Revolutionary Roof Top Tent - Review of Intrepid Geo 2.5

[@Venture2Roam]

Save 10% on this tent with code V2ROAM10: geni.us/IntrepidGeo

[@PursuingTheBest]

Do you still like this tent vs Roofnest Falcon Pro and Free Spirit Aspen V2 XL? They just came out with updates to the 2.5 and now 3.0 which is a littler wider. I’m 6’4 and my wife is 5’8 We will use the link if we buy. We are going to see one here in Cincinnati tomorrow. Thanks for the great videos!

[@PrestonGladd]

Here’s the problem, $5000 for a rooftop tent, for another $2000 you can get a hiker trailer modestly equipped. I just think that they’ve (the industry) lost their minds on these prices. Same thing with Ikamper. We’re getting in the small overland trailer travel trailer price territory. Regardless of how good the quality is $5000 is just too much for almost anybody to afford unless you’re in the elite Overlander class who has buckets of spare cash laying around. And I say this owning a 392 wrangler, a brand new Wagoneer that cost $100,000, and a ram 3500 that cost $100,000. I don’t skimp on prices and I can afford nice things. I just think that this is way too expensive for what it is. But obviously you love it and you were willing to pay that price so I suppose there is a market for it.

[@Venture2Roam]

It's $3,295 and you can get 10% with the V2ROAM10 code. I'd still consider it expensive though...and I agree that prices on RTTs have gotten out of hand in general - no question there. In the last 6 months I've seen prices start adjusting downward with pressure from new companies entering the market at lower prices..but they are still high. There are market and supply chain factors that I'm sure come into play...and we want tent companies to be profitable so they keep making the gear we want...BUT my hope overall is that the middle range of prices continues to come down so folks aren't making the buying decision you just described. BTW you have a rad fleet of cars!

[@PrestonGladd]

@@Venture2Roam Fair enough, although it needs to be pointed out that’s for the old 2023 model that is only being sold until they are out of stock, if you get the 2024 model, add a few accessories and tax, you’re at $5,000. Or if your like me and would need the bigger Geo 3, it starts are $5,000.

[@PrestonGladd]

@@Venture2Roam Also I want to point out I don’t think it’s this company trying to rake people over the coals, it’s industry standard pricing, and its the same thing with vehicles right now, prices are just crazy.

[@Venture2Roam]

@@PrestonGladd Great points!

[@Venture2Roam]

@@PrestonGladd I agree. Money is expensive to borrow, inventories have been reduced, sales are down, consumer confidence is low-ish...hoping that will cause some price adjustments all the way through the supply chain.

[@intrepidcampgear]

Killer review! Thanks being a supporter and always giving us an honest review and quality feedback. Keep up the amazing work my friend!

[@Venture2Roam]

Love this tent. Can't wait to see what Intrepid does in the future!

[@cdnjeepoverland]

Looking forward to seeing one first-hand at Expo West in a week or two …. if things go well I’ll proceed with Will’s code 🤞

[@intrepidcampgear]

@@cdnjeepoverland We'll see you there!

[@OGRetroRebirth]

I bought this tent based on your early look from last year, Will, I also love it. Mine seems to get constant moisture in it... I wonder if mine has an issue since you went full tilt with the pressure washer. Mine sits flat in the rain, and it pools in the base. I also agree with you on the raised edges. Mine collects so much pollen from the PNW trees. It's pretty gross.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Dude with ski poles rollerblading by...amazing. I hopped in Ozark Overland Adventures' Intrepid at MOORE Expo and it's really big in there. Super impressive tent! Great vid buddy.

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol...I think that dude thought I was nuts.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

@@Venture2Roam You both gave each other a look, haha.

[@tengyang1895]

Awesome review and video. I started with the Smitty XL too… and I feel the same on the pack away struggle of the Smitty. Intrepid geo 2.5 is now definitely something I would consider.

[@Venture2Roam]

It's currently my favorite tent. I have a bunch more tent reviews coming up..each one will have a different value proposition (light weight, sturdy, inexpensive, etc.).

