The Oztent RX-5 Deluxe: A Ground Tent Like No Other
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you've probably heard of rooftop tents. They're sleek, compact, and offer a unique camping experience. But what if you're looking for something different, something that's not quite as flashy but still packs a punch? Enter the Oztent RX-5 Deluxe, a ground tent that's big, awkward, and expensive, but oh-so-tough and comfortable. Personally, I think it's a game-changer for those who want a more permanent camping solution without the hassle of a rooftop tent.
A Tent Like No Other
The first thing that strikes you about the Oztent RX-5 Deluxe is its size. At 79.5 inches long, 14.9 inches wide, and 10.6 inches tall, it's a behemoth. But don't let its bulk fool you - once you get it out of the bag, setting up the main body of the tent takes less than 30 seconds. That's right, less than a minute! What makes this particularly fascinating is the tent's unique design. It uses an aluminum frame with two folding arms that lever out horizontally to form the tent's footprint. Once these arms are folded out, you simply step inside the tent door and lift on the frame, which opens the tent like an accordion. It's like nothing I've ever seen before, and it's what makes the Oztent so special.
Comfort and Security
The RX-5 Deluxe is a great compromise between the comfort and solidity of a rooftop tent and the ground tent. It's big, awkward, and heavy, but it's built to last for decades. The tent's dimensions when set up are 102.3 inches wide, 102.3 inches deep, and 74.8 inches tall, measured at the door. This size makes it a perfect fit for larger families or those who want a more spacious camping experience. I'm 6-feet, 4-inches tall, and my wife is 6-feet, 2-inches tall; we both fit in with big Exped Megamat sleeping pads and, in my case, a huge OneTigris cot, with no issues.
Ventilation and Weather Resistance
One thing that immediately stands out is the Oztent's excellent ventilation. The RX-5 Deluxe has two side windows and a massive skylight on the roof, all of which have very fine mesh to keep out bugs. The front door is large and uses a trio of zips in an upside-down T shape, which makes ingress and egress pretty easy. I also leave the two 'eyebrow vents' above the door open all the time to eliminate condensation. The tent's weather resistance is also top-notch. It has a built-in awning that's standard on all the tents in the series, which is one of my favorite parts. With a few poles and guy lines, you have a decent-sized covered area to keep out of the sun or rain. The awning's dimensions are 102.3 inches wide by 78.7 inches deep, and it's incredibly sturdy and wind-resistant.
The Tradeoffs
Now, let's talk about the tradeoffs. While the initial setup of the tent's sleeping area is super-quick and easy, the awning, fly, and extra room all require extra effort. If you have a pathological hatred of pounding in stakes or pegging out guy lines, look elsewhere, because the Oztent uses plenty of both. For multiple nights, though, it becomes absolutely worth it. The ripstop canvas the tent is constructed from is extremely wind- and water-resistant, but it does require some care and feeding to keep it that way. Specifically, canvas tents require 'seasoning', which involves spraying them down with a hose once a year to help the stitches at the seams swell, preventing water ingress.
Improving the Experience
Everything about the Oztent looks and feels high-quality, except the bag it comes in. It's adequate, but it can be a real hassle to get the tent in and out of. For my tent, I bought a set of bags for it, its poles, and accessories from another Aussie company called Drifta. They're made from a much higher-quality fabric, and the tent bag is slightly oversized and zips on three sides, making it a lot easier to pack the tent into. While they're not super cheap, costing around $280 at current exchange rates, and shipping from Australia to the States, it's worth it.
The Verdict
Oztent has a few U.S. distributors and a U.S. website, making it easy to order. Pricing is pretty steep for a ground tent, but not miles away from something similarly robust like a Springbar. My RX-5 Deluxe comes with the fly and extra room, which are usually optional extras, and sells for a not-inconsiderable $2,199. Oztent also sells a mesh floor saver, which goes under the tent and the awning, which I’d recommend, and it’ll run you $180. So, if you are ready to move away from regular ground tents and want something more substantial that will withstand whatever weather Mother Nature throws at it and still last for decades, the Oztent is a great choice. It offers something truly unique with its easy setup design and excellent build quality. It's an excellent alternative to rooftop tents for people who can't leave a tent on their rig all the time.
