The OneTigris ROCDOMUS Hammock Hot Tent offers a versatile and budget-friendly solution for winter hammockers and small groups seeking a lightweight shelter. With its unique design and practical features, it promises to keep campers comfortable in various conditions. Lets take a deep dive into its performance, compatibility with different setups, and overall value for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rating: ★★★ (3/4)
OneTigris ROCDOMUS Main Features
Constructed from rugged 70D Ripstop Nylon for enhanced durability and resistance to dirt, water, and abrasion.
Versatile design suitable for use with a hammock, as a hot tent, rain tarp, or temporary shelter with a front porch for year-round camping.
Waterproof treatment with a rating of 3000mm to ensure protection from heavy rain.
Dimensions of 7.8ft x 6.2ft, accommodating standard-sized single hammocks or 2 camp cots with a tent stove and chair setup on one end.
Lightweight (2.8kg) and compact (7” by 5.9” by 5.9” when folded) for easy transport and efficient storage.
Efficient heat retention when set up as a hot tent, keeping winter campers warm and gear dry.
Includes a setup kit with stakes, guy-lines, and 1 stove jack for convenient assembly.
Stove jack and pipe opening compatible with the OneTigris TIGER ROAR Tent Stove and most wood stoves available on the market.
A Tent for All Seasons
When considering shelters for outdoor adventures, versatility and comfort are paramount. The ROCDOMUS Hammock Hot Tent by OneTigris excels in these areas, making it a standout option for various camping scenarios. I tested the ROCDOMUS with a OneTigris Kompound hammock and a OneTigris Cot bed. This setup provided ample space for two people, ensuring a comfortable experience. For added warmth, I used a diesel heater, which kept the tent tropically warm, even in the coldest conditions. This addition significantly enhanced the tent's performance in sub-zero temperatures, making it a reliable option for winter camping.
Design and Build Quality
The ROCDOMUS tent is impressively large (7.8ft x 6.2ft), allowing for various configurations. It weighs just over 2.8kg, making it relatively lightweight for a hot tent. The tent itself I found to be very high quality, manufactured from 70D Ripstop Nylon, which handles monsoon like conditions admirably. The tent includes multiple stake-out points, pullouts, and cinchable loops, which make it highly adaptable. These features allow for easy adjustment and tensioning, which are crucial for maintaining stability in different weather conditions.
Testing in Harsh Conditions
I have tested the ROCDOMUS across various scenarios, including rain and temperatures as low as -7°c. Using both a generic wood burning stove and custom built diesel heater, I experimented with different volumes to see how well the tent retained heat. Initially, the setup was drafty due to a gap at the bottom, but adjusting the tent's height fixed this issue. This tweak was crucial for improving heat retention and overall comfort. In fact, if buying this tent you need to ensure the base of the ROCDOMUS makes contact with the floor.
The tent showed a significant temperature gradient, with the stove end much warmer than the opposite end. This discrepancy could be problematic for group camping in extremely cold conditions, as it might lead to uneven heating and discomfort. Despite this, the ROCDOMUS managed to keep the interior significantly warmer than the outside, demonstrating its effectiveness as a hot tent.
Versatility and Space
In warmer weather, the tent served well in "porch mode," providing a spacious shelter with ample ventilation. The tent's large footprint could easily accommodate multiple hammocks, cots, or bivies, making it ideal for group outings. For solo summer trips, it might be overkill, but for group adventures, its space and adaptability are unmatched. The ability to switch between different modes—canopy, porch, and full tent—makes the OneTigris ROCDOMUS a highly versatile shelter.
Canopy Mode
In canopy mode, the hardest part is finding enough space at a campsite to string up the nearly 11 x 15-foot tarp. Once set up, it provides a large, open area that can be used for socialising, cooking, or simply relaxing. This mode is particularly useful in fair weather, offering excellent ventilation and a spacious communal area.
Porch Mode
In porch mode, the doors can be extended or tied up with cinchable loops, offering the option of more protection from wind and rain or a more open shelter. This configuration provides a balance between protection and openness, making it suitable for shoulder season camping.
Tent Mode
In tent mode, particularly for hot tenting, the ROCDOMUS transforms into a cozy, enclosed space. With the stove setup, it becomes an excellent shelter for cold-weather camping. However, achieving optimal heat retention requires careful setup to avoid drafts.
Quirks and Improvements
While the ROCDOMUS is a solid option, it’s not without flaws. The included stakes were subpar, and the guylines could use better tensioning devices. Additionally, OneTigris doesn’t offer compatible accessories like tent poles or a bug net, which other brands provide. These omissions can be inconvenient, especially for those who prefer a one-stop-shop experience.
One notable issue was the draftiness during initial setup. I learned that staking the loops of the doors straight down first made a significant difference in reducing drafts. This adjustment ensured that the bottom of the tarp was flush with the ground, preventing cold air from seeping in.
Performance with a Diesel Heater
In addition to using a wood-burning stove, I experimented with a diesel heater. This setup provided consistent warmth and maintained a tropically warm interior, even in extremely cold conditions. The diesel heater proved to be a reliable alternative to the wood stove, offering a steady heat source without the need for frequent stoking. I would probably go as far as saying I preferred it, especially during the night.
Practical Applications
For group outings, the ROCDOMUS' large footprint and multiple configuration options make it an excellent choice. It can comfortably accommodate several people, whether using hammocks, cot beds, or even a roll mat on the floor. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who see the outdoors as a place to bring friends and family.
Given the massive footprint of the tarp, it’s no stretch to say that up to four people could use the ROCDOMUS as the bones of a camp. It might be cozy, and you might be sleeping on top of each other (literally). But for a group, at just under 3kg for a relatively beefy denier nylon, that’s a fairly lightweight basecamp.
Conclusion
The OneTigris ROCDOMUS Hammock Hot Tent is a versatile and cost-effective shelter, particularly for experienced hammock campers and those who enjoy group camping. It’s not the best choice for solo summer trips or those new to hammock camping, but with the right setup and experience, it provides a cozy and spacious shelter for four-season use. For me, it’s now a staple for various camping adventures, offering a reliable and comfortable basecamp.
UKSN Gold Tried and Tested Award
Due to its impressive range of features and versatility, the ROCDOMUS Hammock Hot Tent earns the UKSN Gold Tried and Tested Award. Its lightweight, compact form and compatibility with various stove setups further enhance its appeal. However, it loses 1 star due to the lack of accessories and the breeze that can enter from under the bottom of the tent. Despite these minor drawbacks, the ROCDOMUS remains a top choice for year-round camping and outdoor adventures.
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