Roof tents.....

[georgemason]

Great idea for a new forum, I've been planning all sorts of stuff in my head, although sadly the wallet hasn't been able to keep up! Need to buy roof rack, roof tent and some equipment first but will be keeping my eyes on this one - I quite fancy the idea of touring around Spain/Tunisia next summer...

[mmgemini]

Great idea for a new forum, I've been planning all sorts of stuff in my head, although sadly the wallet hasn't been able to keep up! Need to buy roof rack, roof tent and some equipment first but will be keeping my eyes on this one - I quite fancy the idea of touring around Spain/Tunisia next summer...

Why do you need to buy a RTT ? Do you know I think they are a european thing..... Well most RTT's seem to be used by eoropeans in southern Africa.

[bvudzichena]

Why do you need to buy a RTT ? Do you know I think they are a european thing..... Well most RTT's seem to be used by eoropeans in southern Africa.

We finally managed to get rid of Michelle's RTT in January.

As somebody who's had both an entry level Howling Moon and the biggest and best Howling Moon (tourer) on the market, I can honestly say that RTT's aren't for me.

I was down at Mike's favourite camping shop :D last week looking at the new Howling Moon dome tents. They've got a huge new lightweight ripstop tent that comes in at just over R4,000, can probably sleep six people and has a verandah.

Even I (6'6") can stand up straight in it. I'm most impressed and am seriously thinking of getting one.

[georgemason]

Why do you need to buy a RTT ? Do you know I think they are a european thing..... Well most RTT's seem to be used by eoropeans in southern Africa.Mostly for convenience really, I like the idea of just being able to fold the tent out and get in, will make it far easier to make/break camp when on the move too. Quite like the idea of being off the ground too, if it rains/is sandy/etc.

Would have thought in southern africa people were more likely to use roof tents due to the bugs/animals?
As somebody who's had both an entry level Howling Moon and the biggest and best Howling Moon (tourer) on the market, I can honestly say that RTT's aren't for me.Interesting..... what was it about the roof tents that you didn't get on with?

[Marc Lurie]

Mostly for convenience really

They 're not really that convenient. We've moved away from a RTT recently, and we use a pop-up floor tent that takes 3 seconds to erect and 10 seconds to pack away. We carry Thermarests to sleep on, and we're perfectly comfortable.

Our issue is that we tend to be continually on the move, and packing the tent away every morning becomes a MAJOR schlep. Even if you're in a place for a while, you still have to pack away the tent when you want to use the vehicle.

My current idea is to ditch the heavy canvas RTT, but to build a lightweight, fold out platform on the roof on which I can erect the pop up ground tent if necessary (to keep away from animals and snakes). It will probably be a sliding platform that slides under the roofrack for storage, and should take only a few seconds to stow.

RTT's also dramatically add to your fuel consumption and lower top speed as well.

We've also found that canvas tents are far too claustrophobic and hot for African climates.

[bvudzichena]

Mostly for convenience really, I like the idea of just being able to fold the tent out and get in, will make it far easier to make/break camp when on the move too. Quite like the idea of being off the ground too, if it rains/is sandy/etc.

Would have thought in southern africa people were more likely to use roof tents due to the bugs/animals?
Interesting..... what was it about the roof tents that you didn't get on with?

"RTT vs Tent On The Ground" is just like the old "Land Rover vs Toyota" debate and is something that I'm not going to get myself drawn into.


For those who have RTTs and enjoy them: Good luck to you.
For those who sleep in tents on the ground: Welcome to the club.
For those who want to buy RTTs: Get one and see for yourself. Howling Moon is the best that I've seen. Hannibal and Myway aren't bad.
For those thinking of buying a ground tent: Oztent is nice, but difficult to store. Zambezi is also nice, but huge (due to it being made of proper canvas). Mike's tent is nice and well priced. I'll stick with Howling Moon dome tents.

[georgemason]

Hmmm food for thought, especially given the price of the RTTs. When I travelled through Europe last I used Quechua pop up tents, which were ok, although the lack of any sort of awning meant that camping in sand was, well, sandy. I haven't had a proper go at opening/closing an RTT yet but was given the impression by the manufacturers blurb that they were pretty straightforward, doesn't sound like this is neccesarily the case! More research needed, thanks for your comments.

Marc - out of interest, what pop up tent do you have?

[mmgemini]

Marc doesn't always use a tent. Do you Marc ?? :D :D :D

You all might be interested in this post

http://www.landroveraddict.com/smf/index.php?topic=369971.0

Food, well sleep, for thought.

[dreaming]

while you there have a look at a OZ tent. get a four or five. we have had one for over a year and they are fantastic. you can get the sides and front extentions too. in wet weather you will be the happiest camper in the park. we loaded it in our landy with a roof top tourer and the best is still the Oz when camping in a place for along time.

[Big Sandy]

I thought I would move the discussion about roof tents to a thread of its own...could be a handy resource I reckon!

