Considering the Camping Labs rooftop

[snowrider73]

So I have done some research on rooftops and it seems for the money the Camping Lab model is best suited for my needs. From what I can see, It is a quality build and material for a good price. I have read some of your opinions, but nothing recent. How has your tent held up over the years through many uses. My biggest concern is weather resistance. I will be using this tent in the Pacific northwest this spring and am wondering about it's durability in the wet conditions? Any reviews will help, specifically Camping Lab reviews.

 

[plutonius]

I have a Camping Lab RTT Medium I bought last September second hand off Expedition Portal. It had seen a fair amount of use and is still in excellent condition. The materials and stitching are burly. The mattress is thick and comfortable. Set up is a snap, and it's not so heavy (about 100 lbs) that with some clever maneuvering I can get it on and off my Bajarack by myself. I have driven through the rain with it and the cover held the water out, but I have never deployed it in the rain. I have slept in it in 60 mph + winds & dust storms and it survived, although the flapping from the wind was pretty intense. I now carry an array of shock cords and bungees to help take the slack out of the fly & some of the material in the case of high winds. It's going back on the rig in a couple of weeks for some trips into the Mojave with my boys. IMO it's great value for the money, but it's the only RTT I've owned so I really don't have any comparables.

Order the ladder extension as well. You may end up modifying it a bit with a few sets of holes for various extension lengths, but with a lifted rig you'll want it.

 

[nicholas]

I have the large size and I agree with the above post. I have only been able to use it a couple of times though. The build quality is very nice, and the pad is comfortable. I've used it in the rain and it didn't leak at all. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is that the opening door isn't covered by a fold out roof enclosure like some of the other tents I have seen. If it did have an enclosed entrance it would help keep rain/snow out when you are getting in/out. But it works well and the price is right.

Also x2 on the ladder extension. Even with only OME meduims, 315's and a rack that is ~1" or less above the roofline, the ladder is still 6-7" from the ground. I need to buy one so I don't have to prop it up on cans.

 

[snowrider73]

Well I pulled the trigger today. I purchased the 47x94, plenty big. I'll be posting reviews shortly after my first few nights in it.

 

[cnskate]

I live in the PNW and have a similar tent. They are rain proof. Condensation is more of a problem up here. Just wipe the ceiling off real good in the morning. If you have day after day of rain it could be a problem, since you will have to stow it wet. Be mindful of the higher COG.