We created the Deadman™Earth Anchor™(patent pending) because we wanted to explore with confidence. We often found ourselves venturing solo, and with very little room to spare in our vehicle we needed recovery gear that was at once lightweight, small, and adaptable to different terrain. The Deadman was our solution to this need. With this single device, we can create a winch anchor point out of almost anything Mother Earth throws our way — without breaking the bank or taking up precious cargo space. For us, this opened new avenues to adventure and the freedom to explore. We believe in having many different recovery tools in our recovery kit; the addition of something as versatile as the Deadman gives us options — and since every recovery is unique, and conditions are never ideal, having options might just be what’s needed to get us home.
WHAT’S AN EARTH ANCHOR?
Ok, anything you bury in the ground as a winching anchor point is defined as a deadman anchor. So yes, we named our product The Deadman in honor of this, however its versatility both above and below ground has led us to refer to it as an Earth Anchor. You see, the Deadman is not simply a ground anchor: it can anchor to a tree, a rock, or the ground unlike anything else. Most anchors only work in one scenario, meaning you must carry multiple anchors to ensure preparedness. The Deadman’s unique design allows it to be extremely capable in all three scenarios, making it the most versatile off-road anchor ever.
THE DEADMAN EARTH ANCHOR:
Our primary design objective was to create something small and lightweight that could be easily buried – and be retrieved without more digging – for self-recovery in areas where there is nothing else to attach a winch to. What we came up with surprised us! It weighs less than 5lb, fits underneath a seat, and works to anchor to so much more than just the dirt. Because it’s a soft product, it can also be used around trees and rocks with increased safety relative to traditional anchors… and we keep finding new uses for the Deadman all the time. For instance, because it’s made from industrial grade, non-stretch polyester webbing (same as a tree strap), it can also be used as a 15′ winch extension. We’ve also found it useful as a ground mat, a fluid catch, a shade, and more – we’re looking forward to what ideas our customer community comes up with as well!
THE DEADMAN MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION:
The Deadman is constructed in USA from the finest USA-made, industrial grade materials. The tarp in the center is industrial 18oz vinyl with a rip-stop polyester skrim that’s both tough and malleable, allowing it to conform to misshaped objects like rocks without ripping. The webbing is 2″ Class VII industrial sling webbing, manufactured by Murdock Webbing (est. 1936) in Rhode Island, which is the same stuff used in industrial rigging and hoisting applications. Each line has a breaking strength of 19,600lb in a straight pull configuration and 39,200lb in a basket configuration. Because the Deadman uses two of these, when both lines are in use its breaking strength doubles, giving the Deadman a minimum breaking strength (MBS) of nearly 80,000lb in a basket configuration (still over 66,000lb after assembly). Additionally, because more than one strap is in use, the Deadman offers something no other anchor can: redundancy.
You’ve been four-wheeling for some time now. Probably drove a few challenging trails and endured a weekend in ugly weather. Perhaps you participated in one of my excursions (or someone else’s) and thought, “I’d like to be a Trail Guide.”
That’s great. While the position entails a fair amount of responsibility, it’s a good way to more fully experience four-wheeling. And to give back to the hobby by teaching others.
Trail Guides (also called Trail Leaders) are skilled individuals who are willing to share their passion, knowledge, skills and respect for the outdoors with others. Some outfitter guides use horses and pack mules. We use 4WD vehicles.
To become a Trail Guide requires both skill and personality: the right mix of tangible and intangible characteristics to lead a group of four-wheelers on a trip that could be challenging and memorable.
It starts by being a student while on the trails. Observe how another Trail Guide leads their excursions. Scrutinize their actions, and decide how you might handle the same situations. Take notes throughout the day as you encounter the different situations.
Ask pointed questions along the way. Learn the various nuances needed to master each trail. Help fellow drivers through their challenges.
No dust up front.
Benefits of being a Trail Guide:
The Trail Guide is a very rewarding position. Here is what you can expect.
Satisfaction from teaching a respect for the environment and the outdoors, and living an outdoor-centric ethic.
Satisfaction of providing perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime experience to someone who might not otherwise get the chance.
Providing lessons in history and geology.
Setting the agenda and timetable, and generally doing it your way.