[nobber]

i dont see how a rtt can be convenient? its on a roof for a start , nothing convenient about that. also the idea of being able to make and break camp quictly? it takes 7 - 10 mins tops to put up a ground tent , hardly half the day.
also , your vehicle is immobilised when the rtt is erected.
for your money you can get a whole lot more if you steer clear of rtt's, bout as usefull as go faster stripes on a fiesta if you ask me.

however of looking the part is important to you, go for it , get an awning as well. ;)

[bvudzichena]

Nobber,

Don't knock awnings...

[Marc Lurie]

A tent up on the roof is great if you are worried about creepies and growlies, which is why I still want to be able to sleep on the roof if I need to.

The tent I have is a cheap tent (cost me R800 at Sportsman's Warehouse. I've seen the Quecha tents at outfitters, and I don't see much of a difference, except in price) designed a bit like those collapsable sunshades with two springsteel rings that fold together to make a flat disk about 2 inches thick, and about 3.5 feet diameter. It looks similar to the Quechua in Mike's link. It has a built-in groundsheet and flysheet, and has remained dry inside through three storms. For an awning or sunshield I have a 2.5m awaning on the side of the Landy.

The way I figure it (and remember that this is Africa where we don't usually have terribly cold weather) is that I use the tent for sleeping in, and that's all. (Well... almost all :o). When we stop at a campsite the tent goes up in seconds, the Thermarests get chucked in with a few sleeping bags and that's that.

I really don't see any need for tents I can stand up in, or a tent with a balcony, or extra awning etc. In fact, Mike mentioned that I sometimes don't use a tent. There's NOTHING better than curling up around the fire on warm beach sand on a warm Mozambique night, listening to the waves gently lap the shore. :)

[mmgemini]

To both of us it's not the tent that's a problem when pitching ot dropping.
It's the stuff in the tent. Yes I know a lot of people carry all the bedding in the RTT but not everybody does.

Whan we drop.
I get up and make a cup of tea. Yes I do.
Meanwhile Margaret packs up the bedding and sorts the clothes boxes and washing machine out.

By the time I call, TEA !! Margaret is normally packed.
I then go and roll the Therm_A Rests up.
We drink out tea after that we pack everything into the top box.
Drop the tent and load it into the back.
Then we pack the Defender. The tent being heavy goes over, as near as possible, the rear wheels. Packing it at the very back would be a help but it makes the Defender a little unstable....
Now for breakfast..........

We can do the whole job in about 45min if we push. However most times. Especially in Africa we have visitors as we pack up, people who've walked over to greet us and ask about the trip.

One of the biggest problems is getting the packing routine right.
It took us three weeks on outr last trip. Fallinf from the ladder didn't help either :D :D

Now. As quick as some tents can be erected and dropped there is still the stuff to take out of them.
Then there's the space that we have in that tent. 3M X 3M and 2.9M high.It's a Greensport Caprivi.

It does ammuse me to hear people talk about quick erect tents.
Nothing is mentioned about all the other stuff you need to get ready/packed is it.

Oh yes. Nearly forgot.
The Eezi-Awn awning. That must be the best bit of gear I bought for my Defender.

[nobber]

Nobber,

Don't knock awnings...

im not , great idea, great price too.
i use a tarp and a couple of tent poles, i almost splashed out 15 quid on some canvas for one but a 5 quid tarp does a better job.

i just think that , and especially in this country , 'expedition' equipment is increadably over priced and for this very reason increadably unessasary.
consider this , 800 quid for a rrt , 150 for an awning. 950 quid spent.

75 quid for a very decent ground tent and 25 for a home made awning for the side of the landy , thats 100 well spent leaving 850 quid change.

for me 850 quid could be as much as 5 weeks holiday time depending on which country im in.

[Cannonball Bob]

I've used both.
Ground tents are great when it's dry and the ground is suitable.
Roof tents are great when it's wet under foot and the ground is unsuitable.
Convenience is a 50/50 thing. My ground tent takes about as long to put up/stirke as the roof tent does, although the one thing I keep coming back to is no matter where you end up parking for the night you know the roof option will work. I've never tried banging pegs in to tarmac (like in a ferry terminal car park) but I'm guessing it won't really work.
Horses....courses.....etc.
Only possible edge to it is a firm solid floor in the roof tent.

[mmgemini]

nobber first.
My dome cost me about 500 quid in Namibia. The same dome tent in this country art that time was priced at 830 quid ??? That's 2004 prices
Most of the extra price comes from shipping and of course the governments imprt duty.

Bob
I don't need to use pegs in my tent. Hence we can pitch it on tar if required. Mind you some of the camp sites we've used had ground harder than tar.

[Marc Lurie]

I don't need to use pegs in my tent.

We also never use the pegs.

As for the time it takes to pack the things inside the tent... we have a large stuff bag that takes two sleeping bags, two pillows, and two Thermarests. It takes under a minute to pack all the bedding into the bag.

