Riv I Am
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Kirk
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2023
- Threads
- 5
- Messages
- 57
- Reaction score
- 96
- Location
- Southern UT
- Vehicles
- Tesla Model 3, Awaiting R1T - GW/OC VIN 171xx
- Occupation
- Health care
- Thread starter
- #1
This is an overview of my current setup as well as my two cents on some of the gear I have for camping. (Disclaimer: I am a low-experience casual camper looking for ways to make the experience as comfortable and convenient as possible).
iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0:
Have had an iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 for over a year. My wife and I are both 5'5" and not wide, and I will admit it feels just right, but add any bags or gear in the tent and it starts feeling tight. For solo camping it is perfect! For those with an R1S, I'd highly recommend getting the bigger option from iKamper since you're not restricted by the truck bed size. It is also one of the most aerodynamic RTTs out there which is especially important for you R1Sers. Like other R1Ters, I mounted mine backwards over the bed so the slope of the RTT faces the rear and I hope that helps with the aerodynamics. If not, it at least looks cooler ?. For removal and storage, I got a hoist system off Amazon ( https://a.co/d/6nFGdK7 ) that I installed myself. I keep my Rivian crossbars attached to it at all times and have a separate pair for other uses. Since I don't remove the crossbars, they are always at the right width to drop right into the attachement points on the truck when I park the bed right under it. I highly recommending not setting up the hoist system alone, but it can be done. I'm not a handy-man type so if I can really anyone can do this install. See pics of the final product. Somewhere on this forum last year I did a write up on the installation process.
Inside the Tent:
In the tent, I always run an extension cord from the truck bed socket which I use for charging my devices, and most importantly, to run a small cheap low-power space heater I got off Amazon ( https://a.co/d/b5MT4nL ). It does the trick but since it's one that needs to be upright and on a flat surface, I just lay it on my iPad case and it maintains a good temp in the tent. If there were two of us in there, chances are one of us would kick it on its side and it'd turn off. There is maybe a better option out there that can possibly be hung out of the way but still be safe to use. Open to suggestions. I spent three nights in the teens to 20 degrees F two weeks ago in Park City and was very toasty and comfortable all night with minimal impact on Rivian battery. iKamper even sells an additional insulation layer for these tents, but the build on its own is good enough to keep the heat in, and they heat up inside pretty fast. Additionally I saw these blow-up warm LED lights on SharkTank and am a big fan ( https://a.co/d/3MULGsA ). I hang two in the tent. For when it's warmer I use this hanging battery powered fan ( https://a.co/d/enDuK95 ). It's an okay option and does the job but I someday I want an in-tent AC system and almost ordered the Campstream One ... but the setup time, price, and overall inefficiency of the system with its current design has me holding off for now. ( https://www.campstreamgear.com/product/campstream-one )
Real pillow, throw blanket, and a good sleeping bag are of course in there, but I've also found its important to have a trash bag or ziplock, wet wipes, easy to throw-on sweat pants and hoodie, and a bottle or something in the tent like that in case I need to empty my bladder in the middle of the night and don't want to leave my warm coccoon or let bugs in. Also, because the foam ground pads the iKamper comes with come in two pieces, I stack them on top of each other and use my blankets and clothes as a backrests so I can comfortably lounge and read or watch a movie before setting them up as sleeping pads for sleep.
Kitchen:
For cooking, I have what a lot of others use. A plug-in portable stove ( https://a.co/d/3SZqqiL ), plug-in electric kettle ( https://a.co/d/3fzHMct ), collapsible wash bin / cutting board ( https://a.co/d/0sy0jLF ), and a cheap camp kitchen set from Walmart ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Tr...with-Mesh-Carrying-Bag/856761850?from=/search ). In addition to Paper towels, wet wipes, garbage bags, can opener, bottle opener, campfire tongs, lighter, fabric to protect the surface of the stove, salt, pepper, etc... this all fits in a 12 gallon Husky Storage Container from Home Depot ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...ainer-with-Hinged-Lid-in-Red-248921/313861297 ). On Amazon Day, I got this plug-in fridge/freezer for about $240. ( https://a.co/d/aTznuY4 ) It does fit under the tonneau cover and has been working well. If there's not much in the back to keep it in place, I'll place this rubber floor mat from Home Depot underneath it and this keeps it from sliding around in the truck bed ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Traffic...nti-Fatigue-Comfort-Mat-KFTRM9191-1/206355967 ). Although I have a camp table and folding chairs, I find it easier if I'm by myself to just sit on my kneeling pad ( https://a.co/d/fQQq1Pf ) on top of my 20-gallon Husky bin and use the tailgate as a table. I have several of those kneeling pads and use them all the time for a lot of random things so I try to always have one in the truck.
