The OZtent RX5 is an impressive tent that offers a great blend of durability, convenience, and functionality, making it a top choice for campers seeking a high-quality shelter for their outdoor adventures. Here’s a detailed review of its key features and performance over the past 5 years of use. 

Design and Setup

The RX5 is renowned for its 30-second setup, thanks to OZtent’s signature quick-erect frame system. This feature is a game-changer, especially for campers who want to avoid the hassle of complex tent assemblies after a long day of travel or activities. The tent’s frame and mechanism feel robust and intuitive, ensuring even novice campers can set it up with ease.

While the body of the tent can pop up in thirty seconds, total setup time when using the ground tarp, rain fly, and front awning is closer to 7-10 minutes. 

Space and Comfort

This tent is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate up to 5 people, making it ideal for families or groups. This is the MAXIMUM number of people you can fit in a row on the ground in sleeping bags. The interior height and floor area are generous, allowing for plenty of headroom and movement inside. 

We have used multiple sleep systems in the RX5, depending on where and how we are traveling. One setup is utilizing a pair of Byers of Maine Cots on either side of the tent with an aisle down the middle. This offers maximum comfort, tons of storage under the cots, and a center aisle for the heater or for getting ready. 

A second setup is utilizing an Exped MegaMat Duo as our sleeping pad with room for bags at one end of the bed and a row between the bed and the door for getting ready in the highest point in the tent. 

The attached awning extends the usable space, creating a sheltered area perfect for relaxing, cooking, or storing gear. Additionally, the inclusion of a zip-in inner tent allows for versatile configurations and enhanced privacy.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The RX5 is made from high-quality materials, including waterproof ripstop polycotton canvas that provides excellent protection against the elements. The heavy-duty, heat-sealed PVC floor prevents water ingress, while the sturdy aluminum frame ensures stability even in windy conditions. The tent’s ability to withstand harsh weather is a major highlight, making it suitable for both summer and off-season camping.

We tested the waterproofness and durability in Moab, Utah in the fall when a line of squalls came through camp while we were in town getting dinner and resupplying. We came back to a destroyed camp with items everywhere. The closest neighbors had tents in the trees and chairs scattered across the desert. We had used rocks to anchor our OzTent because we were camped on a rocky ledge. We arrived to find our tent on its side, but completely dry on the inside. We simply flipped it over, secured the guy lines, and went to sleep. 

Ventilation and Climate Control

With multiple large windows, vents, and mesh panels, the RX5 offers excellent ventilation, reducing the risk of condensation and keeping the interior fresh. The windows are equipped with weatherproof flaps, so you can adjust them to manage airflow without compromising on weather protection. The canvas material also helps regulate temperature, keeping the interior cooler in the heat and warmer in colder conditions.

The single most important factor in regulating heat and cool in the OzTent is by setting up the rain fly. With the rain fly in place, all of the windows can be opened to provide complete ventilation. Likewise, when using a heater like the Mr. Buddy Heater, you can open the upper vents to provide ventilation for safety and for comfort. In hot weather, we have used the Claymore V600 USB fan to keep air moving. 

We have used the RX5 in temperatures from 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.7 celcius) to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees celcius). Obviously, it is less comfortable at the extreme ends of that temperature range, but it is the most versatile of any shelter system we have used. We are comfortable camping in the OzTent on the beach in Baja and in the snow of the Colorado Rockies. 

Portability

Given its durable build, the RX5 isn’t the lightest tent on the market, but it’s still portable enough for car camping. The tent packs down into two separate carry bags: one for the main tent and another for the rain fly. The poles and stakes fit in the main bag. While the packed size is relatively large, the included bags are sturdy enough and easy to handle.

The entire OzTent line is quite bulky and can be complicated to haul around. The RX5 requires either a roof rack, long truck bed, or a roomy van interior. We hauled our RX5 on the roof of our GX470 on both the stock rack and the Prinsu rack. Getting the 66 lbs (30.4 kg) of tent onto the rack is a lot of work and is much easier with two people. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Room for activities- I am 6’3″ tall and can get dressed without crouching down. 
  • It is DARK! We have slept in far later in this tent than in any other we have owned.
  • The simple and fast setup of such a solid tent is pleasant after a long day on the trail.

Cons

  • It is HUGE. The packed tent is super long and weighs nearly 70 lbs. 
  • It is expensive. The base RX5 is $1500 new; deals can be had on the used marketplace. 

Summary

The OZtent RX5 is a premium tent designed for campers who value convenience, durability, and comfort. While it may not suit those looking for lightweight or compact options, it is an outstanding investment for family campers or anyone seeking a reliable, weather-resistant shelter that can be set up in seconds. Its high price is justified by the quality and features, making it a worthwhile addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear that will likely last a lifetime.