WildTop vs Softopper - Feature Breakdown and Comparison

Soft truck caps continue to grow in popularity because they deliver weather protection and cargo security without the weight, cost, or permanence of a hard shell. Two of the most well-known options in this category are WildTop and Softopper.

Both brands offer dependable soft toppers designed for truck owners who want flexibility-but they take very different approaches to structure, materials, and overall system design. This comparison breaks down those differences in detail, with a focus on real-world usability, durability, and total cost of ownership.

System Design Philosophy

WildTop

WildTop is engineered as a complete soft-shell cargo system, not just a fabric enclosure. The topper integrates a reinforced aluminum frame with built-in roof rack capability, modular canvas panels, and unobstructed bed access-without requiring aftermarket upgrades.

The goal is clear: deliver hard-shell-level utility while retaining soft-top flexibility.

Softopper

Softopper follows a more traditional soft-top design. Its lightweight folding frame allows the entire topper to collapse forward toward the cab, similar to a convertible top. This makes it easy to open the bed quickly, but it also limits load capacity, rack compatibility, and modular access.

Softopper prioritizes simplicity and ease of use over structural performance.

Roof Rack & Load Capability

WildTop: Integrated from the Start

One of WildTop's most significant advantages is its integrated roof rack system, which is part of the core design-not an accessory.

• Built-in rack mounting points
• 770-lb static load rating
• Compatible with rooftop tents, cargo boxes, recovery boards, and gear trays
• No additional hardware or adapters required

This allows owners to install and use roof-mounted gear immediately, without compromising the integrity of the topper.

Softopper: Add-On Required

Softopper does not include a roof rack system as part of the topper. To carry gear above the bed, users must purchase third-party or proprietary rack add-ons, which:

• Increase total cost significantly
• Add installation complexity
• Still lack a comparable published load rating

Advantage: WildTop - integrated, load-rated, and purpose-built.

Frame Geometry & Bed Access

WildTop: Unimpeded Bed Access

WildTop's frame design eliminates high crossbars that block the bed opening. Instead, it uses perimeter reinforcement that allows:

• Full roll-up side panels
• Roll-up rear panel
• Complete bed access with the frame still in place

You can load tall or bulky items without removing or collapsing the topper-ideal for work trucks, camping setups, and overland builds.

Softopper: Crossbar Obstruction

Softopper relies on fixed crossbars spanning the bed, which provide fabric tension but create a vertical obstruction. While the top can collapse forward, the crossbars remain in place when the topper is deployed, limiting vertical clearance during loading.

Advantage: WildTop - better access, fewer obstructions, more usable cargo space.

Fabric & Material Construction

WildTop: 16 oz Heavy-Duty Canvas

WildTop uses 16 oz poly-cotton canvas with a bonded waterproof coating. This fabric is closer to expedition-grade canvas than convertible fabric.

• High tear resistance
• Better abrasion tolerance
• Reduced flapping at highway speeds
• Excellent UV stability for long-term exposure

This material is designed for sustained outdoor use, rough terrain, and heavy-duty applications.

Softopper: Laminated Sail Cloth / Convertible-Grade Fabric

Softopper uses a laminated sail cloth / convertible-style fabric, which is:

• Lightweight
• Flexible
• Easy to fold and collapse

While durable for everyday use, it does not match the abrasion resistance or thickness of 16 oz canvas, especially in rugged or gear-intensive environments.

Advantage: WildTop - thicker, tougher, more expedition-ready fabric.

Panel Operation & Open-Bed Configuration

WildTop: Roll-Up Panels, Frame Stays Put

WildTop's side and rear panels roll up quickly, allowing the bed to remain fully open while the frame stays mounted. This means:

• No reinstallation required
• No collapsing or folding of the structure
• Instant transition from enclosed to open utility mode

This design works especially well for users who frequently load bikes, lumber, coolers, or jobsite materials.

Softopper: Forward-Collapsing Design

Softopper opens by collapsing the entire top forward toward the cab. While effective, this approach:

• Changes weight distribution
• Reduces rear visibility when folded
• Requires more movement and space

It works well for occasional open-bed needs but is less seamless for frequent transitions.

Advantage: WildTop - faster access with fewer compromises.

Pricing & Total System Value

WildTop: All-In-One at a Set Price

WildTop is sold as a complete system:

• Integrated rack capability
• Heavy-duty frame
• Modular panels
• No required upgrades

What you pay upfront is what you get-no surprises later.

Softopper: Base Price + Add-Ons

Softopper's base price is competitive, but once users add:

• Roof rack solutions
• Extra reinforcement
• Accessory mounting systems

…the total cost often reaches (or exceeds) WildTop pricing-without matching the same structural capability.

Value Advantage: WildTop - more capability per dollar.

WildTop vs Softopper - Comparison Table

Feature	WildTop Soft Truck Cap	Softopper
Roof Rack System	Integrated, load-rated	Add-on required (extra cost)
Static Load Rating	770 lbs	Not published / not rated
Frame Design	Reinforced aluminum, no obstructing crossbars	Crossbar-based folding frame
Bed Access	Roll-up panels, full access with frame in place	Collapses forward toward cab
Fabric	16 oz heavy-duty canvas	Laminated sail cloth / convertible fabric
Bed Access	Independent side & rear roll-up panels	One-piece collapsing top
Overlanding Ready	Yes - RTT & gear compatible	Limited
System Pricing	All-in-one, no required upgrades	Base price + accessories
Best Use Case	Overlanding, work, long-term utility	Daily driving, light recreation

Final Verdict: WildTop vs Softopper

Both WildTop and Softopper offer dependable soft truck caps, but they are built for different priorities.

Choose WildTop if you want:

• Integrated roof rack system
• Heavy-duty 16 oz canvas
• Unobstructed bed access
• Roll-up panels with the frame left in place
• One complete system at a fixed price

Choose Softopper if you want:

• Lightweight, simple operation
• A folding convertible-style design
• Occasional open-bed flexibility
• Minimal structure and quick collapse

Overall, WildTop stands out as the more capable, better-engineered, and higher-value solution, especially for truck owners who demand real utility, load-bearing performance, and modular access without added cost or compromise.