Abandoning the RTT for a ground tent...

[Viggen]

Nemo Losi Storm 3P it is. Ill post pics when I get it!

 

[ScottReb]

I have the Nemo. It rocks. Light enough for backpacking, OK for car camping.
Very sturdy roomy design. You'll like it.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Nomad Tents

Here is an interesting option, designed as an expedition motorcycle shelter. Large vestibule that can be used as a sitting area or a garage and stand up headroom.

Nomad Tents

Jim

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Make sure you look at the Turbo Tents:

Turbo Tent


Extremely fast pitch (second only to an Oz Tent, which doesn't break down very compactly), lots of size options. So far ours is holding up very well. There's a short review in the Fall 2009 Overland Journal.

It would be nice if the Turbo Tent website gave some pertinent info such as cost, where do you buy them and had some pictures that actually showed details.

Jim

 

[AmericaOverland]

Im glad that there are a number of you that agree. The RTT is the quintessential expedition look equipment but the weight way up high, the addition of an aerodynamic brick onto an already aero challenged truck, lack of storage after use (thinking about leaving it mounted full time but decided against that due to parking garages then not being an option) and the fact that it will be snagged, rubbed and hit by branches, etc... This leaves me with a ground tent.

Or, if your cargo area is flat, simply slide a sheet of plywood in the back (don't forget to take the rear seat out), set up a pair of the Skreenz window screens for the front doors, and put a mattress or pad and bag in the back. At least I could do that in my Scout. (I say "could" instead of "can" because I still don't have that truck down here yet)

Stephanie

 

[wild1]

For sheer comfort and weather protection year round I love my Montana Canvas spike 2. http://montanacanvas.com/spike-tents.phpvas These tents along with a small wood stove, cots, roll up table and chairs weight less then most of the smallest roof top tents and are luxurious for two. We have rode out winter blizzards and summer monsoons with equal satisfaction. The wood stove is sure comfort and provides a great cook stove as well as a hot water jacket at under 20 pounds. We can have the tent up and smoke coming out the chimney in under 15 minutes. It works fine in the canoe or with the horses but it's no backpacking tent.

 

[MicroOverland]

just want to add my two cents... I LOVE my RTT! we used to pitch the tent when we car camped in order to empty the back of the 4runner so we could sleep inside. Worked o.k., but lots of work. The feeline of security is great, and my wife loves it too (happy wife = happy camping). ground tents are great for what they are (we use them with the samurai for now), but I do love my RTT...

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

In my book the best tent is the one that sets up the easiest with the least amount of poles. Also, 10-15 years ago a 3 season still had doors for rain and other debris/wind but now most 3 seasons have mesh screens (I know this has all been addressed in this thread) so a 4 season tent most of the time is preferred. I am also on the ditch the RTT bandwagon most of the time but I'm with Nathan that sometimes its nice to have. They are just so big and heavy, that's all...

 

[austintaco]

A very cheap alternative

Its not that I am abandoning the RTT, but I went this route because its what fit the budget and we were both very happy. After we loaded up from the first night, we just collapsed the tent and left it "ready to be rolled out" at the back of the truck. When we made it to the second campsite, we just unloaded the tent, set it up and then unloaded the truck contents into the tent. The weight of the bins hold the tent down. The dogs slept in the tent area, and we slept in the back of the truck on an inflatable mattress( I am not a fan of these btw).

 

[Viggen]

Kodiak/ Springbar users: How big is the tent packed up?

 

[adi]

For sheer comfort and weather protection year round I love my Montana Canvas spike 2. http://montanacanvas.com/spike-tents.phpvas These tents along with a small wood stove, cots, roll up table and chairs weight less then most of the smallest roof top tents and are luxurious for two. We have rode out winter blizzards and summer monsoons with equal satisfaction. The wood stove is sure comfort and provides a great cook stove as well as a hot water jacket at under 20 pounds. We can have the tent up and smoke coming out the chimney in under 15 minutes. It works fine in the canoe or with the horses but it's no backpacking tent.

I have been looking into getting a canvas tent, but mainly to serve as dual purpose. I'm starting to get into Rendezvous, which is mountain main re-enactments, which is wood poles and canvas for structures. At the same time, I would like to get something that I can take on regular trips for single night camping.

Have you had issues setting it up in inclement weather or difficulty finding places to stake it out?

Unfortunately since I travel alone, setup of canvas tents can be an issue, as well as finding a place where you can stake it out. I would like more than just a lean-to, but haven't found many reports of single person canvas tent use.

 

[jacobm3]

Its not that I am abandoning the RTT, but I went this route because its what fit the budget and we were both very happy. After we loaded up from the first night, we just collapsed the tent and left it "ready to be rolled out" at the back of the truck. When we made it to the second campsite, we just unloaded the tent, set it up and then unloaded the truck contents into the tent. The weight of the bins hold the tent down. The dogs slept in the tent area, and we slept in the back of the truck on an inflatable mattress( I am not a fan of these btw).

austintaco,

What brand/model tent is that?

 

[BuffaloFunk]

Viggen, what did you end up settling on? The Nemo Losi?

 

[REDrum]

We're also looking to move away from a RTT.

While there are many aspects of a RTT I love, a ground tent offers a bit more flexibility for our needs; multiple trucks, short wife, 36" super swampers...

Last fall we spent 3 nights in a Campmor (Now Serengeti) Safari tent and loved it: easy to set up/take down, vents well, and very spacious. And, they are phenomenally well made tents. Check out this video from the US dealer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEDCwyN34-Q

But, if we had space where we could keep a trailer, set up with a RTT on top, we would not be selling it.