Receiving accolades and fame for a successful run. This can be fleeting but might get you nominated for the next Trail Guide job!
Being in front, out of the dust.
Challenges of being a Trail Guide:
The Trail Guide is also a challenging position. Make note of these.
In a word, responsibility. You are responsible for ensuring a safe and – to the extent possible – enjoyable trip. A pretty heavy load, if you think about it.
With responsibility comes pressure to make sure all goes well. That means you don’t get lost, the vehicles come out reasonably intact, and there are no major conflicts. Stress varies with the group size, your relationship to the group (friends, club, large organization), trail difficulty, and your familiarity with the trail. Even with a small group of friends on a well-known trail, you will experience some stress. The stress is much greater on a distant trail you had no opportunity to scout in advance.
You are constantly on alert. You cannot relax and merely follow the vehicle in front. Know where you are at all times and how to reach designated locations like the trailhead or campsite.
You must exude confidence at all times. Even when concerned, try not to show it.
Lots of homework before the trip. It’s your responsibility to map out and scout the trail when possible. You need to determine the last place to gas up, and when and where the group will meet. You also need to decide on campsites, hotels, and a host of other details.
Grumbling and dissatisfaction after a poor run. Dissatisfaction can come from myriad causes. Poor management of time and not sticking to schedules without easily understood reasons will get you poor marks. So will being a “road monger.” That’s someone who pushes too hard to meet a timetable and cajoles people to get going or staying up with the pack.
Specific skills a good Trail Guide needs:
A Trail Guide should have certain skills. These include:
4WD Skills: To become a Trail Guide, you must first be an experienced driver. Experience builds your confidence – and it shows. The ability to read the terrain and pick successful lines is at the top of the list. As the lead vehicle, you do not have the benefit of watching vehicles ahead of you negotiate the obstacle. Except for very difficult situations, you’re likely to attempt the obstacle without a spotter.
A good Trail Guide is also a good teacher. He coaches drivers through tough spots. On some days, you’ll have to spot an entire group through difficult terrain. Observe how different vehicles behave. Of primary concern are wheel base, transmission type (manual, automatic) and suspension (coil springs, leaf springs, articulation).
Your vehicle must be built to a level beyond that required for the trail. Know its capabilities and limitations.
Scouting and Planning Skills: A successful ride is the result of planning and preparation along with the skills you bring. Scout the trail(s), and plan the trip thoroughly. Yes, you must do your homework.
An adventure with unexpected difficulties can still be viewed as highly successful. After all, difficulties create teamwork, camaraderie, and stories to be told.
Plan for contingencies but go with the flow. Despite your best effort, you cannot control the weather. An unseasonal cold spell or a rainstorm can make a huge difference in comfort and road conditions.
Assume there will be breakdowns. Some vehicles aren’t maintained well. But even properly maintained vehicles can suffer a breakdown. Brush up on mechanical skills, and pack tools and spare parts.
Be prepared. Have a backup campsite. Know the location of the parts store in the nearest town. Carry a spare sleeping bag for the unprepared guest. These and other contingencies can mean the difference between continuing with a trip and aborting it.
Leadership skills: The Trail Guide is the leader and the manager for the entire trip. This person sets the tone and style for the duration. You need management skills to design, plan, delegate, motivate and make decisions. You need leadership skills to communicate, establish a vision, establish trust, and generate confidence.
The leadership tools and techniques you employ will be influenced by the makeup of the group and type of trip you are leading.
Here are three situations that will influence your leadership style:
Leading a 4WD club may require you to specify some extra rules and be more insistent. One rule could be, “No one is allowed to pass the trail leader.” Many clubs return to the same trails year after year; members know them well. You may find it difficult to maintain control of this group. On the positive side, you can count on their knowledge and experience when help is needed.
An Adventure / Expedition of eight to 10 days or more can require significantly more emphasis on certain skills. The planning requirements are higher and scouting in advance may be prohibitive. Fewer details of the trip are known and contingency planning will be more generic. Your leadership can really be tested by adverse weather, poor campsite choices, poor fuel management, and vehicle maintenance issues.
Professional guiding – meaning you are paid – places new demands on you. Expectations will be higher. Driver experience and vehicle equipment will vary. This group is more likely to defer to your leadership, allowing for quicker decision making. However, some guests may need personal attention. You’ll have to budget your time accordingly.