I can pack the bedding and tent away in less time than it takes Brigid to make coffee. In theory though... I usually have a hangover, so it takes a little longer. ;)

[Imvubu]

I'm about to rent a RTT for a June Lesotho trip that promises to be a little chilly. Am I right in thinking it will be warmer than a ground tent?

...or should I just use the OzTent? It's a pain when wet, and we're hoping for lots of snow (something we aren't used to dealing with).

[Cannonball Bob]

nobber first.
Bob
I don't need to use pegs in my tent.
Doesn't it blow away?

[mmgemini]

Nope. To watch the others blowing about on camp sites in a gale can be fun. :D :D

Bob, you really need to see the tents and stuff the make in southern Africa to understand.

[toppa]

however of looking the part is important to you, go for it , get an awning as well. ;)

Well Nobber we all know that colour coordination of equipment, and how many bells and whistles it has, far out ways the practicality and functionality of any item :rolleyes:

Cheers

[mmgemini]

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1741/img8016dg3.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img8016dg3.jpg)


The normal set-up.
The Awning and gazebo are always pegged and gylines fitted. The tent not so. Often now the front and back have sand pegs fitted. They're like an A shape. Super things.

[AJC]

Oztent is nice, but difficult to store. This (http://forum.landrovernet.com/showpost.php?p=134250&postcount=21) is how I store my Oztent. Only 18Kg up top and uses space that would otherwise not be used.

I have a load guard now but a square cut out of the grill and split convaluted tubing on the edges of the grill secured with tie wraps allows the Oztent to slid through easily.

AJ

[Cannonball Bob]

Bob, you really need to see the tents and stuff the make in southern Africa to understand.
But I'm not in South Africa.
You need to understand the climate and terrain in Northern Europe to understand. :(

[bvudzichena]

You need to understand the climate and terrain in Northern Europe to understand. :(

This is a thread about tents in the expedition section of the forums.

Going camping in the lake district isn't exactly going on an expedition to Morocco or Siberia, is it?

Would you rather use a product developed and tested in the Kalahari, Namib or Simson Desert for your next Morocco expedition, or would you take your chances with something from Homebase?

[mmgemini]

You need to understand the climate and terrain in Northern Europe to understand. :(

I do. :D :D Very well :D :D


http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7013/dsc00034xn9.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00034xn9.jpg)

6th April this year
http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/7934/dsc00044cy6.th.jpg (http://img76.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00044cy6.jpg)

7th April this year,
Notice the front back and sides are pegged. This is to stop the sides falling in :eek:

[bvudzichena]

Mike,

What tent did you have before you bought the Greensport Caprivi?

[bvudzichena]

This (http://forum.landrovernet.com/showpost.php?p=134250&postcount=21) is how I store my Oztent.

My biggest problem with the Oztent's always been storing it. I like your plan a lot.

[Cannonball Bob]

Going camping in the lake district isn't exactly going on an expedition to Morocco or Siberia, is it?

Would you rather use a product developed and tested in the Kalahari, Namib or Simson Desert for your next Morocco expedition, or would you take your chances with something from Homebase?
Jeeeeeezusssssss. Calm down. :rolleyes:
Your argument works both ways in that camping in Europe isn't exactly awaking to find herds of Wilderbeest sweeping majestically across the Serengeti, is it? This theory that only South Africa can possibly know how to make decent outdoor kit is an utter myth. They make good kit, but so do plenty of other people.
Who the feck buys a tent in a DIY store anyway? Certainly not me. But even so, just because I didn't buy something in Jo'burg doesn't mean it's crap.

Roof tents are good sometimes.
Ground tents are good sometimes.
Answer: Get both.
I have, and use which ever strikes me as most appropriate for the prevailing conditions/climate/trip duration/location and so on.
There is no perfect solution, so why try to find one?
I haven't rubbished ground tents, don't dismiss roof tents.

[Cannonball Bob]

My biggest problem with the Oztent's always been storing it. I like your plan a lot.

Ask him what's on his roof then.....
;)

[bvudzichena]

I haven't rubbished ground tents, don't dismiss roof tents.

You may want to read the third and sixth posts in this thread.

[bvudzichena]

Ask him what's on his roof then.....
;)

Have you still got the Maggotliner, A?

[nobber]

Well Nobber we all know that colour coordination of equipment, and how many bells and whistles it has, far out ways the practicality and functionality of any item :rolleyes:

Cheers

couldnt agree more , look at how this beautifull awning compliments the old series three , very practical , nicely colour coordinated so as not to stand out , very functional. and it does look the part i have to admit.
a steal at 375 quid.:eek:
or you could get the small one at 275.
and for an extra 199 quid you can get some curtians to go with it.

http://www.mywayrooftents.co.uk/awnings_serengeti.html

im gonna stick to my tarp and tent poles i think.;)

[Cannonball Bob]

You may want to read the third and sixth posts in this thread.

Errrr....yeah?


