Truck owners often face a common dilemma when it comes to protecting their cargo—should you go with a soft truck bed cover or a full camper shell? While both offer their own unique set of advantages, the best choice comes down to your lifestyle, security needs, and how you use your truck on a daily basis.
Whether you’re hauling tools for work, gearing up for a weekend camping trip, or simply want to keep your truck bed organized and weatherproof, the right cover makes a world of difference. Let’s break down the key differences and explain why soft covers are becoming the go-to solution for drivers who value versatility and affordability.
Define the Difference Between Both Options
The most obvious difference between a soft truck bed cover and a camper shell lies in structure and design.
Camper Shells, also known as truck caps or toppers, are hard-shell enclosures that create a tall, enclosed space over your truck bed. Made from fiberglass or aluminum, they convert the bed into a secure, weatherproof compartment—essentially giving your truck a second interior cabin. This makes them ideal for extended storage, transporting pets, or camping out during road trips. However, they’re heavy, permanent, and can affect visibility and fuel economy due to added weight and drag.
Soft truck bed covers, on the other hand, offer a more flexible solution. These covers lie flat over the bed and are typically made from durable vinyl or canvas material stretched across aluminum or composite frames. Popular types include roll-up, tri-fold, and snap-on styles, each offering a balance between protection, accessibility, and ease of installation.
For many everyday truck owners, soft truck bed covers provide just the right amount of security while preserving the open-air function of a pickup truck. You can roll them back to access your bed in seconds, and they’re significantly lighter than hard shells—making them ideal for users who value quick access and portability.
Why Go Soft Over Hard Options
While camper shells are great for those who need a mobile cargo bay or sleeping space, soft covers bring unmatched flexibility to the table. You don’t always need a full cabin over your bed—and that’s where soft covers shine.
For example, if you’re regularly loading tools, bikes, or yard equipment, a soft cover allows for fast, unobstructed access without having to open doors or raise hatches. And when you don’t need it at all, you can remove or fold it back without needing a second set of hands.
Pick up truck bed covers from Bestop include both soft and hard variants, but their soft covers are engineered with the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that has made the brand a trusted name in truck accessories. You don’t have to sacrifice quality just because you’re choosing a more lightweight and affordable option.
Soft covers are also more aerodynamic than camper shells, which may actually help with gas mileage when driving on the highway. Their sleek, low-profile design not only looks sharp but also reduces wind resistance and noise.
And let’s not overlook the cost. Soft bed covers are significantly less expensive than camper shells—both in upfront cost and installation time. If your goal is to get reliable protection without blowing your budget, soft covers are the obvious winner.
Bestop Truck Accessories Deliver Quality You Can Count On
Regardless of which option you choose, quality should be non-negotiable. Bestop truck accessories are built for durability, convenience, and performance—whether you’re going for a soft tonneau cover, a full camper shell, or adding accessories like tailgate seals or cargo trays.
Bestop’s reputation for high-performance, rugged gear makes it a leading choice among off-roaders, contractors, and weekend adventurers alike. Their soft covers offer secure latching systems, tight weather seals, and stylish low-profile finishes that blend seamlessly into your truck’s silhouette.
Final Thoughts
Soft truck bed covers and camper shells both serve a purpose—but for the everyday driver looking for fast access, sleek style, and practical protection, soft covers offer a strong advantage. From saving on cost to preserving that open-truck versatility, there are plenty of reasons to go soft.
Explore the full range of soft truck bed covers, pick up truck bed covers, and other Bestop truck accessories to find the perfect fit for your vehicle and your lifestyle.