People | 2–3 people |
| Min. dyn. roof load | 71 kg |
| Rail length / spacing | 158 cm / 66 cm |
| Tent fabric | Ripstop cotton blend 65/35, PFAS-free |
| Rainfly | Honeycomb ripstop from recycled polyester, 2,000 mm water column, removable |
| Sleeping system | 3D air mesh + memory foam mattress, washable flannel cover |
| Windows / entrances | 5 windows + wide entrance door, 2-layer insect mesh |
| Wind resistance | Up to Beaufort 6 (fully guyed out) |
| Max. interior load | 300 kg |
The Halvor 160 – ideal if …
- you travel with 2–3 people and want maximum interior space
- your vehicle carries at least 71 kg of dynamic roof load
- you camp in warm, dry regions – Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Africa
- you care about PFAS-free coatings
- you want a tent with a real sense of space and headroom
What's included
- Halvor 160 rooftop tent
- Telescopic ladder 2.30 m (6.2 kg)
- 2 shoe bags (2 pairs each)
- 4 interior organizers
- Net under the floor plate
- 2 screw sets (various roof racks)
- Freight delivery (7–14 days)
Softtop vs. hardtop – which rooftop tent suits you?
Both designs have clear strengths – the choice depends on how you camp, which vehicle you drive and what matters most when you sleep. Here are the key differences at a glance.
| Criterion | Softtop (Halvor 160) | Hardtop (Alvar / Tjelvar) |
|---|---|---|
| People | 2–3 people | 2 people |
| Min. dyn. roof load | 71 kg | 77 kg (Alvar) / 81 kg (Tjelvar) |
| Setup time | A few minutes | Seconds (STABILUS gas springs) |
| Closed height | approx. 25–40 cm | 12 cm – maximum aerodynamics |
| Interior | Generous, extends sideways, more headroom | Compact, flat layout |
| Tent fabric | Cotton blend 65/35, PFAS-free, breathable | 320gsm ripstop polyester, 8,000 mm water column |
| Wind resistance | Up to Beaufort 6 | Up to Beaufort 8 |
| Materials | PFAS-free, rainfly from recycled polyester | Ripstop polyester, 8,000 mm water column |
| Max. interior load | 300 kg | 300 kg |
| Ideal for | Warm climates, families, longer stays | All-year use, quick trips, motorway |
Softtop – choose the Halvor 160 if …
… you sleep three, want plenty of interior space, camp in warm regions or care about PFAS-free coatings. The Halvor works from just 71 kg of dynamic roof load.
Hardtop – choose Alvar or Tjelvar if …
… you need maximum aerodynamics, seconds-fast setup and all-year weather resistance up to Beaufort 8 – and your vehicle carries at least 77 kg of dynamic roof load.
Frequently asked questions about softtop rooftop tents
You will find more answers on assembly, vehicle compatibility and accessories in the Groenberg FAQ.
What is a softtop rooftop tent?
A softtop rooftop tent – also called a fold-out or softshell rooftop tent – consists of a tent fabric on a foldable frame. Unlike a hardtop, when you open it a full-size tent unfolds sideways from the vehicle. This creates significantly more interior space and headroom. The Groenberg Halvor 160 uses ripstop cotton blend fabric (65/35) – breathable and PFAS-free.
What roof load do I need for a softtop rooftop tent?
The Halvor 160 requires a dynamic roof load of at least 71 kg – making it compatible with a particularly wide range of vehicles. You can find your vehicle's value in the registration document or owner's manual. For a detailed check, see the vehicle guide.
How long does it take to set up a softtop rooftop tent?
Setting up the Halvor 160 takes a few minutes and works on your own: unfold the tent, brace the entrance with a bow, secure the windows with spring poles – done. A hardtop rooftop tent opens via gas spring in seconds. If you need maximum speed, consider Alvar or Tjelvar.
Is the Halvor 160 suitable for rainy conditions?
Yes. The removable rainfly made from recycled honeycomb ripstop polyester offers a water column of 2,000 mm and reliably protects against rain. In good weather it can be removed. For continuously wet conditions we recommend the hardtop models Alvar or Tjelvar with 8,000 mm water column and wind protection up to Beaufort 8.
What does PFAS-free mean for a rooftop tent?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in many water-repellent coatings. Their use is increasingly regulated in the EU. The Halvor 160 uses a DWR coating without PFAS.
How many people is the Halvor 160 designed for?
The Halvor 160 is designed for 2–3 people – the only rooftop tent in the Groenberg range for three sleepers. The maximum interior load is 300 kg. The memory foam mattress has a washable flannel cover; underneath is a 3D air mesh mat to prevent condensation.
Softtop or hardtop rooftop tent – which is better?
No model is objectively better – it depends on how you use it. Softtop scores with more interior space and a lower roof load requirement. Hardtop (Alvar/Tjelvar) delivers seconds-fast setup, 12 cm closed height and higher weather resistance up to Beaufort 8. For warm regions and family trips: Halvor. For all-year camping and quick trips: Alvar or Tjelvar.
Buying a softtop rooftop tent – what should I look for?
The key points: check dynamic roof load (Halvor from 71 kg), match the exterior dimensions with your roof rack spacing (rail 158 cm, spacing 66 cm), check the tent fabric for breathability and water column, review what's included. The Halvor 160 ships with telescopic ladder, two shoe bags, four organizers and two screw sets – available from stock.
Groenberg Softtop Rooftop Tent
In stock. PFAS-free coating.
The Halvor 160 is available now – freight delivery in 7–14 days. Not sure if your vehicle qualifies? Find the answer in the vehicle guide.