Just dusting off this recent thread - which I have to say is a damn good one. If and I stress IF I went for a hardshell RT sleeping cabin, where is the best place to go and see them for real? And the best place to source one? They are hideously expensive I know, but selling my Terrain tent would be part of that funding. I don't need two. I like the fabric ones actually. I think they are better for camping. But for dashing pulling up, sleeping and dashing off again, the hard shell does have some clear advantages. Truth is I don't think that there is a perfect answer. Both are a compromise. I have never put anything else on the roof other than the tent to be honest so a hard top wouldn't be a problem. With a full rack and a soft top, half the rack is just being wasted. But it's there if I need it. If I stayed with the soft top, I might consider a wind deflector to try and push the air up and over as well as rain etc which I find does work its way in there sometimes. Third option is a ground tent, but after years of sleeping on the ground and moving recently to sleeping at height, I have to say being off the ground is so much better. When camping at ground level now, I have a bed too. But that's another thing to pack. With the tent, you don't need the extra cot.
The air cell under material stuff sounds like a good addition to both types.
The air cell under material stuff sounds like a good addition to both types.