So we're having this debate about whether to invest in a pop-up camper or a family tent. There are pros and cons with each. Yes, a pop-up is ultimate-pimp, but it would present us with a serious vehicle problem. Our king-cab truck, while perfect for towing a pop-up, is less-than-perfect for all the passengers. Avery has to ride shot-gun, which means one of us has to ride in the jump seat and share the back with Mr. Maxwell. We could trade vehicles and maybe get a crew-cab truck, but that all seems pretty complicated and likely expensive. So we've been considering a family tent instead. We like this one from L.L. Bean. If we got a tent, then we could still take the car and have room enough for passengers and gear. Throw in an air mattress and you're styling in comfort. The screened-in porch on this one is pretty nice too. Any thoughts?
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Pop-Up vs. Family Tent
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9 comments:
Jenn says “Go for the Pop-Up trailer. They're going to get a new vehicle anyway.” I say “Trading in trucks is a pretty big deal for camping. And besides, is it still camping if you're in the trailer?” This coming from the guy who thinks that an old-school VW camper van would be the ultimate camping machine and still not be anathama to the spirit of the wild.
Go tent.
Pop-up trailer would allow you less access to those really great spots - but with potty training (eventually) and other little ones (possibly) on the way, the extra convenience of having the water, toilet and cooking in one location may well weigh out over the more stealthy tent while the kids are young. Later, of course, they'll want their own tent!
I've never been in a tent, but they are more economical.
We grew up with a pop-up, so I am biased.
Kas says with a pop-up you have to worry about hauling it, the tires on it, you're limited to where you can take it.
You can always get rid of a tent if you find it doesn't work out. It would be easy to get Avery potty trained in the woods. He'll have to learn the trick someday. I vote nice tent! -B
Pop-up is for me! Had one for 20 years. It is nice in a rain storm...don't have to worry about water running into your tent or under it, etc. and the kids have a place to play at the table. A lot of camping trips are on rainy days.
Get an awning for it, drag the campgrounds picnic table under it and you are out of the rain and sun. Haul with your HONDA.
The Honda can hardly haul itself!
Hrmm... I would say that if you end up trading the vehicle in anyway, then go with the pop-up. My cousins camped with tents for years and they bought a pop-up two years ago (they have two kids) and they LOOOOOOVE it. You would be the envy of all those with tents. ;) But... if your vehicle doesn't end up conducive to the pop-up, go with the mack daddy LLBean tent. Oh, and also... I don't think setting up the pop-up is as much a pain as the tent. That's my two cents...
Hmmm... I grew up with both tent camping and pop-up camping... Both have their strong and weak points... We currently have the #6 King Pine Dome and LOVE it for the screen room, it will suit us fine for a long time... We are thinking that a van would be great for cross country touring because there is very little set up, but that's an entirely different kind of camping... Padia's comments on the pop up are to be well considered, but if it involves a vehicle trade, go with the tent and you'll always have it...
I grew up with an OLD pop up. Just a table and two bunks and I would recommend that over the hard ground anyday, except for the time Dad forgot to hook the canvas around the shelf and I slid out in the middle of the night.....
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