Shower:
For Showering, I use a Joolca two-room shower tent. This is awesome because it just pops up and folds down very easily and is pretty sturdy. No messing with tent poles, etc. (https://www.joolca.com/products/ensuite-tent-double?nbt=nb:adwords:g:8310099056:147127695024:617692272934&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=joolca ensuite double&nb_ti=aud-2188238719570:kwd-1752463284194&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_si={sourceid}&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=p&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU1l5B_xIdycfuDlrox9hzQuGNNFns4cIDFtxFUorQz7aZ1A7eDGB0oaAjF1EALw_wcB ). As far as stakes, I love these ones that come with a bit adapter for any drill. Using my Ryobi drill, I can have all the shower tent stakes securely in the ground in less than a minute with almost no concern for them coming out and no loud hammering late at night. In the mornings I'll move my space heater into the shower tent so when it is time to shower it's nice and toasty in there. I use a fold-up bamboo mat on the shower half of the tent so I'm not standing in water. On the dry side, I have another collapsible wash bin that I put the space heater and the connection part of the wire and etension cord in so that there's no way water could accidentally pool up and become an issue to these electronics. For hot water, I use a Kakadu Outback Shower ( https://www.kakaduusa.com/kakadu-ou..._oxl6Cqtivmy3CfK-pm2naU0R91cs4kwaAtK6EALw_wcB ). I got mine for about $380 after shipping and taxes, but I've seen it offered for lower in the past. So far it's worked well. A small propane tank screws into the back (or you can use an adapter for a big one) and I get almost-instant hot water. I carry my water in these 5-gallon jugs off Amazon ( https://a.co/d/7MBjT5T ). These have spouts big enough to fit the pump from Kakadu right into. The Kakadu has battery power, but I forgot to charge it. Thankfully my shower-tent set up was close enought to the truck to run the Kakadu's included 12v plug-in cable from the gear-tunnel to the Kakadu sitting just outside my shower tent. Being able to shower in freezing weather while in a heated enclosure with hot water and an adjacent heated dry room to change felt very nice. All my shower stuff fits aside from the water and shower tent, fits in one 20-gallon Husky bin from Home Depot, and this bin fits well under the tonneau cover. I push my showering bin into the deepest part of the truck bed and I keep a garden rake in the bed as well which I use to push and pull items in and out of the truck because I hate climbing in and under the tonneau cover to place or retrieve things that are deep in there. (Side note: in one of the pics you’ll see a Geyser showering system. I tried that a few times and although it has its merits, I found the canister to run out of water too fast for the kind of shower I wanted after a long run, and the heating element of it to be impractical. If you do buy one, don’t buy the self-heating one since pouring your own preheated water from a kettle will be way easier and more efficient than what their heated version offers. Also, the valve system on it is not easy to use one-handed and often scratches against your body when scrubbing down. I hope they improve the product because the concept is awesome).
Toilet:
I occasionally use the shower tent's dry room for the toilet. I currently use this fold up toilet ( https://a.co/d/illS5ge ), these waste bags ( https://a.co/d/bOevVAb ), these waste/smell absorption powder packs ( https://a.co/d/ak8KBj0 ), and I sprinkle in some animal bedding from the local farm store in the bag as well. This all fits in another 12-gallon Husky bin, with toilet paper and wet wipes so it's great in terms of being compact, but someday I would love something like a Laveo ( https://a.co/d/3tvUheD ) or maybe even Joolca's new much more affordable GottaGo toilet ( https://www.joolca.com/products/gottago?nbt=nb:adwords:g:8310099056:160229133338:691711856113&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=joolca toilet&nb_ti=aud-2188238719570:kwd-2172101252773&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_si={sourceid}&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=p&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU2yVHw--HDyvGZ90E1in-2Xw5JwRWVp0tWYGQQZDy8dl6eQmXSttN8aArqkEALw_wcB ) . I'm not crazy about the current toilet situation and hope to come up with something better.