Communication Skills: This takes many forms. The more people on the trip, the more time you will spend communicating with them. Communication is your primary tool for management and leadership. Communication includes written information (emails, texts, documents), verbal (tailgate meetings, campfire exchanges) and two-way radio transmissions.
Customer Skills: You are providing a service. Everyone who participates on your guided trip is a customer – yes, a customer. It makes no difference whether they pay for the service or not. Adopt a customer-focused mindset.
Bottom line: Be customer-focused. Let the customers’ safety, comfort, and success guide your decisions and behavior. You make better decisions when you view the group as customers (or guests).
Additional Skills: Knowing basic first aid is helpful. Four-wheeling is generally a safe hobby. But minor bumps, scratches, stings and burns can occur. Remember to always pack a first-aid kit.
Basic mechanical skills are also crucial. Your vehicle or someone else’s could suffer a breakdown. Your guests will look to you for leadership on resolving that issue.
Becoming a Trail Guide is a noble goal. While not for everyone, four-wheelers who obtain that status find it very rewarding. For me, being a Trail Guide is the apex of four-wheeling. If you’re inclined, commit the necessary time and effort. That’ll be a worthwhile new year’s resolution.
The BioLite FirePit is a great piece of gear to sit around after a long day at the desk, or in the backcountry after an exciting day on the trail. Here we take a quick look at this updated, super cool, and high tech fire pit.
Enjoy the warmth, smell, crackle, and feel of a wood campfire, without any of the smoke. With capacity for up to 4 standard firewood logs, the BioLite FirePit+ creates hyper-efficient flames with patented airflow technology and gives you a front-row seat to the magic thanks to the X-Ray mesh body, enabling 360 views. Now with wider mesh holes for more heat, a larger on-board battery pack, and a tougher enamel coating, the FirePit + has a few upgrades from the historically selling FirePit. Lift the fuel rack and toss in charcoal to transform it from a fire pit to a portable hibachi-style grill, complete with an included grill grate. Control the size of your flames manually or remotely with the free Bluetooth app.
Instead I lay awake next to my fiancé, our two dogs, Fred & Ruby happily snoozing at our feet, marveling at the profound unlikeliness of it all.
We’d found a remote overland campsite in the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. During the day we’d hiked to a mountain lake, had maple ice cream from The Hatchery in the quaint town of Ludlow, and watched the stars reveal themselves as the sun disappeared behind the dense lace of trees. It was as close to a perfect day as I could imagine. And to top it off, we’d bedded down in a cozy loft bed above our truck, perched high from the ground with space to sprawl.
As I watched Fred make himself a nest from the pillows and blankets we’d laid out for him, I felt my heart swell in my chest as a flood of memories swarmed my mind. Our first days together, almost ten years earlier, in many ways hadn’t been much different than today. But in aspects that still amaze me, much has changed.
The first time I saw the dog that now rested at my feet, I was fighting for my life. My fellow Marines and I had just occupied an abandoned compounded in the Upper Sangin River Valley in Helmand Province Afghanistan. We awoke to air-burst RPGs, mortars, and coordinated small arms fire from a determined and embolden Taliban.
He trotted around the battlefield like a show dog. Immune to the uncertainty and violence that surrounded him. I was captivated. Over the weeks that followed I found a way to sneak Fred from Sangin, back to a massive US base, and eventually to my waiting family in Northern Virginia where we’d be reunited four months later.
Nearly ten years after we found each other, Fred and I have traveled across the country six times, visiting every state in the lower 48. We’re a happy pack in our 2017 Tacoma, my fiancé Nora and our other dog Ruby completing our team. Our story has been embraced by schools, universities, corporations and communities from California to Maine. Together we travel for speaking events centered around the same infectious stubborn positivity that Fred bestowed upon my fellow Marines and I.
