Trading a RTT for a high quality ground tent?

[DAA]

This 7x8 is the size of the one I use most often on solo or two person trips:

http://www.kirkhams.com/compact-tents/outfitter-3-springbar-tent/

Specs say 34 pounds. Sounds about right.

- DAA

 

[frieed]

The Kodiak 8x9 weighs in at about 55 lbs, has room for two big cots and a table between. Also has a second door and an awning over 1 door (that I've never used).

 

[Kiel]

happy with my coleman insta dome. Other then kurt and cody making fun of me for not knowing how to set it up the 2nd time, it's been great

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Just like vehicles, I don't think there is a one-size fits-all option, even for the same person? While many make xyz option work all the time, there is and always will be a counter-option with some merit imo.

For my needs. If I'm solo or traveling with buds that have their own tents (i.e. a trip to Baja), I sleep in the 100. It's set up quite nicely and by using my Exped mat and a good pillow, I get a great sleep and can be mobile in under a minute.

If I'm doing a camp-to-camp trip with the Mrs. or a pal... the RTT is a great solution and offers superb mobility and ease of camp sight selection. I can be in a slipping bag in 5 minutes from the time I park. The tent holds the mattress, sleeping bags, pillows, etc so all I have to do is open it up.

If I'm base-camping with the Mrs. or bringing the beast along. We have a Springbar that just rocks in terms of comfort. We have two BIG cots that run the length of each side and provide a ~3' gap in the middle for getting dressed, the dog, etc. The screened porch rocks in buggy situations.

Lastly, if I'm in a smaller rig I pack along a small Kelty and rock my Exped mat.

 

[Greg]

I fully support this. 10 or 11 nights this year in my Coleman dome tent. Works just fine. No need to over complicate things

The last trip I was on with friends in a Coleman - they said that in their soaked and frightened misery, from inside their collapsed Coleman, during a lull from getting pelted by hail trying to hold the soaked tent off their already soaked bedding, they could hear me snoring from inside my tent and wanted to strangle me... I woke up all kinds of refreshed and happy. They were kinda tired and grumpy...

- DAA

Been there, had the same experience! It's NOT easy getting any sleep in a bag that's soaking wet, matter of fact that makes for a miserable trip. A quality tent is something that shouldn't be skimped on and if you do, you'll eventually figure out that you should have paid a little more! It's funny how inclement weather shows the weaknesses of every tent!

Just like vehicles, I don't think there is a one-size fits-all option, even for the same person? While many make xyz option work all the time, there is and always will be a counter-option with some merit imo.

For my needs. If I'm solo or traveling with buds that have their own tents (i.e. a trip to Baja), I sleep in the 100. It's set up quite nicely and by using my Exped mat and a good pillow, I get a great sleep and can be mobile in under a minute.

If I'm doing a camp-to-camp trip with the Mrs. or a pal... the RTT is a great solution and offers superb mobility and ease of camp sight selection. I can be in a slipping bag in 5 minutes from the time I park. The tent holds the mattress, sleeping bags, pillows, etc so all I have to do is open it up.

If I'm base-camping with the Mrs. or bringing the beast along. We have a Springbar that just rocks in terms of comfort. We have two BIG cots that run the length of each side and provide a ~3' gap in the middle for getting dressed, the dog, etc. The screened porch rocks in buggy situations.

Lastly, if I'm in a smaller rig I pack along a small Kelty and rock my Exped mat.

I agree, since we no longer have a RTT I think I'm going a different route for our 'family' tent and longer trips where a high quality tent and room to move will be key. I'm really looking forward to the Exped Mega Mat, it'll see use in the big tent (which ever one we end up with) and in the small 2 man tent when car camping. We'll be camping in Baja in November for over a week and I want to be comfortable, no matter the weather/wind, etc. I wish there was enough room in the JKU for both the wife and I to sleep inside!

 

[TRD270]

Just like vehicles, I don't think there is a one-size fits-all option, even for the same person? While many make xyz option work all the time, there is and always will be a counter-option with some merit imo.

This, we own no less than 5 tents. A couple of them are older and haven't seen a lot of use of late but still get used for certain situations. If i'm going to be in a certain camp more than a day I absolutely want my Kodiak. If its just me and i'm mobile a lot I take my little back packing tent. If the wife is going we usually take the Kodiak or our older 3 man.