[@coffee-dogg]

Will, another great review. I am only 5'6" so the extra room is lost on me, but I do like the space inside and the ladder looks like a killer upgrade. I just picked up a used Roofnest Falcon 2 for a price so cheap I cannot say on the comments. Based on some of the other videos you have done, I felt it was a good decision. Now I need to get out an use the dang thing.

[@Venture2Roam]

Using these tents, no matter which one you have, will distill them down to the things you find important and the features that matter the most to you. I can't complain about my Roofnest, although I did sell it and I'm keeping my Intrepid...so I guess that shows my preference lol...but the most important thing is that you're out there!!! Hope you have an awesome camping season in your new tent!

[@ryanasdell8493]

Idaho native here! Really enjoyed the informative and honest review, just discovered the overlanding scene and you have definitely inspired me! Keep up the content! Also, congratulations and best of luck to this new “job” venture. You seem to really enjoy this, and that’s what anyone wants to do for work right? 😁 can’t wait for more BDR movies!!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you so much. Welcome to Overlanding!!!! More BDRS coming soon. We have a lot fun stuff planned this year including at least one BDR (but multiple longer trips).

[@mariojr6843]

Excellent review. I've been rooting this tent, so now it made my decision

[@Venture2Roam]

Right on. It’s a great tent.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Will, I found the video to be very informative. Thank you so much for sharing. 😊

[@Venture2Roam]

So glad to hear it was helpful!

[@toyotatrailtrash]

Awesome review Will! I’ve been looking at this design of tent and I like it but I’m going to have to stick to my ole trusty TopOak wedge style. Thanks for the videos! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Venture2Roam]

Topoak makes a good tent at a good price point. I can't argue with that choice. This one is just my favorite so I had to make a vid about it!

[@RamCruiserOverland]

Your earlier in-depth review definitely influenced me to buy this tent last month. It’s my second RTT. My first being a Smittybilt Overlander XL. That tent was great when setup, but was bulky, a pain to tear-down, and had some quality issues. I’ve only been on one trip with the Intrepid so far, but I’m very happy with it. We actually had a strong wind storm overnight and I can confirm it performs great in adverse conditions. We’ve had lots of rain and storms down here in Texas, and I’ve been checking it for leaks. Totally fine. My only real criticism is that the included mounting bolts could be better. They’re too long and skinny, and half of them starting bending and stripping while running the nut up the threads. Apart from that I’m impressed and looking forward to more adventures with it. Keep up the good work!

[@Venture2Roam]

I so agree with your assessment of the bolts. I looked back on my notes, and I was going to mention that but forgot as I was rushing to finish filming before the storm fully hit. I much prefer shorter mounting bolts. So glad to hear you’re liking the tent! I too started with a smittybilt…good starter tent, but this one is a very nice upgrade I think!

[@flyfisher530]

Very nice review Will, this tent has some awesome features. I love that roof hinge/pop out style to give you more space inside! Looks like they figured out some nice ideas for the ladder, shoe bag and other accessories also. Great option if you are looking for a roof top tent! 🙌

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks Mike! I’m sure they will keep improving things over time too.

[@catchusoutside4884]

Great review! Thanks Will

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks!

[@DocWrangler]

nice work, looks like a great tent!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks Ian..it's definitely my favorite tent so far.

[@insaynbcr]

My suggestions that might help with your latch design issues. Move one of the locking latches to the rear center so you can lock the tent as necessary. It shouldn't get in the way of anything back there. Install a different more low profile set of latches in the original locations that do not require keys and won't interfere with a mounted side awning. Additionally, to somewhat combat the ice dam on the back.....maybe install some lightweight rigid solar panels that sit above the tent an inch for air flow, but fully cover the area that gets the ice dams so snow can't accumulate and get trapped when it melts and freezes. With the solar panels, it can melt and run off.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great suggestions!

[@anneli1735]

Learning on the water when sleeping on a boat while anchoring ⚓️ in a bay your “nose” will always turn into the wind keeping you pretty quiet contrary to staying in a harbor in a fixed position. This experiences made me position my truck always front into the wind direction (where the wind is coming from). This would grant you a much better sleep in a hardshell RTT opening like yours 😉 The main wind direction should always hit the closed side of a hard shell and not the soft fabric wearing a lot! 🤷‍♀️

[@Venture2Roam]

Great advice…thanks for sharing!!

