Ditching my RTT; Need ideas on Camp Set-ups - Post Pics!
- Thread starter Patrollife
- Start date
Patrollife
Explorer
They are ridiculously expensive. It’s a good option I just wish they’d come down on price.
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Patrollife
Explorer
I contacted Crashpad for a double swag. Love their products. The shipping was the same price as the double swag. So I decided against it.
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Patrollife
Explorer
That is REALLY, REALLY sweet! And I REALLY , REALLY want to buy the Oztent but what is holding me back is the $$$ tag, weight and size. It’s so nice though and congrats on your purchase.
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Patrollife
Explorer
Patrollife
Explorer
InterFJ,
This is what I am moving to this year.
Kamp-Rite Tent Cot
I think it will be perfect for trips without the girl friend.
I do like these. They are a great option. Do you travel with dogs?
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Patrollife
Explorer
I'm currently going through the planning stages of a similar task: keeping the truck bed/canopy open, but making the space bug free. I am talking to EZ Topper Lift folks and am trying to get them to sell me a part of their fabric (circled in red) so that I can tailor it to my own needs. So far they seem resistant to the idea of selling me just that piece.
If I do get it, with some minor tweaks, it would be an awesome setup for an extended sleeping area under my canopy.
Looks good! Keep us posted!
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Patrollife
Explorer
Firstly, thank you to everyone thus far who has shared pics and ideas of your existing and planned non-RTT setups. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.
UPDATE: for the last couple of weeks I have done nothing but research ground tents, swags, and hammocks. I contacted companies in Australia and even went on to Alibaba to see if I could buy directly from the manufacturers of ARB, Kings, etc to see about getting my hands on a non-branded swag. I looked into Kodiak canvas but the reviews were inconsistently inconsistent. I also looked into hiking and car-camping tents made by Big Agnes, MSR, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, REI, North Face, Sierra Designs and Nemo. If there’s a brand I’m missing please let me know and I’ll check it out.
After finding tents I liked with good reviews I then checked out YouTube videos on their setup and feedback. This far, this is what I have pulled a trigger on:
For Solo Camping + 1 Large Dog I purchased the SIERRA DESIGNS DIVINE LIGHT 2 FL. I purchased it for $213 off Amazon; the suggested retail price is $389. It weighs a little over 3 lbs and is small enough to stuff in my rear drawer system. Because I currently live in Guatemala I don’t have to worry about harsh weather elements. 99.9% of the places I camp is in mild or hot weather and rainy season is clearly marked between May-November, and without the freak thunderstorms the US gets. I choose this tent because it fits my criteria of being lightweight, roomy enough for me and one of my large dogs and is pretty simple to set up. Pics below.
For camping with friends, extended weekends, and my 2 large dogs I am STRONGLY considering the NEMO DARK TIMBER 4P walled tent. I read the review on expo portal and liked everything I read except for the setup time. First time setup takes about 25 minutes and 15 minutes after you get the hang of it. I’m hoping with 2 people we can cut this down in half. I like this NEMO option because it looks to deliver similar styling, space and sheltered protection as the OZ tent at a more economical price—found it in sale for $387 and MSRP is $499–and at a fraction of the weight (17 lbs versus 55 of the Oztent). Because of this lighter weight and size I can bring a couple of cots and a folding table to place inside for greater comfort. I have not purchased the NEMO tent yet so if anyone has experience with and/or pics of this tent I’d really love to hear from you! Internet pics below:
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UPDATE: for the last couple of weeks I have done nothing but research ground tents, swags, and hammocks. I contacted companies in Australia and even went on to Alibaba to see if I could buy directly from the manufacturers of ARB, Kings, etc to see about getting my hands on a non-branded swag. I looked into Kodiak canvas but the reviews were inconsistently inconsistent. I also looked into hiking and car-camping tents made by Big Agnes, MSR, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, REI, North Face, Sierra Designs and Nemo. If there’s a brand I’m missing please let me know and I’ll check it out.
After finding tents I liked with good reviews I then checked out YouTube videos on their setup and feedback. This far, this is what I have pulled a trigger on:
For Solo Camping + 1 Large Dog I purchased the SIERRA DESIGNS DIVINE LIGHT 2 FL. I purchased it for $213 off Amazon; the suggested retail price is $389. It weighs a little over 3 lbs and is small enough to stuff in my rear drawer system. Because I currently live in Guatemala I don’t have to worry about harsh weather elements. 99.9% of the places I camp is in mild or hot weather and rainy season is clearly marked between May-November, and without the freak thunderstorms the US gets. I choose this tent because it fits my criteria of being lightweight, roomy enough for me and one of my large dogs and is pretty simple to set up. Pics below.
