Trans-Africa Expedition Libya by Dual Sport Roof Tent Comparison

Spring 2007 $10
i
Trans-Africa Expedition
Libya by Dual Sport
Roof Tent Comparison
Exploring Death Valley
Overland Journal Spring 2007
Tents That Will Leave You
High & Dry
By Chris Marzonie
49
Photo by Nathan Hindman
The idea of pitching
your tent on top
of your vehicle
might seem strange to
Americans, but in Africa,
where the concept was
popularized, it made
perfect sense. Waking
up with a hyena drooling
on your face is not a great
way to start the day.
Lately the roof tent has been catching on even in places where humans sit comfortably atop the
food chain. Consider: With one of the five tents we reviewed mounted to your roof rack, you don’t
need to look for smooth ground, scout for thorns or ant hills, clear stones, or lay out a ground sheet.
There’s no struggling to thread separate poles through a canopy flapping in the breeze. Stakes?
Who needs them? Your shelter is bolted to a two-ton ground anchor. None of these tents takes longer than five minutes to set up, and each incorporates a comfortable mattress. You are indisputably
off the ground, so if it rains and a small creek flows though your campsite at 3:00 a.m. you’ll be high
and dry. And while you might not camp in hyena country, there’s something to be said for being out
of reach of skunks and scorpions. Plus, there’s a more subtle effect we call the treehouse factor. You
get the same feeling in a roof tent you had as a kid after you built a platform in a tree or a fort high
in some rocks—a subtle air of invincibility.
Downsides? While most roof tents are spacious for sleeping and roomy enough for lounging in
inclement weather, they can’t match the walking-around space or standing headroom of a full-size
standard tent costing far less. They add considerable weight high on the vehicle, and significant
wind resistance as well. The first issue can be addressed with one of the add-on “dressing rooms”
available with some designs. The second is something you need to factor into handling and fuel
economy calculations, unless you utilize an alternative mounting arrangement, such as a trailer or a
rack just above the bed of a truck.
We were intrigued by the growing number of high-quality roof tents now available in the U.S.,
and set out to deploy, pack, scrutinize, measure, sleep in, and generally flog a selection of basicsized models for a comprehensive comparison. Contributing editor Mark Stephens assisted with
the evaluations.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
OverLand by AutoHome
In addition to getting our vote for best name in the review, the spacious OverLand will comfortably accommodate two adults, sleep
three in a pinch, and four in an emergency. Thus it’s a top contender if you’re a couple and have a dog or a child who camps with you. The
OverLand is a symmetrical design utilizing a square floor with a central ridgeline when deployed, and which folds in half when stowed. There
are two large screened openings on opposite sides parallel to the ridgeline, which can serve as either doors or windows. When the side with
the ladder is opened as a window, the wall flap converts to an awning. Triangular vent windows high on the remaining two sides provide
cross-flow ventilation. Since there is no separate rain fly, you’ll need to watch for condensation in cold weather. AutoHome does offer an
optional “winter cover” at additional cost.
The OverLand’s window/door openings span almost the full
length of the walls. This provides a fantastic view and ample circulation of fresh air in fair weather. However, if the door flap is in awning mode, the screen cannot be covered, which means that during
inclement weather you won’t have any windows or an awning to
shelter your ingress and egress via the ladder. This could also raise
privacy concerns in a crowded campsite. So the OverLand is either
closed up tight or open to the world; you can’t have both.
50
The mounting system comprises two channels that span the underside of the floor. Each channel accepts a pair of sliding blocks
fitted with bolts. The bolts pass through whatever you are mounting the tent to (such as a roof rack or cross-bars). This allows for a
semi-adjustable mounting configuration. The tent cover is secured
to the tent using a shock-cord loop that is tethered to the edge of
the cover via webbing loops sewn into the hem. The shock cord is
stretched by hand and secured to plastic hooks that are fastened to
the underside of the floor around the entire perimeter. This provides
a secure fit, but it takes extra time to stretch the cord onto so many
hooks. It could also present a challenge if you wanted to mount one
end of the tent up against some type of surface such as a truck cab,
or equipment such as a row of jerry cans or cargo boxes.