Other random things I've found helpful:
This electric fly swatter that can also fold into a self-standing bug zapper ( https://a.co/d/cU6Hy26 )
This bug repellent device ( https://a.co/d/hsr76GE )
This pop up firepit that greatly reduces the amount of smoke produced and also raises the fire a bit so the heat reaches the body better when sitting around it. I got the cooking set that goes on top of it but have yet to use that. I quickly learned I'm not much of a chef either in or out of the house, so I mainly buy things that can be warmed up on the stove rather than things that need actual cooking. ( https://a.co/d/bq8kjwS ). Folds away pretty compact.
Bear spray from Costco.
Folding shovel ( https://a.co/d/g75Z6yc ), folding saw ( https://a.co/d/gjh08Uu ), axe ( https://a.co/d/iDN5aDL )
Duracell lantern from costco that also serves as a power bank, folding chairs from costco (still haven't found the perfect folding chair that sets up instantly, folds small, has neck support and arm rests), and this camp table ( https://a.co/d/2d0GcqQ )
In summary, I'm happy with my set up, but know it's very rudimentary. I'm by no means an overlander or avid camper, but this setup has made overnight stops on long road trips very doable without needing a hotel room and made for some good weekend escape memories. I would prefer a towable aerodynamic camper with a shower/bathroom like a Little Guy Mini Max, nuCamp 320s, Happier camper, Casita, etc. Or even one of the upcoming Rivian-fitted truck bed campers like the Tune or the Go Fast. I would love to customize one of those latter two to fit a small pop up shower/bathroom area in the standing part using some of the stuff I have already. However all these options cost a lot lot more in terms of money and range compared to the iKamper on the R1T's truck bed. Also, as an aside, the awesome self-leveling feature of the truck does nothing for a towable camper.
Hopefully someone gets something out of this or maybe it sparks an idea or suggestion that'll make yours or my set up better.
iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0:
Have had an iKamper Skycamp Mini 3.0 for over a year. My wife and I are both 5'5" and not wide, and I will admit it feels just right, but add any bags or gear in the tent and it starts feeling tight. For solo camping it is perfect! For those with an R1S, I'd highly recommend getting the bigger option from iKamper since you're not restricted by the truck bed size. It is also one of the most aerodynamic RTTs out there which is especially important for you R1Sers. Like other R1Ters, I mounted mine backwards over the bed so the slope of the RTT faces the rear and I hope that helps with the aerodynamics. If not, it at least looks cooler ?. For removal and storage, I got a hoist system off Amazon ( https://a.co/d/6nFGdK7 ) that I installed myself. I keep my Rivian crossbars attached to it at all times and have a separate pair for other uses. Since I don't remove the crossbars, they are always at the right width to drop right into the attachement points on the truck when I park the bed right under it. I highly recommending not setting up the hoist system alone, but it can be done. I'm not a handy-man type so if I can really anyone can do this install. See pics of the final product. Somewhere on this forum last year I did a write up on the installation process.