As we traveled in recent years I’d dream of an off road camper that truly fit our overland lifestyle. Spending weeks on the road demanded more space than our five foot bed and tonneau cover could handle, but when we were at home I needed my truck to be a truck. Hauling groceries, hockey gear, and all the unglamorous duties of a primary vehicle. The wedge style options offered a lightweight camper while retaining use of the bed, but I worried about the sleeping space and if the dogs would be comfortable. As any dog owner knows, personal comfort is directly linked to the comfort of our four legged friends. I loved the Four Wheel Camper models and found myself constantly looking at their website, wondering how or if I could make it work. But the logistical needs of our travels always superseded my desire to camp and explore between speaking events and appearances. We needed to pack books, Fred merchandise and clothing for everything from black-tie to mountain chic. We had a ground tent and a nice camp mattress, we’d just stick with that for now. After all, Fred and I spent our first weeks together sleeping on the ground, no need to change it up.
Then in the summer of 2019 I saw it. The answer. The Project M. Over coffee I mindlessly swiped through Instagram admiring with more envy than I’d care to admit the overland rigs that fill my feed. A post from Four Wheel Campers teased a new model, featuring a combination of their spacious sleeping platform with all four corners popping up and the versatility of a traditional bed cap. It seemed in fact that I could have it all! The space I needed to store everything we’d ever need on the road and a spacious, comfortable camper without having to lose my tailgate.
I placed my order and began counting down the days. In the spring of 2020 it all came together. I drove home from Maine Line Overland in New Hampshire with a piece of gear that seemed to have been manifested from my very dreams. Just like Fred’s first tail wag at me on that hot and dusty battlefield, it was the start of something big.
Life with a Project M has very few setbacks. As a camper, it’s lacking in the RV style comforts of the slide-in style units on the market. But our typical day in the backcountry is spent away from camp, on a hiking or biking trail and around the fire. We only climb into the camper once it’s time for bed. At home, what it lacks as a camper becomes an asset in the form of space. It essentially turns my Tacoma into a moving van. The extra height and width of the shell with its sturdy shelves has allowed me to pack more then I should have during our recent move. I was especially proud this December when I picked up a new snowblower and was able to haul it away with the tailgate and lid closed.
I still feel a little silly taking it to the grocery store, a bit like wearing hiking boots to the mall, but it’s always easy to spot in a crowded parking lot. For us, it is a versatile platform that serves as our mobile locker room, storing everything we need for life on the road without compromising my primary vehicle back home.
It is all these thoughts that race around my mind as I eventually drift off to sleep on our first night in the Project M. A dog that defied the odds through love and stubborn positivity, and the unlimited adventures that lay ahead with a camper that encourages and enables our wildest ambitions.
Craig Grossi is the author of ‘Craig & Fred’ and the forth coming ‘Second Chances’ (April ’21). Available wherever books are sold. You can keep up with him and Fred on Social Media @FredTheAfghan & @CraigsToysand learn more about them at www.FredTheAfghan.com .
The “Behind the Wheel” series is an up close and personal look at brands and their owners who are an authentic and passionate part of the exciting world of Vehicle Supported Adventure. Today we’re sitting down with Gavin Stener, Founder of 67 Designs, the leading brand in the premium mounting solutions for adventurers around the world.
Gavin, great to chat with you today and I first want to let you know that here at TAP, we’ve used your products in both our Jeeps for several years now. Thanks for a great product and experience! That being said, let’s jump into your background and why and how you started 67Designs?
Really happy to hear about your experience with our products and thanks again for being a customer. I started 67 Designs in 2012 with a few simple objectives that carry through everything our team does each day. I set out to create a design and manufacturing company focused on how we use our electronic devices. As a society, we spend thousands of dollars on iPhones, iPads and other devices, but back in 2012 I could not find a quality product to securely hold my phone while driving. I started designing a product for myself and ended up showing the original JK Mount base to a few fellow Jeep owners. It became clear pretty quickly that there was a market. We naturally gravitated to the overlanding community and the wider adventure market. We are now in every type of wheeled vehicle as well as installed in planes and boats.
To follow up on this first question, what’s behind the name 67 Designs?
I knew from years of sitting in product and company naming committees with consultants that we needed something easy so that people could see it, say it and remember it. If you can get the first 5-10 people to see an image, hear the URL and they can come back in 10 minutes and correctly enter the website without any prompting, then a company or product has a good chance of becoming a recognizable brand that customers can easily share. So we have a number—my birth year—a single letter followed by .com so our customers can and do easily spread the good word.