For camping with friends, extended weekends, and my 2 large dogs I am STRONGLY considering the NEMO DARK TIMBER 4P walled tent. I read the review on expo portal and liked everything I read except for the setup time. First time setup takes about 25 minutes and 15 minutes after you get the hang of it. I’m hoping with 2 people we can cut this down in half. I like this NEMO option because it looks to deliver similar styling, space and sheltered protection as the OZ tent at a more economical price—found it in sale for $387 and MSRP is $499–and at a fraction of the weight (17 lbs versus 55 of the Oztent). Because of this lighter weight and size I can bring a couple of cots and a folding table to place inside for greater comfort. I have not purchased the NEMO tent yet so if anyone has experience with and/or pics of this tent I’d really love to hear from you! Internet pics below:
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Patrollife
Explorer
As a reference to my descriptions of large dogs and tough trails in mild to hot weather (some cold depending on the elevation), here are a few pics of what I’m talking about.
I used to have two Ridgebacks but had to put one of them down recently. They would both always sleep with me in the RTT. At first it was a pain to get them up there—one weighed 85 pounds and the other 94 lbs—but after a few camping trips they adapted and learned how to help me get up.
My then 94-pounder who weighs closer to 100lbs now is the surviving Ridgeback that goes camping with me:
My other dog is a rescued GSD who weighs about 110 lbs. Hes’s a big boy and has always slept in the cargo area of my rigs. I had gull wings installed in one of my rigs to make it more comfortable for him to sleep in the rear cargo area, and let’s be honest, because they are really useful for car camping!
I do a lot of trail running so whenever I can bring both my GSD and Ridgeback, they are happy to come along with:
And here are some of the trails I was talking about:
There are nice and easy ones as well:
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I used to have two Ridgebacks but had to put one of them down recently. They would both always sleep with me in the RTT. At first it was a pain to get them up there—one weighed 85 pounds and the other 94 lbs—but after a few camping trips they adapted and learned how to help me get up.
My then 94-pounder who weighs closer to 100lbs now is the surviving Ridgeback that goes camping with me:
My other dog is a rescued GSD who weighs about 110 lbs. Hes’s a big boy and has always slept in the cargo area of my rigs. I had gull wings installed in one of my rigs to make it more comfortable for him to sleep in the rear cargo area, and let’s be honest, because they are really useful for car camping!
I do a lot of trail running so whenever I can bring both my GSD and Ridgeback, they are happy to come along with:
And here are some of the trails I was talking about:
There are nice and easy ones as well:
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Patrollife
Explorer
Here are the prices I was quoted from Crashpad for a double swag with shipping to Guatemala or the US. It’s a shame because all their reviews are excellent.
https://crashpadgear.com/
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https://crashpadgear.com/
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It might already be too late for the OP, but I have a 6 person Coleman Instant Cabin tent. I can put it up alone in less than 5 minutes. Price is good for what they are. The downside is they are a lighter strength construction so you are probably good for a couple weeks a year, but I wouldn't plan to live in one long term. Also, due to the nature of the poles being built into the structure, they are a bit bulky when packed away. They come in a couple of different sizes and shapes, so pick the one that best fits your needs.
RacerAV
Active member
The ARB has that taper shape that I’m not a fan of. HOWEVER.. the Darche Swag AD (inflatable version) is whats on my mind! https://darche.com.au/product/view/55
The 1400mm wide version... drool. I’d rather toss that onto my Rhino rack on my Jeep than have a permanent RTT... Shoot, I can even roll this thing up and strap it down on the roof IF I need the space in the Jeep. With my dual sport on my Switch Hauler and my Swag up top, some gear inside... that’s my DREAM set up at the moment.
MOguy
Explorer
I have two different tents depending how I travel. A smaller one if I pack just in the Jeep and a much bigger one if I take my trailer Either way I have a BIG tarp I set under the tent and fold up behind it. If the weather gets nasty I can qucily pull the tarp up and over the tent and secure it so it won't blow away. I have found this is easier and far more effective than trying to use the "rain fly". I don't like having tents or awning that attach to my vehicles.
Below is a set up with the bigger tent.
Below is a set up with the bigger tent.
dr_r2r
Observer
I also have a RTT when I camp with my wife. But I use the Napier SUV tent when I’m solo camping. I have enough protection from the elements, elevated from the ground with easy set up. Works well for me.
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jmnielsen
Tinkerer
Haven't read the whole thread, but look at an ultralight tipi (teepee) from somewhere like Seek Outside. They packs small, are super light, and are quite spacious. Plus, you can add a stove for cold weather camping. https://seekoutside.com/tipi-tents/