I just got back yesterday from a 5 day trip to Colorado and Utah and got to use the Terrapod RTTx for the first time. Here are my first impressions:
1. The quality of the tent is top notch. I was impressed by the fit and finish and attention to detail, and sleeping in it for 5 nights in a row did not change that impression.
2. One of the most desirable features to me -after being made in the USA- was how light the tent was. After running some tough trails (like Black Bear Pass), I want to reiterate how great it was not to feel too much weight up top.
3. The tent is quiet on the highway. You know it's up there but you there was no increase in wind noise or annoying whistles. Very aerodynamic, especially compared to some of the bigger tents out there.
4. Deploying the tent and taking it down are easy processes once you get into a habit. It helps that everything fits well and that Terrapod didn't skimp on things like zippers, hardware or materials.
5. The Exped Duo mattress was totally worth the added cost. That thing is COMFY! Lesson learned, however, deflate it completely in hot weather or the air in it will stay warm for a LONG time (that was user error). Since it was hotter than Hades in Moab, that made it hard to go to sleep.
6. We drove through monsoon rains on the way back and the tent stayed bone dry. Another key point when you're camping out of it every day.
7. It was very windy on the banks of the Colorado River that night and the tent felt solid and stayed relatively quiet. Pro tip: remove the strap/leash from the lid when its windy to keep it from flapping around in the wind. (again, user error).
Overall, I feel fantastic about my purchase and decision to back the Kickstarter campaign, and it was well worth the wait. Thrilled with the tent's performance (this is my second RTT, first hard shell one) and I love the low profile and top notch quality of manufacturing. She got lots of attention while in CO and Moab and I fielded a lot of questions.