There was a 7 day trip where we packed both RTT and a ground tent. Then I decided to add the RTT annex. I’d use the Annex if we hunker down for more than 1 night. We use it to store gear, clothes, and a place to change when there are other campers within eye sight.

There was a 2 night trip where I went solo. Instead of the RTT, I brought my backpacking 2 person ground tent.

So my short answer is … have both RTT and Ground tent and bring what you need for that trip.

As the owner of a Maggiolina Extreme (hard shell) RTT, I’d like to make a few comments on my experience with mine. First off, I’ll address what is probably the most often complaint mentioned by so many people. It is not necessary to climb down the ladder in the middle of the the night to take a leak. Years ago when I was into Sailing big time, relieving yourself on a small Sailboat could be problematic. West Marine and many other boat supply stores offer what is called a “Little John”. Its nothing more than a large pee bottle with a leak proof cap. I have used this item for years on a sailboat and several years now with my RTT.
Just get out of your sleeping bag, get in a kneeling position and do your duty, secure the cap on tightly when you’re done and stow it in the netting on the wall of my RTT.
For the ladies in our life, they make a “Lady J Adaptor” which fits a womans anatomy …….. allowing the use of the “Little John”, (its weird talking about this) My wife of 19 years will attest to how great this system works, all the while being as simple as can be. We have a lady friend that refuses to try using one. Like a RTT, its all a matter of choices.

The issue of setting up a base camp and having the ability to hop in your truck and go places is NOT and issue with a “hard shell” RTT. I will remove my table, stove, all my gear needed for camping from my vehicle …….. while NOT raising my tent. It takes a whopping 2 to 3 minutes to deploy …… just minutes before retiring for the night. In the morning it is a 10 minute job to lower it. I think that is pretty cool. Again, this is a huge advantage to a “hard shell” RTT, versus the folding type.
My Maggiolina is also rated as a 4 season tent. For the majority of people this is a non issue, for me it is, as I hunt, fish and camp the entire year. The floor and the ceiling are insulated along with the mattress for comfort. The tent is always 8 to 10 degrees warmer inside on cold nights and much cooler in the summer (Arizona) months. I use a Taylor indoor/outdoor thermometer to monitor this. The fiberglass shell does not suffer from UV damage from our sun with a coat of wax once or twice a year.

Climbing up and down the ladder is just something that needs to be addressed on a personal basis. I am older and it took a few nights to get comfortable with the process. Going down is harder as you need to be facing the ladder going both up and down. I just returned from a trip into Wyoming spending 11 consecutive nights in the tent. Its second nature now that I got the fell for it.

With all of this being said, these tents are expensive and I realize many people cannot spend thousands on a hard shell RTT.

You can compare ground tents to RTT’s until the cows come home but, I think it is really important to compare a hard shell RTT and a soft shell RTT on a basis of their own, after deciding to look at a RTT as an option.

There is no right or wrong. Doing your homework and looking at ALL the options will make you a happy camper. As always, your mileage will vary, LOL 🙂

Camp on a recent hunting trip ………..
https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Overlanding/i-gjDXcX2/0/47eea8b4/L/IMG_0340-L.jpg

The tent (as advertised) can be stowed away wet after a night of rain without causing mildew or getting the bedding wet. I was a bit leery of this at first but it has proven accurate time and time again.

Personal preference for sure! For many, it is the way to go!

Great advice!