Van Life Essentials: Why You Should Carry a Tent

I live in a van but I still find it very helpful to carry a tent with me at all times. In today's video I list 6 reasons why you should carry a tent as well. We also review the Genji Instant Pop-Up tent that I have found to be super-easy to set-up, but also a remarkably cheap and durable tent. We'll also show you step-by-step set-up. Highly recommended!
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Thanks for watching!

[@tallmanaffiliatemarketing9994]

00:52 1. Storage space at campsites 01:24 2. Camping while vehicle's in the shop 02:36 3. Some campgrounds require a tent 03:17 4. Recreation 03:58 5. Security 05:12 6. Hold your campsite

[@serenityjewel]

Thanks!!!

[@manp1039]

I am thinking that if i had something of value instead of putting it in the tent while i am not there.. I might put it in a water-tight bag and buried in a shallow hole under the tent.. that way in case someone came by trying to take things.. they might not find it and run off with things of lesser value? and in case I had to come back to fetch my things.. I could do so later. I would also put a blue tooth tracker on things of value as a precaution in case someone tried to take something and maybe throw it somewhere to fetch later.. i could find it if it is not too far away? and if i wanted to get really clever.. i might bury in a shallow hole and park my vehicle over it and if possible even putting one of the wheels over the hole? (considering how to protect the items from being crushed from the weight?)

[@Tipperary757]

Thank you, Tall Man.

[@jimcameron9848]

This channel has integrity and enormous value for the information it provides. Thank you Bob for this important public service! Safe travels to you.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thank you so much Jim, safe travels to you as well!

[@doriskeil-shamieh8852]

If it's very hot inside your vehicle sleeping in a tent would be cooler. I love sleeping in my tent.

[@62WILDCAT]

Especially with a battery powered fan.

[@mexifoodlover]

Not when you sleep listening to the So California coast line......😁😄😆😅😁🏖

[@karidjaegbertskaleidoscope7833]

Thks for the idea. I would have never thought carrying a tent while being in a van eventhough I broke down several times not knowing where to sleep. Thanks...

[@mixflip]

great video. I never thought of a tent as a decoy or as a place holder...makes perfect sense!

[@manp1039]

me either.. and i am guessing the cheaper the better for a decoy or as a spot holder.. just in case someone tries to steal it?

[@davidleigh443]

@@manp1039 the spot or the tent?

[@manp1039]

@@davidleigh443 tent

[@bangalorebobbel]

Yes a tent is a must, for so many reasons. But, since you talked about what happens if your car is not available, I just wanted to share one experience of a 10 days car repair we had last year. The first night we could stay in our RV but then it had to be brought inside the workshop and we couldn't stay there in. When it was clear that we have to stay for a while somewhere close by the shop owner asked us whether he should ask some friends with a little hotel for a good rate. We let him call etc. and finally we got suddenly a clean and comfortable room with shower etc. for a price we would have paid for our tent and two adults on the next camping ground. So, what I wanted to say: just in case you have a breakdown and major repair etc: even if you carry a tent and are ready to use it, always ask first in the shop. Asking is free and sometimes there are suddenly options you would never have even thought about. ;-)

[@herrp8765]

Comfort is the way to go when unforeseen issues arise. Turn an "oh crap!" negative into a great travel story. Thanks for sharing.

[@karlelliott9254]

One of the best conveniences you can have is a licensed motor bike somewhere between 125cc and 650 cc on the back rack. Dozens of reasons to have one, even an ATV, but that's another ballgame.

[@tallmanaffiliatemarketing9994]

13:13 Bob reveals common issue with tents 13:30 Robert, setting up Ozark tent finally finished setup

[@raybrensike42]

A little rubbing with a candle can keep those zippers working smoothly.

[@Scott-J]

Yeah that pop-up tent looks single wall. It will have condensation problems if you sleep in it. Not sure why the other tent was taking so much effort to get up. If you've got the extra scratch, REI Half Dome 2 or Half Dome 2 Plus. I can't say enough good things about mine. Alex over at The Singletrack Sampler is a mountain biking car nomad, sleeps in a tent most nights, he uses a half dome 2 as well. He and his buddy Brian also turned me on to the changing robes that surfers use. They're big towel ponchos that you can put on for privacy to wash up or change clothes.

[@runwithbigdogs4048]

Changing robes are a great idea. I just bought this one. www.bhmedwear.com/products/olympus-flannel-poncho

[@sharondye6330]

Scott J

[@bethsuter4637]

Reason number seven: a dry spot to store your gear while you are remodeling your vehicle's interior.