For those who have RTTs and enjoy them: Good luck to you.
For those who sleep in tents on the ground: Welcome to the club.

It does sound as though you're implying anyone who uses a roof tent is a hopeless mug destined to fail, whereas those on the ground are some uber-elite upper echelon of society.
:confused:

[nobber]

Errrr....yeah?


I whereas those on the ground are some uber-elite upper echelon of society.
:confused:

yup , that'll be me then.:D
well put that man.

[Cannonball Bob]

yup , that'll be me then.:D
well put that man.
I said it was implied, not an accurate representation of material fact.:rolleyes:

[bvudzichena]

couldnt agree more , look at how this beautifull awning compliments the old series three , very practical , nicely colour coordinated so as not to stand out , very functional. and it does look the part i have to admit.
a steal at 375 quid.:eek:
or you could get the small one at 275.
and for an extra 199 quid you can get some curtians to go with it.

http://www.mywayrooftents.co.uk/awnings_serengeti.html

im gonna stick to my tarp and tent poles i think.;)

The guys who are importing stuff into the UK, really do tear the ring...

To give you an example. My Howling Moon Tourer RTT cost me £350 in SA in 2004. The same thing cost in the region of £1,000 in the UK at the time.

But wait, it gets better. Myway's factory (http://www.mywaytents.co.za/) is in Paarl. That's about 20 minutes drive from my front door. That £275 awning doesn't even cost a quater of the UK price if bought from there :eek:

Looks like we need to start another thread "I want to buy camping stuff from SA, anyone want to share a container with me?"

[Cannonball Bob]

And since, as mentioned, this is a discussion about the pros and cons, I'll even things up a bit:

For those who have RTTs and enjoy them: Welcome to the club.
For those who sleep in tents on the ground: Good luck to you.;):D

[bvudzichena]

It does sound as though you're implying anyone who uses a roof tent is a hopeless mug destined to fail, whereas those on the ground are some uber-elite upper echelon of society.
:confused:

Not at all. There are some people who wouldn't swop their RTT for anything. I just happen to have moved on from RTTs.

[bvudzichena]

And since, as mentioned, this is a discussion about the pros and cons, I'll even things up a bit:
For those who have RTTs and enjoy them: Welcome to the club.
For those who sleep in tents on the ground: Good luck to you.;):D

:D:D:D:D:D

[georgemason]

Christ what have I started? ;)

I'm going to have a look at one at some LR show or other this year and make up my mind. I can see the benefit of both schools of thought, and since I've tried ground tents for an overland trip already (albeit only in tame northern europe), I'm interested to see what sleeping on the roof is like. I do agree that the prices are barmy though, although aren't they always in this country?? (there I go again)

I'll be sure to aggravate the situation further by telling you all what I thought :D

[nobber]

I said it was implied, not an accurate representation of material fact.:rolleyes:

lucky guess then bob.:)

The guys who are importing stuff into the UK, really do tear the ring...

To give you an example. My Howling Moon Tourer RTT cost me £350 in SA in 2004. The same thing cost in the region of £1,000 in the UK at the time.

But wait, it gets better. Myway's factory (http://www.mywaytents.co.za/) is in Paarl. That's about 20 minutes drive from my front door. That £275 awning doesn't even cost a quater of the UK price if bought from there :eek:

Looks like we need to start another thread "I want to buy camping stuff from SA, anyone want to share a container with me?"

now thats a damn good idea , im sure you boys could fill a container and ship it here and quite easily make a decent profit from it.

[Cannonball Bob]

Anyway, the real answer is a bivvi bag. ;)

[georgemason]

Looks like we need to start another thread "I want to buy camping stuff from SA, anyone want to share a container with me?"I'm in. I hate the way people take the p*ss with prices over here. :outlaw:

And you can't tell me that something being over twice the price is because it has to be shipped to the UK.

[georgemason]

Anyway, the real answer is a bivvi bag. ;)On the roof :p

[Cannonball Bob]

I'll be sure to aggravate the situation further by telling you all what I thought :D
Not a caravan? :eek:

[nobber]

in fact , whilst looking into cheap tents i found a company in china who are prepared to ship roof tents to the uk at very silly prices , the only problem being we need to order , i think it was 20 or so at once.
and before you shoot me down , yes , i know they are made in china , what isnt these days.

[en0tdc]

Mostly for convenience really, I like the idea of just being able to fold the tent out and get in, will make it far easier to make/break camp when on the move too.


I bought a hannibal a few months ago, starting to get my technique down. As others have said tho, its not the 30s roll out you may believe....

To get it out, undo two straps on each side, unzip cover (3 sides, Ive got a brownchurch style rack and unzipping the cover is a pain in the ass. ) can just about do all that stood on the back of my pick up. Go round front, pull off cover and undo two straps at front. Go round back, unfold tent. Get ladder and fit bottom section. Climb up and put in 2 poles per side for porches. Put duvet and pillows up. sleep!