Pros:
• Cinch straps with cams allow compression with extra bedding
inside when stowing.
• Interior elastic straps keep bedding in place when closing the tent.
• Triangular wall vents are easily opened or closed with the tug of a
cord both inside and out.
• Tensioning shock-cords and pull cords are easily visible in low-light
conditions.
• Triple-stitching on side seams, and gusseted corners.
• Stow cover wraps fully around bottom edges of tent and floor.
• Nice ladder construction and quality, with comfortable rungs and
hinge guard. Ladder is adjustable, one-piece.
• A great looking tent both inside and out with pleasing colors.
Cons:
• No awning or windows unless the door flap is open on one or both
ends.
• Although the floor is very wide, the length is not as useable due to
sloping walls.
• Some wandering stitches, and thread remnants hanging loose.
• Single-wall roof prone to condensation on the interior.
• Only the ladder side of the tent incorporates awning poles.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
Series 3 1200 by Eezi-Awn
I knew the Eezi-Awn would be a fine tent, since I had slept in and been impressed by one of their previous models. Even from a distance
the 1200 speaks “tough,” and when you examine it closely, the impression holds up. The build quality is very high. This tent has a symmetrical design, with two window walls, two door walls and a central ridgeline. Double-stitched seams are sewn very straight and consistently.
Hardware is well-placed and secure. The Eezi-Awn is configurable for varying conditions: All doors and windows have awnings that can be
erected using anodized spring steel poles; the side awnings can be fastened shut or opened depending on preference. Even with all awnings
deployed, the doors and windows can be zipped up tight or left open to breathe through heavy-duty screens. The side windows have zippered screens and privacy panels that can be zipped up (or quickly put up using Velcro) from the inside even if the exterior flaps are open.
the top, like a half-cone. This prevents rainwater from getting in, but
allows airflow. With the tent zipped up, I expect that the combination
of stand-off fly, roof vents, and bottom vents should keep condensation to a minimum.
This new Series 3 Eezi-Awn has a thicker, more comfortable
mattress, and two interior pockets that have been relocated to the
center-bottom of the side walls. This reduces the amount of sewn
seams but puts them behind the poles, making access more difficult
from outside the doors.
Photo by Mark Stephens
The mounting hardware comprises two channels that span the
underside of the floor. Each channel has an extruded aluminum
track that mates with a pair of sliding brackets. The brackets are
fitted with bolts which pass through whatever you are mounting the
tent to. This results in a semi-adjustable mounting configuration.
Unfortunately the bolts are not captured and the channels they float
inside are deep enough that the heads will lift and spin when you begin to tighten the nut. The upside is that if they are not long enough
or become damaged or lost, they can easily be replaced.
The tent cover is made of heavy-duty reinforced PVC fitted with
a ratchet strapping system sewn into the hem. The hem opens at
all four corners, the rigging is hooked under the corners of the tent,
and then the ratchet is tightened to draw the hem tightly around the
tent base. While not as dustproof as a similar cover on the Hannibal,
it’s very easy and quick. The ratchet is then covered by a flap that
secures to the side of the cover with sewn-on Velcro strips. Despite
the fine craftsmanship of this tent, I was disappointed to find the
edging of these Velcro strips loaded with a sticky glue that had run
well beyond the edges of the material and created a mess.
The rain fly is held clear of the roof with a clever support system
that uses hoops captured in sewn pockets and held in place with
Fastex buckles. This cuts down on weight and bulk when compared
to a full-length hoop, but doesn’t sacrifice strength. The coated PVC
fly is waterproof and completely removable. When attached, it allows for generous airflow over the roof.
Small side vents near the top are screened and have canvas
hoods that by design bulge out at the base and taper to a point at
51
Pros:
• Fast and tough. Very simple system and rugged construction.
• Versatility in different types of weather.
• Removable waterproof rain fly creates double-wall roof.
• Sturdy awnings with spring-steel poles on all walls.
• Quality, adjustable one-piece ladder, attached.
• Rugged “outdoors” look with safari/military type colors.
• Thicker, more comfortable mattress than previous model.
Cons:
• Mounting bolts can initially lift and spin inside track while tightening
during the mounting process.