[@raybrensike42]

Rub the zippers with candle wax to keep them going smoothly.

[@NightOwl11]

The lady in her car should have had a big dog water dish just outside the tent and maybe a chain on a stake leading into the tent. Hopefully people would think twice before snooping.

[@SweetFLGuy1]

Great idea! Also some fake plastic dog poop right outside the door! LOL

[@cherylholmes8677]

Lol!!! That really is a super idea! No joke. I love it and will use it in the future... Happy Campers!

[@patlowney2834]

Cynthia Snider that's a great idea I like the dog water bowl thing and another bowl with some dry food in it.

[@timshel011]

A 9mm...

[@theAussieG]

And a motion sensor that starts a soundtrack of a huge dog growling.

[@BrokerBarbara119]

I love my Coleman easy up 10 X 14. It's literally a small cabin inside. I'm extremely comfortable on my foldaway full size bed frame with 10" Coleman air mattress. I use sheets & pillows! I carry a nice indoor outdoor rug for comfort and set up my stuff inside. It's glamping! Outside I set up my Coleman changing station, one side is a shower with a propane on demand portable shower and the on the other side is a luggable Lu. The tent has roof vents and I do suggest the rain fly. I love being able to stand up and get dressed and to shower. I live in Michigan and love to camp in the northern part on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Manistee National Forest, Interlochen music camp and Traverse City. We have many beautiful lighthouses and State campsites. My F150 super cab has plenty of room for my stuff to include bikes and a Kyak. I haven't had the need for a travel trailer as my camp is set up in 30 minutes. If I were to go full time during the winter and head south or west then perhaps I would consider one of the A Liners. They're also easy up, light weight and nice to tow. I would still take my tent & outdoor changing, shower station. It is perfect for an outdoor screen room if the area had mosquitoes or midges. They're blood eaters and have voracious appetites. All the best folks, tenting is an affordable way to hit the road for seasonal camping.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for posting your experience BrokerBarbar, some others have mentioned the benefits of a tent tall enough to stand in. Excellent points!

[@nancyfahey7518]

Sounds like a life of rugged luxury. 😊

[@renaes2008]

A fellow Michigander! I miss all if the beauty in my home state♡

[@donnahiatt945]

I have traveled a bit in my Jeep and planning to go full time soon. I have not heard of the shower with propane heat on demand. WOW. Thanks much for your comment. A hot shower on the road sounds wonderful :).

[@swicheroo1]

I camped and hitch-hiked through Hawaii...and afterwards did 3 years of traveling around the world. One of my jokes when I bought my kind of expensive Sierra Designs tent was: "At least they'll be able to tell me apart from the homeless." This was mostly to take the sting out of the purchase but it turned out to be prophetic: Rangers are strict but they saw my tent and thought of me as a tourist with money; they saw my homeless friends with the Colemans and would really be strict on them, enforcing every kind of stupid anti-homeless policy; also, a performance tent is expensive but it is a performance tent that truly ventilates. I still have this tent, which is now 14 years old and it's actually the tent that REI and places like that rent out. So long story short: A tent tells a story about you! And this can be great camouflage!

[@pianogal853]

Interesting story; this was years ago - I wonder where you are now, swicheroo

[@justfloating3944]

Great demo guys! I'm wanting a tent to carry with me for all those reasons. Looking for a pop up one if possible because of some physical challenges. Glad i watched!

[@KauaiMike1000]

Currently being an urban, stick-built home dweller your video gave me two ideas: 1) Even folks like me should have a tent as a "Plan B" option ... and 2) As cheap & useful as tents are, they would make great gifts for some of the homeless around us.

[@tinadrake372]

as someone who was homeless for over 9 yers i can vouch just how much a new tent can change your situation. now I am planning next year to go nomadic i find the open road my home ...and we are traveling in a 2000 acura 3.5 RL and pan to bring tent and a couple interesting small frame quick cots we found on amazon. part of my travelling full time will actually be due to me playing airsoft regularly and traveling to different fields

[@dianeibsen5994]

@@tinadrake372 Hi Tina. What is airsoft and can you tell me what you mean by traveling to different fields?

[@charlied4850]

Some states, like Virginia, don’t allow people to sleep in their car, legally. It has to be an official RV, even at campgrounds. If you set up a tent, it gives the appearance of tent camping, then sleep in your car.

[@robine6337]

A decoy is a great idea! Thanks

[@1116may11]

I love my Ozark Trail 6 person instant cabin tent I can stand up in it. I can't live without a tent. Great video ;)

[@firequeen2194]

Holly Golightly just got one of those! Am anxious for the weather to warm up so I can practice putting it up. Thanks for the review.