If your staying in the same campsite for a few day, ive found i can shut a double duvet in there but not with the pilows as well so they have to come down...along with any other stuff youve put up there. Once its all folded away, you also have to put all your chairs and stoves and stuff youd usually chuck in your tent into your truck.

Plus side is you always have the coolest tent on the campsite, its got a 3" thick matress so you get a proper good sleep and as its made of steel, plywood and 1/4" thick canvas, i.e. its superb in a british blizzard!!

http://www.tdcengineering.net/easter08/part2/truck2.jpg

[nobber]

I bought a hannibal a few months ago, starting to get my technique down. As others have said tho, its not the 30s roll out you may believe....

To get it out, undo two straps on each side, unzip cover (3 sides, Ive got a brownchurch style rack and unzipping the cover is a pain in the ass. ) can just about do all that stood on the back of my pick up. Go round front, pull off cover and undo two straps at front. Go round back, unfold tent. Get ladder and fit bottom section. Climb up and put in 2 poles per side for porches. Put duvet and pillows up. sleep!

If your staying in the same campsite for a few day, ive found i can shut a double duvet in there but not with the pilows as well so they have to come down...along with any other stuff youve put up there. Once its all folded away, you also have to put all your chairs and stoves and stuff youd usually chuck in your tent into your truck.

Plus side is you always have the coolest tent on the campsite, its got a 3" thick matress so you get a proper good sleep and as its made of steel, plywood and 1/4" thick canvas, i.e. its superb in a british blizzard!!

http://www.tdcengineering.net/easter08/part2/truck2.jpg

lol, is that the missus up there?

[georgemason]

Not a caravan? :eek::confused: No caravans here

[mmgemini]

The best trents we've used until now have been the Vango Fose ten tange. Ours was a mark five cotton.
We also had a loverly Marchal, I think the spelling is cottect, frame tent. Beutiful but we sold it for the Vango because we were camping more and more away from official sites.

Margaret then had trouble getting into the Vango so we sold it on and bought two frame tents. One big one. That took too long to pitch. Then a two man one. That lasted ten days in Etosha before it fell to bits.
That's why we bought the Caprivi. Considerating [sp] that it's only a single skin its warm in the cold. I think it's the beat tent we've bought.
Now remember that tent was bought in 2004.
Both Howling Moon and Greensport now make a similar tent in a lighter cotten rip stop fabric. Oh how I'd like onme of those.

Put me down for the container please

[Cannonball Bob]

The best trents we've used until now.....
http://www.rolls-royce.com/civil_aerospace/products/airlines/trent800/default.jsp

;)

[mmgemini]

Nice one bob :D :D

[AJC]

This is a thread about tents in the expedition section of the forums.

Going camping in the lake district isn't exactly going on an expedition to Morocco or Siberia, is it?:D I was wondering when that would crop up. What's the definition of an expedition? It's going to mean different things to different people.

My biggest problem with the Oztent's always been storing it. I like your plan a lot.Cheers Ed. Simple and practicle. ;)

Ask him what's on his roof then.....
;):)

Have you still got the Maggotliner, A?Oh yes. We like the comfort of the Maggotliner and that'll go up for a one night stop unless there's bad weather and the Oztent will also go up for shelter. Anything over a day, the Oztent goes up too as a base camp and saves packing all the chairs table etc away. Somewhere to sit in shelter too especially with the excellent mosquito nets.

Day tripping from the base camp, the Maggotliner is wound down and packed in a couple of minutes whereas a folding RTT takes ages to fold up especially if shower curtains are attached and has been used as a living area.

AJ

[en0tdc]

lol, is that the missus up there?

he he ;). Turns out your not safe from all wildlife...especially when 'her upstairs' thinks itll get cold sleeping in the truck, tsk tsk tsk!

[dreaming]

I'm about to rent a RTT for a June Lesotho trip that promises to be a little chilly. Am I right in thinking it will be warmer than a ground tent?

...or should I just use the OzTent? It's a pain when wet, and we're hoping for lots of snow (something we aren't used to dealing with).
Erin
Lesotho gets really cold depending of coarse where you go. in the south eastern mountainous area no matter which tent you sleep in you will be cold. i must admit though the rtt was the better one as there is less air to get cold inside. remember it is canvas, no way to get it warm. not that i know of. another thing to consider is the terain. we have slept all over Lesotho and it is rocky. deep down in the valleys by streams you should find grass but damn cold. and a simple thing to do which one in our party didnt do once indead middle of winter is to put anti freeze in radiator. trust me on that. your trip will become a misery. but enjoy

[Marc Lurie]

I'll second what dreaming said about Lesotho. Erin, it gets VERY VERY cold in river banks and in the mountain canyons in June, and the climate can become potentially lethal. My advice is to err on the side of caution, take -12C sleeping bags, and extra warm stuff.

I've done Lesotho with a ground tent and with a RTT. You aren't likely to spend more than a day at any spot except perhaps Sehlabathebe or Oxbow or similar, so you'll probably be packing up every day.