Inside the Tent:
In the tent, I always run an extension cord from the truck bed socket which I use for charging my devices, and most importantly, to run a small cheap low-power space heater I got off Amazon ( https://a.co/d/b5MT4nL ). It does the trick but since it's one that needs to be upright and on a flat surface, I just lay it on my iPad case and it maintains a good temp in the tent. If there were two of us in there, chances are one of us would kick it on its side and it'd turn off. There is maybe a better option out there that can possibly be hung out of the way but still be safe to use. Open to suggestions. I spent three nights in the teens to 20 degrees F two weeks ago in Park City and was very toasty and comfortable all night with minimal impact on Rivian battery. iKamper even sells an additional insulation layer for these tents, but the build on its own is good enough to keep the heat in, and they heat up inside pretty fast. Additionally I saw these blow-up warm LED lights on SharkTank and am a big fan ( https://a.co/d/3MULGsA ). I hang two in the tent. For when it's warmer I use this hanging battery powered fan ( https://a.co/d/enDuK95 ). It's an okay option and does the job but I someday I want an in-tent AC system and almost ordered the Campstream One ... but the setup time, price, and overall inefficiency of the system with its current design has me holding off for now. ( https://www.campstreamgear.com/product/campstream-one )
Real pillow, throw blanket, and a good sleeping bag are of course in there, but I've also found its important to have a trash bag or ziplock, wet wipes, easy to throw-on sweat pants and hoodie, and a bottle or something in the tent like that in case I need to empty my bladder in the middle of the night and don't want to leave my warm coccoon or let bugs in. Also, because the foam ground pads the iKamper comes with come in two pieces, I stack them on top of each other and use my blankets and clothes as a backrests so I can comfortably lounge and read or watch a movie before setting them up as sleeping pads for sleep.
Kitchen:
For cooking, I have what a lot of others use. A plug-in portable stove ( https://a.co/d/3SZqqiL ), plug-in electric kettle ( https://a.co/d/3fzHMct ), collapsible wash bin / cutting board ( https://a.co/d/0sy0jLF ), and a cheap camp kitchen set from Walmart ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Tr...with-Mesh-Carrying-Bag/856761850?from=/search ). In addition to Paper towels, wet wipes, garbage bags, can opener, bottle opener, campfire tongs, lighter, fabric to protect the surface of the stove, salt, pepper, etc... this all fits in a 12 gallon Husky Storage Container from Home Depot ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...ainer-with-Hinged-Lid-in-Red-248921/313861297 ). On Amazon Day, I got this plug-in fridge/freezer for about $240. ( https://a.co/d/aTznuY4 ) It does fit under the tonneau cover and has been working well. If there's not much in the back to keep it in place, I'll place this rubber floor mat from Home Depot underneath it and this keeps it from sliding around in the truck bed ( https://www.homedepot.com/p/Traffic...nti-Fatigue-Comfort-Mat-KFTRM9191-1/206355967 ). Although I have a camp table and folding chairs, I find it easier if I'm by myself to just sit on my kneeling pad ( https://a.co/d/fQQq1Pf ) on top of my 20-gallon Husky bin and use the tailgate as a table. I have several of those kneeling pads and use them all the time for a lot of random things so I try to always have one in the truck.
Shower:
For Showering, I use a Joolca two-room shower tent. This is awesome because it just pops up and folds down very easily and is pretty sturdy. No messing with tent poles, etc. (https://www.joolca.com/products/ensuite-tent-double?nbt=nb:adwords:g:8310099056:147127695024:617692272934&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=joolca ensuite double&nb_ti=aud-2188238719570:kwd-1752463284194&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_si={sourceid}&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=p&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU1l5B_xIdycfuDlrox9hzQuGNNFns4cIDFtxFUorQz7aZ1A7eDGB0oaAjF1EALw_wcB ). As far as stakes, I love these ones that come with a bit adapter for any drill. Using my Ryobi drill, I can have all the shower tent stakes securely in the ground in less than a minute with almost no concern for them coming out and no loud hammering late at night. In the mornings I'll move my space heater into the shower tent so when it is time to shower it's nice and toasty in there. I use a fold-up bamboo mat on the shower half of the tent so I'm not standing in water. On the dry side, I have another collapsible wash bin that I put the space heater and the connection part of the wire and etension cord in so that there's no way water could accidentally pool up and become an issue to these electronics. For hot water, I use a Kakadu Outback Shower ( https://www.kakaduusa.com/kakadu-ou..._oxl6Cqtivmy3CfK-pm2naU0R91cs4kwaAtK6EALw_wcB ). I got mine for about $380 after shipping and taxes, but I've seen it offered for lower in the past. So far it's worked well. A small propane tank screws into the back (or you can use an adapter for a big one) and I get almost-instant hot water. I carry my water in these 5-gallon jugs off Amazon ( https://a.co/d/7MBjT5T ). These have spouts big enough to fit the pump from Kakadu right into. The Kakadu has battery power, but I forgot to charge it. Thankfully my shower-tent set up was close enought to the truck to run the Kakadu's included 12v plug-in cable from the gear-tunnel to the Kakadu sitting just outside my shower tent. Being able to shower in freezing weather while in a heated enclosure with hot water and an adjacent heated dry room to change felt very nice. All my shower stuff fits aside from the water and shower tent, fits in one 20-gallon Husky bin from Home Depot, and this bin fits well under the tonneau cover. I push my showering bin into the deepest part of the truck bed and I keep a garden rake in the bed as well which I use to push and pull items in and out of the truck because I hate climbing in and under the tonneau cover to place or retrieve things that are deep in there. (Side note: in one of the pics you’ll see a Geyser showering system. I tried that a few times and although it has its merits, I found the canister to run out of water too fast for the kind of shower I wanted after a long run, and the heating element of it to be impractical. If you do buy one, don’t buy the self-heating one since pouring your own preheated water from a kettle will be way easier and more efficient than what their heated version offers. Also, the valve system on it is not easy to use one-handed and often scratches against your body when scrubbing down. I hope they improve the product because the concept is awesome).