[@TheGreekbull]

Nice graphics on the Gladiator...reminds me of Eddie Van Halen's Frakenstrat Guitar!

[@Venture2Roam]

That’s exactly the inspiration we used on the design!!

[@nwstoic8117]

I’m super interested in the Geo Solo version for my Outback Wilderness

[@Venture2Roam]

Dude, me too. I want to try one out on some of my solo trips this year.

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

Definitely some amazing new designs coming into the market. We had stated out with a CVT RTT and really enjoied it. I'm curious 😮to know why a rooftop tent over a wedge truck camper? Price and weight come in about the same as some on the market. Actuality you're 30 lbs heaver then say a GFC. On a different note the New Graphics are SICK! Great video you did on explaining the concept behind it. Totally stands out. I'm sure everytime you see it you just 🙂 🛻+⛺️=🙂! Mark (& Teresa) Hampstead Maryland • Purpose Built Adventure Rig © • Ford Ranger FX4 - GFC Camper V2 # 1919 • Kia Soulverlander • Nissan Xterra Off-Road •

[@Venture2Roam]

Great question. It's because I still use my truck as a truck. I take the RTT off when I get home and use it to haul stuff around..so I'm not ready to lose the utility of the truck just yet...and so far, I'm very happy in RTTs. I see everyone else getting the cab overs, and they look great, but so far I haven't really been tempted to get one...that may change, but I like trying out a bunch of different tents for different use cases right now.

[@crossdissolve7649]

I would prefer a RTT that doesn't have exposed gas struts.

[@Venture2Roam]

Ya, I get that. So far the only tent I've used with internal struts was an iKamper style fold out. All of the wedge/clamshell style tents I've used so far have external struts. I've wondered why I don't see more with them internally mounted..I'm sure there's a reason for it, but I don't know what it is.

[@intrepidcampgear]

We would agree that interior gas struts look cleaner and more sleek than outside the tent! However, we have found that customers are far more likely to damage, bend, and blow seals on struts inside of the tent due to leaning on them or using them as support points. We personally have not had an experience of someone damaging an exterior strut by hitting something. We are always looking for ways to make tents more sleek in design, so this is definitely something we are considering!

[@Venture2Roam]

Just paint them orange with "DO NOT TOUCH" in big bold letters :) I'm sure that would work....

[@intrepidcampgear]

@@Venture2Roam Smart man!

[@jguil4d]

If they’re a relatively common stamped metal key, why not: (1) attach one key to the truck key, because you’ll never ever be somewhere with the tent but without the truck, and (2) get spares made proactively. We did this with our bike rack keys. Because if we ever lose the car key, it won’t matter if we’ve lost the bike rack key: can’t go anywhere anyway.

[@insaynbcr]

I agree with spare keys. No excuse there. Or, see if there is an optional tumbler that just uses a push button, or twist to open but does not need to lock. I've never understood why locks are in place on a RTT. It isn't because there is $1000's worth of gear inside that someone is trying to get at.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great tips! I definitely have spares.

[@Venture2Roam]

I’ve had the same thoughts on locks. So when I’ve asked tent companies about this, one of the reasons for Locks is to make sure the tent doesn’t come open while driving. That makes some sense to me…but I want the option to choose 😂

[@insaynbcr]

@@Venture2Roam If you have any reasonable latch on the very back that has a solid way to close it and hold closed, then physics involved to lift the tent while driving would be next to nill. The wind over the top pushing down would be greater than the tail wind swirl pushing forward. So, unless you find yourself driving 60 mph in reverse a lot, I wouldn't sweat it.

[@Venture2Roam]

@@insaynbcr I agree, I don't sweat it at all..but that's one of the reasons they put locks on the latches.

[@FinsnFire]

Ill be honest, I only paid attention to the color scheme of the jeep 3:56 😂

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol…it’s pretty loud for sure!!

