Intrepid Camp Gear has developed one of the most unique roof top tents for solo adventurers

A good night’s sleep makes all the difference in the world, especially when traveling in the backcountry. I go to great lengths to try and be as comfortable as possible when away from the coziness of home. Moreover, the benefits of sleep are critical to overall health, especially during outdoor pursuits.

To be honest, I’ve always been a bit skeptical of the roof top tent craze and never really understood the cost-benefit of hanging out and sleeping on top of your rig. I always thought with the evolution of modern ground tents it’s just as quick to set up a comfortable night’s sleep out on the ground versus having to climb up and down a ladder or forfeit all the precious rack space on top the rig. I’ve also thought, “Why be constrained to a little tent fitting into a small box on top of your vehicle and not having all the conveniences of other tents that are freestanding on the ground”? To put all these perceptions to the test, I recently spent time in the Colorado backcountry with the Geo Solo from Intrepid Camp Gear, a company based in Boulder. What I experienced may have me sold on the value of an RTT.

First things first. I’m a calculated perfectionist in how I utilize the space I have inside and on the outside of my vehicle when on a vehicle-based adventure. I try to be efficient with my gear selections while also ensuring maximum comfort. On this trip, I was focused on mountain biking all weekend as it was one of the last mild weekends before winter sets in along the Colorado Front Range. As such, I had several bikes to bring along on top of my rig in addition to all my typical adventure gear. This is one of the first areas the Geo SOLO really impressed. The shell has a streamlined and durable design, only taking up about 33.4” in width, 88.5” in length and only 7” in height on the rack. Because it’s a solo RTT, its design easily allows for a variety of other gear to still be placed next to it on your roof rack.

In addition to the sleek size, the bottom rails supporting the shell on the rack are offset to allow the tent to hang over the side of the vehicle slightly, allowing it to be shifted as needed to allow for more room on the rack. Also, in terms of space utilization, one of the greatest features of the tent is there are optional load bars pre-mounted on top of the tent shell, allowing for items to be loaded on top of the shell, virtually eliminating the loss of any roof rack surface area. I was able to install a Yakima front loader bike rack with regular universal mounting clamps onto the box without forfeiting precious cargo space. I likely could have installed another rack onto the tent if needed.

Installation of the Geo SOLO is simple as the tent clamps down within minutes with the help of a partner. The overall unit weighs approximately 120lbs., not light but certainly manageable with two people if they can lift over their heads. The actual shell locks securely with two clamps, one on either side with an integrated lock and key system. The only downside is that if you install the tent to one side of the vehicle, you must climb up and reach across the tent to unlock the other side. Certainly not impossible, but it takes some effort especially if it’s overhanging from your vehicle slightly. Regarding durability, the shell is impressively fabricated with strong and durable honeycomb aluminum and stainless-steel capable of withstanding all the elements and dangers of being out on the trail.

So how easy is it to use Intrepid’s Geo SOLO? Well, it’s as easy as unlatching the locked clamps and giving a little push to the top of the shell. It literally unfolds before your eyes. The shell opens with a series of stainless-steel struts that open automatically like the rear hatch of your vehicle while the tent body unfolds into shape. It is amazing to see and set up in seconds. Then you simply attach the included collapsible ladder to the side of the tent facing the outside of your vehicle, then climb in. Once the tent is erected, there’s just one pole you must click into place to extend the back panel of the tent which is achieved by simply pushing out the tent panel and pushing the pole to click into an existing frame that is integrated with the tent body.

Once setup, the real test is sleep quality. The Geo SOLO has a deceptive amount of interior space to keep all your bedding in the shell while in transit. I found the 2.5” mattress’ soft and supportive surface to be comfortable, particularly given temps got down into the high 20’s and low 30’s. The mattress includes a thick insulating dense foam on the bottom with a supportive yet soft upper padding that keeps you warm throughout the night. However, if you have a mattress you like in your ground tent you can always add it or replace it to the Geo SOLO.

At 6’ tall and about 170lbs., I had plenty of room to stretch out with several inches to spare. In terms of the almost 3’ in width, it’s feasible to add another person though it’s a tight fit. However, for solo travelers, Intrepid has developed an efficient tent with more than ample space and comfort.

Additionally, the interior features several thoughtfully integrated accoutrements I found quite useful. First, there are two panels at the top of the tent that can be opened to allow fresh air in and reduce any condensation through a screen mesh. Skylights with clear panels allow for stargazing in addition to several large window panels with mesh screens on all sides to maximize comfort whether you want to allow in some fresh air or zip everything up nice and tight for warmth. Again, it was below freezing and due to the thickness and durability of the tent fabric and panels, I stayed completely warm just by my lonesome in the Geo SOLO.

The tent body is made of 300d Nylon Ripstop and is designed to be replaceable if ever needed by simply zipping away from the aluminum shell. A variety of gear nets, pockets, and storage compartments provide the ambience of a well-designed airplane galley that you could fit loads of gear and gadgets you might need. I was able to stow my jackets, shoes, headlamp, a small solar lantern, and several small tools and gadgets discreetly out of the way without impeding my sleeping area. The walls of the tent themselves are also sturdy, secure, and surprisingly soundproof to drown out any noises outside that might hinder your sleep. The weekend I camped had one day of high winds and the tent seemed sturdy and resilient and didn’t flap or make a lot of noise during high wind gusts like some tent fabrics do.

A few areas for improvement would be to allow a small flap on either side panel that could simply be let down to see outside without having to unzip the full panel, similar to how the skylights at the top of the tent work. There is a nice large clear plastic window on the rear of the tent, but the sides only have mesh with the solid panel that must be unzipped to look outside. Especially in the winter, you don’t want to have to unzip to let cold air in. Overall, the interior is amazingly well-designed and provides a roomy and functional place to spend the night or hang out during bad weather on your adventure. To close the tent after use, simply attach a couple of elastic straps inside the tent body that pulls the walls together, pull on the attached nylon rope from the rear and voila…the entire top of the shell and tent lowers into the bottom shell in seconds.

If you’re a solo adventurer seeking an efficient RTT for your rig, Intrepid Gear’s Geo SOLO is an excellent choice. Tents should be available Spring of 2024 and includes the lightweight aluminum collapsible ladder, the mattress and condensation mat, six sets of mounting brackets, two ladder mounts, and four keys for the lockable latches.

Likes:
• Space efficient RTT that provides excellent comfort and functionality while not taking up precious cargo/gear space.
• Easy installation, setup, and use.
• Ample interior gear storage
• Can still carry gear on top of the tent with optional load bars
• Rugged and durable materials

Dislikes:
• Depending on your size, it may be a bit snug for larger adults
• Latches on both sides of the shell can be tricky to unlatch for deployment and stowage
• At $3,395 it’s not for the faint of heart

Learn more by visiting Intrepid’s site at www.intrepidcampgear.com.

OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure