Designed to sleep two people and constructed from alloy and steel tubing, the frame of the Oasis II is both lightweight and strong. It's a double folding design that when closed creates a slim and compact (61x46x8 inches) package for transport. The outer shell is constructed from 300-denier nylon using two doors for access and double-vent windows in the roof panels. All the openings have zippered mesh panels as well to keep out bugs. Waterproofing is handled with a supplied rain fly of aluminized material that doubles as a sun blocker when needed. Unique to this tent is the fabric floor that is supported with elastic cord and split into two separate sections. The design makes the tent feel a lot like a cot when you sleep in it, and it offers good support and comfort. The open tent measures 85x58x47 inches.
We mounted our test unit to a fully outfitted '94 Jeep Cherokee XJ ready for some backcountry exploring. Mounting was easy as the tent comes with U-bolt-style clamps that we attached to the ARB roofrack on the truck. We're told that the tent works just as well with either factory-installed roof racks or aftermarket units. The Oasis II is light enough for one person to lift, allowing for easy removal and storage when not in use - an important consideration given the current price of fuel. Finally, the ladder stows below the tent. We used elastic cords to hold it in place as there were no brackets or tie-downs supplied by the manufacturer.
Heading to the backcountry around Mt. Rainier for some camping, the Jeep was indifferent to the addition of the tent, and the low profile didn't create any problems when the trails got tight. The travel cover is heavy, PVC-coated canvas and resisted being damaged by brush and sticks along the trails. We did have to be careful of the height though, as the tent adds about 8 to 10 inches in overall height to the truck.
Setup was straightforward. We started by removing the travel cover held on with plastic clips and nylon straps. Next, we unfolded the tent and locked the ends in place with the adjustable locks and then extended the ladder and dropped it into the hoops on the tent frame. That's it. About a 5-minute job overall.
Initially, we were concerned about the oddly angled floor of the Oasis II, but this proved not to be an issue. There is some curve to the surface, but as the floor gives under load at the elastic cording, it conforms to your body. The drawback to this design is that you are somewhat limited in sleeping positions; it is really best on your back. Also, because of the extra support bar between the sleeping sections, wider people may find they could do with a bit more room. That said, it was a comfortable night's sleep for us and certainly far better than dealing with a lumpy surface on the ground.
The Oasis II is a good option if you are considering a rooftop tent. The lightweight design allows it to be used on much smaller vehicles than other rooftop tents, and the tent's low profile when stowed makes fuel economy considerations inconsequential. We also like that the tent is not a permanent fixture on the car and does not require any sort of specialized heavy-duty roofrack for installation.
Overall, the Oasis II is a simple-to-use, comfortable alternative to sleeping on the ground and a nice addition to any backcountry rig.