Roof Top Tents - A fad?

Thats what i did i love my rtt on my trailer base camp anywhere

 

Okay,

I have done ground tents AND roof top tents, here goes my experience:

The good:

You are off the ground.

Easy deployment.

The bad:

RTTs are hard to store and a hassle to setup on your truck. It takes two people to get on the vehicle, so if you don't have a helper when you need it, you're screwed. Unless, you have a hoist setup, then that is another story. Not all of have garages to install hoists or store a RTT.

People talk A LOT about the speed of putting up a RTT - It's easy, but It's really not that fast. Yes, you don't have to put together rods and anchors like a conventional tent, but opening it up and closing down takes a good 10 minutes if you have all the windows open and guy ropes out.

Camp is where you park it. Literally - If you have to move, go somewhere, or take a small cruise whatsoever - You HAVE to pack it allll up. - Unless you have a trailer.


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If you want speed, easy to pack, quick to deploy, easy to store, easy to throw in the vehicle, get a 30 secont tent. Like an Oztent or a Malamoo.

The good:

They deploy waaaay faster than an RTT.

They setup waaay faster than an RTT.

They store better than an RTT

The bad:

They are on the ground.

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I have a Tepui and an 30 second Oztent.

If I ever have to replace the RTT, I wouldn't.

I'd stick with the Oztent.

Personally, I feel the advantages on an 30 second tent outweigh the bad (being on the ground) and outweight the advantages of the RTT.

 

I'm going to get one. Here is my Pro-Con list

Pros
Quick set up and tear down
Less foot print means smaller camping spots required
No worries about water under the tent if it rains
Covered area to sit under without needing a canopy set up as well.
Eliminates tent, and 2 cots, from bed of truck (or inside if it's raining)
Quick Setup and tear down

Cons
Gas mileage hit
Plus or minus 150-200 lbs stored a little high

I want a rack anyway, as I plan on getting a tent canvas tarp that I will stretch over it like truck bed bikini top.
When I'm ready to go ... I'm ready to move. Quick tear down of camp is VERY important to me.

I think RTT ownership is very much a fad right now. It's what all the "cool overlanders" do. Even so, it doesn't meant the RTTs are a fad. It doesn't take away from the fact that they are valuable tools for camping vacations.

 

Preach...

 

This is true. If you want a good 30 second tent, it's not cheap.

 

This thread should have a poll. Just saying.

 

could easily spend 1500 on a ground tent

 

Agreed.

 

But what's the fun in that

 

overlanding is the fad. we are not in Africa going over international boarders we called it camping in style growing up.

http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...-between-a-backcountry-and-overland-adventure

 

Here is a short article on Roof VS Ground, its obvious tho:

https://americanadventurist.com/roof-or-ground/

 

I'm good with using what I've always used and that is Backpacking equipment . all I need is a 3 man tent , mummy bags and pads and I'm set

 

I had a RTT but my Fiancee and I like the ground tent now. Annoying packing up a tent to go on a trail run and the Coleman instant tents nowadays set up significantly faster than a RTT. I'd get one again if I had a trailer though.

 

Not if you know how to sleep on the ground in snow !!

 

oh i do when i go skiing out in the woods

 

By yourself or with a few young children? Not sure my 2 yr old is ready for that

 

I've always wanted to do Group buys on Backpacking/Trekking equipment.. I wonder if there would be an audience here

 

You hit the nail on the head there.

They're comfortable, it gets you up off the ground, and they're very easy to use (zip the cover off, unfold it and boom you're done).

However, as you mentioned they are expensive, heavy, and either block your view out the back window or mounted on the roof they act like a sail.

It's an expensive convenience, but once properly mounted and set up they are convenient. All the supplies fit in the bed under the RTT.
No, it's definitely not needed to go camping and have a good time, but it is damn nice to camp in one.

 

Let's be honest....


Of course

 

You can spend $1500 on "limited edition" video games, or sneakers for that matter. A "good" ground tent that lasts years can be bought for $150. Kelty, Big Agnes, Alpine whatever... a "good" RTT is still $700, and that's for the no-name group buy one bounding around.