he FSR Series Canopy Medium vs The CVT Mount Bachelor Standard Stargazer Pioneer

[pmostaghim]

Hey everyone.

As with all well-researched posts, I’d like to preface this post by reassuring you that I’ve spent a nauseating amount of time learning about RTTs over the last month; if there is something I have overlooked or have yet to stumble upon, I do apologise. I’ve pestered people from just about all the Instagram accounts I could find, which actually proved to be rather helpful. As a final step in my research, right before I buy it, I wanted to put it to the trusty T4R forum.

A bit of my background:

I am a well-seasoned camper; I have owned and experienced all varieties of tents, from primitive tarp-and-paracord tents to bivvies, hammocks, ground-tents, “floating” tents (Tentsile), and no tent - lol. I don’t think I’ll be attempting a big wall climb anytime soon, so a portaledge is a bit of a dream! And now onto the RTT.

I’m looking for a few things out of the RTT: ease-of-use / convenience, rapid deployment, good visibility, and *comfortable* sleeping arrangements. This will be sitting atop a Frontrunner Slimline II full-length rack. As it stands, the CVT option says it can host 1-2 people, while the FSR option (only 8” wider) advertises space for 2-3. As with other existentially challenging questions - “am I ready to be a father?” or “is buying this house a good idea?” - this has brought me to my knees.

I appreciate any and all feedback, guidance, and suggestions. Thank you all in advance.

Pasha

:thanks:

—



A few questions:

—

1 - * The FSR Series Canopy Medium vs The CVT Mount Bachelor Standard Stargazer Pioneer - which and why? I believe it comes down to “is an extra 8’’ widthwise worth [effectively] $300* extra?”

2 - ** For those of you with RTT annexes, has it proven to be an essential part of your overlanding setup?

3 - Has anyone transitioned from (or experienced both tents) CVT to FSR - and vice versa?

4 - Folks who’ve experienced the CVT Mount Bachelor Standard Stargazer Pioneer (…what a name!): how’s it been?

5 - Folks who’ve experienced the FSR Series Canopy Medium: what’re your thoughts?

—

* The CVT option comes with an annex, an otherwise $200-ish value. The sticker price of the FSR is already $100 more = $300.

** Please keep in mind that I seldom travel with a large group // I do not have a family // there’s a good deal of room available in my car for storage. Additionally, if it had no floor, it could be used as a shower. As it *does* have a floor, which does not seem removable, It seems like a whole lot of semi-useless space.

—

 

[dirteater4]

To RTT or Not to RTT, that is the question

Hey everyone.

As with all well-researched posts, I’d like to preface this post by reassuring you that I’ve spent a nauseating amount of time learning about RTTs over the last month; if there is something I have overlooked or have yet to stumble upon, I do apologise. I’ve pestered people from just about all the Instagram accounts I could find, which actually proved to be rather helpful. As a final step in my research, right before I buy it, I wanted to put it to the trusty T4R forum.

A bit of my background:

I am a well-seasoned camper; I have owned and experienced all varieties of tents, from primitive tarp-and-paracord tents to bivvies, hammocks, ground-tents, “floating” tents (Tentsile), and no tent - lol. I don’t think I’ll be attempting a big wall climb anytime soon, so a portaledge is a bit of a dream! And now onto the RTT.

I’m looking for a few things out of the RTT: ease-of-use / convenience, rapid deployment, good visibility, and *comfortable* sleeping arrangements. This will be sitting atop a Frontrunner Slimline II full-length rack. As it stands, the CVT option says it can host 1-2 people, while the FSR option (only 8” wider) advertises space for 2-3. As with other existentially challenging questions - “am I ready to be a father?” or “is buying this house a good idea?” - this has brought me to my knees.

I appreciate any and all feedback, guidance, and suggestions. Thank you all in advance.

Pasha

:thanks:

—



A few questions:

—

1 - * The FSR Series Canopy Medium vs The CVT Mount Bachelor Standard Stargazer Pioneer - which and why? I believe it comes down to “is an extra 8’’ widthwise worth [effectively] $300* extra?”

2 - ** For those of you with RTT annexes, has it proven to be an essential part of your overlanding setup?

3 - Has anyone transitioned from (or experienced both tents) CVT to FSR - and vice versa?

4 - Folks who’ve experienced the CVT Mount Bachelor Standard Stargazer Pioneer (…what a name!): how’s it been?

5 - Folks who’ve experienced the FSR Series Canopy Medium: what’re your thoughts?

—

* The CVT option comes with an annex, an otherwise $200-ish value. The sticker price of the FSR is already $100 more = $300.

** Please keep in mind that I seldom travel with a large group // I do not have a family // there’s a good deal of room available in my car for storage. Additionally, if it had no floor, it could be used as a shower. As it *does* have a floor, which does not seem removable, It seems like a whole lot of semi-useless space.