Personally speaking, design aesthetics, coupled with a quality build is all important when parting with my hard earned $. Tell us a little about the design and production process of your product.
Our primary driver is definitely delivering functional design matched with high quality materials. The other crucial factors, of course, are how we can manufacture the product given the ever expanding in-house skill-sets and by working with our small collection of trusted sub-contractors. From the first week in business, we have 3D printed our models in-house. Without question, that has made a huge difference. It continues to enable 67 Designs to turn designs and prototype incredibly fast. Building a part, testing it and finding when it breaks evolves the design quickly and is just another way we strive to deliver the best for our customers. We 3D print in house or with our contract printer for certain production parts. We like to use real carbon fiber and CNC machined aluminum. We tool exclusively here in the USA for injection molded parts and aluminum die cast parts. Above all, we are focused on making the very best device mounting products while making it every bit as sleek as the devices we use on our adventures or at our desks.
In your opinion, what keeps 67 Designs as the innovative leader in this category? Is there one thing or is it a multitude of reasons?
As far as sustainably growing our company, I fall back to lessons I learned decades ago while at 3M. 3M is always innovating and pushing the development pipeline. They are a great American company that embraces creativity and sponsors engineers to innovate and experiment. That culture leads to new and better products and categories. At 67 Designs, we work to have the same style of innovation DNA, and we back it up with investment in R&D and our customer relationships. We derive a major portion of our revenue from products that did not exist 12-18 months ago and embrace removing products as they move through the product life-cycle. Sometimes new item numbers relate to incremental refinements, but very often they are brand new offerings—offerings that have not yet been introduced into the market by other companies.
I see you’re not selling on Amazon, is there a reason for avoiding this obviously enormous retail platform?
This is a topic we struggle with constantly. Nike and many top-tier names have removed themselves from Amazon. We know that Amazon is confusing consumers and is arguably misleading the consumer who searches specifically for 67 Designs. When a consumer searches for us, Amazon knowingly diverts to imports and knockoffs. We did have our early products sold through Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) and so our decision to stay clear of Amazon today is based on first-hand experience on how they operate against the needs of American business owners. I would much rather grow the business sustainably over time with customers able to directly communicate with us. We are a quality US manufacturer, and we like manufacturing, fulfilling orders and supporting our customers each and every day. In the end, Amazon and most other third party logistic providers push volume over quality and service, and we just don’t feel this is doing right by our customers.
Any new products you’re debuting in the coming year?
Last year was a whirlwind and amongst all the Covid-19 restrictions, our team developed and launched 12 new products and several upgrades. In the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing several key products related to the Series 55 and the desktop.
Right now, our top two priorities are keeping our workers safe during the pandemic and expanding our manufacturing operations. We have been so incredibly fortunate that during COVID-19, our products have been in such high demand, and we hope to release another 12 new products in 2021.
Vehicle Supported Adventure has obviously exponentially grown in the past 24 months. For any small brand this can create challenges in itself as competitors join each category. Any particular brand and marketing strategies that have worked for you?
The growth in vehicle supported adventures has helped many independent companies grow, 67 Designs included. We are incredibly grateful to be so warmly embraced by the overlanding community. It’s nice to be a very small part of well executed builds and awesome people taking awesome adventures. One pro about this community is how connected they are. So much of the time, it is our customers who drive traffic to our site through word of mouth, YouTube videos or other social media posts. Competition is increasing and clear knock-offs are confusing the market in several overlanding product categories, but they are always of a far lower quality. I have been overlanding for decades and I know that if you are on the trail, better have erred on the side of high quality gear that will last. In my experience, those serious about adventuring, tend to value safety and quality. And we pride ourselves on being just that.
As a passionate overlander, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken? Also, whatis your current rig?
What a great question. Even though I have wonderful Jeeps, including my Gladiator Rubicon, and have done some great overlanding trips in the US, the #1 overlanding trip of my life was in Australia as a boy. We had been on red dust roads for weeks and my Dad took the family Holden places it was never meant to go, but it sure was an epic trip. I guess I hunt for that sense of freedom and escape every time the tires hit the dirt. That’s the point, though, and maybe with Covid-19 and the increase in overlanding in 2020, we will have a new generation that will realize we have so much to explore here at home (and offline). I look forward to getting back outdoors in the new year and hope to run into some of our customers along the way!
