CVT Summit Series First Impressions
Finally managed to get away for a weekend with the new Mt. Shasta Summit Series.
Unfortunately for the fishing trip it poured rain. Fortunately for testing the tent, the weather couldn't have been better.
I'm honestly really impressed with this tent. I've done a full write up here:
https://thenooblanders.com/2016/06/20/cvt-summit-series-roof-top-tent-first-impressions-review/
But here's the highlights.
The 380g ripstop on this thing is incredibly heavy duty. I couldn't find a single weak spot in the seams or waterproofing. The rain fly kept the water out in an incredible storm, even with the door wide open.
I love the waterproof mattress cover. It made crawling up to get changed out of wet clothes no big deal. Move the bedding out of the way. Get changed. Quick wipe with a towel, and you're set.
Would a normal RTT have held up in that storm? Probably. But there was zero doubt in my mind that this thing was keeping the weather out. I'd love to say I slept soundly all night, but had to keep getting up to help patch other ground tents back together.
Having said that, there's definitely a few things that need work and should be easily adjusted in future production runs. Grommets on the rain fly are weak and need better reinforcement, and the final tie down straps need to have the ends seared from the factory to make them easier to thread through the buckles. Both are things I can fix, but for paying a premium, I shouldn't have to.
The light, USB ports, and shoe bags are totally unnecessary add ons, but what you're really paying for the heavier duty floor and canvas. Those are just there to make you feel like you really got something fancy. I actually used all three though. Not going to argue with perks.
I'll update after I put it through it's paces for 3 straight weeks, but so far so good.
Update: CVT just told me that they've already addressed the minor issues for future production runs, so if you're ordering one now, you should be fine.