What Sort Of Camper Are You?
Posted BY Ian under camping-styles
No - it's not such a strange question. There are many different Camping Styles, some of which may suit you, some may not. Knowing the answer is fundamental to the issue of Buying a Tent - one that suits you. If you can be clear on what you will use your tent for, then you are half way to making a good decision. This is why camping novices have such a hard time making up their minds - they lack the experience to know what they do intend.
In this article I will only point out the main Camping Styles in general terms. I do not expect you to fit any one of these definitions precisely. You and your camping will be unique. Ultimately, the point is to be able to proritize the Tent Qualities that you should look for, and these should stem from the uses that you will put the tent to.
The main Camping Styles
Fun camping:
Camping is probably not the main focus. It's something to entertain the family or to allow you to do some other activity important to you. You want comfort & convenience without great expense.
Family Camping
I distinguish this from Fun Camping in that the camping element is actually something you take seriously. You take, or intend to take, regular camping holidays with your family and want a decent tent that will last until your children grow up.
Car Touring
You intend to travel around by car but prefer to camp rather than stay in hotels or guesthouses - either to keep costs down or to get to more remote locations. Weight is less of an issue. Probably comfort is.
Cycle Touring
You intend an active holiday, cycling in the days and pitching your tent each evening at whatever site you find. You need a small, lightish tent as you will be carrying quite a bit of other kit. It needs to be quick and easy to pitch as you will often be doing this when most tired.
Backpacking
A tent is rarely necessary for backpacking. Most countries now have good networks of guesthouses for independent travellers. If you plan on getting off the beaten track or to include some trekking en-route then you may need to take a tent on your travels.
Ultralight Camping
You are probably a keen traveller or fell runner. Your tent is an essential piece of kit. It must protect you in a variety of different weather conditions without weighing more than necessary.
Wilderness Camping
Each type of Wilderness has its own features. We most often think of Mountains as the only special wilderness. You may be intending to camp in deserts, rain forests or other special situation.
Mountaineering
This is serious stuff. If you intend to camp up in the mountains then you do need the very best equipment. This is expensive and you want to be sure that you get the decision right first time.
Where do we go from here?
I will explore each of these Camping Styles in greater depth in later articles. I will also develop the idea of priorities such that you are well armed to make your final decision. When you get around to buying a tent it should then be the right one for you.