Thanks for spending the time with us today Gavin. Good luck in 2021 and we hope to see you on the trails!
We’ve been using Roof Top Tents for a decade or more and in the early days, were often asked, “What’s that on your roof?”. Well, those days are truly gone and Roof Top Tents (RTT’s) are now a staple of the front and backcountry off-roading. This article explores the pros and cons of Roof Top Tents ownership and gives some insight into what styles are on the market today. Whatever you end up choosing, one thing I’m certain about, is that it’ll be a compromise. There is no perfect setup for vehicle Supported Adventure.
Well firstly, (tongue in cheek!) there’s nothing quite like the Overland look of sporting a Roof Top Tent (maybe the snorkel can compete).
Here’s some real world Pros and Cons of owning Roof Top Tents.
PROS:
Perceived safety: Whether you’re out in the desert or the mountains, there’s plenty of creepy crawlies that are out for blood. Seriously though, having had giant tarantellas and the odd snake roll through camp, it does feel good to be off the ground. Don’t however expect your Roof Top Tents to save you from a Grizzly’s intent of eating you or your snacks.
Ease of setup: In general, RTT’s set up pretty quickly and easily. In our experience, with soft shells, you’ll be clambering around the vehicle a little, while unzipping the cover. Secondly, it’s really nice not to have to worry about stony, wet, muddy, snowy ground. All you’re really looking for is somewhere that’s relatively flat. Leveling blocks can be used on uneven ground.
Speed of setup: Definitely a lot faster than erecting a ground tent, which is especially nice after a late camp arrival or a long day in the saddle.
Comfort: This of course is subjective for the individual, but most RTT’s have a 2-3″ wall to wall foam mattress, that are generally pretty comfortable to sleep on. No more slipping off sleeping pads in the middle of the night. In our experience, cheaper brands tend to have lower quality foam.
Storage of bedding: Some Roof Top Tents offer the ability to store your bedding in them while on the trail/road. This is great extra storage for owners of smaller capacity vehicles like Jeeps.
CONS:
Price: Let’s just get this one off our chest straight away. Roff Top Tents aren’t inexpensive and can range from $700 – $5000. if you’re buying directly from the manufacturer, expect another $250 shipping fee. That’s a real commitment to the lifestyle of Vehicle Supported Adventure and significantly more money than even a very high quality ground tent.
Using your rig daily: This is probably the biggest reason to develop a love hate relationship with your RTT, or even to decide not to purchase one. Unlike a trailer or a ground tent, if you’re on the move each day you’re going to be packing and unpacking your RTT. Even if you’re staying in the same location each night, if you want to use your rig….well, pack it up. It can get tiresome!
Aerodynamics and fuel efficiency: There’s no getting away from the fact that you’re now driving around with a large brick on your roof. This, without question, lowers your fuel efficiency and increases the wind noise. Even with the more aerodynamic hard shells, you’re going to experience this.
Vehicle stability: It raises your rigs center of gravity, so when on the freeway and certainly driving on windy roads, you can feel it up there. In our experience however, we worry about it more when off-road and particularly when on off camber trails. Certainly, if we know we’re going to areas that require significant rock crawling (Moab trails for instance), we’ll leave it at home and take a ground tent instead.
Removal: This takes time and is a two person operation. 90% of the time we leave ours on our roof as it’s a PIA and creates home storage difficulties. Some people buy or rig up elaborate pulley systems in their garage to make it easier, but if you have vehicles that are lifted like we do, that’s not even an option.
Night time sorties: Many people need to pee during the night and climbing up and down a ladder when half asleep isn’t for everyone. Personally for dudes, I’m an advocate of a pee bottle.
Bad weather: If you don’t have an annex or a decent awning, then sitting out a days worth of rain on top of your car can become tiresome.
Key considerations when looking at Roof Top Tents:
Tent fabric: It depends on where you live and under what conditions you intend to use your tent. Ideal fabric weights range from lightweight 140 GSM to heavyweight 380 GSM. As always it’s a compromise, as lightweight fabrics are generally good for summer use but won’t last long in heavy weather use. Heavyweight fabrics are great for bad weather, but you loose breathability and they can cause condensation issues. If you intend to 3 season camp, a mid range weight is probably the correct choice.