[@erich781]

Tent is awesome. Lots of headroom and is super comfortable. But for the price I felt like accessories should’ve been included.

[@Venture2Roam]

I agree with you on that and have given that feedback to them.

[@davidmerrell1163]

How hard is it for them to put a good mattress in these tents. they charge crazy money for them and that's what they are for! sleeping.

[@Venture2Roam]

Almost all RTT companies suffer the same thing. I agree with you in general...we need better RTT mattresses across the board!

[@Raver_S_Thompson]

Japanese futon size maybe…🤔 is there a term for a diesel heater bracket or do you just use a long hose? I swear I’ve seen a rack mount but I’ve never seen one to buy.

[@Venture2Roam]

I think there are some rack mounts...or maybe people have just done DYI mounts on their racks..not sure. I just use a long hose and it works fine. I camp in some pretty cold conditions and haven't had hose length stop my tent from being warm.

[@macairtuber]

How would you compare this tent to the FSR Odyssey as far as feeling of spaciousness? Similar, close but slight edge to Intrepid or night & day difference? Trying to decide if $1000 is worth going with intrepid. This will be my first rooftop tent so I have nothing to compare it to. It will be me (5'10"), wife (5'3) and dog (15lb).

[@Venture2Roam]

I don’t know about the Odyssey as I’ve never really seen one up close. I can tell you that the Intrepid has plenty of space for what you are describing.

[@marceld6061]

Just got back from a few days out in our FSR Odyssey. There was enough room for the wife and I. Mind you, I am only 5'7 and the wife is 5'0" There was still room at the head for my electronics and at my clothes at my feet. If we had our little dogs they would have slept between us. The uncomfortable part was climbing over each other using the side entry. Mind you, I got the 49 Odyssey and not the 55 (I didn't want the tent overhanging the sides of the Jeep. Plenty head room inside to sit up and kneel when dressing. If you can set up the ladder off the rear of the vehicle, it would be easier to get in and out. That'll depend on your vehicle? It's do-able for either tent. From what I can see from this (and other) videos is that there is PLENTY more vertical space in the Intrepid. Maybe even enough to stand up to dress? I am not sure I need the extra height but if I had the option when I bought the FSR (and the extra cash) I might have gone with the Intrepid? Like Will mentions- you should try each out if possible. One might suit your needs more than the other. There's an expression in sailing- don't worry about buying the perfect boat. Go with what you can afford and go now! (there is no *perfect* boat)

[@macairtuber]

@@marceld6061 Thanks for that feedback. Sounds like an Odyssey 55 would be roomy enough then. I'm gonna keep my eyes peeled for either a Geo or odyssey or aspen on the used market. I'm willing to pay a little bit more for the Intrepid but not $1000+. You mention access at the rear - are the odyssey side windows zippered all the way down and can be used as doors?

[@marceld6061]

@@macairtuber Yes, the side windows can be used as doors. I bought an extra set of ladder mounts so I can use the extra access if space is limited where I stop to camp. Flukemaster has a good review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6fbhaaNn82fmqc If you find any RTT used in good condition could be good. Check for odd smells or mould stains on the mattress (signs that it was put away wet and not aired out properly.

[@WolfOverland]

Any issues closing it up when you have a awning on one side? I saw a guy in our group struggle with getting it closed since they had an awning on one side.

[@Venture2Roam]

I haven’t run an awning set up with this tent, but I think you’d need to move the latch (very simple) to keep from fighting with an awning.

[@FISHONOVERLAND]

You need to have at least 2.5 inches is space (still tight) but works 😁

[@TylerOstergaard]

You know when someone has been working with something small for a while they appreciate getting something big 🤔

[@Venture2Roam]

I don’t understand this comment.

[@TylerOstergaard]

@@Venture2Roam trying to do a small dick joke but I missed the landing :(

[@Venture2Roam]

Oh hahaha...I see it now. lol.

[@OGRetroRebirth]

What ladder is that? Looks much nicer than the one they sent me.

[@Venture2Roam]

Ya, it’s their new ladder upgrade. Much nicer than the one that came with my tent too. Not sure if this the new standard or if you have to purchase it separately.