Toilet:
I occasionally use the shower tent's dry room for the toilet. I currently use this fold up toilet ( https://a.co/d/illS5ge ), these waste bags ( https://a.co/d/bOevVAb ), these waste/smell absorption powder packs ( https://a.co/d/ak8KBj0 ), and I sprinkle in some animal bedding from the local farm store in the bag as well. This all fits in another 12-gallon Husky bin, with toilet paper and wet wipes so it's great in terms of being compact, but someday I would love something like a Laveo ( https://a.co/d/3tvUheD ) or maybe even Joolca's new much more affordable GottaGo toilet ( https://www.joolca.com/products/gottago?nbt=nb:adwords:g:8310099056:160229133338:691711856113&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=joolca toilet&nb_ti=aud-2188238719570:kwd-2172101252773&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_si={sourceid}&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=p&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU2yVHw--HDyvGZ90E1in-2Xw5JwRWVp0tWYGQQZDy8dl6eQmXSttN8aArqkEALw_wcB ) . I'm not crazy about the current toilet situation and hope to come up with something better.
Other random things I've found helpful:
This electric fly swatter that can also fold into a self-standing bug zapper ( https://a.co/d/cU6Hy26 )
This bug repellent device ( https://a.co/d/hsr76GE )
This pop up firepit that greatly reduces the amount of smoke produced and also raises the fire a bit so the heat reaches the body better when sitting around it. I got the cooking set that goes on top of it but have yet to use that. I quickly learned I'm not much of a chef either in or out of the house, so I mainly buy things that can be warmed up on the stove rather than things that need actual cooking. ( https://a.co/d/bq8kjwS ). Folds away pretty compact.
Bear spray from Costco.
Folding shovel ( https://a.co/d/g75Z6yc ), folding saw ( https://a.co/d/gjh08Uu ), axe ( https://a.co/d/iDN5aDL )
Duracell lantern from costco that also serves as a power bank, folding chairs from costco (still haven't found the perfect folding chair that sets up instantly, folds small, has neck support and arm rests), and this camp table ( https://a.co/d/2d0GcqQ )
In summary, I'm happy with my set up, but know it's very rudimentary. I'm by no means an overlander or avid camper, but this setup has made overnight stops on long road trips very doable without needing a hotel room and made for some good weekend escape memories. I would prefer a towable aerodynamic camper with a shower/bathroom like a Little Guy Mini Max, nuCamp 320s, Happier camper, Casita, etc. Or even one of the upcoming Rivian-fitted truck bed campers like the Tune or the Go Fast. I would love to customize one of those latter two to fit a small pop up shower/bathroom area in the standing part using some of the stuff I have already. However all these options cost a lot lot more in terms of money and range compared to the iKamper on the R1T's truck bed. Also, as an aside, the awesome self-leveling feature of the truck does nothing for a towable camper.
Hopefully someone gets something out of this or maybe it sparks an idea or suggestion that'll make yours or my set up better.
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