Is a Condensation Mat a Must-Have for The BunduTop?
Condensation:
By definition, condensation is the process by which a substance changes its physical state from a gas (vapor) to a liquid. This can take effect under a few different circumstances: Cooling (The primary cause), saturation (Dew point), and pressure.
The best way to understand this is to think about when you open a cold can on a hot summer day, the outside of the can will acquire condensation as the warm air cools down the can surface.
The Truth:
It’s not a bad idea! If you are camping at high elevations or during winter months, you may still risk condensation.
Things that cause the condensation in the BunduTop include:
Natural human breathing / Body heat
Aluminum Floor
Keeping all the windows closed to “preserve” the heat
Let's chat on each of these quickly~
It's Natural:
An average person will produce roughly 16oz of moisture just from breathing. Overnight, when your warm breath meets the lower air temperature and the cold aluminum floor or ceiling of the tent, it reaches a dew point that causes condensation.
Aluminum Floor:
The floor is made entirely of aluminum, which means there is no natural “air gap” beneath the mattress. As a result, when the aluminum bars cool, they can draw heat away from the mattress and the tent's interior. This can lead to condensation or dampness forming underneath the mattress.
Windows Closed:
If you like to keep things “buttoned up” overnight so the heat won't escape, you can actually create additional condensation by trapping moisture inside the tent. Cracking a window or two will allow a small amount of trapped moisture to escape, reducing condensation inside the tent. Running one of the interior circulation fans can also help circulate air, preventing moisture from collecting overnight.
Tent Construction:
Like any constructed product, the BunduTop, being all aluminum, has both its Advantages and Disadvantages.
The primary advantage of the BunduTop is its all-aluminum design. This construction enhances corrosion and weather resistance while remaining lightweight. Additionally, it facilitates easier handling and reduces the load on your vehicle. The aluminum also serves as a heat reflector on the roof, helping to maintain a comfortable interior temperature even in scorching sunlight.
However, aluminum does come with its downsides. One notable drawback is its tendency to cause condensation. While many, including myself, argue that aluminum itself is responsible for this condensation, it is actually a heat-conducting material. The transfer of heat into the hollow tubing leads to condensation, triggered by body heat acting as the catalyst. Consequently, you'll often notice moisture accumulating in your BunduTop, primarily on the lower half where the mattress is located.
The Advice You Need:
BunduTec began taking the initiative to help reduce condensation by installing an auto-cargo liner on tents starting in late 2023. There are additional ways you can help reduce condensation inside the tent.
Increase airflow
Insulate the floor
Manage wet gear
Air out the tent
Use dehumidifier products
Again, let's chat on each of these quickly~
Increase Airflow:
When leaving at least one window partially open or running one of the interior 12v fans you will allow the humid air to escape with cross-ventilation, it took me a long time to wrap my head around this, but I have found it is a straightforward way to stay warm overnight when the temperature drops without having condensation to wipe down in the morning.
Insulate the Floor:
This has been accomplished by BunduTec’s installation of a carpet under the mattress, which now wraps around each side of the base, so the mattress is not in direct contact with the raw aluminum framing. You could also add foam between the cross-members under the tent, but it would need to be secured in place with adhesive, since it is open to the elements, and you would still risk condensation in the aluminum tubing that forms the structure. Even with the carpet under the mattress, you can still add an anti-condensation mat such as:
No matter what kind of mat you decide to add under the mattress, make sure it is a honeycomb-style mat that allows airflow through the space below the mattress.
Manage Wet Gear:
Another tried-and-true method to reduce condensation is to limit the amount of wet gear you bring into the tent. One convenient way to do this is to add the BunduCover and Privacy Panel, or the BunduSuite, to your tent. This allows an area where you can remove anything wet without showing the world before entering the tent. I have also added a mesh storage pocket on the exterior of the tent where I enter, allowing me to place my shoes outside the tent and still keep them covered by the rainfly or BunduCover when it's deployed.
Check out this nifty pocket from our online store — it's a twin to those interior pockets! Perfect for stashing muddy hiking boots or soggy flip-flops, it keeps them safe and sound outside your tent overnight. Thanks to the rain fly, they're snug from the weather, even if my BunduCover/Annex isn't open. {Jenn}
Air Out The Tent:
Just like a ground tent or even a Pop-Up truck camper, if your camping weekend has been wet and rainy or even heavy with an element that is not sunny and dry, it is always best to open things up when you get home and have a nice dry day to let things not only dry out but also air out. When I do this, I also prop the mattress up with a board to make sure any moisture under or inside it can dry out. This also helps reduce any “lived-in” smell from active use.
