Questions about the Redverz Atacama Expedition Tent — answered directly. If yours isn't here, call or email us.
Tent Selection & Size
What makes the Atacama Expedition Tent different from standard motorcycle camping tents?
he Atacama was the first purpose-built motorcycle expedition tent on the market. Before it launched in 2008, no such product existed — riders were adapting hiking tents that were never designed for a motorcycle, panniers, or a rider who needs to stand up.
The Atacama was designed from scratch around the actual problem: a full-size adventure tourer, loaded, parked inside a weatherproof structure with standing headroom and a separate sleeping area. Every detail — the pole geometry, door placement, floor ratings, ventilation — was worked out through years of hard use in hard conditions.
Copycat products have appeared since. None of them were designed this way. They were reverse-engineered from the outside. That's the difference.
What’s the difference between the Green and Ivory Atacama Expedition Tents?
One difference: color. Identical specs, materials, dimensions, waterproof ratings, pole system, and construction throughout.
The Ivory flysheet reflects heat rather than absorbing it — a practical advantage in desert riding and high-summer conditions. The Green is the original colorway. Both perform identically in cold and wet weather.
What is the sleeping capacity of the Atacama Expedition Tent?
The sleeping bay sleeps 1-3 riders depending on configuration. 1 Up gives you the full bay for yourself with room for gear. 2 Up is a queen-size footprint with separate entry and exit doors — each rider has their own side. 3 Up is workable but tight; move gear to the garage bay.
Will the Atacama fit my specific motorcycle?
The garage bay fits full-size adventure tourers and large touring bikes with full setups — BMW GS, KTM Adventure, Africa Twin, Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic with full touring luggage, and similar. Wide enough to ride straight in without unloading.
The numbers: garage vestibule is 100" x 36". Peak height 77". If your bike fits under that with luggage on, it fits in the Atacama.
Unusual or very wide setups: contact us before ordering and we'll confirm.
Tent Weight, Setup & Compatibility
What is the pack weight of the Atacama?
14.6 lbs complete — poles, pegs, and full tent. Packs to 21" x 10".
How long does setup take?
Under 5 minutes solo once you know the tent. Minimum setup is two pegs at each end and the poles inserted — the whole structure raises in one action. First time out allow 10-15 minutes. After that it gets fast.
Is the Atacama compatible with all motorcycles?
It accommodates most motorcycles — adventure bikes, sport-tourers, cruisers. The garage bay is sized for full-size adventure tourers with panniers. For very large bikes or non-standard luggage setups, contact us to confirm.
Condensation
Do the Atacama tents get condensation inside?
All tents produce some condensation — it's physics. The Atacama manages it better than most through flow-through ventilation that runs air from one end to the other, plus a breathable inner tent that separates the sleeping area from the flysheet.
The biggest condensation variable most riders miss: the garage bay has no tent floor. Open ground is the primary source of moisture entering the tent. The garage groundsheet eliminates that — it's the single most effective condensation fix for the Atacama.
Do I need the groundsheets?
They're not required, but they're the best upgrade you can make.
The garage bay has no floor by design — it lets you ride straight in. But open ground radiates moisture upward, which is where the majority of tent condensation comes from. The garage groundsheet covers that footprint and dramatically cuts condensation throughout the tent.
The sleeping bay groundsheet sits under the bathtub floor, breaks cold-ground transfer, and protects the floor from abrasion on rough terrain. Essential if you're using cots.
Most riders buy both. They're sold separately at $49 each.
Fabric & Waterproofing
What are the Atacama tents made of, and are they waterproof?
Flysheet: coated ripstop polyester 68D 210T, 4000mm hydrostatic head. Floor: polyester 70D 190T, 10,000mm hydrostatic head. Inner tent: 75D 190T breathable fabric. Mosquito netting: Mesh B3.
For context: most camping tents rate between 1500-3000mm. The Atacama floor is more than three times that — because when water pools around a tent in a storm, the floor is where it gets in. Factory-sealed seams throughout. Bathtub floor construction.
Can the Atacama handle extreme weather?
Yes. It's running in the Simpson Desert, sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and through European winters. Riders report surviving 65mph winds at Sturgis, hard rain in the Smokies, and prolonged storms with no leaks. The hoop pole design and pre-bent aluminum frame are why it holds shape in high winds where single-pole designs fail.