• Pockets are located behind poles and are not easily reached from
outside the tent.
• Screen fabric openings are likely large enough to allow no-see-ums
(biting midges) to enter.
• Tent cover is waterproof material, but does not completely seal out
dust and moisture at underside.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
Columbus by AutoHome
The feature that immediately sets the Columbus apart from the others is its beautifully shaped and finished fiberglass case. It is the most
aerodynamic of all the tents when traveling, and easily the fastest to deploy at camp and stow away for the road. To deploy, you simply
release a single clasp and watch the gas struts lift the hinged roof high into the air, revealing three Airtex polyester walls. Done. The rigid
case will keep moisture and debris off the tent, and allows for a generous amount of bedding to remain packed inside. Mounting direction is
limited by the nature of the tent and shape of the case, but there are screened openings on all three sides that can serve as either windows or
doors. The large door opposite the roof has a clear plastic window on it that can be covered or exposed from the inside. This door functions
in four modes: entirely closed, entirely open, open with screen, or closed with the clear plastic window uncovered.
particularly heavy could be stowed in the gear loft due to the extreme
roof slope.
The ladder is attached by way of hooks that hang onto the side of
the lower floor. This would likely mean stowing the ladder somewhere
on or inside of the vehicle independently of the tent. The ladder is only
12.75” wide, but adjusts for length via two sliding sections.
52
The mounting system comprises two tracks that span the underside of the floor and are recessed flush into the fiberglass, creating
a smooth bottom. Each track accepts an ingenious hardware set
consisting of preformed U-bolts that pass through flat brackets. One
bracket slides into the track, capturing the U-bolt. The other bracket
slips over the ends of the bolts after they have been mounted through
or over the cross-bars or intended mounting surface such as a roof
rack. The bars slide along the tracks to the desired position allowing for a semi-adjustable mounting configuration. The U-bolts work
great as they do not move much when you are tightening the nuts.
The downside is that if for some reason they are not long enough,
you might have trouble working up a replacement.
The floor is very sturdy and well-insulated, with a full inch of foam
sandwiched between the polyester/fiberglass material. The wall fabric is stretched over a vertical lip on a riveted aluminum base frame,
providing a watertight seal. The zippers are somewhat light-duty, and
the zipper covers were not as good as they could be. Made from
semi-rigid clear vinyl, they don’t cover the zipper very well, but rather
stand almost perpendicular to the tent wall except at the top.
The mattress is fairly comfortable and the tent includes two nice
pillows that can be stowed inside the tent while traveling. The mattress is neatly “captured” inside the lip of the lower fiberglass case
body. There are interior tensioning cords with sturdy nylon rings and
hooks to secure them. These aid in keeping the tent walls tucked in
when closing the tent. The ceiling has a plush, silken fabric quilting
that adds a quality touch to the interior. It should also help contain
any drips from condensation. A very utilitarian gear net is secured
to the ceiling, great for stowing extra blankets or jackets. Nothing
Overland Journal Spring 2007
Pros:
• Extremely fast and simple to set up and stow.
• Aerodynamic, weatherproof case.
• Stylish looks and colors.
• Large gear net at ceiling.
• Includes pillows.
• High quality mounting system.
• Clear plastic window will allow natural light in when tent is closed.
• Quilted fabric ceiling should prevent problems with dripping
condensation.
Cons:
• Drastic roof slope results in limited foot space and decreases useable
length of floor.
• Limited venting options.
• Zippers don’t seem very robust.
• Zipper covers don’t seal well.
• Ladder would likely be stowed independently of the tent somewhere
else on or in the vehicle. (I wouldn’t want to put it inside with the
bedding.)
• Large rubber bands hold the side doors in place when rolled up. We’d
prefer straps and Fastex buckles for durability.
Technitop by African Outback Products
The Technitop has been around for some time, and was acquired by African Outback Products in 2005. This tent sticks with the rugged South African look, but adds some unique features. Two obvious attributes are the roto-molded polyethylene case it stows in, and the
outward-sloping end walls when deployed. The former provides sealed, dustproof storage, while the latter dramatically increases the livable
interior space.
Mark had his own space over on one half, while I had mine on the
other, with a communal space in the center.
