Shell or bed rack?

I'm looking at either getting a shell or a bed rack. I'd like to be able to mount a RRT/kayaks up top. I like the thought of keeping the bed dry and secure, but there are times I need more room in the back than a shell will provide. Any pros/cons to either?

Also anyone know of a soft she'll would fit over the bed rack? I suppose both are easily removable. How loud are the soft shells at speed?

 

Soft shells aren't loud. I have a best top. No extra noise that I noticed.
You could get a custom rack to fit a RTT on, under a soft top. Or a custom rack to go over a soft top.
My best top takes only a few minutes to remove and install all by myself

 

There is no right or wrong, or one is better than the other answer. You just have to figure out which one you like more based on your needs, budget, etc. Both have their advantages and limitations obviously. I personally like a hardshell. I have a dog and it's perfect to put her back there all the time. No dog hair in the cab, no dog smell, no mud, etc. I also build a sleeping platform in the bed so I can camp back there in a pinch, and have plenty or out of sight storage underneath the sleeping platform. I also don't have to worry about cargo, camping gear getting wet if it rains with a camper shell, and is much harder to steal if I just had a rack. Limitations are the obvious though, I can't put anything in the bed that won't fit in there with the shell on. Plus shells can get kind of expensive. Soft shells are cheaper but I don't like the look, the fact that the can be broken into with a box cutter, and just don't want the hassle of taking them off and on. Racks awe sweet and look cool, and you still have the bed space for storage, but zero security or protection from the elements. I do a lot of camping, road trips, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, etc. and love my hardshell and wouldn't have it any other way. If I had one complaint it would be that I lost the option to happy big items that are larger than the shell's capacity, but in reality I don't really have this problem, and if I did I'd figure something out, but it's not a regular occurrence. The other benefits of the hard shell in my situation definitely outweigh the one negative. I have tracks on the shell if I ever want to add a rooftop rack and a hitch mounted bike rack that means I still have the truck bed for gear, storage and the dog. For you it may be different.