Skycamp Mini 3.0

I have an iKamper mini 3.0 and I love it! I keep it on my weekend camping rig full time. I survived a major wind storm camping in Big Bend. A cold front blew thru. I didn’t sleep well, but it handled the almost 40 mph winds like a champ! Just do it!

We had the same RTT on a 2018 Subaru Outback. Very easy to setup, barely affected our gas mileage. Spent many nights camping, 6 weeks in Baja for example. Main downsides are having to use the ladder in the middle of the night to pee and a couple of nights of high wind was uncomfortable. Bring a small utility tent to change clothes in.

Had a iCamper mini on an Outback for a couple of years after my wife and I retired. Camped from Washington to Baja, great memories. The cons are mostly about the ladder, we are on the older side and when midnight nature calls it can be a hassle . Also a small annex when it’s raining is a must to keep it dry in the tent. Had some strong wind gusts in Baja that was scary at times but the tent was not damaged. We now have a Metris van with a pop top which is working great for us now.

A rtt is set up way faster, especially hardshell ones. So if you only stay for one or 2 days at each canpingspace it is quite nice. Also, I experienced that in bad (rainy or really cold) weather my rtt is much more comfortable. (I have a ikamper skycamp mini 3.0)

As far as bugs, I love roof top tents for the comfort of no surprise bugs or scorpions. Also much better sleeping than the ground. They aren’t technically in your budget but you could probably get one used. I would keep them in your research while you camp with your tent and watch for deals from people selling. For me, the whole trip can be ruined by not getting the best sleep🤣 so I have had so much better camping since I got my RTT. They do also have ladder adapters so dogs can climb the ladders but again that will be cutting into your budget so probably more of a future thing. I have ikamper 3.0 mini and we’ve been through rain and storms easily with no issues. I’ve heard that the inflatable plus foam style sleeping pads are the best. There are brands in every price range. I’ve seen that a lot of people get their dog a camp bed to put in the tent so that they don’t puncture the air mattress, this seems like your best bet.

I've had a rooftop tent, many kinds of ground tents, teardrop camper.... If you're gonna go for a RTT, go hard top and quality. We had an iKamper Skycamp 2.0, they now have a much bigger line up and if you'll always be solo or just two people, the iKamper mini would be just fine and cheaper and easier to wrangle. That being said, the 2.0 pupped up and was ready to go in about 30-40 seconds, I never staked out the side windows just the entry (which is also still optional, technically). The stock mattresses aren't great if you're a side sleeper, but many folks install self inflating sleeping pads instead (we finally did after 3 years... it added another 3-4 minutes to setup and take down, though). The only other step is tossing your bedding inside, since most hard top RTTs (though not all) don't tend to have room to store all the bedding inside. Hard tops are also better on fuel economy. Also, for an upside, a RTT doesn't take up any cargo space. That being said, I sold the RTT since I don't consistently have a ton of folks with me anymore (kids grew up). For guests I do have a Gazelle T3X and T4, as well as some Byer of Maine Quick Cots. Each Gazelle tent takes about 60 seconds to assemble completely. The longest part is putting the stakes in the ground. The cots are 60 seconds a piece as well, they just pop outwards and open. And the bonus is that you have standing room inside for changing clothes, which you will NOT in a RTT. Here is a video for setting up a Gazelle: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uErC8FmqfQ8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uErC8FmqfQ8) I do the rain fly differently (I hook on 2 of the corner poles, then toss the other two across the roof) but don't overthink it. I also have to put my foot on the bottom of the tent to pull out the hubs for more leverage. The T3X is a little shorter and therefore easier (I'm 5ft 5, if you're tall it won't matter as much) but the T3X is also slightly smaller dimensions and I wouldn't put 2 cots in it, it's about perfect for a solo traveler IMO (as a bonus it'll also fit sideways in most cars whereas the T4 in storage bag is... quite long and will need to be stored front to back). For what it's worth, I've also set up a T4+/T8 solo (basically double the size, with 6 hubs to pop out) and it's still just as easy if you prefer a really big tent. I'll say this politely---if you can't set up a Gazelle tent, solo camping is probably not for you. You can't go wrong with either, they both have their pros and cons, but an iKamper Mini 3.0 is $3995 and a Gazelle T4 Overland (upgraded stakes, ground tarp, waterproof bag) is $469... a substantial difference. Another option you may not have considered, and it'll depend on your specific vehicle and how it's set up, is you can also outfit your vehicle and have a self inflating sleeping pad or mattress inside of it, and get mesh screen things for the windows and such. Then you don't have to set up ANY sleeping quarters... just your chair and table/stove.

I had an ikamper mini on a Tacoma. I’ve travelled across Canada and most of the States in it. Got the annex now too. It’s def not a real quick set up take down. Gotta consider leveling vehicle, moving stuff up to tent. Once it’s up it’s up. At least for us. Either way. We love it and it allows you to camp in places harder to get to. Have fun.

James Baroud Odyssey Magma. Ive used iKamper Skycamp 3.0, Wildland (which goes under the brand FSR in the states) and Thule. The Odyssey/ Magma is hands down the best of all of these tents, even thr iKamper. https://preview.redd.it/zsn5onq2w8sf1.jpeg?width=2150&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1efcfa72db601a3d5b712b699b5abd5a9e1fb365

James Baroud Odyssey, hands down the best RTT on the market. I have the limited edition Magma version and been using it for 3 weeks straight now in the Alps I previously have had a iKamper Skycamp 3.0, Wild Land (Go FSR) Summit and Thule. I have also tested several chinese branded tents. The iKamper was good while both the Wild Land and Thule where not (and neither was any of the chinese branded tents. The JB however canvas is the thickest with 3 layers and has 100% blackout, no water is coming in and ive slept in it during a few stormy days with strong winds. The entire structure of the JB is also sturdy as hell and it feels more like you are in a room then in a RTT. The Thule was no good in a storm and literally had to sleep inside the car. The Wild Land was ok but like most other tents the fabric makes a lot of noise in the wind and rain. The iKamper was very good and breathable as well but JB takes it to the next level.