The mounting system is similar to other tents in this review, with
two tracks that allow adjustable placement of screws. However, the
two tracks can be unbolted and relocated to run perpendicular to
the factory position. The bolts have a square steel plate welded on
top instead of a typical hex head. This square head slides into the
track and keeps the bolt from rotating or lifting while the nut is being
tightened.
When opened, the double-walled polyethylene case forms a
tubbed floor with a 40mm insulative air space that conceals a lightweight steel sub-structure for rigidity and strength. When closed,
one end of the case has a removable gasketed “cap” secured with
latches, in which the awning poles are stowed.
Once this tent was opened and we climbed inside, there were
a lot of “ooohs” and “ahhhhs” in reaction to the livable space. It
seemed a cavernous amount of room for such a small case size.
This is attributable to the pole and wall design, which uses telescoping poles to slope the end walls outward towards the top, instead
of inward like most tents. As a result, headroom remains generous
even near the doors. The center poles also slide upward to stretch
the body taut and provide a higher ceiling. This design made a lot of
difference in how I perceived being inside the tent. Instead of feeling
like I was sharing side-by-side quarters with a tentmate, I felt like
The Technitop is equipped with a rain fly that allows a proper air
space between the fly and body, not so tall as to lose heat but not
so close as to impede air flow and increase moisture condensation.
The center of the fly is held clear of the roof with a hoop secured to
the tent body. The outer edges become the awnings for the doors
and windows, held taut with fiberglass poles. The coated, waterproof PVC fly can be rolled up, but it is not removable. When rolled
up it looks awkward, and I think a means to remove it would be
an improvement. Large side windows and doors at each end can
be fully opened to create a very open-air environment. Additionally,
the fly can be rolled back on one side to reveal a sky hatch. This
window has a zippered screen or can be fully open, in which case
you can stand up with your torso above the roof for a giraffe’s-eye
view—simply outstanding for sightseeing or game spotting. With
the fly extended, the hatch can be opened for generous additional
ventilation. Another nice touch: a shoe bag that hangs outside near
the door, so your muddy boots remain outside yet accessible (this is
an option on the Eezi-Awn).
53
Pros:
• Rugged construction and high build quality.
• Versatile in different types of weather.
• Roll-up rain fly (double-wall roof) with sky hatch.
• Optional awnings at all four walls.
• High volume interior with outward sloped end walls.
• Rugged “outdoors” look with safari/military type colors.
• Comfortable mattress with removable cover.
• Sealed hard-body case with PVC cover.
• Draw latches on case have tabs to accept padlocks.
Cons:
• Fiberglass poles likely not as durable as spring steel.
• Added features add to setup and stowing time.
• Case is difficult to latch shut.
• Only one interior pocket, hanging from ceiling.
• Ladder attachment is behind edge of floor, making entry and exit
a bit awkward.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
Hannibal RT12 by Hannibal Safari Equipment
Without intending any disservice to either company, I must say that I immediately noticed a striking similarity between the Eezi-Awn Series
3 1200 and the Hannibal. After measuring some of the body and window components, I found that my impressions were well-founded. The
Hannibal shares the same basic structure and body shape as the Eezi-Awn, and many of the same features. But there are considerable differences in the details.
With the exception of a few small areas, the canvas wall material
is nearly opaque. When zipped up it is extremely dark inside. This is a
bonus if you enjoy midday naps. The side windows have heavy duty,
zippered screens, so they can be open to the outside for maximum
ventilation. The exterior side window awnings can be closed shut with
sewn-in Velcro strips. There are no vents at the roof level. The rain fly
attaches with Velcro tabs at the four base corners, and Fastex buckles
at the top. The center ridge hoop along with the spring steel awning
poles hold the fly clear of the roof. The fly holds a bit close to the tent
body, and the way the edges fold down over the sides of the tent might
restrict airflow somewhat, although air can pass through at the door
ends. The mattress is divided into two halves, joined by a jointed, sewn
fabric cover with zippers. The mattress tends to slip down out of the gap
where the hinged floor folds when you open or close it. When opening
the tent the mattress can get stuck in the floor seam if you don’t push
it up before unfolding the floor into a flat position.