Dehumidifying Product:
There are many great new products on the market that help reduce condensation during storage. I have found that the space above the mattress can easily hold a DampRid container, which absorbs moisture, turning the crystals into water. This is something you still need to check, as most of them are only good for about a month.
I take my personal tent off my rig for the winter so my truck will fit into my garage. While in storage, I remove the mattress so that any condensation from our cold winter weather does not get trapped in the mattress. I never have condensation on the interior when I bring it down for install again in the spring, and it gives the mattress a chance to really dry out since it is not “trapped” inside the tent.
Doesn’t South Africa Have Condensation?
While most people in South Africa think it is dry and hot. This is true during their summer months, with some areas continually experiencing drought; they actually get very heavy condensation at times. This is primarily during their winter months, from May to September, when temperatures range from 28 to 79 degrees Farenheight. These are milder than most winter resort areas here in the States, but they do occasionally see temperatures below freezing, which can create severe condensation. Their coastal regions are more prone to this type of weather than inland areas. Contrary to belief, they do have areas of elevation that see snow, just like here in the States!
Bundutec Influencer expedition_extreme took these great photos during a winter trip in the Matroosberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa.
What if I have an older tent?
If your tent is an OG before the addition of the cargo liner being installed on the floor, don't fret, you can easily purchase this at stores like Home Depot or Harbor Freight. It can be cut to the size of your floor under the mattress and laid flat, or cut a little larger to roll up the tent's edges. You can do this in addition to a cargo mat, or choose whichever better fits your needs for the conditions you camp in.
My Setup and Experience
The tent I use features a cargo liner placed under the mattress, along with an aerated mat beneath it. I consider myself a semi-fair-weather camper. Although I enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing, my camping season typically runs from May to October, which means I don’t often encounter snow.
At the Overland Expo West event, known as the “kick-off” for the show season, we experienced extreme cold and some snowfall a few years ago, but such occurrences are pretty rare. On early-spring or late-fall camping trips, I always rely on my trusty diesel heater and make sure a window is vented to minimize condensation.
I've observed that the combination of the cargo liner and the aerated mat helps me sleep warmer without needing extreme gear or setting the furnace too high. I attribute this warmth to the barrier created by these two items, which prevents the aluminum from drawing my body heat out of the mattress.
A US Influencer Opinion
I wanted to get the thoughts of a US advocate/Influencer we have started working with on his experience with the BunduTop during the winter months regarding condensation. He goes by the IG handle wanderlandexperience, but his name is Brian. He is located on the West Coast, so he not only enjoys snow when he travels to higher elevations, but also many months of rain.
He purchased his tent in 2016, so pre-cargo liner, and let me know that “The BunduTop has completely changed the way we adventure. It’s so easy to set up, and the fact that I can leave my blankets and pillows inside makes life on the road so much simpler. Plus, it’s super cozy—I sleep better in it than I do at home sometimes! Even on windy nights, the solid build keeps everything quiet and steady so that I can drift off without a worry. BunduTec has made it possible for us to reach some amazing spots without sacrificing comfort, and I’m so grateful for the memories we’re making because of it.”
When I decided to work on this write-up about the condensation mat, I reached out to him again to get his experience with condensation on his rig. He told me that he has not installed any mat liner in his BunduTop, but he is seriously considering it. He has a buddy, also with a BunduTop, who runs one, and he has much less issue with condensation in his tent than Brian does. Brian has a larger problem with condensation inside his rig, partly because when he is camping, he has a full house with his wife and two furry friends.
US Influencer wanderlandexperience doesn't let the weather slow them down.
Final Thoughts
Whether you camp year-round or just during the warmer months, the newly added cargo liners under the BunduTop mattress may eliminate the need for a condensation mat. However, using one can still be beneficial to enhance airflow beneath the mattress. If your BunduTop was manufactured before 2024, we recommend placing a cargo liner or an anti-condensation mat under the mattress to ensure proper air circulation and reduce condensation during your adventures.
Also, if your trip was wet, please remember to open everything up when you get back home. You want to make sure to air out and dry your gear thoroughly. This practice will help minimize condensation and prevent oxidation around the interior electronics over time.
Have Questions?
Always feel free to reach out to us directly with any questions, and we are happy to help you make the best decision for your adventure needs with BundutecUSA.
Here are the best ways to reach us:
Visit our website – www.bundutecusa.com
Give us a call – 319-234-0071
Send us an email – [email protected]