Floor panels: Aluminum floors are standard on most Roof Top Tents, but look for a honeycomb construction for strength and insulation properties.
Sleeping pad or mattress: Not all mattresses are created equal. This is a very important component for a good nights sleep. Density of foam is as important as thickness. If a thick pad compresses, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on the ground. Many RTT owners add additional padding to their RTT’s standard mattress.
Weight capacity of your vehicle: Dynamic weight is weight capacity in motion. Static weight is weight capacity when stationary. Always check the weights capacities of your rig to avoid damage to your vehicle.
Roof Rack configuration: Like your roof, your rack has to provide enough capacity for both dynamic and static use. Again, check this before purchase and use of an Roof Top Tents. That being said, carrying anything as heavy and large on your roof, will alter the driving feel of your rig.
Hard Shell Roof Top Tents:
Hard shells are generally made of fiberglass, re-enforced plastic or aluminum and will last the longest. They are significantly more expensive than soft shells, starting at just under $3000 and going up to $5000. In our experience, they are easier to open and set up and certainly more aerodynamic on the road. Hard shells come in three distinct styles. The rectangular box, the clamshell, and the hybrid expandable model.
Pros:
Durability: They simply last longer. The structure of the shell, makes the tent more rigid when open against the elements.
Aerodynamic: They are fairly aerodynamic and significantly less noisy on the freeway than a soft shell version.
Set-up: Fast and efficient.
Storage: Many hard-shells allow for storage of bedding when closed.
Seasonality: They are definitely built for 4 seasons and will protect you against the elements.
Cons:
Price: They are a major investment in your vehicle supported Adventure lifestyle.
Heavy: In general, they are heavier than a soft-shell RTT and harder to take on and off.
Lack of customization and add ons: Most hard-shells don’t offer the ability to add an annex, so they can be limited in space.
Soft Shell Roof Top Tents:
Prices can vary considerably from an entry level $700 to an expedition level $1800. It is worth noting that despite all soft shell Roof Top Tents fundamentally looking the same, they are not. With a more expensive tent you’ll get better grade fabrics, a much more rugged construction and sealed seams. Thus making it a tent that will be four season compatible and last a long time. That being said, if you’re only going to use your RTT on a few occasions a year and in mild camping conditions, then the cheaper option may well be the right choice. Ultimately you get what you pay for and frankly that’s okay, just know that going into the purchase. A few brands that we have personally used and can recommend, are CVT, 23Zero and Tepui .
Pros:
Price: Once again, this is the biggest factor for most people when choosing a RTT, particularly between soft or hard shell. An entry level soft shell tent at $700 is a lot more palatable than a $3800 expedition level hard shell.
Space: Soft shells are sized for anywhere from 2 to 6 and many have add on annexes for storing extra gear. They generally feel a lot more spacious than hard-shells.
Extras: Some more expensive soft shells have skylight features, allowing you to lie in bed watching the stars. Some also feature shoe bags and LED lighting.
4 season capability: As mentioned above, the higher end soft shells are perfectly capable of offering you a 4 season experience for many years.
Cons:
Price: Even the entry level Roof Top Tents are twice the price of a decent ground tent.
Lack of Aerodynamics: Any RTT is heavy and the soft shells feel like you’re driving around with a brick on the roof. You’ll increase your road noise and lower your MPG.
Set up time: Set up is slower than a hard shell and you’re likely to be clambering around your rig undoing the zip to the cover, pulling on straps etc. This difficulty increases exponentially, if you’re driving a lifted vehicle.
Conclusion:
As we said at the beginning, anyway you cut it, Roof Top Tents are an expensive investment into the lifestyle of Vehicle Supported Adventure. That being said, our personal experiences with multiple soft and hard shell brands over the years, have been excellent and we consider it an investment worth making. For the past three years we’ve been using hard shells on both our Jeeps and our decision was based on a combination of trying to reduce noise and wind drag, plus ease of set up. We drive long distances and rarely stay in one place for more than one night, so this is an important factor for us after a long day in the saddle.
To conclude, our advice is to truly decide what your top needs and priorities are, before you begin the process of choosing a brand. Good luck and #TAPintoAdventure.