[@EvieVermont]

It would be great if you also covered suv attached tents too! Ones you can attach to your Jeep or car or suv and sleep in your vehicle OR leave as a stand-alone unit so you can save the space or drive away.

[@MikeElPortonVerde]

I was also thinking a tent such as these would be handy in case you have a friend visit you, they would have their own place to sleep.

[@KellsSmith1244]

I never even considered #2, having a car in the shop. I'm glad I'm watching these videos before I head out.

[@kathrynapatterson2702]

I got tent camping rate at Gulf Shores campground..just cuz I put it up

[@donedennison9237]

Bob, where's the tent link? We bought a "screen room" for $59 and used that as a tent we could stand in. It works perfect as a tent, though it has a couple of flaws setting up. Inserting the exterior poles requires finesse and the sides don't go all the way to the ground. We can stake it down, but there's still a gap. We bought an $11 tarp for the ground and a $5 6x4 rug at a thrift store. I'm pleased with the setup and there's sooo much roooom. We fit all our traveling gear into our tiny little Chevy Aveo. We're just travel camping for now, but we plan on getting a van and doing a little more. Though my husband just got a full time job and is keeping some of his other part time job hours so we can afford that van. I'm excited!

[@nancyryan7268]

Bob, another reason is if it's too hot to stay in your car or van. Sleeping in a tent at night can be much cooler, with breezes coming through the tent. Especially at a nice camp site.

[@warrendejager1273]

From South Africa. Another good reason to keep a tent, is, if you become mechanically imobilised at a remote destination, you have a shelter if you have to walk out. As you know, shelter ranks second in survival needs.

[@cathysupp9493]

You never want to have more than one tent.... Stay calm Don’t get 2tents (too tense) Dad joke

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

A real knee slapper, my Pa would have said 😉🌹Frances from Florida 🏝

[@samTollefson]

Decoy tent, yes! I had a single woman relative that lived in a cabin in a somewhat secluded wooded area where she would sometimes have an intruder sneaking around the place at night. She went to a thrift store and got an old pair of size 13 work boots and a large overcoat that she put outside the door at night~~~no further problems! I wonder if that would help some of the single lady car campers.

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

Great 👍 👌

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I’m 64, camp mostly by myself for the last 40+ years, in a tent, I’m yet to have a bad experience.

[@SweetFLGuy1]

If I was in my car or van and saw someone going thru my tent nearby I would set off my car alarm panic button or beep the horn over and over again to scare them away. Thieves don't like loud noises or attention.

[@TimmyTommyTippy]

Great subject and video. I camp out of a Forerunner and sleep in the back of it. I've used a $30 pop-up hoop tent that opens itself when unpacked. Takes 2 minutes to setup and 5 minutes to pack. You pretty much covered all the reasons I use a tent. Great also as a change room and bathroom.

[@DavesHikesNewMexico]

I always use a cheap tent from Walmart for $21 as a decoy to save the space and many campsites require tents. I sleep in my Mazda 5 micro van.

[@Stellaedocious]

Had a campground in the Keys tell me that if I slept in the car, they would charge me the RV rate! Went down the road to another campground that wasn't so rigud. But after that I got a tent just in case. Mostly used it for storage but it did come in handy when the car broke down !

[@ramblinrogers6108]

i carry many tents, a 2 man. 3 man. and a 4 man cabin with vestibule. along with screen tent and shower tent.... i think im set. lol

[@macgraham4810]

Ramblin Rogers you can never have too many tents.

[@wndrfullife]

I am two tents.

[@resultspaid7250]

Sounds like you're a tentaholic. : )

[@lwoodstock1]

I've been a tent camper for over forty years. I'm fixing up a minivan as a bedroom. My REI Kingdom 4 cabin tent is easy to set up, 5 min. Really. I use the tent for my living/bath/dressing room, with card table and chairs, toilet, cooler (which goes in the minivan at night), and yoga mat. It has nice screen Windows. The picnic table is my kitchen. It's a nice set up for a two week vacation (or longer). The tents are better nowadays, and with practice, can be a quick and easy set up. Happy trails.

[@columbuscalvin8520]

That's my kind of camping. Does the Kingdom 4 have stand-up headroom or would a person have to go bigger for that?

[@lwoodstock1]

The tent is 6'3 in height, lots of room. I tried out my new camping equipment the past few days. My review is in my post: peasncarrotsexpressivearts.blogspot.com/. It's just my opinion. Our new camping equipment worked out really great. I'm still working on the minivan, so we just used the tent. Happy trails.

