Camping is one of the best ways to relax and have a good time. Outdoors provides the best memories you can create alone or with family and friends.
Most camping enthusiasts believe a conventional tent is the only way to camp outdoors. You may be a lover of camping but not a lover of tents, or can’t afford one. Here are some of our favourite suggestions for using a tent for outdoor camping.
8 Alternatives to Tent Camping
Rooftop tents are a great outdoor accessory but aren’t the only alternative to tent camping. The following options can also be prove useful.
Camping in Yurts
At first glance, the yurt looks like a conventional tent, but they are quite different. Unlike tent camping, where you live solely on the supplies your backpack can carry, a yurt contains basic amenities, so staying in one would entail glamping.
It resembles a standard tent but is more spacious and has a dome-shaped roof. A yurt can be a perfect choice if you don’t want to deviate much from tent camping.
Hammock Tent Camping
These constructions are off-the-ground, similar to rooftop tents. Instead of staying in your car, they are hung on nearby trees. A standard hammock tent can hold up to 3 people, so it can be a great alternative for group camping.
Camping with a Tarp
This material is a decent accessory for outdoor camping but isn’t popular. It serves only as a barrier between you and the external weather. There’s hardly any comfort in sleeping in a tarp than a tent. Plus, the setup requires multiple hooks and poles. They can work fine if you are planning for a one-night camping session.
Camping in a Bivy Sack
A bivy sack can be a convenient choice for tight sleeping spaces like rock ledges, snow caves, climbers’ nooks, and such. These sacks are used as sleeping bags but with an overhead covering addition made of bivy sack material or mesh. A bivy can be a good protection against the harmful rays of sunlight and can keep bugs out.
A bivy sack can be a hiker’s best friend since they are compact and can be used almost anywhere. The bivy sack also handles wind and precipitation well since they are typically made waterproof and water resistant.
Camping in a Teardrop Trailer
A teardrop trailer is an awesome alternative mostly used by adventurers planning short camping trips. It is a small towable RV with a distinct shape – a tapered and round end. They are compact and can be used in national parks that don’t have ample space. They contain basic amenities and can make your outdoor trip more comfortable.
Camping in a Truck Bed
In the same way that you install a rooftop tent on your car, you can do it with your truck. It is commonly carried out on pickup trucks, where you have to install a sleeping bag tent on the back of the truck. Most truck beds are not made to size and are not adjustable. So you’d have to be meticulous when purchasing one for installation.
If you ever have to sell or resell your truck, your truck bed will be of no more use to you.
Truck Canopy
If you own a truck and love camping, a topper is a great alternative to tent camping. You can set a mattress in the back of the truck under the canopy and sleep there. Trucks have three common types of toppers: aluminum, fiberglass, and composite or plastic.
Your truck’s price and color compatibility vary depending on the manufacturer and seller. Although a truck canopy can be bulky and take up excess garage space.
Camping Cot
Camping cots are another off-the-ground tent camping alternative. They are bunk beds with legs made of steel or aluminum and a polyester or canvas surface to sleep on. These camping cots work very well in the cold and hot seasons as they are elevated and won’t obstruct airflow or let the frozen ground draw your body heat.
The space underneath the cot can be a nice storage point for your camping supplies and backpacks. Although the cot itself can be difficult to transport due to its weight.
What about Roof Top Tents?
Imagine this: a tent on top of your car. That is exactly what a rooftop tent is. It is a camping accessory you can set up on top of your vehicle, preferably an SUV. A great feature of this choice is that it offers comfort due to the built-in memory foam mattress, and it is relatively easy to set up.
A rooftop tent can be a hard-shell, foldable, or pop-up version. The fact that it is set on top of your vehicle gives convenience since you’re in an elevated space, away from insects and creepy crawlers.
The only downside is that it is costlier than a conventional tent but will pay off in the long run.
At What Temperature Can You Sleep Outside?
Ideally, in Ireland it depends on what insulation is in your tent or sleeping gear. The key here is to check the weather for estimated temperatures during the day and at night. Although sleeping bags are rated for lower temperatures, that may make sleeping in such temperatures easier. Remember to keep hydrated in hot temperatures when sleeping outside.
Is Sleeping Outside Healthy?
Sleeping outdoors can pose a health benefit to most people, both mentally and physically. Going camping can significantly reduce your stress levels and improve cognitive function. For camping enthusiasts, sleeping outside can be thrilling, and exposure to nature can affect your mood positively.
Serotonin—a hormone that causes happiness—can be boosted by increasing oxygen levels. What better way to get this boost than in the great outdoors?
Conclusion
Camping is a great idea, and choosing the best yet cost-effective tent alternatives can give you a thrilling experience. When selecting from several options, we recommend considering your budget, the number of nights you want to sleep out, and how many people will be camping out. The rooftop tent will accommodate all your needs. Browse products here.
