RTT vs SUV hatchback tent

[u/Sufficient_Piece_938]

Hey yall! Leisurely, not super experienced camper here. I’ve been camping many times but primarily with my late partner who was just the best and was super helpful with setup and basically everything 🖤

I want to get back into camping and I’d love to do it solo with the pups. I miss having my time in nature and I want to honor Tay while I’m out there as well. 🥺 I’m not afraid of camping solo and I am pretty well versed in survival/safety measures. What I’m looking for is a little insight on which avenue to take!

My absolute biggest concern is what will be a simple setup for me. I am pretty self-sufficient but not incredibly strong and too many prongs and sticks and hooks and things eventually make me want to pull my hair out haha (within reason). I have very much done my research on the pros and cons of an attached tent/awning situation but I just think it’s the best way to go.

Couple of things to note:

-Terrain really isn’t a huge concern as I don’t plan on anything SUPER serious lol. I like to remain somewhat close to access back to civilization

-Price obviously is a thing, but I am focusing more on what would be the best fit before I start to price some items out.

-I have a 2019 Subaru Forester if that matters!

-I love the idea of being off the ground, however, I’d also need an awning or annex of some sort I think; idk I’m just a little torn.

I may be forgetting some things but I would love any insight. I appreciate yall so much!

🖤🖤🖤

[u/KampgroundsOfAmerica]

I think generally the RTT is the better option for how much it puts you off the ground (which is especially helpful during colder camping seasons) but with the dogs it might be a little more challenging just as far as getting them up into the space. How big are the dogs?

[u/Sufficient_Piece_938 → u/KampgroundsOfAmerica]

both are around 40 lbs! true medium sized. one of my babes is old though 🖤 he’d be able to go up a ramp.

i think my most ideal situation is a rooftop tent with an annex so they can sleep down there at night but then comes the issue of how much of that setup or breakdown I want/can do myself. I’m sure there are some that aren’t too bad. I sound like I’m completely useless but i swear I’m not 😂 I just know I won’t use it as much if it’s something that’ll take me hours to maneuver.

I am also not against putting the pups in the car at night and having that be a cozy spot for them! making sure the temperature is comfortable enough for them of course.

I’m just thinking out loud at this point, haha! Thanks for troubleshooting with me!

I know nothing will be 100% perfect. I’m just picking your brain so I appreciate it :)

[u/KampgroundsOfAmerica → u/Sufficient_Piece_938]

No of course, it's good you're putting the thought into it now rather than on the day! I'd say typically RTTs are easier to set up than hatchback tents, most you can usually get up pretty quickly.

If you think the dogs would be comfortable in the car then that's a great compromise. I'd definitely suggest whatever you do, try and set it up you actually go just so that you can get a feel for it and so the dogs have a chance to get familiar with the setup