The trick about staying warm in a ground tent is to have an isolating gap of air between you and the ground. If you start to feel the cold ground through your sleeping material, then you are gouing to have a really lousy time. We've found Thermarests very good at keeping us warm in African sub-Alpine conditions such as on Kili and in Lesotho. For very cold conditions we use a HD foam matress under the Thermarests, and then a thick cotton throw over the Thermarests. We have our -12C down bags from our Kili trip.

Of course, the best way to keep warm is direct body contact ;)

[Imvubu]

Antifreeze - check
Sleeping bags (-5C) - check
Extra blankets etc. - check
Plenty firewood for cold evenings - check (will bring our own)

Cold doesn't bother me too much...at 3C to 6C I'll sleep half under an unzipped sleeping bag, but will take plenty of blankets etc. for the young'un (my son Jonathan - 8 years). I won't use the Thermarest enough to justify buying them, so will just have to wrap up warmly. Newspaper under the mattress and a blanket over will probably help.

We'll be moving everyday so the convenience of the RTT, especially if I can leave the bedding in it appeals to me. Although the OZTent is very quick and easy to set up, it's a pain to pack up and manhandle onto the roofrack, more so when wet.

As for body contact, Trish won't be joining us, and dirty, smelly 8 year olds don't make the best bedfellows.

Marc, which did you prefer for Lesotho, the ground or RT tent?

[Marc Lurie]

Marc, which did you prefer for Lesotho, the ground or RT tent?

I preferred the ground tent. There's virtually no wildlife in Lesotho (apart from rampaging locals :D) so no need to be elevated. The cold ground is the biggest problem, and I can't emphasise strongly enough how cold it can get.

Another thing to think about is that you need a large flat piece of ground to level a RTT. These are not always available in Lesotho, so quite a lot of jiggling and juggling the Landy into place happens before you can erect the tent.

I've been re-reading through this thread carefully because of the tempers that have erupted... I think I can sum up my feelings this way:

1) It seems that people who camp from time to time (say a handful of times a year) find a RTT very comfortable and they don't find the 10 minutes of packing it away to be a major hassle because after all, it's only a few times a year. From what I can ascertain, Erin will be happier with the RTT in Lesotho

2) I spend a lot of my time camping, some of it is for pleasure, some of it is for work. I find the daily opening and closing the RTT to be of serious hassle value, so I prefer the ground tent. When you've got a demanding travel schedule or work to do, the RTT really does become a PITA. ;)

3) For me, a tent is not a house. I don't need a patio, a toilet area, a library, storeroom, and double garage :D. I erect the tent, throw my stuff in it, and sleep there. That's all. Cannonball Bob's point about camping not being an indoor domestic situation is spot-on.

Now, if I can throw a cat in amongst the pigeons... If you DO have RTT, how do you mount it? Ours has always been mounted on the front of the Landy, opening up over the length of the bonnet. However, I've seen them folding out sideways or towards the back.

[bvudzichena]

Now, if I can throw a cat in amongst the pigeons... If you DO have RTT, how do you mount it? Ours has always been mounted on the front of the Landy, opening up over the length of the bonnet. However, I've seen them folding out sideways or towards the back.

The HM Tourer that I had on the blue 110 was mounted to open to the back of the bus. The shirt had 3 1/2 walls. The fourth wall having a great big hole in it that you are supposed to secure around the back of the vehicle - not unlike a Caranex tent.

Basically it can only be fitted one way and that's on the back of the vehicle, open over the back door.

Guys in the UK. Do not understimate the Caranex. It's a great tent - even in Africa.

The smaller HM RTT that was on Michelle's tent was originally fitted to open over the bonnet. We found that having the tent up front did nothing for the truck's handling, so we moved it to the back. We wanted it to open sideways but once we had the tent open, it felt as though the truck was going to fall over, so we turned it so that it could open over the back door.

That tent is current on the roof of a Nissan Murano touring Botswana.

[Imvubu]

The nicest setup (IMO) that I've seen was a Hannibal or Howlingmoon, can't remember which, set up over the back door of a 110, which created a sheltered area at the back, handy when you wanted to pack or unpack in the rain etc. Entrance was via a ladder at the back end of the tent, which opened both ends to give access to a trommel in front of it on the roofrack (midnight snacks, clothes etc). Having it over the bonnet seems to waste the potential shade / shelter provided by the tent, but does allow for a smaller footprint.

That said, if I do hire one, it'll have to open over the bonnet because my roofrack has rails around the sides and the back.

[bvudzichena]

That said, if I do hire one, it'll have to open over the bonnet because my roofrack has rails around the sides and the back.

Turn your roofrack around.

[Imvubu]

This thread is also making me think that perhaps a small cheap pop-up type tent is the best option for whilst on the move (we usually move each day). However, are these sufficient for Lesotho's winter climate? I'd then reserve the OZtent for longer stays.