[@Jim-s6i3b]

Only two attachment points on roof rack can’t be safe for off-roading. Surely wouldn’t add any more weight.

[@Venture2Roam]

I’ve used them for an awning for 1,000+ miles through the Nevada BDR with zero issues. But I understand your concern. I think the weight rating is like 80lbs..and most 270 batwings are under 50lbs…but again, I get your concern…it’s one of the reasons I don’t mount a bunch to my tents…one less potential issue when off road.

[@rossipremier]

Exped or REI version of the mattress is way better, I can't sleep on pretty much any of these tents stock mattresses, bad sleep can ruin a trip. It's worth the time. Also a USB c chargeable pump that can inflate and deflate makes it super simple.

[@rossipremier]

Really cool tent and a great review...that price is rough tho for sure, and I bought a skycamp 2.0 as my first and current tent and that hurt lol. But at $4.3k I may be looking roofnest if I want a simpler tent than my ikamper. The 2023 model is significantly discounted on the website, but you give up the improvement to the seal...that wasn't needed anyway? Odd.

[@Venture2Roam]

Ya I don’t know about the seal improvement. Mine is just fine. Zero issues and I’ve had it in all conditions. So for me I don’t know why I’d need a better one.

[@Venture2Roam]

I liked the exped..much more comfortable for sure…but ours is the 6inch and a powered deflator isn’t enough to get it packable, so I had to fold it and lay on it, which is really annoying, so whenever Kate isn’t with me, I just use the intrepid mattress because it’s good enough (for me).

[@FISHONOVERLAND]

15:20 you can even put 27 lbs on it , struts wont lift it unless you do it yourself & brake you back 😂 also condensation is terrible , use it on the rain no leaks 😉 happy with it , just bad misleading advertising when it comes to the capacity you can put on top of it .. save $300 on the crossbars not worth it .

[@Venture2Roam]

Good to know on the rack capacity. I don't use racks on my tents, so I didn't ask for the crossbars or test them. I have noticed zero extra condensation in this tent vs others...basically any time I don't use a diesel heater the walls are wet, no matter which tent I use. Thanks for sharing!

[@intrepidcampgear]

If you reached out to us, we could look at sending you stronger struts. Things to keep in mind: (1.) Regardless of the strut strength, you will have to lift the lid initially because the force of the strut is pushing backward, not upward, until the tent is slightly lifted. (2.) if you replace with stronger struts, and there is no additional weight on the tent, it will be significantly more difficult to close

[@nomadicsloth1272]

Seems like an upgrade, why is it not standard? ​@@intrepidcampgear

[@Overland-460]

5k? 😂

[@Venture2Roam]

$3,295 and you save 10% with V2ROAM10, which brings it under $3k.

[@FISHONOVERLAND]

@venture2roam @intrepidcampgear I have own this for less than 4 months use it for maybe 7 trips & I already see a DISCOLORATION LINE caused by the sun on the Nylon Fabric. Will post a video & contact intrepid about it 🙃

[@Venture2Roam]

Definitely contact Intrepid. That sounds strange…hope they work with you on it!

[@FISHONOVERLAND]

@@Venture2Roam I hope so , tent looks horrible with the burn line across ..

[@BirdDogOffRoadAdventures]

Love this tent, but not the price. Hoping to see them at Overland Expo in Flagstaff in a couple weeks

[@Venture2Roam]

They will be there. V2ROAM10 saves you an extra $300+ that get’s it down under $3K…but it’s not a budget priced tent, that’s for sure.

[@Jaybird7474]

First to view! Never done that before. Big deal to me. Probably no one else. Hahaha

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol...right on dude. You win!!! 🙌

[@coreybeaty8528]

Who gets out of their tent in the middle of the night to pee. Just get a Nalgene to pee in like the rest of us old farts. 💨

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol...I'm not quite there yet...plus, that's a lot harder for the woman I share a tent with :)

[@h2beezy2]

did I just see a someone ski by on the pavement????

[@Venture2Roam]

Yes. Yes you did. 😂