[@columbuscalvin8520]

Thanks for the review. It would matter that I'm both old and short (60, 5'2"). However, I'll still look at one if I get the chance, because the REI Kingdom tents have good reviews from many users.

[@lwoodstock1]

The Kingdom 4 is easy to set up, if you slide all the rods in first before lifting. Another option for single users is the pop-up tents. A fellow beside our campsite was a short, older man with a cute little poodle. He put up his pop-up tent before I could count to ten, and took it down equally as easy and fast! It looked like a Coleman instant cabin tent. I absolutely love Coleman products. We have a Coleman stove, now Coleman cots, and I'm ordering a Coleman sleeping bag (My present (and very old) sleeping bag is a bit tight, and is slippery. The Coleman is made of cotton and flannel.). You can get many of these products, if not all, from Walmart. (This is just my opinion on the products.) Good luck and happy trails.

[@columbuscalvin8520]

Thanks! I have experience with tents, but not the new stuff in the past five years or so. Much is still in mid-air as far as the details of what I do, but I'm learning. (I've used sleeping bags but went back to blankets.)

[@DivineZeal]

ROBERT!!! I lived in a Camry and living in a van too lol. Got 2 tents ✌

[@julierawlins5984]

thank you for recommending crystal vanner

[@RobertWitham]

The Camry worked, but the minivan is definitely easier and more comfortable! The tent does come in handy sometimes though, and I am always glad I have it when I do use it.

[@topherjoe1]

Im a single woman who camps alone and I sleep in my tent. I have an ozark instant tent that is a 6 person but you can put 2 double mattresses in it comfortably with a chair and gear. I just like that I can set it up myself quickly and love being able to stand up in it. I think this year im going to get a cot although I sleep like a baby on the air mattresses. After 40 years of pole tents, I said "screw this "after setting up an rei dome tent in a another downpour...15 min and im soaked and the tent is soaked. I set up the osark in 3 min and have it secured in 5. (I developed a trick to keep it dry while setting it up) its only 100.00 and it has withstood some monsoon like rain with no leaks and some pretty ferocious windstorms , one was so bad i had to leave the camp ground because I was afraid of a tree coming down on me lol. I would say the weakest link in these tents is the floor, not because of the ground its on but because of the way it folds up, The legs fold up around the poles attached to the top and this pulls the floor of the tent tight around these poles. I have had to patch small worn spots with duck tape but I figure in another year or two I will have a good strong duck tape floor in the middle! Sign me...Pacific Northwest Camper Lady

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for sharing your experience marie!

[@Primalxbeast]

marie lynne A 6 person tent sounds huge, but at least people are more likely to think that you're not alone.

[@JustMe-dm8yz]

marie lynne ~ Great sharing experience! Thank you! ☺👍

[@kingdomthings9887]

When I used to tent camp, I put a tarp on the ground, before I set my tent up. It works great 😁 and also keeps your tent floor from wearing out faster.

[@NoProGoPronto]

This is why we love you Bob. Your "inTent" is to always be informative. LOL! Great info.

[@stevebrown6224]

Another reason: we have a van but I have a tall pop-up tent for my morning meditation and yoga. Great for privacy.

[@NewHampshireJack]

At 3:47 you stated "even old guys like me." Speak for yourself there Bro, I celebrated my #63rd 25 June. At this age, we are winding up for round two. Ok, teasing aside, I am thinking there may well be more and more active seniors enjoying these activities than ever before. The videos start the conversation and comments add a great amount of helpful information Thank you big time for all the helpful equipment reviews.

[@KeliKewina]

NewHampshire Jack Happy 63rd...the new 43!

[@OStarman]

NewHampshire Jack ;

[@JustMe-dm8yz]

NewHampshire Jack ~ I agree with you. I enjoy travelling, seeing new sights, and being outdoors. Celebrated my 62nd June 25 also. 😊

[@veevanvoom5863]

Yep exactly. If the like minded could find it our hearts help get the ones that were not so lucky on the road too, well wouldn’t that be just great.

[@kathrynapatterson2702]

I agree! Just turnedv60vyrsvyoung. Ladt fourth of my life, travellingbin my van & tent & hammovk, is my best!!!

[@clermontcubby9207]

We carry an Eureka Timberline 3 tent that I have had for over 20yrs. These are the same tents that many Boy scout troupes use. Very easy to set up and extremely weather proof.