[V8_Disco]

I looked into this as inialy they looked good, I camp in the UK and Europe all year round, so my expearnce is not the african heat or bugs but Rain, Snow, ohh and more rain, sometimes we might get "sun" but its the UK version not a patch of even the french version of this:D

I have a good ground tent, recomended on this forum the Vaude Badawi (long)

RTT - So expensive in the UK buy the time you add the roof rack etc, I have sence been in the Lakes where people did use them, Time to pack up every day if you want to use the car, probamatic when wet, Overkill in Great Langdale! Can lose your spot in campsite and end up at side of road (not a bad thing in itself)
Oztent - Very hard to store in a Disco, 110 i might have gone down this route, I also camp in deep winter in scotland and I was unsure about this beeing up to the job as its quite slabsided and high winds
I also looked at some of the other tents that can be attached to the car but are also freestanding, some where realy poor quality (with fiberglass polls my bug bear) others realy heavy esp wet, not very stable when not attached to the car

so It was a good 3 season ground tent for me, I have 2, 4 seson tents for high alpine use, or if pushing for a sumit or lightness severl bivi bags

My Conclusion for my choice of Ground tent!

1, Can leave it up
2, Keeps your pitch in Very Busy campsites
3, Space - we take 2 dogs with us
4, Have a tarp with it so when it rains can still cook and get to car under cover
5, Cost
6, MPG the V8 is bad enough without a roof rack!

Aidan

[V8_Disco]

Camping in the Snow and Cold

Get a Turmarest last for years you will not regret it,
If using mats spend money for a Karimoore Exped Multi foam mat in Yellow, Top kit! - If realy cold use both

Multi skind tents are warmer than cheep single skin ones, Goretex tents are great

Good Sleeping bags, If looking at a wet trip sinthetic is the way to go, if high and dry Down esp if weight is an issue

A Bivi Bag inside a tent over Sleeping bag and Matt is a great way of keeping warm and cheep to, you cant role of the matt as well!

Camping Beds are a Big no no in my book even with a Matt or Airbed on top!

sleeping bags are desighned for best efect to be in the Buff its walmer but putting clothes on in the morning is unplesent, If you are going to ware cloths inside the bag, dont use the ones you are in but change into something they will then be dry and you have less chance of skin issues

If going light I have a 2 season bag, that has no bottom filling just a place to side the matt into the bag! its great, you dont role of the matt its light on a sumit bivi i used this and my cloths for one night in -15 it was ok

Aidan

[Marc Lurie]

However, are these sufficient for Lesotho's winter climate?

I'm quite happy with mine. I've just remembered the name of the tent. It's called an EPE Speedy.

There's a link here: http://www.equipoutdoors.co.nz/index1.html

As I say, I bought it at Sportsman's Warehouse, around R700. If it rips (which it hasn't done in almost two years and six countries) I'll turf it and buy another one.

[Imvubu]

Turn your roofrack around.

Dammit, now I have rethink all those plans for spotlights on the roofrack.

[dreaming]

i cant believe the amount of chit chat over a tent. did a woman start this off. i have been camping for about thirty odd years and can only recall ever owning three tents. i borrowed the rest. jokes aside. Erin if budget allows which is always the damn case, get a good ground tent for now and later on get a rtt. by that time there will be so much more on offer on the market or it wont be safe to camp. Glad someone mentioned newspaper. if you are worrying take lots. wrap everything in newspaper if you can. depending on the temp. where you going all your water even in your tent will freeze. just a couple tips on brilliant places to go and camp. Ongeluks Pass area. at the bottom of devils pass in the ravine next to the river.
Orange river opposite the top of (i forget the pass north of ongeluks, ithink it Ramateletso) can look it up. long time since i was there. there is a quarry site. just behind the quarry there is a 4x4 track down into the river. beautiful camp area on lush green grass.
have many more if need

[Widget]

Oh yes. We like the comfort of the Maggotliner and that'll go up for a one night stop unless there's bad weather and the Oztent will also go up for shelter. Anything over a day, the Oztent goes up too as a base camp and saves packing all the chairs table etc away. Somewhere to sit in shelter too especially with the excellent mosquito nets.

Day tripping from the base camp, the Maggotliner is wound down and packed in a couple of minutes whereas a folding RTT takes ages to fold up especially if shower curtains are attached and has been used as a living area.

AJ

^wot he says.

I got my Maggotliner RTT last August, and the biggest PITA is hauling on and off the roof.

It goes up and down in a flash, wet or dry, is perfect for rough camping in the UK and will get use in the Alps this summer. The day tent keeps the pitch when in civilsisation, and its sooooo comfy - and do you know the best thing about RTTs? They're woman friendly. Anyone can be cold and uncomfortable. Widget is 2 metres aloft getting his oats. :loveu:

Or snoring and keeping AJ awake...:o

[nobber]

^wot he says.

I got my Maggotliner RTT last August, and the biggest PITA is hauling on and off the roof.

