Opinions on iKamper, please.

[jodyz]

We are considering transitioning from our camping van to an iKamper on an R1T. We know it’s pricey, but looks intriguing. I would love opinions on using the iKamper (or other bed-top tents). Posting photos of your set-up, along with experiences and opinions, would be great. Thank you.

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[NMFlyfisher]

I’ve had an iKamper Skycamp mini for about 3 years. It’s been great. It’s a 2 person max. We do lots of winter camping and it is very warm as are the sleeping bags you can buy from iKamper. It takes me about 2 minutes for setup and about 4 to break down. I would recommend getting the self inflating mattress that goes with it, because the supplied pad is a bit thin. I would also get a little electric pump for that mattress, because the self inflating is quite slow on setup and break down.

 

[messinator]

I would say the two big downsides of RTT vs van:

1. No inside hangout space. When the weather is rough (raining, winter) you don't have the same ability to relax with friends like in a van.
2. Can't cook inside. Similar to #1.

Aside from that, I think that the RTT + R1T is much better:

1. Ability to get anywhere, more stable, AWD, etc.
2. Auto level!!!!
3. I can take my tent off and use it as a normal vehicle. Much more of an omni-tool versus having a van sitting around 99% of the time until your next road trip.

 

[JoeP50]

I vote yes. iKamper DLX Mini with optional fly, along with 1st Gen R1T in Endangered Red Canyon. Also Dometic induction stove and cooler. Very comfortable and rain proof!

 

[ciderarchitect]

We have the iKamper X-Cover 2.0 Mini, because it was on sale back in 2023 when we were in the market for one, and it fits over the bed nicely. No complaints, but echo @NMflyfish about the upgraded mattress being essential. The build quality with iKamper is nice, and an RTT on a self-leveling R1T is boss. It is still a tent, but the best way to tent camp with a Rivian.

 

[Thunderbolt Adventure]

I would say the two big downsides of RTT vs van:

1. No inside hangout space. When the weather is rough (raining, winter) you don't have the same ability to relax with friends like in a van.
2. Can't cook inside. Similar to #1.

Aside from that, I think that the RTT + R1T is much better:

1. Ability to get anywhere, more stable, AWD, etc.
2. Auto level!!!!
3. I can take my tent off and use it as a normal vehicle. Much more of an omni-tool versus having a van sitting around 99% of the time until your next road trip.

Sweet setup! Love seeing your kitchen out feeding your crew!

 

[AirCruiser]

Hi Jody,

Jake from Cinch here – we make the Air Cruiser, which has seen huge uptake in the Rivian community.

There’s plenty of discussion on the forums already, so I won’t repeat too much, but here’s what stands out:

• More space from a lighter, smaller package – perfect for Rivian owners.
• Premium feel, similar to Ikamper, but at a much lower price.
• Massive headroom advantage – this is the big one.
• Skylights that make the space feel open and airy – you get light and views you just don’t get in the Ikamper.

We’re putting together a direct comparison with the Ikamper Mini (as that seems to be the key choice people are deciding between). For now, I’ve attached:

• A crude line drawing showing how the Ikamper fits inside the Air Cruiser’s outline (Air Cruiser in red, Ikamper in blue).
• A side-by-side photo of people at the entrance, which really highlights the difference in space.

The extra headroom, combined with the skylights, makes the Air Cruiser feel more like a cabin than just a sleeping pod.

Also, the Air Cruiser needs no canopy poles or rainfly – so setup and takedown are simpler (though, to be fair, most RTTs are fairly easy).

And just to be clear – I think the Ikamper is a good tent and a solid brand. This is just to highlight how we differ, as many Rivian owners seem to be weighing these two options.

Cheers,

Jake

 

[nsuglerio]

Hi Jody,

Jake from Cinch here – we make the Air Cruiser, which has seen huge uptake in the Rivian community.

There’s plenty of discussion on the forums already, so I won’t repeat too much, but here’s what stands out:

• More space from a lighter, smaller package – perfect for Rivian owners.
• Premium feel, similar to Ikamper, but at a much lower price.
• Massive headroom advantage – this is the big one.
• Skylights that make the space feel open and airy – you get light and views you just don’t get in the Ikamper.

We’re putting together a direct comparison with the Ikamper Mini (as that seems to be the key choice people are deciding between). For now, I’ve attached:

• A crude line drawing showing how the Ikamper fits inside the Air Cruiser’s outline (Air Cruiser in red, Ikamper in blue).
• A side-by-side photo of people at the entrance, which really highlights the difference in space.

The extra headroom, combined with the skylights, makes the Air Cruiser feel more like a cabin than just a sleeping pod.

Also, the Air Cruiser needs no canopy poles or rainfly – so setup and takedown are simpler (though, to be fair, most RTTs are fairly easy).

And just to be clear – I think the Ikamper is a good tent and a solid brand. This is just to highlight how we differ, as many Rivian owners seem to be weighing these two options.

Cheers,

Jake

Hey Jake,

I'm seeing two different sites but thinking they are the same product:

https://air-cruiser.cinchpopuptents.com/

https://iwildlandus.com/products/air-cruise

So the cinch air cruiser is the same product as the air-cruise right?

One has a preorder (cinch at $2,999 ) and the other looks to be shipping now ( $2,299.00 ).

Just trying to understand if there is any inherit difference between these two.

 

[VSG]

Hey @AirCruiser @nsuglerio:

The OP specifically asked about iKamper. Can you take your discussion of alternative products to one of the many other threads about those alternative products?

 

[sizotty]

Rooftop tents have their strengths. But why ikamper? Pretty expensive for what you actually get.. I snagged this off Amazon for less than half the price.

 

[R1T Preds Fan]

This ^^^ unless you find an amazing deal pick up a Naturnest or TentBox 2.0 for half the price! Spend the savings on other camping gear…

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