For extreme conditions: pitch on stable ground, use all guy lines, and stake out fully.
Do I need to spray my Redverz tent with waterproofing spray?
No. The tent is engineered for full waterproofing out of the bag. Aftermarket sprays can damage the fabric coating and reduce effectiveness. Don't spray it.
If you're seeing water ingress after years of use, contact us — the issue is almost always seam wear, not fabric failure, and it's repairable.
Frame & Poles
What type of poles does the Atacama use?
Aircraft-grade aluminum, pre-bent to shape. The hoop design creates vertical inner walls — that's what gives you the standing headroom and the structural rigidity in high winds. Poles are shock-corded for fast setup.
What happens if a pole breaks in the field?
If a pole takes a bend beyond its tolerance, do not try to straighten it. Bending aluminum back changes the metal's composition — it becomes brittle and will snap, often at the worst possible moment on a long trip.
Leave the bend in. The tent will still function, just with reduced structural integrity in that section. Get home, then contact us for a replacement pole section. Trying to fix it in the field does more damage than the original bend.
Accessories & Add-ons
What accessories are available for the Atacama?
Groundsheets — custom-fit for the sleeping bay and garage bay separately. The garage groundsheet is the most effective condensation fix for the tent. Both $49 each.
Dry Bags — 50-liter and 90-liter waterproof duffels. TPU-coated 420D nylon, 10,000mm rated. Built for strapping on top of the bike behind the rider.
Awning Kit — adds covered outdoor space off the garage bay entrance.
Maintenance & Care
How do I clean and care for my tent?
Mild soap and water. No harsh chemicals, no machine washing, no tumble drying. Allow to dry completely before packing — storing damp causes mildew. Store in a cool, dry place, loosely packed if possible.
See the full Tent Care Guide for details.
Can I repair my tent if it gets damaged?
Yes. Minor tears and pinholes: patch kits or seam sealers, available at any outdoor retailer. Seam wear after years of use: seam sealer applied to the affected area. Pole damage: repair sleeve for field fixes, contact us for replacement poles. Significant damage: contact us directly — we can assess and advise on repair or replacement parts
Can I use a heater or stove inside the tent?
The garage bay is where most riders cook — it's one of the reasons the Atacama works so well in bad weather. Rain outside, stove on, doors open. That's the design.
The rules that matter: always cook with the garage doors open for ventilation. Never run a stove or heater in a sealed, closed tent — carbon monoxide builds up fast in an enclosed space and it is fatal. Keep flames away from the fabric walls and ceiling. The fabric has fire-retardant properties but is not fireproof.
Open doors. Never sealed. That's it.
Shipping & Warranty
What is the warranty on Redverz tents?
2-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship to the original owner. If your tent fails due to a manufacturing defect under proper care, parts will be replaced at Redverz Gear's discretion.
Not covered: accident, improper care, negligence, sun degradation, mildew, or wear and tear from hard use.
Redverz covers ground shipping back to you on all warranty items. You're responsible for getting the product to us. Proof of purchase required.
Contact us at adventure@redverz.com or call 720 213 8287.
What is the returns policy?
Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 14 days of purchase for a refund minus actual shipping cost — this applies even on free shipping orders. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility.
Refunds are processed within 7-14 business days of receiving the returned item, in the original form of payment.
To start a return: email adventure@redverz.com with your receipt, or call 720 213 8287. An RMA number is required before sending anything back.
Do you ship outside the Lower 48 states?
Yes — we ship to most countries worldwide. Complimentary ground shipping covers the Lower 48 only.
International orders: you're responsible for all shipping charges plus any import duties, taxes, or VAT charged by customs at delivery. Check with your local customs office before ordering.
Alaska and Hawaii: shipping calculated at checkout.
How long does shipping take?
In-stock items ship within 24-48 hours. Same-day shipping is possible on orders placed before 11am MST Monday-Friday, but not guaranteed. Orders placed after 11am or on weekends ship the next business day.
Allow plenty of lead time before a planned trip — carriers no longer guarantee expedited delivery windows and Redverz cannot refund delays caused by carrier error.