It goes up and down in a flash, wet or dry, is perfect for rough camping in the UK and will get use in the Alps this summer. The day tent keeps the pitch when in civilsisation, and its sooooo comfy - and do you know the best thing about RTTs? They're woman friendly. Anyone can be cold and uncomfortable. Widget is 2 metres aloft getting his oats. :loveu:

Or snoring and keeping AJ awake...:o

i think the car rocking up and down might be a bit of a give away.....

[adrianandkate]

i cant believe the amount of chit chat over a tent. did a woman start this off.

No.


Kate (I didn't bother getting into this one btw)

[AJC]

Or snoring and keeping AJ awake...:o

i think the car rocking up and down might be a bit of a give away.....It certainly rocks when he snores!! :D

AJ

[jkelly]

Having used RTT and ground tents of all different types in different climates over the years I now prefer to use a RTT.

Hannibal & HM tents are very good, but for me have a few draw backs.

I now use the German Beduin RTT. Great in the European climate and also perfectly capable further south where its hotter. The two really good bits though are:

1. the fact that the side walls are permenantly attached to the tent and roll up to the tent floor and are kept in the cover, still room inside for bedding.
2. The fact that you get no condensation inside on a morning.

I like the RTT/Ground tent discussion comparison to which vehicle to drive a Landrover or Toyota!

[dreaming]

Jon

you may have just opened a can of worms.

[jkelly]

Jon

you may have just opened a can of worms.


Just bringing another voice of experience and opinions to the table!!

[mmgemini]

I like the RTT/Ground tent discussion comparison to which vehicle to drive a Landrover or Toyota!

Jon.
What is a Toyota ???

[Marc Lurie]

Jon.
What is a Toyota ???

Mike, a Toyota is the thing in the picture behind my Landrover, pushing me along the beach with a rope ;)

[mmgemini]

Nice one Marc......... :D :D :D :D :D

[jkelly]

Think we've all been there Marc... Much as it pains me to say it thogh, some of us have also been very grateful for a Toyota tow...:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[georgemason]

I like the RTT/Ground tent discussion comparison to which vehicle to drive a Landrover or Toyota!
Here we go again :rolleyes:

[Cannonball Bob]

^
It goes up and down in a flash, wet or dry and will get use in the Alps this summer..........Widget is 2 metres aloft getting his oats. :loveu: keeping AJ awake...:o

:eek:

[dreaming]

mmmmmm

[Widget]

mmmmmm

That LC's reverse lights seem to be stuck on as he tows the LR...

See, that legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability is a myth:D

[big ad]

bump!!

[Widget]

Why bump big ad?:confused:

[nitwit 66]

We've used roof tents for about 8 years both in Africa and the Uk and think they are fab. The only downside we found was flapping of the flysheet if it's really windy but we've found Howling Moon tents are fine without the flysheet down and we roll ours up in away that it can be put down if need be.
They are a lot of fun and go up and pack away quickly with bedding inside...and no having to deal with muddy groundsheets.

[Snagger]

That LC's reverse lights seem to be stuck on as he tows the LR...

See, that legendary Quality, Durability and Reliability is a myth:DOr maybe the LR is pulling the LC back out of a hole while the LC is also trying to reverse out?

[Snagger]

At the moment, I have a two-man and a three-man Quecha "Two-second Air" tents. they come in a carry bag with padded shoulder straps so they can be carried like day sacks, and each weighs under 5kg. They go up literally in two seconds, and I was able to put them away in their bags in under 30 seconds. The price on the continent worked out as about £55-60. We use the two-man tent for the kids and the three man tent for Helena, me and the bags.

The advantages are several - they're far quicker than all tents except Columbus roof tents, they're lighter than just about everything else, the two man version will fit on a Defender roof rack if boarded out and can be left pitched to make a base camp. They're not as spacious as some other tents - you certainly can't stand up in them, but we found that we could pitch both tents, the £40 light weight awning and the tables and chairs in less time than it took the others on our trip to do their Caranex or traditional roof tents and 4x4 awnings. Our tesco self inflating airbeds only took 40 seconds to inflate themselves too, and recharged on the vehicle electrics.

We may get a roof tent in the future, but for now we're happy with these as I can stick the two-man tent on the roof if we're on a small pitch and I don't see the need to spend a fortune on something that will add 50+kg to the roof rack.

[Carl]

Just took a look at their nifty website. Interesting tents. I like the way they fold up. I will keep these in mind when we start looking to buy some tents.

[georgemason]

My mate and I used a pair of those 2 man Quechua roof tents on the journey from Uk - Crete in 2005 and back again in 2007, they were excellent, even in heavy rain in Switzerland. Found that when you unzip the front door rain could drip inside the tent, requiring a speedy entry/exit, and they're not designed for high wind, but other than that really really good and really quick to put up.

As snagger said they do take 2 secs to put up (throw in air, 2 pegs in ground, job done) and surprisingly only take about 20 secs to put away, once you've got the knack.