The best part of owning a Jeep is getting ready for your next off-road adventure, and then absolutely shredding your next trail. While your Jeep Wrangler has you covered with four-wheel drive and great off-road handling, what's on top is also important.
Wranglers come with soft or hard tops from the factory, and both options are viable for off-roading, but there are some key differences you need to be aware of. Fortunately, we're here to help you get your Jeep Wrangler hard vs soft top situation squared away.
The Difference Between a Hard and Soft Top
The main difference between a soft and hard top is the obvious one – soft tops are soft and hard tops are hard, but what does that really mean?
Soft tops are made with canvas, vinyl, and sailcloth, which gives the soft top that rugged and flappy look as you cruise down the trail. These tops are available from the factory and tend to come with plastic windows and zippers that help you remove the entire top or pieces of the top.
On the other hand, hard tops are made with stronger materials including fiberglass, so they last longer and hold up better against debris and the elements. While soft tops tend to be the more flexible option, there are plenty of unique designs for hard tops as well, including two-piece slant hard tops. While both tops are unique, they're both viable for off-roading.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soft or Hard Top for Off-Roading
When choosing between a soft and hard top for off-roading we've come up with a few factors that determine which top is the right fit for you. These come down to the fun factor, durability, cleanliness, and comfort of the Jeep top.
Learn more about each factor to help you pick a winner in the hard vs soft top for off-roading debate.
Fun Factor
We have to start with the fun factor when it comes to off-roading because it's an inherently fun and adventurous thing to do. If you’re purely after the fun factor on your next off-roading adventure, the winner is a soft top because you can remove specific pieces or choose a specific type of top that helps you take in the breeze, smell the beach, or hear the birds chirping as you fly through the woods.
While your stock Jeep Wrangler soft top is a great choice, if you plan on taking the doors off and really opening up your Jeep, you’re better off with a mesh top like the RedRock UV Sun Shade. These mesh tops, and similar tops like safari tops, only cover the roof of your Jeep and help you feel as outdoors as possible without getting a sunburn.
Durability
Plan on taking your Wrangler through some tight trails with lots of trees, sticks, and other obstacles? A hard top will be your best friend. Sure, you won't be able to take on the atmosphere as much, but you won't have to worry about top ripping or tearing. Plus, having a hard top on your Jeep will keep you safe if debris falls from above.
On the other hand, soft tops are vulnerable in these environments. We only recommend committing to the soft top for these adventures if you plan on removing it entirely or you'll be replacing it more often than you’d like.
Cleanliness
An underrated factor to consider is cleanliness when you’re off-roading. It's easy to give your Jeep a bath, but have you ever tried to clean mud stains out of a soft top?
Unfortunately, it's next to impossible without hours of scrubbing or the right soft top cleaner, like Bestop Soft Top and Accessory Care Kit. While these cleaning kits will help, it might still take a lot of time to remove stains, mud, and debris from your soft top.
If you don't want to spend too much time cleaning up after your off-road adventure, you’re better off with a hard top option. Cleaning them is about as hassle-free as washing your car.
Comfort
If comfort is all you care about, a hard top is perfect for your off-roading needs. You'll experience less noise on the trail and won't have to worry about anything hitting you from the outside – unless you have the windows or doors off.
Comfort is also important based on the climate. For example, if you’re off-roading in colder weather, you'll need protection from the elements, and hard tops offer better insulation. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the snow with only a soft top standing between you and the snow.
Get the Right Hard or Soft Top for Your Jeep Today
Choosing the right hard top or soft top for your Jeep comes down to your preferences and the types of trails you’re looking to hit. For days on the beach where you don't expect much dirt, mud, or debris, a safari top might be the right choice, but if noise and comfort are a priority, you might be better off with a hard top.
Whether you need a new top to take your off-roading experience to the next level, or you want a replacement top like the Smittybilt OEM Replacement Top with Tinted Windows, we have what you need at ExtremeTerrain.
Order online for fast and convenient shipping options, along with help from our sales techs whenever you need it.
