Howling Moon Deluxe vs Rhino-Rack Soft Shell (61026)
The Howling Moon Deluxe and the Rhino-Rack Soft Shell (61026) are both softshell tents in the same part of the market, which makes them a genuine head-to-head rather than a comparison across categories. Howling Moon and Rhino-Rack take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
On weight they are effectively level — 48 kg against 45 kg — so the roof load question resolves the same way for both. Floor area is close to identical at 2.88 m² and 2.67 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. The Deluxe lists $449.99 lower, at $1,350 against $1,799.99.
Canvas differs too: 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated against 600D rip-stop PolyOxford body, 210D fly, PU coated (CPAI-84). Closed, the Soft Shell (61026) sits 15 cm lower on the roof — 21 cm against 36 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
Howling Moon
Deluxe
The Deluxe is Howling Moon's entry-level softshell fold-out tent and the base model of the range, offered in widths from 1.2 m to 2.4 m. It uses a 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canopy with a 75 mm high-density foam mattress and ships with an extension ladder and a UV-stabilised welded-seam PVC travel cover. It is compatible with the brand's extension/annex.
- Uses the same 380gsm poly-cotton canvas as the higher softshells
- Compatible with Howling Moon's extension/annex
- Multiple width options from 1.2 m to 2.4 m
- Manufacturer does not publish warranty or season rating
Rhino-Rack
Soft Shell (61026)
The softer, lighter of Rhino-Rack's two two-person fold-out tents, with a published kit weight of 45kg (99lb) including the tent, ladder and mounting system. It uses a 40mm foam mattress, a 600D body and a 210D fly, and includes an LED strip light and boot bags. Awnings sit over the front door and rear window for ventilation.
- Lighter kit than Rhino-Rack's hardshell (45kg vs 65kg)
- Compatible with a wide range of Rhino-Rack platforms (Reconn-Deck, Reconn, Vortex, Pioneer)
- LED strip light and boot bags included
- Thinner 40mm mattress than the hardshell's 70mm
Which one to pick
Take the Deluxe if the budget is fixed. Beyond that the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex, cargo rails — are where the remaining difference lies.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Fold-out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | — | — |
| List price | $1,350— best of the tents compared | $1,800— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 106 lb— worst of the tents compared | 99 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | — | 4 ft 1 in |
| Packed width | — | 4 ft 6 in |
| Packed height | 14.2 in— worst of the tents compared | 8.3 in— best of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 7 ft 10 in— best of the tents compared | 6 ft 9 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 3 ft 11 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 31 sq ft— best of the tents compared | 28.7 sq ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 3 ft 11 in | — |
| Mattress thickness | 3 in— best of the tents compared | 1.6 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~5 minest. | 5 min |
| Shell material | — | — |
| Fabric | 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated | 600D rip-stop PolyOxford body, 210D fly, PU coated (CPAI-84) |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | — | Yes |
| Heater / HVAC port | — | — |
| Roof skylight | — | — |
| Annex available | Yes | — |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Howling Moon product page | Rhino-Rack product page |
Related comparisons
Or read the full spec sheets for the Howling Moon Deluxe and the Rhino-Rack Soft Shell (61026).