Photo courtesy of Hannibal
54
The first thing we noticed is that there is no mounting system
included with the Hannibal. This gives you the freedom, or burden,
depending on your outlook, to mount the tent as you see fit. A clean
slate of wooden floor awaits a steady hand with a drill, and you supply your own hardware. We drilled four holes into our test subject,
evenly spaced, then cheated and used some of the hardware from
other tents to secure it to the testing trailer. The advantage to the
do-it-yourself approach is that you aren’t restricted to predetermined
track locations, and you can use common hardware (easily replaceable in the field). The downside is that your excitement to get your
new roof tent mounted will be quelled when you realize you must, 1)
make a trip to the hardware store, and, 2) charge the dead battery on
the cordless drill. Hopefully our review will help you be prepared. Four
sturdy 5/16ths or 3/8ths, grade five bolts with wide fender washers
and nylock nuts should do the trick for most applications. Fortunately
the mattress is sufficiently thick that we didn’t feel the bolt heads on
the floor below.
Pros:
• Fast and tough. Very simple system and rugged construction.
• Versatility in different types of weather.
• Removable waterproof rain fly creates double-wall roof.
• Sturdy awnings with spring-steel poles on all walls.
• Rugged “outdoors” look with safari/military type colors.
• Fastex buckles on window and door straps.
• Zippered, attached cover keeps tent from dust and the elements.
• Frame elbows are fully round fittings at the corners, as opposed to
bent and crimped tubing.
• Extremely comfortable 2-inch-thick mattress.
• Door straps are elastic, which makes them easier to attach when
rolling up and hanging the doors.
Cons:
The tent cover is made of heavy-duty reinforced PVC fitted with a
sturdy zipper sewn into the hem. The bottom of the cover is permanently attached to the base of the tent, so when the zipper is closed
the tent becomes sealed from the elements and dust. This zipper
arrangement seems a double-edged sword. On one hand the tent is
well protected; on the other hand the zipper is exposed to dirt and
moisture. Cam straps tighten the tent case and keep the cover tight.
Because the cover is attached at the base, the fitted corners must be
pulled over the tent just right for the zipper to work. This is somewhat
difficult in very cold weather when the PVC and zipper are stiff. The
cover is gray with a British flag as part of the British Pacific logo.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
• Does not come with a mounting system. You must drill the floor and
provide your own hardware.
• Rain fly design might not offer enough air flow in warm climates.
• Mattress tends to get stuck in the floor opening when unfolding the
tent.
• Screen fabric openings are likely large enough to allow no-see-ums
(biting midges) to enter.
• Ladder hinges are loose-fitting and allow ladder to swing around too
easily.
• Ladder pinch cover may be noisy in high winds.
• Tent cover has a large zipper which may be prone to collection of dirt,
grime and moisture, fouling operation and requiring maintenance.
• Cover straps affixed to tent base may be noisy in high winds.
Test Procedure
So how did we conduct the tests and what is the logic behind our review process? Accepting the fact that we are not a clinical laboratory,
we resolved to use common sense and some simple field testing methods to come up with a series of objective measurements and subjective observations that would not only result in a clear choice for us, but could help you form your own opinion.
Wind noise: We mounted each tent in turn on a trailer
and coasted down a hill at a controlled speed of 25
mph. An average noise reading was taken inside the
tent using a decibel meter. Rather than making a statement that a tent makes “x” amount of noise in 25mph
winds, we simply ranked the tents from least noise to
most based on our results, and indicated the difference in audible sound levels. We chose this method
because of the variables between our test environment and those that might be encountered while the
tent is stationary in a typical camp setting. All tents
came equipped with interior shock-cord tensioners.
These are typically provided to assist in keeping the
tent material drawn in during the stowing process. We
found that having these tensioners connected during
the wind test did not make any remarkable difference
in noise levels. We confidently predicted that the AutoHome Columbus would be the quietest tent, with its
hard case, only three walls, and no rain fly, but it was
the noisiest of the bunch. It’s four-walled relative, the
OverLand, did the best.
