Standard bedding or sleeping bags in RTT

[Drumber]

What do you use and why? Did you go with sleeping bags because you already had them, or did you buy one specifically for your RTT? I feel like the extra insulation on the bottom side of most sleeping bags would be overkill in a RTT (except in REALLY cold weather) and you could get away with a good set of flannel sheets and multiple blankets to layer depending on temperature. I'll be out with one or both of my young daughters who rarely ever stay in their bags when we sleep in our ground tent. I have enough sleeping bags and bedding to go either way. Any help is appreciated as we are about to take the plunge to the RTT.

 

[OnBeechRoad]

if its just me i use the appropriate sleeping bag weight for the weather. If i'm camping with my girlfriend we make the bed up just like we do at home with sheets and blankets.

 

[chris the ogre]

We used to use sleeping bags, but found most of the time we just zipped them open and used as blankets. Now I have a regular set of blankets/sheets/pillows just for the rtt.

 

[Drumber]

RTT Mattress -> 2" Foam Topper -> Waterproof Mattress Protector -> Fitted Sheet -> [ People ] -> Light Microfibre Comforter -> "Down Alternative" Comforter (if needed).

This sounds perfect! Thanks.

 

[eviioiive]

Bags when it's cold, bedding when it's wam

 

[DaveInDenver]

I just used regular bedding in my WilderNest. Mattress is 3", fitted sheet, comforter. I'd use a sleeping bag if it's really cold and I'm camping alone.

 

[80t0ylc]

What do you use and why? Did you go with sleeping bags because you already had them, or did you buy one specifically for your RTT? I feel like the extra insulation on the bottom side of most sleeping bags would be overkill in a RTT (except in REALLY cold weather) and you could get away with a good set of flannel sheets and multiple blankets to layer depending on temperature. I'll be out with one or both of my young daughters who rarely ever stay in their bags when we sleep in our ground tent. I have enough sleeping bags and bedding to go either way. Any help is appreciated as we are about to take the plunge to the RTT.

One thing to understand about a RTT in cold weather, is that the bottom of the tent is exposed to the cold air - quite different than a ground tent and similar to sleeping in your vehicle. So insulation that you"re sleeping on is at least as important as your covering - maybe more. Since gravity is keeping your body in contact with your sleeping surface, it will pull your body heat away from you if it is insufficiently insulated making for miserable nights. As far as bedding vs a bag, I only use bedding when it's warm (50+ F for me). A 2 person bag can be unzipped & used like bedding if the night temps vary where you're traveling. For me, bags are easier to deal with in a tent than bedding, but in warm weather a comforter works just as well. And sleep on top of the bag for more padding...lol

 

[Corey]

I vote for flannel sheets and a down comforter.
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/t...rove-Your-Roof-Top-Tent?p=2350144#post2350144

Been using this setup since 2008 when I got my tent, and it is just like sleeping at home.
Recently put on the mattress pad, have not slept on it yet, but it will be even more comfortable than before.

 

[Lucky j]

Atandard sheets will not work with mt ARB, unless I costum make a set. Matress is the good widht, but way to long for regular standard size sheet. I think the matress is 54 x 88 or more.

 

[Drumber]

Atandard sheets will not work with mt ARB, unless I costum make a set. Matress is the good widht, but way to long for regular standard size sheet. I think the matress is 54 x 88 or more.

I'm in the same boat with the tent we plan on buying. I figure I'll use two top sheets and have them overlap. I just helped my dad move and he probably has 30 sets of sheets that I'll pick and choose from. Also available are about 10 wool blankets that I may use as a mattress pad (well, one of them, not all 20).

 

[Mgyver1]

I've only been camping with my RTT in colder weather (<50, hrs that's cold for this desert boy) so I've only used my Wiggy's 0 degree bags. They're comfy and if I get warm I unzip them. I suppose for warmer weather I could do sheets and a blanket but I haven't encountered that yet.

 

[VicMackey]

I go sleeping bags. Mainly because the bottom of the bag adds to the padding under my hips and ***.

Nobody in the history of camping has ever said :"yeah it was too soft under me last night".

Bag can be zipped and unzipped as needed.

 

[FosterWV]

Does anyone make fitted sheets for RTTs? Idea of loose fitting sheets would drive me crazy, on the other hand we didn't like using sleeping bags this year (new to the RTT thing)

Also need a better mattress or something. The 2" one that came with it is horrible

 

[Corey]

Does anyone make fitted sheets for RTTs? Idea of loose fitting sheets would drive me crazy, on the other hand we didn't like using sleeping bags this year (new to the RTT thing)

Also need a better mattress or something. The 2" one that came with it is horrible

Depends on what tent you are talking about.
I am using a "Full" fitted sheet for the bottom of my Maggiolina mattress, and it fits it to a T.
The top sheet is the one you stuff under of course, and it fits fine too.

The down comforter is a "Twin" size, and since it cannot hang down the sides like at home, there is about an extra 10" or so per side, but nothing major as you can see in my pics above.

 

[80t0ylc]

..........Also need a better mattress or something. The 2" one that came with it is horrible

A lot of RTT owners, including myself, have added a mattress top pad. Can be purchased at like, Walmart or any place that sells mattresses or bed accessories. Memory foam works well. Measure you RTT mattress L x W before you shop & if you can't find your size buy larger & trim it down. Different thicknesses are usually available - 2 or 3 inches should be sufficient, but it's your choice.