[@Z71BadBoy]

Nice choice. :)

[@clermontcubby9207]

We have not used the Eureka as a "sleeping" area for many years. We use the tent for storage or to mark our camp site. Off topic, kind of, I purchased a Clam 6x6 screen tent several years ago. We really like it, no see'ums are kept out. Optional privacy panels are also available. Sets up in a few minutes.

[@smudgeeee6259]

Great tent. I work at Eureka

[@aprilz6540]

Yeah, I'd go with the Ozark with the mesh and rain fly if I planned to sleep in it. The Genji has little air flow...misery!

[@RobertWitham]

I have never tested the Ozark Trail tent in serious rain, but the airflow is really nice in that tent. It was a great option on warm evenings when I was still in the Camry because I never did get screens for the car windows.

[@GeorgePencilArt]

Was never a tent person much growing up, but this sounds like a good idea for storage and camp-spot saving. Hadn't thought of it as I prep for vandwelling either. Overall, sounds like a good idea. Thanks Bob :)

[@bingsballyhoo711]

I now carry a tent, thanks to this video! I never thought about these things.

[@erikadowdy686]

U could always use a tent to take a sponge bath or clean up and then just air it out! I really enjoy these videos, I always learn something from them.

[@Ron4885]

I love that site. Reminds me of the Lake Tahoe area. On a warm to hot day you can smell the pine and other foliage. Missing it already ;-)

[@JaninaElyse]

Just ordered this tent on Amazon, I'll try to remember to come back and update with a review. Thanks for the recommendation Bob!

[@JaninaElyse]

As promised, here is my review for this tent! This is the same review I submitted to Amazon for the product. This tent did everything I expected it to do. Here are the highpoints from our 2 night camping trip in the Rocky Mountains southwest of Denver, CO (Ouray, Durango): *3 person tent, but 2 average-sized women fit perfectly with room to spare for things like a USB fan, hiking poles and other small gear. I'd only recommend a small person for the 3rd, like a child. It would be a tight squeeze for 3 adults, but probably okay if you don't mind sleeping close. *We each had our own mattress in there. One twin size inflatable and one 25x75 folding memory foam. *The first night, we had quite a lot of rain, and we didn't feel a drop of water in the tent. Waterproofing is excellent on this tent, although I don't think they claim it to be waterproof. We were pleased with the rain shelter. *Setting up the tent is simple for 2 people. One person can do it, but here's the secret, tip it on its side and pull the two hubs at the top of the tent towards your body to join them if you are under 5'8" or so. Otherwise, you won't be tall enough to get the right leverage on the top of the tent to push the two hubs together as the instructions guide you to do from a standing position. *TIP: Practice setting this tent up at home before you go out. It makes ALL the difference at the campsite. Honestly, getting the tent upright is easy and takes 3 minutes. Staking the tent takes about 8 minutes. Staking time is likely the same with any tent. *There is a loop at the inside top center of the tent that we used to hook a small, portable lamp. Perfect! *Zippers were smooth and easy to use from inside and outside the tent. *Plenty of ventilation for milder climates. We slept in 50 degrees overnight, maybe a bit lower the night it rained. I would imagine the ventilation would NOT be enough for hot and/or muggy weather. *Easy to fold down, and moderately easy to get back into the carrying case. An extra inch would have been nice for maneuvering it back in, but with patience, you can get it back in there! We LOVE this tent!!

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

@@JaninaElyse thank you for the review. That means a bunch 🤗

[@vanished3306]

@@JaninaElyse Thank you for posting the review!👍🏻

[@hippichic787]

I got a 2 person pop up that works like an umbrella! I put my queen blow up bed in it, my small dog cage, a pail for you know what 😷💩lol. And a small cooler. 125.00 Walmart. AWESOME! It’s up within 5 minutes. ❤️. Your great Bob, keep up the good works. Oh and you can spray it with a weather, rain, etc.

[@joyoverley5259]

Hey Bob, Amazon has the Genji tent for $86.46. This is black Friday. Bob, Thank you I am about to be divorced with a less than $800 dollar social security check so it may be me and my wonderful 2003 Toyota Camry.

[@David-rx2to]

Good video Bob...loved the comedy of your tent vs Robert's. Lightweight and compact unfortunately doesn't come cheap. If you plan to park somewhere and take a day or three hike from the van, there are tents much smaller and lighter for hiking. Those two tents are okay if the van is humping them around, but I'd hate to have them on my back on a two or three day 30 mile hike. I'll trade ease of setup for a few pounds any day.