Tent deployment/stow time: We recorded how long it took to
Light test: With the sun high overhead I climbed into each tent with
deploy a tent for camping mode, including ladder setup and fly tensioning (where necessary). For tents with awnings, this included the
erection of a door awning (where provided) and two window awnings
(where provided), to simulate a typical camping scenario. Deployment times were recorded independently of cover removal times. We
also measured how long it took to stow a tent for travel. This included
removal of awning poles (where provided) ladder stowage, and lashing as equipped. Another easy score for the AutoHome Columbus
with its two-step procedure: one latch and a ladder. The slowest of
the group was the Technitop, due to the extendable interior poles
and the hard case with latches and hinge cap.
a light meter and zipped everything shut, then took two readings,
aimed at the most illuminated area. The results indicate how the
tent fared in the lineup from darkest to lightest. The model with the
most illuminated interior was the Columbus (great if you like to rise
with the sun, or if you find yourself tentbbound on an overcast day),
and the darkest tent by far was the Hannibal (great for sleeping late,
afternoon naps, or high-latitude expeditions in the summer).
Physical weight and dimensions: Some of the manufacturers in
this review offer a variety of tent sizes. For this review we chose each
maker’s basic size for less impact on overall vehicle weight. As part
of the dimensional data, we added up the square footage of all openings on each tent to compare ventilation capabilities. The Technitop
had the most ventilation area, while the Columbus had the least. The
Hannibal was the lightest tent; the OverLand was the heaviest.
Water (rain) test: We subjected each tent to a water test using
a nozzle with a fixed pressure at a fixed distance. Water was first
sprayed upward and allowed to drop vertically from overhead, simulating a rain shower, for a period of 45 seconds. The spray was then
applied in slow sweeping motions for a total of two intervals at six
passes each, totaling twelve passes along the side of the tent, to
simulate wind-driven rain. During the test, one of us sat inside and
monitored for water ingress and moisture. None of the tents scored
perfectly here except the Technitop, which remained bone-dry inside.
The Eezi-Awn and Hannibal have exceptional side awnings that allow
you to leave these tents well-ventilated in all but the worst of storms.
Cover removal/replacement time: We recorded the time it took
to remove a tent cover, and to replace it. Obviously the AutoHome
Columbus aced this category with no cover at all. The most timeconsuming was the Hannibal with its perimeter zipper and multiple
straps.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
55
Conclusions
When the Overland Journal team began planning our equipment testing protocols, we made a vow to avoid the non-committal encomiums to which so many magazines have fallen victim. If we test a product that proves substandard, we’ll say so, and we won’t hesitate to pick
a favorite. With that said, we do our best in advance to search out the highest quality products available.
That approach worked well in this case. Each of these five tents displayed a unique strength that could make it the right choice for you,
depending on your needs. The Autohome Columbus is by far the fastest to set up and put away, and the most aerodynamic when stowed.
It would make an excellent choice for a lightweight expedition vehicle for which preserving fuel economy is a high priority. The Autohome
OverLand’s large 40-square-foot floor allows ample stretching room, or space for a couple and a child or dog. The Hannibal, in addition to its
classic safari look, is versatile in varying weather conditions, and is the lightest tent here by as much as 50 pounds—an important consideration for keeping the vehicle’s center of gravity low.
My personal favorite boiled down to a choice between the Eezi-Awn and
the Technitop. The Eezi-Awn has perhaps the highest build quality of the lot, is
quick to set up and stow, and works well in any weather. If I were single, and
doing a lot of traveling with one-night stops, it likely would have gotten my
final nod. But since I do some traveling solo, and the rest with my wife, I place
great importance on the interior comfort and utility of the tent, and here the
Technitop shines. Its outward-sloping walls add a surprising feeling of room,
and it has the most square footage of ventilation potential for warm weather
camps. The roof hatch is a bonus, both for venting stuffy air as well as stargazing or wildlife spotting. Despite the extra time needed to deploy and stow
the Technitop, the extra comfort, especially at a multi-day camp, would be
worth it. I also like the fact that I can drive through miles of silt and dust with
this tent, then get sprinkled with rain, and still erect a clean tent. The tub floor
and comfortable mattress (with a removable and washable cover) are smart
features for a long expedition. The Technitop is a standout in a group of fine
tents.
