Raise the Roof (Top Tent)!

We have been discussing changing our camp set up for a while.  And we finally were ready to do it.  Introducing our new home away from home!

We have loved our off-road tent trailer for many years.  It has been a trusty home at the beach, at the lake, in the mountains, everywhere...



 It was roomy, could hold all of our stuff, and the Dog had his own queen size bed!  (He is a spoiled pooch.)  But it was big.  And we had to store it 30 minutes away.  This meant a monthly bill but also a pretty lengthy "get ready" day.  It just wasn't as easy as we wanted, didn't allow for spontaneous trips, and limited some of the places we could explore.  To be honest, our camp style had changed over the years and our awesome TT was no longer the perfect fit it once was.  So it was time for a new way of camp life!  I was thrilled when a dad and two teenage daughters fell in love with this set up and were excited to make new memories in it!

Coolest Camper at Pismo Beach!

Onto our next phase of camping!  J is a very thorough shopper.  I appreciate knowing that he has left no stone unturned and understands what we are getting into.  After looking at all the options, reading tons of posts on the offroad and expedition forums, talking with friends about their tents, and weighing the pros and cons with me numerous times...we decided that the James Baroud Evasion was perfect for us.  Two important factors were the hard shell, and the feeling of being "open."  We had one previous experience camping in a friend's Hannibal tent, and weren't in love with how dark it was inside, how "closed in" we felt, and the lack of a view while laying in bed.  The new style James Baroud includes panoramic windows which means the views are amazing, and the ventilation and cross breeze is perfect on the hot summer days.  Additionally, it feels light and open, and free...  

I admit I struggled a little with the idea of Hudson sleeping "downstairs" in the truck while we were in the tent.  I didn't want him to be lonely.  So I talked myself into seeing it from his point of view.  He had his own private suite!  How cool is that?  Deluxe accommodations without Mom & Dad around to bother him.  And so everyone in the family was on board and excited to start new adventures.

This is my READY face!

J found a distributor in WA, Adventure Ready, sent them a few questions by email, had wonderful replies and great customer service, and we took the plunge.  One Evasion RTT was ordered and on it's way down to CA!  So excited!

While I was out of town for work, the RTT arrived!  J recruited some friends at work and installed the new rack and the new tent.  I couldn't wait to get home and play!  When I arrived home, the truck was waiting in the driveway with it's perfect new top hat.  After a super quick demo of how to open the latches, raise the roof(!), and secure the struts, I kicked off my heels and climbed in with fancy work clothes and all.  We were both so thrilled with the Evasion and knew we had made a perfect choice for the new adventures in store.  Now all we had to do was head out and explore all of the many backroads, remote spots, and beauty of Northern California.

It's here and it's perfect!

So the good news is that I fit perfectly.  I mean look at me!  I should be a RTT model.  

And while this picture makes it look like J doesn't fit, I promise he does.  

There is absolutely sitting room for J's 6'1" self.  With room to spare even.

Set up is super easy and takes about three minutes.  Blankets and pillows store inside, and its ready to go in moments!

Trying out the side view with one of the two entrances rolled up and open.  Now just imagine that is the ocean and there are waves crashing on rocks while the sun slowly sets.  Yup, this is going to be awesome!

EXPLORE . ENJOY . LOVE . LIVE