HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CAMPING OPTION CAMPER OR TENT

How to choose the best camping option is important when you’re ready to start adventuring. Is it a camper or a tent? Together we will explore some insights and see if we can narrow down the pro’s and con’s list and have you sitting by a campfire wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.

How do you want to spend your time camping? Should you head over to Amazon Prime or do you make a trip to the local big box camper dealer? Where exactly do you begin? It really comes down to comfort, shelter, security, and finally, the costs.

For us, it naturally began with wanting to escape our daily grind and replace it with the tranquil sounds of nature. Next, we daydreamed about star filled nights and watching fireflies dance. We were completely ready to trade in the city lights and breathe a little fresh air!

…and just like that we were on a lot touring campers and logging endless hours on Youtube wondering the same question whether or not we should get a camper or a tent. What option was right? We get it! Let’s be real, once we figure this out, we might just want to stay!

COMFORT LEVEL: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION

In the beginning, camping for us was cheap travel. We saved and bought the best tent we could afford and the rest was given to us. Whenever we could, we would add to it. We were poor and extremely happy. With three small boys in tow, we could give them the great outdoors! We slept on the ground, froze, and cooked on an old Coleman stove. To us, THIS was camping! THIS was heaven! Oh the memories we made and the stories we have! Who doesn’t love scorpions caught on a camping trip suddenly loose in the backseat?

All of a sudden our boys have grown up and we realized how much we missed camping, No sooner had we made the decision the question posed was, “Do we want a camper or tent and what option is right?”

How DO YOU want to be comfortable and additionally how do plan to cook? Do you prefer a comfy kitchen or cooking on a portable camp stove and campfire? How would you like catch your z’s? What is the best camping sleeping options? Is the standard thin camper mattress good or will you need to upgrade? Are you cool sleeping on the ground or does your back require a cot? Would your sleeping comfort level be better suited for a camper or tent? Does the thought of a camp bucket toilet make you squeamish or does a quiet private bathroom sound better? Does potentially hearing Gary from the tent over snoring as a result make you want to run for the hills? All things considered would you prefer no sound?

HERE ARE A FEW MORE INSIGHTS TO PONDER…

• DO I WANT TO PULL A TINY HOUSE
• WOULD I LIKE ALL MY CAMPING ESSENTIALS IN ONE LOCATION
• WHAT SIZE GROUP WILL BE CAMPING WITH ME ON AVERAGE

SET UP: CAMPER OR TENT

Next on the list is the set up. Another key factor to note is can you set up either a tent or a camper by yourself. I have impaired vision therefore I won’t be backing and or pulling in a camper. I can, however, set up a tent. On a regular basis, how many will be camping with you? How valuable is your time meaning do you want to be set up fairly quickly or are you ok with a longer set up time?

To help us narrow the search on how to choose the best camping option, a camper or tent, we headed to Youtube. Like I just mentioned, my vision is pretty compromised and for that reason a tent would give me more of a chance to pitch in and contribute to part of the camping fun. Surprisingly, there were quite a few options including quick pop ups , hubs, and even blow up tents. How fun! A fun fact is a tent can be set up in as little as 10 minutes or longer depending on size. Not too shabby!

Campers, for instance, can be tricky business depending on what size you choose and in general how difficult the campsite is. Here are a few situations to keep in mind. Can I get close enough to my hook ups without panicking? Are there too many overhanging branches to be able to back in all the way? Click HERE to watch a full camper set up. It offers you a first hand look at setting it up and if you think this is in your comfort zone.

SECURITY : HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CAMPING OPTION

Let’s chat a moment on security and how to apply this next layer on how to choose the best camping option camper or tent. You know that old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” In like fashion, the same applies for securing you possessions in a tent at your campsite. In either case, nobody wants to be out in a kayak wondering, “Did we lock the door?”

In any event,, a camper offers you the ability to lock your door, your processions, and keep your food safe from the ever elusive wildlife.

If your considering a tent, a few strategies we apply is to keep what few valuables we packed locked up in our jeep. We make sure our food is safe and secure from wildlife and at a first glance in our tent if passing by doesn’t have anything to catch someone’s eye. HERE are a few additional tips for added security.

COSTS: CAMPER OR TENT CAMPING

Is a camper trailer or a camping tent going to be more cost effective? In other words, what option is going to be best for your wallet?

Let’s chat about campers, glorious campers! They had me from the beginning. Straightway, with a camper, everything can be stored in one location making it easier to pick up and go. Prices can vary on what option you choose and what time of the year you purchase. In general if you are looking to make this your option, the best time of the year to buy a camper is between November and February whereas the season has ended and the new one has yet to begin. Don’t forget to factor in the high rising cost of gas!

WHAT BASIC CAMPING GEAR DO I NEED FOR A TENT ?

• TENT
• SLEEPING BAG, COT, OR SLEEPING PAD/BLANKETS/PILLOW
• PORTABLE STOVE
• FIRST AID KIT
• FOLDABLE CHAIRS
• LIGHTING
• BASIC COOKWARE/PLATES/UTENSILS

In the early years, we heavily relied on gear people were wanting to get rid of and to this day, the very old yet very loved Coleman portable stove is our favorite! My point is, do not feel pressured to go buy new. Look around your local area for instance, and see if anyone has camping gear they no longer need or use. In addition, I have also seen individuals wanting to simply offload an older camper that basically just needs an update. If new is your jam then June offers the best month to purchase outdoor and camping gear. Places like REI and similar retailers are fully stocked and ready for the new season to begin.

HOW TO CHOOSE BEST CAMPING OPTION LETS BORROW AND RENT

Lastly, another option is to take a small weekend trip camping and borrow some basic equipment and then see how it goes. Rent a camper for a week long adventure specifically taking note of what you liked and subsequently did not like. To sum it up, take your time and enjoy it!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CAMPING OPTION CAMPER OR TENT

So , the time has come for you to start planning a return back to nature and furthermore, decide is it a camper or tent and what option is best for you. Equally important, we hope we have offered you a few simple insights. In brief, we covered the comfort aspect as well as the set up. Next, we chatted about security and last but not least, potential costs. Hopefully, if you were torn between how you would like to camp like we initially were, this got the conversation started on at least what options are important to you. Because honestly, either way, a camper or a tent will offer you the opportunity to just relax, sit by a campfire, and breathe and THAT my Friends, is golden! Happy wanderings…