The Technitop is now in the hands of our executive editor, who will put it
Editor’s choice:
through the paces for a long-term evaluation. Check back next year to see
African Outback Products, Technitop
how it survives a few thousand miles on top of his FJ40.
56
Statistics & Test Results
Tent
Cover
Removal
(Min/sec)
Cover
Replacement
(Min/sec)
OverLand
1:42
2:50
1:05
1:10
Columbus
N/A
N/A
0:43
Eezi-Awn
0:31
1:13
Technitop
1:23
Hannibal
1:24
Deploy
Stow
Wind*
(Min/sec) (Min/sec) (Rank)
Rain
Light**
(Rank)
+0 db
Small amt of moisture (no drips)
where vent cord comes through wall
+4
1:15
+11 db
Side door zipper was damp
+5
1:55
1:57
+6 db
Small amt of moisture (no drips)
at bottom corner of side window
+3
1:20
3:00
3:54
+3 db
No water or moisture detected
+2
4:34
2:31
2:11
+5 bd
Bar tack/gusset for tensioner cord
was damp (due to sewing defect)
+0
*Wind: the most quiet tent (OverLand) was used as the benchmark, so is designated as “+0 db.” All of the other tents are
ranked in order behind the OverLand, with the decibels (db) recorded above the benchmark level listed.
** Light: the Hannibal had the darkest interior and was used as the benchmark (+0). All other tents are ranked in order behind
it from darkest to lightest.
Overland Journal Spring 2007
Tent
Weight
w/Ladder
(Pounds)
Floor Area
(Sq Ft)
Floor Size
(Inches)
Peak
Ceiling Height
(Inches)
Vent Area
(Sq Ft)
Stowed Size
(Inches)
Interior Pockets
(Quantity)
OverLand
141
40.83
84 x 70
42
27.96
43 x 71 x 12
2
Columbus
94
27.33
82 x 48
55
22.13
51 x 83 x 12
2 + Gear Net
Eezi-Awn
112
31.17
93.5 x 48
47.5
23.65
48.5 x 49 x 14
4 + Shoe Bag
Technitop
134
28.58
84 x 49
42
32.80
43 x 51 x 11
1 + Shoe Bag
Hannibal
85
30.00
90 x 48
46
22.58
52 x 50 x 12
3
Wall Material
Cover
Thickness
(Inches)
Cover
Material
Ladders
Extended Length
Collapsed Length
(Inches)
.0250
K200 420 gram, 50% cotton, 50%
acrylic, waterproof breathable
.027
PVC
E 89.5
C 45.75
.866/.747
gas strut
.0125
Airtex polyester with Teflon coating
N/A
Fiberglass
E 102.5
C 57.0
Eezi-Awn
.753
.0160
Heavy duty cotton ripstop
canvas, wax-impregnated with
wax-coated thread stitching
.022
PVC
E 83.0
C 47.75
Technitop
.769/.594
Sleeve/Piston
.0150
Riblock acrylic Dralon, Teflon coated
.039
PVC
E 80.0
C 41.0
Hannibal
.742
.0200
380 gram cotton ripstop canvas,
wax-impregnated polymide
.020
PVC
E 92.0”
C 44.0”
Tent
Pole
Diameter
(Inches)
Wall
Thickness
(Inches)
OverLand
.628
Columbus
Tent
Floor
Thickness
(Inches)
Floor Material
Mattress
Thickness
(Inches)
Mattress
Material
Fly Material
OverLand
0.47
Wood subfloor with
pebble-finished
plastic laminate
2.0
Closed cell foam
N/A
(Resin-bonded nylon fiber and aluminum powder winter cover is optional)
Columbus
1.00
Polyester & fiberglass
with foam sandwich
2.1
Closed cell foam
N/A
(Resin-bonded nylon fiber and aluminum powder winter cover is optional)
Eezi-Awn
0.35
Polyurethane-coated
marine grade plywood
2.3
Laminated
dual-density
foam and chip
PVC
Technitop
1.50
Linear, low density polyethylene
2.0
Convoluted high
density foam
PVC
Hannibal
0.50
Polyurethane-coated
marine grade plywood
2.5
High
density foam
210 denier oxford nylon
Overland Journal Spring 2007
57