[@jimcameron9848]

I thought your reference to security was particularly useful. I camped for an entire summer but would sleep in the bed of my truck under the Leer cab in an area that had a healthy and curious bear population. It also had terrible high winds that would drop old growth branches so the tent was the miner's canary for me and fortunately I had nothing but memorable experiences. Good advice!

[@johnmeadows5645]

this reminds me of one of those old time tv commercials comparing brand A to brand X.

[@Pistolmike59]

Bob, we travel in an RV with 2 greyhounds and find that a 10x10 screen tent is valuable to have as a retreat for us and the greys. It came with rainflys for 3 walls and I'm planning to purchase a fourth one which will make it a 4 walled tent. Walmart sells the rain fly walls separately for those interested. It's nice to have when there are lots of bugs around also.

[@Lismarie33]

I travel in my SUV and sleep in it and carry a tent and two chairs. I am a solo female traveler. I always set my tent up and I put two chairs out so it makes it look like there’s more than one person.

[@MoonGypsy]

Great information, Thank You ! I just got my van and getting ready to hit the road,so that was something I didn't even think about needing.

[@chrisallenarnett6838]

I have 2 huge 2 room popup tents. Takes under a minute to set em up.

[@kebers]

I’ve recently found your channel and am really enjoying and appreciating all of your advice. Thank you. Your tent set up “competition” was hilarious 🤣

[@davidg.johnson7208]

I have a cat who wouldn't do well staying in a tent if my camper van was being repaired. I would probably stay in a motel that accepts pets.

[@michaelchiesa6142]

I remember once meeting an older woman, a retired clinical psychologist cruising about in a motorhome here in Queensland, Australia... We had some great conversations and laughs about life and the various "creatures" you encounter on the road... One useful tip for any women travelling alone out there, is to leave a pair of very large, cheap and nasty, used male boots outside her bus... Very effective at discouraging unwanted late night visitors... Great videos Bob, plenty of useful tips, especially for newcomers to van life etc...

[@SweetFLGuy1]

Male boot size 16 to 22 for giants should scare away late night visitors lol

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

GREAT IDEA!! Thanks 😊 🌹Traveling prayers for y'all 🙏. 🌹Frances from Florida

[@brandonphillips106]

my dad has a small one person tent that also can be used as a hammock tent as well.

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

That sounds interesting. Is that for a hanging hammock or one that is on a stand?

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Great Tent although I'd want a bigger one, or roof mounted .... with slide-out .....

[@idaberrones3809]

What months are you there?I would love to go see it,been curious for a long time

[@annettefournier9655]

I did so much tent camping growing up and into my early 20s that now unless forced to I'll never sleep in one again willingly. But for storage and daytime use good idea.

[@desiree8687]

Aesthetically, the yellow and white tent is prettier, but I don't think that was a factor for either of you guys. :-)

[@PatsTreasuresNCrafts]

Desiree Ferguson I thought the same thing! ☺

[@BrittMFH]

Desiree Ferguson LOL, same! 🌻

[@xyz12383941]

Yep--aesthetics are important. Saw a tent that was burgundy and screaming yellow--wouldn't be able to stand it...

[@TippyPuddles]

Like the burgundy one better and the height is a plus.

[@RobertWitham]

That is funny! I really never considered the aesthetics. LOL I do like the vestibule on both sides, but it is a bit of a pain to get into since it is really low.

[@ExpeditionNomadicAdventures]

The Coleman 4, 6, & 8-person Instant tents are great also, using a cot with a small table, camp chair and five-gallon bucket with swimming noodles as a seat cushion for a toilet can become home for many nights months and years .

[@amycastor2872]

I think I'd want a tent I could stand in.

[@donnajordan3241]

Thata why I got the clam. Love it

[@technojunkie213]

Thank you!!! Please do more videos on car and tent camping/living. I am planning on going this route most likely.

[@vanoramarv4193]

This topic caught me off guard. Glad I watched.

[@markusuebel2624]

a decoy tent !!! have a tent for a while, also in my van, but never thought of this. hahaha

[@Nicnackity]

What about rain, instead of being stuck in car.?

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

I really enjoyed this video Bob. Bless him, Robert is supposed to be taking it easy! I live in my small van, and sometimes a night camping is just a nice break. I have just given away a 'pop up' tent, which is based on a hoop design. Erects in seconds, takes 2 hours to get back in the bag... but as you say, a tent is good to have as a back-up. :)

[@swoodyut]

I also vouch for using a tent as a decoy as a single woman while actually sleeping in the car! I also set out two camp chairs and a big pair of men's boots.

[@CheapRVliving]

Other women I've spoken to also use the boot decoy.

