mjbrox said:
It seems like roof top tents would add a lot of weight onto the roof.
So I have to ask…..
Why not just use a normal tent on the ground?
I have this one and it is great http://www.kelty.com/p-118-green-river-6.aspx
It is easy to set up, plenty of space and easy to get into.
I've owned and used the cream of the crop mountaineering tents, sleeping pads, etc for close to 30 years now. I have nothing against them, and have no interest in "pretty picture" RTT dillusions. I've owned 2 RTTs including the traditional African style and the Oasis style that doesn't ever win style points (but is functionally better for wheeling). Until the Oasis, I've used both the ground tent (Mountain Hardware single wall 4 season) and the RTT on/off again regularly. I don't like the bulk of the African style RTTs when offroading in PNW forests... so I would bring the ground tent then. W/ the Oasis, it is low enough and centered enough on the roof to be left on for all trips no matter what the trail is like. The Oasis is also light enough to put it on/off by yourself. The African styles require you to get help from your neighbor or rig a hoist in your garage. Enough of comparing the different RTTs... on to your specific question.
The advantages of a ground tent is that it is lighter, smaller, and can be shoved into a backpack. One tent for all purposes.
The advantage of the RTT is that it is:
- BY FAR a better night of sleep. They are way more comfortable. Debate this all you want, but *everyone* who has ever slept in a RTT will tell you that the thing they like the most is how well they sleep.
- Easier to setup/put away. All the bedding stays inside. Fold it, cover it, and go. Setting up camp is even easier.
- Dry place to sleep when the ground is slushy/muddy
- If you are a primitive camper, it is easier to find a place for your tent that doesn't have rocks/roots digging into your ribs.
- Lighter than an SD rack w/ 2 pelicans to hold your tent/sleeping bags/pillows. With a RTT all of that gear is inside so the rack/pelicans aren't needed (Just put the tent on Thule bars). An SD rack w/ two Pelican 1650s is 150lbs. An Oasis RTT on Thule bars is 50lbs and more aerodynamic. No rack is lighter, but if you have kids/pets then you will most likely have some gear on the roof either on a rack or in a RTT.
- Cleaner.
- More fun; especially if you have kids.
- Easier to get in/out of than my mountaineering tents... though one of the big family tents is definately easier than either a mountaineering tent or RTT.
- Better view. Even my dog agrees with this one. One of my best memories is waking up to find my dog silently staring out the window with a big smile on his face. Neither he, nor I get to do this in a ground tent unless it is right next to the bank. Yes, my dog sleeps in the RTT w/ me if it is just the two of us.
Edit: Oh, and comparing ease of setup... It takes me about 30 seconds from the time I turn the truck off until I'm ready to go to bed. A minute if I'm talking to someone while I do it. During the day I don't have to unload pillows/sleeping bags from the back of the truck to get to my food/recovery gear. Just makes life during the day a little easier.