Travel-trailer camping is especially good for older people who do not feel up to the exertion of pitching and striking a tent and other aspects of wilderness living. Of course trailer campers are limited to campsite accessible by road. At the opposite pole is wilderness camping. Leaving civilization far behind, you may trek into the wilds with equipment on your back. In many places you may penetrate the wilderness with pack and saddle.
Your wilderness shelter may be only a poncho, tarpaulin, or lightweight tent. For back-packing a three and a half pound tent of nylon, plastic, or balloon silk is best, unless you prefer to use your poncho as shelter to save weight. A good way to sample back-packing is to pick an area that has cabins or other overnight shelters. These are usually equipped for comfort with all necessary items except your bedrolls and food. Investigate these possibilities early; for such facilities are popular, usually you must make reservations well in advance if you plan to use them in July or August.
The great bulk of camping families falls into the middle ground of tent dwellers and trailer tent pullers. The favorite tent for travel campers is still the umbrella tent. It is quick and easy to pitch. Wall tents take longer to pitch, but they have more headroom. Many campers prefer a wall tent if they spend the vacation in one spot instead of setting up camp in a new place each night.
The size tent you need depends primarily on how many people will be sleeping in it. Tent trailers may be equipped with kitchens, but most people prefer to cook outdoors. They are lighter to pull than a regular coach, have a lower pulling profile, and still satisfy the urge for sleeping under canvas. Tent trailers offer large screened windows. For people with pioneer yearnings, there is even a modern travel trailer tent shaped like a covered wagon.
The best way to determine which kind of camper you are is by camping. If you have no camping equipment, rent some for your first expedition. It may save you years of wishing you had waited before purchasing until you knew what you wanted. Perhaps the best way to begin camping is with a rented tent trailer. You may make the beds with bedding you use at home, and postpone buying air mattresses and sleeping bags until you have seen what other people are using that you like.
Whatever kind of camper you turn out to be, you will come home relaxed, refreshed, healthier in mind and body than you.
Whatever kind of camper you turn out to be, you will come home relaxed, refreshed, healthier in mind and body than you.