[@Zorazora1234]

Good idea... will go to Goodwill and look for some male worn out boots

[@motokev2727]

Usually those pop ups are a challenge to fold up

[@marierouse5886]

Pardon me but I thought Robert was comical struggling with his tent.

[@marccookson5409]

Really good tips. Never thought of needing a tent. Thanks

[@HomeFreeinmySUV]

Whoa...backpacking not for young people? I'm a lady in my 60s...still backpacking... Let's get off this mature people do this, young people do that...okay??

[@veronicafitzrandolph2213]

In your 60s? HAH! 60 is late middle age. Just you wait. You'll find out.

[@cynthiaspradlin6014]

What about just getting a motel?

[@johnb365]

much rather have the Ozark tent. cant believe the pop up tent stood up to 50 mph winds. Too many potential pole failure places. You would obviously peg it down, and use guys so not that much quicker to set up, also.. the Ozark will be warmer on cold nights. Ps.. you could of shown us round the Ozark tent, a superior tent in my opinion by the looks of it. The pop up tent also looks heavier and more bulky. peace

[@RobertWitham]

I have never tested the Ozark Trail tent in heavy rain or strong winds, but it does have nice airflow on a warm evening. The rain fly is the most time consuming part of setting up that tent. The main tent is freestanding, but the rain fly requires stakes and guy lines.

[@jasonsimmons7869]

Look. I love your videos. I'm not mocking you whatsoever. But I have to say this. When I was watching this video and you brought out that tent while that other fellow was struggling to put up his, all I heard I'm my head when you turned to ask him how it was going, was you yelling at him, "How's that cheap tent coming along fucker?" Again, sorry. Lmao

[@IMSiegfried]

Thanks for taking the time to set up the tents! I had one that I loved in part for it's easy & fast setup. Sadly it died after many years of leak proof use. But now that I'm spoiled I only want one like it. Bob, you're a never ending wealth of very good information and I *am* going to pay you back for this info before (and if) I'm able to get on the road via Patreon. For now I have to use your affiliate links until I have some $$$ to spend on this part of my life. Hope all is as well as can be expected.

[@jenniferp347]

Thanks for covering this topic! I just recently joined the forum and am working toward tent camping and car road tripping for the summer. I bought a 9x7X5 tent from a yard sale for $35 and like that I will be able to stand up in it.

[@luckyprepper8221]

Thanks for encouraging folks to pack a tent, Bob! I presently pack 2 tents in Bart, my driveway tow purposed Jeep Cherokee; a Eureka Suite V4 and a Eureka TCOP single military. I lived in a North Face Foundation 6 for a summer month outside of Olympia, WA and loved it. The Eureka Timberline's are great and I've had a few of them. Can you tell I like Eureka? Here's a 2010 chart of Eureka tents with much info.: www.austinkayak.com/assets/pdf/Eureka_%202010_Tent_Specs.pdf BTW, standing headroom is really nice to have in a tent when one's vehicle has seated room only! :D

[@donnahiatt945]

WOW! So many great tips for living on the road. And the comments are insightful. Thanks for sharing from your experiences :).

[@daretodream...898]

Hi Bob ... I am enjoying your videos very much. You are really good at the in-depth interviews and ask your subjects great questions. There are massive layoffs in the works where I am currently employed. You have given me great hope ... I plan to try full-time RV living soon. Hope to meet you some day in person. Meanwhile, keep up the great work and Happy Trails from Texas.

[@tallmanaffiliatemarketing9994]

06:12 Comparing tents. Starting with Ozark 4-person tent. 07:32 Genji Sports Tent (Highly recommended by Bob Wells)

[@UnderdogFL]

I recently bought a Kamp-Rite tent cot. Worth a look.

[@helenbritcher9353]

Never thought about carrying a tent. Six very good reasons! Thank you

[@kathrynkenyon785]

Thanks Bob! After buying and using the Swing Away Tow Hitch cargo carrier on my trip to Yellowstone, and loving it, I trust your opinion about products we would use in our every day lives as roadies. :-).

[@diggin-usa3863]

the material seems to thin and cheap to me.havent looked up specs yet - but i prefer a tent that you can stand up in and has windows you can open when you want a breeze running through.

[@johnwang9914]

Cheap RV living always brings to mind the joke of be careful of the car you buy because you may have to live in it for awhile and this makes me think that an EV or plug-in hybrid could be useful as when it's plugged into a level 2 EVSE (charging station) where it typically takes overnight to charge, the heating or air conditioner can just run of the power from the charging station. Many level 2 charging stations at hotels, motels, paid parking lots, employee parkades etc. are actually free and charging overnight might even be expected. About 70% of public EVSE's are "free" level 2 EVSE's. If you're being forced into living in your car, the best car for you may be a second hand Nissan Leaf or Toyota plug in Prius and the Leaf may be the least expensive to get due to the CHAdeMO socket as well as the passive battery pack air cooling.

