Seems like it might be nice for a picnic outing type of thing in fair weather. If you get one please let us know how you like it!

 

I could see height issues with the outback tailgate. I'd question how water and bug tight it would be too. Honestly, I don't see any advantage over a stand alone tent.

 

I could see height issues with the outback tailgate. I'd question how water and bug tight it would be too. Honestly, I don't see any advantage to a stand alone tent.

I feel that way about all the car rooftop tents. There are so many great camping tents out there to choose from for a fraction of the weight/price of a dedicated rooftop and with the flexibility to be used away from your car.

 

This would be great for an addition to my glamping set up for trips to Bonnaroo or the like, also might be nice for a surf camping trip, but again as an addition to my kit.

 

What are your thoughts?

I would not want my car to be attached to the tent. I prefer the option to place the tent independently. So the tent can store gear, while I retain the option to drive the car, to go on trail rides, or to get more groceries, or whatever.

I also have zero interest in feeding tent poles through sleeves.. so no Carsule interest

A tent that interests me is the Gazelle...

It is a Pop Up, and does not require threading poles through sleeves to set up.

 

I would not want my car to be attached to the tent. I prefer the option to place the tent independently. So the tent can store gear, while I retain the option to drive the car, to go on trail rides, or to get more groceries, or whatever.

I also have zero interest in feeding tent poles through sleeves.. so no Carsule interest

A tent that interests me is the Gazelle...

It is a Pop Up, and does not require threading poles through sleeves to set up.

The T3 is a great tent for car camping! I may end up trading up to the T4 eventually, but I've never liked a tent more than this one.

I should note it's not the warmest tent, I'd hesitate to use it in full-on Winter conditions due to the open roof.

 

For $380? No, thank you... Please send a courtesy "bump" when they have a clearance or 50% off promo...

 

When your laying in a puddle and the tent is full of mosquitos at 3 am, 50% off is irrelevant . Been there-Done that. 😂

 

$239 for a Gazelle T3... much better imo

 

I've got a Nemo wagontop tent and I highly recommend it for the super quick setup (no feeding poles through loops) and waterproofing. It doesn't need a fly.

 

I know roof top camper setups are really popular and everyone's looking forward to the Wilderness edition for the extra support, but I was on touch of modern and stumbled on this:

This is REALLY fascinating. Has anyone seen this? What are your thoughts? (No, I'm not affiliated with the company or touch of modern, lol)

The Hatchback Annex Tent

This is the tent that attaches to your vehicle’s hatchback—combining the fun of camping with the modern comforts of today. Compatible with any SUV, minivan, crossover, Jeep, wagon, or pickup truck (with cap), its adjustable sleeve secures/removes with straps, enabling the back of your automobile...

www.hammacher.com

 

agree heavy snow is probably a challenge, structurally
otoh
This vid shows a T3 in light snow (the snow closes the vents?lol)

 

I had something similar to his years ago for my Gen2. It worked surprising well. It was just tent material, nothing special. I like having the additional space of the car 'inside' the tent. I think the price is too high but I can see the appeal of this.

 

I see no redeeming qualities of that 'Carsule.'

Lets see, a spiral popup design that still requires poles? Fail. A popup tent that still requires poles that effectively takes your vehicle hostage at a camp site? Fail. I've spent countless nights in ultralight $$ backpacking tents days from the trailhead, and countless others in a good old fashion Coleman tent for car camping. I do not understand the draw to in-vehicle or atop vehicle arrangements.

If you want the roominess of the 'Carsule' but faster deployment speed, better weather resistance and less cost, the Gazelle T3/T4 is an answer for $280. The thing is a beast in transit though. It fits from the passenger front seat to the hatch, or propped, nose down behind the front armrest up towards the ceiling. I now fit mine in a Yakima Skybox 12. My wife and I unroll a couple Thermarest MondoKing mattress in the Gazelle, half hour later they're nearly fully self inflated. Couple stuff sack squeezes later, they're better than any 2" foam you'll find in most roof top tents. Speed, convenience, weather readiness, comfort and cost.. I don't see the Carsule hitting many, if any marks from my vantage point.

 

I know roof top camper setups are really popular and everyone's looking forward to the Wilderness edition for the extra support, but I was on touch of modern and stumbled on this:

This is REALLY fascinating. Has anyone seen this? What are your thoughts? (No, I'm not affiliated with the company or touch of modern, lol)

I have one. I use it mostly for nosework trials with my dogs so that they are confined and still able to move around. The only thing to consider though is that the Outback's battery drains when the trunk is open unless you "trick" it with a carabiner.

 

I have a carsule and it works about as well as a regular tent. Set up is a learning experience needing to watch youtube for set up and takedown. The strap that ties on to the tailgate does not work. I had to modify with some parachute cord and tie from the outside over the the tailgate. Does not stand up to any wind over 18 MPH unless you open windows and allow the wind to blow through. It did fairly well then with some gust about 30 MPH or better with the windows open, making sure you have tie-downs. Would not be able to set up or tear down in any wind over 8 MPH. Not sure about it being waterproof. I plan to spray it with a waterproofing spray. The flapping in the wind I believe took off some integrity of the fabric as now you can see pinholes in the silver lining, not the fabric itself. The room is smaller than the pictures look in the ads. 2 of us were able to sit at a small table. However, you had to move something to get out of the tent. The picture shows it standing in a 30 MPH wind.