—

Ok, let me state first I do not own one. However, I lived out of the FSR option mounted to a FJ for about 9 days in Moab. Very durable. Super easy to set up. I prefer the colors on the FSR as well. That being said, I could never pull the trigger on one. I have 3 REI tents from a 2 man up to the Kingdom 8. I camp maybe 3-7 nights a year. I would much rather spend $1200+ on some new Icon/King/Fox coils and get the benefits every time I drove. How many days a year do you camp? Are you planning a big expedition that would make it worth while? Or, is it a want that just needs to be checked off (I have those too)?

 

[pmostaghim]

Hey dirteater4 - thanks for the quick response!

I've struggled with that idea as well. I'll be going on a cross-country road trip next month, so the tent is an integral part of the journey. Of course, you could argue that heftier suspension is also essential. I think for my immediate purposes, though, the RTT may prove the better choice.

I go camping probably two months of the year, in total :roll:

I'm afraid to even look at my list of wants :redface:

--

Thanks for the tip on the FSR - I feel the same way about the colour scheme. Did you notice any moisture build-up in your case? One thing I've read re-CVT tents is that anti-condensation mats are a must.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

Totally understand your situation. With similar camping experience - currently have used bivy, light weight solo tents, 2-3's on up to 8 and Noahs tarps and such. I researched the crap out of tents and was trying to see if the cost matched the value. I pulled the trigger on a CVT Mt.Rainer Standard Summit in April.
So far I have 34 nights in it and really like it. To camp a lot of nights being comfortable makes it much more enjoyable. Currently on day 19 of a 30 day road trip with my 12 & 14 boys. They set up the tent working together. the mattress is comfortable. Tents has proved waterproof thru some good rain storms. In short it works well is comfortable and is just plain fun too.

 

[JSparky]

I've got a Tepui which mirrors the CVT in design. If you're concerned about width the biggest thing I would consider is the footprint those respective tents take up on your roof rack, and whether or not you plan on carrying anything else up there.

The CVT variant best deploys out the side of the 4Runner, not front or back, which means even a 3-person CVT will take up less real estate on your rack than the FSR tents which mount front to back. With a 3-person CVT you should still have plenty of space for fuel cans/water, traction devices, etc.. not sure if you'll have that with the FSR.

Regarding the annex. My friend has a Tepui Autana which has an extension beyond the ladder with a full canopy. The canopy is a pain to set up, he's only used it twice. It's especially hard in wind. With the way the 4Runner doors bow out you're not going to have much space without the extension, probably good for a commode but not much else so it depends on your foreseeable needs.

Headroom is nice in a tent, allow's you to change easily and not feel like you're in a coffin. My brother had the new Tepui white lightening hard shell rtt for less than a week and returned it cause of the lack of headroom (he's admittedly picky). They were awesome and took it back no problems. They're easier to setup and break down though so it comes at a cost. I have video of that tent if you want, setup was incredible. Anyways, point being to consider headroom if you haven't already. Hope that helps.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

CVT matched a 20% off sale that was going on at REI (which sells the Tepui) both seemed to be equal in features.
I never use the annex- just haven't found a situation that I needed it.

I will mention that in high winds you will want to attach guy lines otherwise the fly can flap around making a lot of noise. Seeing that many RTT are similar in design I would guess this applies to most.

It's definitely a step up in comfort from a ground tent and again it's just plain fun.

Good luck.

 

[jrandom]

You can always opt for an awning and pick up one of the sides+floor options. Total package can be had for $300-500 and you get an awning if you just want some quick shade.

 

[marshal]

FYI all soft tents regardless of their brand are made in the same factory in China and are essentially the same thing. Don't buy from CVT - bobby is an *******.

if you're going to spend that much money, also consider the AluCab clamshell and the James Baroud Clamshells as well.

 

[pmostaghim]

Totally understand your situation. With similar camping experience - currently have used bivy, light weight solo tents, 2-3's on up to 8 and Noahs tarps and such. I researched the crap out of tents and was trying to see if the cost matched the value. I pulled the trigger on a CVT Mt.Rainer Standard Summit in April.
So far I have 34 nights in it and really like it. To camp a lot of nights being comfortable makes it much more enjoyable. Currently on day 19 of a 30 day road trip with my 12 & 14 boys. They set up the tent working together. the mattress is comfortable. Tents has proved waterproof thru some good rain storms. In short it works well is comfortable and is just plain fun too.

CVT matched a 20% off sale that was going on at REI (which sells the Tepui) both seemed to be equal in features.
I never use the annex- just haven't found a situation that I needed it.

I will mention that in high winds you will want to attach guy lines otherwise the fly can flap around making a lot of noise. Seeing that many RTT are similar in design I would guess this applies to most.