[@grandpagrandmajustkeepgoin4560]

I was just mentioning this to my hubby the other day....it just makes sense

[@mikkikas6821]

I have an 8x10 cabin pop up. My legs won't take stooping into a low one. Getting up and out would be impossible. Mine only takes 10 to 15 min to rise up. Plenty of room, good height 7 ft in center and housed me, my shepherd and a 50"x 24"x24" cage with 2 ferrets, along with my cot, a folding table and 2 suitcases. I also have an 11'x11' pop up screen house that is up in 10min or less, working alone.

[@manp1039]

where is this filmed? I am considering trying the URPRO instant pop-up tent. that one folds flat and has silver reflecting to block UV.. according to the description on Amazon.. and it only cost $38. It also has the screen zip and privacy and windshield zip door.

[@davidleigh443]

it is 2021 now and that Genji tent is listed at $79.99 with a 20% coupon. That makes it about $64! Of course, it is unavailable. A lot online tents seems to be unavailable these days. Is it demand or Covid -related global production and transportation issues?

[@wsheldon75]

I can testify that that particular tent isn't the best choice for bathroom lol (The 2 person ozark) I preferred the 4 person Coleman it has a bit more head clearance to balance on a bucket lol The small Ozarks are good for winds So is the 10 person Ozark 3bd side domes... did pretty good in wind, but buy extra zipper kits The pop up Ozark almost killed me I woke up on a windy night and thought we were going to die lol. The hippo hurricane on superstition mountain 2016 ... we stepped outside of the tent and it was windy, but we weren't in Florida anymore 😊 I'll have to look at that little pop up I really love having a full screen and being able to take off the fly during the day to just lay in there and read etc... But the one you showed has a very durable vibe. I'll take a closer look ♡

[@EspenFrafalne]

Good video - but having a tent that big and (probably) heavy is very restricting in how far you can go if you want to hike around in an area. For people who can afford it, i *highly* recommend the Zpacks tents (i got the "Duplex" myself)..! For people on a budget, the "Lunar Solo" from Six Moons Designs will give you a very lightweight tent, with pretty good space inside for a 1 person tent. These are NOT "freestanding" tents, so other tents are a bit easier to set up, but at least i find my Duplex to be pretty quick and easy to set up. Another issue is that you may have to hike around a bit to find a big enough open area that have deep enough soil to stake down the tent... Still, if you enjoy hiking around, then i believe these are the best tents you can get for their price.

[@sunitadwarka347]

Respected sir, I offer my gratitude to you and your teams members for offering nice service to people. I have some suggestions for tent. We need to make our tent to resist 100 to 120 Km per hours wind. For your friend. As you pass the stick, you must make spaces for passing rope from four sides. For you . Your tent is good. You take ropes and pass it around the stand. Step two. Take stone or heavy wood or steel. You can either roll it and make knot or you put the stone on knots of ropes. This will make your tent very comfortable. You can use plywood with coupling for flooring, paint it with flex seal. Namh shivay.

[@ShannaTrenholm]

The other security reason for a tent (esp. as a solo female traveler) is not just as a decoy, but because it appears that your camping party is larger than just one. As always, Bob--great info! And hi, Robert! :)

[@RobertWitham]

Hi Shanna! Thanks for watching.

[@bcgrittner8076]

Generally, I sleep in the tent with my car as a backup. I bought a tent at the Goodwill store for very little money. I got rained on one time. The gear inside stayed dry. When I held that tent up to the Sun I could see sunlight through all the folds in the fabric. Then I bought a new 5x7 tent. I found out that the floor measured 5x7, but the walls tapered inward as I went up. It worked, but it was tight. Recently I bought a 10x9 tent. Testing and first actual use are pending, but it should give me plenty of room (solo).

[@georgeburke7215]

The Ozark Trail 8 x 7 ft tent is a great tent and they only take 30 seconds to set up. You can get them at Walmart for 45 dollars. I looked on amazon and the same tent is 65 dollars. You can get a 12 x 14 tarp at Harbor Freight for 5 dollars .It will make a good fain fly and also a vestibule to keep gear under. The tent is an A frame tent and it says it sleeps 4 but only those 4 people sleep on the floor in sleeping bags.