Bed Tent vs Ground Tent

I'm hoping I don't get flamed for this. I really have been trying to find as much as I can searching....

Thinking about either a Bed Tent or a Ground Tent for some quick weekend trips the wife and I want to do. Does anyone have any preference or advice on either one.

Not interested in a roof tent at this time mainly because of the extra equipment and teardown/setup when we may be getting into these places late at night.

I know the advantage of having a ground tent means you can leave it up while taking the truck somewhere but I'm not sure we will do that much considering how we intend to use it (less day camping and more sight-seeing). I have the bed cover so one advantage to ground is I wouldn't have to take the bed cover off.

Any recommendations for a Bed Tent? Or

 

Ground tents are better in my book. They are quick to put up, you can store stuff in your truck bed, and you can use it as a base camp and still drive your truck to other sites or trail heads.

 

I do like this option as well but not really in the market at this time for a cap but have pondered it for sure. Great looking rig and setup!!!

 

I try not to limit myself when I go camping, that's why I have a ground tent. If I want to go grab something with the truck I can. If we want to go down some trails, we can.

I think bed tents work best if you want to get frisky with your wife down by the lake but need to leave first thing in the morning to make the 1030 church service.

 

Bed tent is just going to scratch the sides of the truck when it’s dirty and you set it up. Also, you’ll have to fully unload the truck to use it.

I prefer a ground tent when I don’t have my truck that has a Vagabond Drifter on it.

 

In a few years you could buy a Prius. The ground tent works with the Prius. A bed tent doesn’t. bike racks, tents, etc I don’t buy vehicle specific things. My current bike rack is a receiver mount, I had a receiver in my Mazda 3 for it. That can go on anything where as a roof rack Mazda bike rack wouldn’t work on a Tacoma, or my nerdy vehicle, etc. same with a tent. Just get a hammock or ground tent setup so that when you get your next vehicle it will work with it.

 

Ground tent! You got a truck to do truck stuff. With a bed tent you will be limited to the things you can use your truck for.

 

Camping can be pretty simple - last couple of years have used a $30 ground two person tent and it’s been fine, even kept dry in Big Sur, CA during the middle of winter through torrential rain. A couple of tarps on top and was good to go, although still surprised we kept dry.

Also have had an air mattress in the bed or back in Australia I had my swag.

Similar to reasons others have mentioned here, a ground tent can allow you go out during the day.

 

I have a hitch mount bike rack and have thought about this as well but I also have a hitaount rack for carrying extra storage as well if we didn't bring the bikes. Either way, whatever is on the hitch mount would likely have to come off.

 

Ground tent for less hassle and more flexibility.

 

Cot tent... one person but mine was free... so

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-single-deluxe-tent-cot

 

Weighing in late, but I had a bed tent for a while, and it was great for what I used it for - base camp for desert dirt biking or beach camping. Basically, anywhere I wasn't going to need to use the truck to get around, because it is a hassle to have to take it down and put it up again. Even though I could get it up in 10 minutes. Also I had to unload everything.

That said, it was really nice to not have to sleep on the ground in the desert to avoid the scorpions and tarantulas...also a pack of coyotes ran through our camp one trip. But again, best for when you don't plan on moving the truck.





I now have a Snugtop shell I use for solo camping for fly fishing trips or when 4x4 camping, and a Kodiak canvas ground tent for base-camping. It's just easier - I don't have to take down my shell when I want to move out quickly, and the huge Kodiak tent is like setting up a little cabin in the woods. I feel I finally have the flexibility I've wanted for years.

 

Perhaps something in between:

 

I use a Kodiak truckbed tent. Heavy duty, canvas, 10 minute set up. Yes you have to empty out, but no biggie...I have a few storage bins that come out quick and easy. Also it's not heavy... only about 40 lbs total... less stress on the suspension. $400 bucks. I really like that's its not a permanent feature so I can store it easy after the trip.