It's definitely a step up in comfort from a ground tent and again it's just plain fun.

Good luck.

Hey Teamoatmealpie - thanks for the tips! The wind'll get ya. I was doing a solo trip in WV with a Tentsile Stingray - rather cool / impractical tent - and it started pouring. I threw the rainfly on, thinking I was in the clear - and then the wind started. It's a tree-anchored tent, so as the trees move, so does the tent; throw in a guyline-less rainfly and boy, what an experience. it felt like i was stuck inside a tumble dryer :bounce:

Ah, yes - the Mt. Rainier is a beast of a tent; I'm glad it's working out for you!

It seems that in many CVT reviews I've read, both on T4R and elsewhere, most people recomment getting an anti-condensation mat. Have you found the need?

And with regard to "visibility" - from photos online, it seems like the FSR has a better "view". Do you have any gripes with limited "view"? I'm sorry - I know it seems like a rather trivial point to make, but if these damned "features" sections on the product pages didn't make such a big deal out of it, I wouldn't be asking!

I've got a Tepui which mirrors the CVT in design. If you're concerned about width the biggest thing I would consider is the footprint those respective tents take up on your roof rack, and whether or not you plan on carrying anything else up there.

The CVT variant best deploys out the side of the 4Runner, not front or back, which means even a 3-person CVT will take up less real estate on your rack than the FSR tents which mount front to back. With a 3-person CVT you should still have plenty of space for fuel cans/water, traction devices, etc.. not sure if you'll have that with the FSR.

Regarding the annex. My friend has a Tepui Autana which has an extension beyond the ladder with a full canopy. The canopy is a pain to set up, he's only used it twice. It's especially hard in wind. With the way the 4Runner doors bow out you're not going to have much space without the extension, probably good for a commode but not much else so it depends on your foreseeable needs.

Headroom is nice in a tent, allow's you to change easily and not feel like you're in a coffin. My brother had the new Tepui white lightening hard shell rtt for less than a week and returned it cause of the lack of headroom (he's admittedly picky). They were awesome and took it back no problems. They're easier to setup and break down though so it comes at a cost. I have video of that tent if you want, setup was incredible. Anyways, point being to consider headroom if you haven't already. Hope that helps.

Thanks, JSparky! Those are some solid points - I appreciate it.

Admittedly, I hadn't considered headspace

I was comparing the two tent dimensions vs. the Slimline II roof rack on a cardboard mockup; 8'' is quite a bit of space. From both functional and aesthetic perspectives, having the flexibility to use the rack is definitely a priority. MAXTRAX alone at 14''' wide, and I don't yet have a swing-out rear bumper to strap 'em to.

My most pressing concern with the FSR option is that there's apparently some "overhang" on the sides of the roof rack. I've been reassured by some of their brand ambassadors on Instagram that this hasn't been an issue for side-rail accessory mounting... - but it's something i'm pretty worried about.

The White Lightning is a clean setup - though, like your brother, I'd probably struggle with the headroom. I just saw some videos on YouTube/Vimeo to spare you the burden, but I appreciate it!

--


Thank you guys, again, for chipping-in! Makes me wonder if I appreciate my 4Runner more for what it can do, or for introducing me to a community of like-minded, and helpful folks.

Cheers.

Pasha

 

[pmostaghim]

You can always opt for an awning and pick up one of the sides+floor options. Total package can be had for $300-500 and you get an awning if you just want some quick shade.

Why, yes indeed! That might just be the thing to do! :yo:

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[pmostaghim]

FYI all soft tents regardless of their brand are made in the same factory in China and are essentially the same thing. Don't buy from CVT - bobby is an *******.

if you're going to spend that much money, also consider the AluCab clamshell and the James Baroud Clamshells as well.

Hey, marshal - I've found similar advice through the forum and have wondered the same thing, myself. I looked at the Tuff Stuff options and, when put to paper, the cost differences aren't too back-breaking for a seemingly more reliable warranty. But I appreciate the tip!

And I'll be sure to check those out.

Pasha

 

[marshal]

the Alucab clamshell is REALLY nice and is super super durable. i highly recommend it. they have a great warranty as well.

if you decide to go that route purchase it from Adventure Ready. nicest people on the planet and super fair

 

[JSparky]

CVT matched a 20% off sale that was going on at REI (which sells the Tepui) both seemed to be equal in features.
I never use the annex- just haven't found a situation that I needed it.

I will mention that in high winds you will want to attach guy lines otherwise the fly can flap around making a lot of noise. Seeing that many RTT are similar in design I would guess this applies to most.

It's definitely a step up in comfort from a ground tent and again it's just plain fun.

Good luck.

X10 on the flyfap.. learned that first night out . Speaking of wind I had mine in a brutal wind storm in Utah and it held up fine, I was really impressed.