 

[jmaxj]

If basecamping I take my springbar and love it. And like Dave said the RTT seems to take a bit longer to setup. I went with the springbar over Kodiak for a couple reasons. 1. Being that I had a springbar before Kodiak even existed and 2. The rope around the stake loops. I just don't see the Kodiak lasting as long as a springbar. Other than pulling stakes the springbar is so simple to put up and down by myself I'll take it on solo trips. (sounds like it's the same size as Dave's) if I'm in the mood for real quick I take the tent cot, got a single and double so I have options

 

[DAA]

I have five that I use. Two Springbars (one big, one small ), a Mountain Hardwear, a Big Agnes and a Six Moons Design.

Each serves a different purpose.

- DAA

 

[DAA]

Tent cot is on my list .

- DAA

 

[mbryson]

Tent cot is on my list .

- DAA

Like the Cabelas one? Can you fold them up with a bag/pillow in them?

 

[TRD270]

Tent cot is on my list .

- DAA

I tried a tent cot once, while super fast. It took up a TON of room in my rig. And even with the windows open I had a really bad condensation issue. Also kind of a pain to get in and out of. I'm glad I just borrowed it, for me I'd rather setup a tent with my cot inside.

 

[jmaxj]

Like the Cabelas one? Can you fold them up with a bag/pillow in them?

Yup my cabelas is a double and my kids and mine singles are kamprites. I like the kamprite over cabelas but their double got discontinued when I was looking for a double so I had to get the cabelas one.

I tried a tent cot once, while super fast. It took up a TON of room in my rig. And even with the windows open I had a really bad condensation issue. Also kind of a pain to get in and out of. I'm glad I just borrowed it, for me I'd rather setup a tent with my cot inside.

I bought mine 7yrs ago and only took two trips to figure the easy way to get in and out. And the condensation problem I've only had a couple times on extremely cold nights. Just a small bit of air flow and no issues.

 

[TRD270]

I bought mine 7yrs ago and only took two trips to figure the easy way to get in and out. And the condensation problem I've only had a couple times on extremely cold nights. Just a small bit of air flow and no issues.

It was a really cold night so that may have been the issue.

 

[carsonc1974]

I'm in the same boat here. I have a line on an awesome deal for a turbo tent, but have been wanting to give a rtt a try for years. Just never been able to swallow the expense. Curious to see what you decide on.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[ace]

This is the one I've got.

http://youtu.be/0cXLuv3sToo

I've had my springbar at least 15 years and it still looks new. One man setup is fast and easy, and like others have said, it's good in any weather.

 

[Hickey]

As a Boy Scout, my troop had a ton of 2 man Springbar tents. We never had a single problem with any of them, and even the dumbest of Scouts could get them up or down pretty quick.

I think my parents still have one that is older than me.

 

[Greg]

Well, I ALMOST had a lightly used 10 x 10 Kodiak for $175... the guy posted it for sale, but I was stuck at work. We made plans to meet up, but he sold it an hour before I got there!!

Oh well... so I bought a Pine Deluxe 4 Person Turbo Tent. It arrived today, so I set it up in the back yard. It's 2 minutes to setup, without the rainfly. 4 tent pegs, pop up the center, then set the 4 poles and it's ready to sleep in. If you rolled into camp late and were tired it takes no thinking to get it where you can toss your bag in and go to sleep. The material is pretty neat, it's a ripstop cotton-poly canvas and without the rain fly I think it would be fine in a light rain. The rain fly is heavy and should keep any moisture out, but it takes several more minutes to set it up, especially with the 2 poles for the front awning. The zippers are massive and very smooth and easy to pull. Even the bug screens are made out of a heavy material. Everything seems to say that this is a quality tent that will last for years.

 

[Hickey]

That looks pretty solid. I wonder if you could treat the Ripstop canvas with a sealer/water repellent for better results without the fly? Like a soft top sealer, maybe.

 

[Greg]

That looks pretty solid. I wonder if you could treat the Ripstop canvas with a sealer/water repellent for better results without the fly? Like a soft top sealer, maybe.

I sprayed a 3M water proofing on the sides that aren't covered by the rain fly just a bit ago... I may do the rest as you suggested. Thanks!

 

[benjy]

Any follow up on this? Greg - have you had the turbo tent out much?

I'm leaning toward a turbo tent.