The Evolution of Our Camping Experience
In 2019, we took the plunge and bought our van, not only revamping the interior but also undertaking a complete restoration of its exterior. Prior to this, we had experienced various camping methods: from modifying a camper shell and sleeping in the car to tent camping and even backpacking. When we parted ways with the van in 2021, we experimented with a rooftop tent for a stretch, all the while keeping an eye out for the perfect van opportunity. *Spoiler alert: that hasn’t come yet and we’re almost to 2024. This has given us plenty of opportunity for growth, reflection on all our camping methods and time to chase our goals.
We thought we would break down each way we’ve camped, our experiences, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each.
Van
Living full-time in a van is undeniably more cost-effective than owning a traditional home. However, when considering a van solely for weekend getaways, the initial investment can be substantial. Yet, once you experience the luxury of van camping, it can be challenging to revert to other options.
Vans come in various price ranges and amenities, but for ours, the key advantages compared to other camping methods are crystal clear: having a shower, toilet, and power. Power simplifies cooking and provides the convenience of charging electronics on the go. The ability to customize your van creates a homely atmosphere, whether it is your true home or home away from home on the weekends. It serves as a fantastic retreat during bad weather and offers a safer space for leaving pets.
Rooftop Tent
The rooftop tent surprised us. We went in thinking it would be a great option for our family, but didn't find it more convenient than regular tent camping. If anything, it was less convenient because we had to dismantle it every time we needed to use the car. While this might not be a significant concern for those changing sleeping spots frequently, particularly off the grid, it becomes noticeable when staying in one area for a few days around town. For instance, if you realize you forgot something at the grocery store, you're faced with the choice of dismantling everything you've set up or going without the item. The appeal of setting up a tent just once upon arrival and leaving it while using the car for other activities such as hiking is where a regular tent truly shines.
While owning the iKamper had its merits, particularly in terms of size and comfort, it came with a notable drawback. Not only did we have to dismantle it to use the car, but we also had to strip the bedding each time we collapsed it. Our recommendation? Choose a tent that can at least accommodate bedding while collapsed, eliminating the need to remove it every time you collapse the tent.
Another crucial consideration is the ease of accommodating large dogs. In our case, we opted for using a yoga mat on the hood of the car/windshield. Once we assisted our furry companions in getting up there, they could easily run up.
Tent
Over the years, we've consistently tent camped, whether in a campground or venturing into the backcountry. Our backpacking tent, crafted for its lightweight and easy setup, has become our trusted haven. Accommodating us and our two furry companions, it provides a cozy space, though the spatial constraints mean our gear and shoes often find themselves outside.
In contrast to our rooftop tent, a traditional tent shines when deciding to settle into one place for a few days. Once set up to our comfort preferences, it remains a great home away from home, allowing us to save precious time. The tent adapts to various situations, such as sleeping pads or even an air mattress.
However, like its rooftop counterpart, the tent shares a common drawback – the less than pleasant task of assembling or disassembling it in inclement weather. Despite this challenge, the overall comfort and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile companion in our outdoor adventures.
** Bonus: Backpacking tents are especially useful when traveling. We’ve flown with it many times and had room in our suitcase for everything else we need.
Truck Campershell
A campershell offers a permanent shelter, eliminating the struggle of setting one up in adverse weather conditions and also removes the need for disassembly during travel. Moreover, it proves to be a cost-effective investment, as evidenced by our Craigslist find at a mere $200. With a bit of refurbishment, it transformed into a great home away from home that perfectly suited our needs.
This campershell marked our first attempt into a personalized sleeping space, designed to cater to our unique needs while ensuring a hassle-free, pack-and-go lifestyle. It served as an excellent accommodation solution for our family during that period. The decision to part with it only arose when we expanded our family with the addition of another dog, realizing it might become a tad cramped.
For those considering a campershell, we say go for it! Our only suggestion is seeking one that provides standing room—a feature that significantly enhances comfort and livability.
SUV
Personally, we view car camping as a more temporary solution, suitable for quick one-night trips or solo adventures. For example, we’ve slept in the back of our SUV at trailheads and stayed in the back of a rental car for days in Canada when campgrounds were too full to pitch our tent. Typically, we avoid planning extended car camping trips when accompanied by our dogs. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the most cost-effective choices available. If you already own a car and have destinations on your bucket list, why not utilize it as a sleeping space?
The possibilities for car camping are pretty vast! Whether you're interested in constructing a bed platform with storage underneath or installing custom cabinets in the back, the ideas are out there waiting to find. In our current SUV, we've implemented a custom drawer system in the trunk area, providing both storage and a secure spot for our Dometic fridge.
Car camping allows for as much detail as you desire. Whether it's simply throwing curtains over the windows and reclining in the backseat or building an elaborate custom bed platform, the options are diverse. This option emerges as an excellent choice for those seeking a lockable and cost-efficient camping shelter.
