Napier Tent- short term review

[bullcitymav]

I recently purchased a Napier tent for camping at mountain biking events with my son. We'll be using it for cyclocross season next.


TL;DR- its a budget tent for a premium price. We haven't had to camp in the rain (the design is somewhat suspect for rain) but other than being hot it does what it is supposed to do.


Pros:
It's a tent designed for the Maverick.

Its very spacious, lots of head room.

Im 6' 1" and have room to sleep.


Cons:

For the price, it doesn't line up with average to premium tents you can buy at REI or elsewhere.

Set-up is running long tent poles through sleeves like you're setting up a budget coleman tent from the 80s, when it could have easily been designed with hooks that would save 60% of set-up time. Having to pop the hood to connect the tent is convoluted, Im sure there is a better design alternative. Im also concerned it will wear on the foam by the hood.

Only access to the back seat is through the front when tent is on.

Ventilation is minimum and Im not sure it will be usable when it gets closer to summer. It's hot.

There are absolutely no features to the interior of the tent. It would be nice to have pockets or loops to hang a fan or other things. Its a very, very basic tent, which is unfortunate because the price is not basic.

It hasn't rained yet, but the roof seal is suspect and I imagine it will run through and into the bed. I will make sure to park on an incline if I ever am faced with rain. (ETA- The tent made it through a short but very intense storm with no leakage to the back/bed

Construction- overall the materials are quality though I think the fabric that holds the poles will be the first to tear or wear out.

If there is ever a cheap Amazon tent that fits, it will be an upgrade ROI.

I think that covers it. Again, budget product for premium price. This is definitely a stop-gap measure.

Sponsored

 

[Sonnytnguyen]

Was consider buying this tent but now have second thought thanks to your review.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Thank you for your review of the Napier truck bed tent.
Even at my age I've considered maybe camping a few more times.
I thought about using the bed of the Maverick. Just like one of those rooftop tents, I don't want to have to climb in and out. Specially in the middle of the night as old men have to do.
For an expenditure of about $500 to $600.
They've got the inflatable tents pretty much down pat. I think I would go with a setup pictured below, with either tent and 2 nice sleeping cots. This old man won't sleep on the ground!
I also like the idea I don't have to break down Camp if I need to use the truck.
I wonder how easy it is to set up one of those truck bed tents when you have a hard or soft tonneau cover???
Where do you store your camping gear when you're sleeping in the bed of your truck?
If you're sleeping in an actual tent. You still have the the bed of the truck to store your gear. Better yet if it has a tonneau cover.
Just saying.

 

[Wilklersticks]

I've almost bought this tent about 10 times and every time I talk myself out of it. The other Napier Sportz Tent that ISN'T built for the Maverick seems like a better option in basically every way. I think either that or an appropriately sized cheap bed tent would be better.

 

[bullcitymav]

I've almost bought this tent about 10 times and every time I talk myself out of it. The other Napier Sportz Tent that ISN'T built for the Maverick seems like a better option in basically every way. I think either that or an appropriately sized cheap bed tent would be better.

I think when it originally came out and you could buy direct for $130 it is totally worth it. Now that you have to go through Ford for close to $300 there are probably better options

 

[Wilklersticks]

I think when it originally came out and you could buy direct for $130 it is totally worth it. Now that you have to go through Ford for close to $300 there are probably better options

Yea, my mind was blown when I found some posts on here in the early days only to see it over twice the price now. Definitely not worth that kind of cash for what's essentially a tarp with a door and poles. Anyone with some sewing knowledge and some seem tape could probably make one.

 

[bullcitymav]

The tent made it through a short but very intense storm with no leakage to the back/bed.

 

[JedFDK]

So I just got the tent, for free with my Ford points, and I am excited to try it out. I am not big on camping in heat but rather I prefer camping in the fall through to spring. I will update everyone on my camping with this tent

Sponsored