I guess that's my point. Just because its overpriced and you could purchase a less expensive configuration, albeit not nearly as cool or original, is not the same thing as being "useless". I will 100% use my camp kitchen a ton, so can't really call it useless in my opinion.
Oddly enough, I feel the same way about the Yakima tent as you do about the kitchen. If I decide to install an above-ground tent, it'll be through REI and Yakima as they sell the exact same thing for 1/2 the price. Camp Kitchen is 100% one-of-a-kind Rivian and I for one can't wait to get it installed.
FWIW, it sounds like I won't be able to tell you "Told you so" or "You were right" for quite some time as I'm being told that the camp kitchen has no current delivery timeline. I'm starting my buying process tomorrow, so 100% sure I'm getting a Rivian without a camp kitchen to start with.
I think the kitchen will be a “wow” tailgate accessory and get use from those that buy it. I just think it is entirely impractical and counterproductive for camping, overlanding, and outside of urban America. I have a bunch of ideas of how it could be made outdoor practical, so RJ/team if you are reading this reach out
As for Roof top tents. I have one now (hard shell, iKamper mini) had a soft Tepui for about 5 years. We camp at least 60 nights a year and the RTT is my 4th string set up. Only use the RTT 4 to 10 nights a year. I know dozens of people that have bought RTTs and never used them or sold them rather quickly. Our primary set up is a travel trailer. A tie for 2nd is a base camp tent (~30 year old north face basecamp) or 4 person (mtn hardware) both with various cook/fridge/kitchen set ups. 3rd is bikepack/backpacking set up. Use two small 1-2 person tents. Last is the RTT. Only use it when in thick brown bear or wolf country in the fall when they are really looking for food
Why? First off they are heavy. When you camp as much as we do you realize weight matters for everything. Camp kitchen+RTT, that is ~30% of your payload. Unless you have a nice block and tackle and tall garage door/ceiling taking them on and off the truck sucks. Both my teens and I are very fit and it is no fun to manually install and remove the tent. Even with my block and tackle system it still takes 30min and two of us. Next, it tent moves with the truck. Need to move the truck? everything has to come out, then come back in. Need to leave the area? Everything hast to come out, loaded up, unloaded, then put back in…. Getting in and out is more disruptive for everyone in the tent, one person gets up at night to pee, everyone will be up. On that note, ladders in the middle of the night gets old. Also they don’t sleep as well in hot and cold. Can’t use cots, limited sleep pad options…. Next, dogs if you plan on dogs in the vestibule or tent think about dog+ladder. Last cost, You can get a super nice ground tent for 50-80% less then any RTT.
I recommend to all rent one before you buy one. RTTs May look cool but they are not for everyone.
