Now that summer is upon us, many of us will be embarking on camping trips. Some travelers opt for traditional tent camping, and others will be renting RVs this season, but car camping is an option not to be overlooked. You do not need a spacious RV or camper; in fact, no matter what kind of car you drive, you can enjoy car camping; if you have the right gear, that is.
If you prefer to the tent route versus sleeping inside your car, a rooftop Car Tent is a solid choice. Depending on what kind of car you have, there are a variety of different rooftop tents out there that are spacious, comfortable, and ideal for stargazing.
Given that camping has been around since Homo erectus came down from the trees, it wouldn’t seem like we have many innovations left in the art of sleeping under the stars. That said, roof-top tents, pitched atop their lofty perches, are getting double-takes from a lot of ground-dwelling campers these days.
If you are thinking about buying a Car Roof Tent, here is what you will need to know.
-
Pros and cons of roof-top tents: Quick setup vs. steeper cost are key considerations.
-
How to know which tent works with your vehicle: Check tent, vehicle and rack specs carefully before you buy.
-
How they attach to your vehicle: The floor bolts to your roof rack, so make sure you have an adequate setup.
Fitting a Roof-Top Tent to Your Vehicle
Most roof-top tents weigh more than a hundred pounds, so you need to be sure that your rack is up to the task. If you do not have a roof rack yet, then you will need to consider your tent weight as you shop for a rack to serve as its foundation. The specs you need are not always easy to find, so you might have to contact your vehicle manufacturer and rack manufacturer directly to get the information you need.
In its simplest form, a Camping Tarp Shelter is simply a rectangular piece of waterproof fabric. You hang the tarp above your body with a series of ropes, poles, and stakes. Tarps do not include a floor, bug netting, or walls. The purpose of the tarp is for protection from wind and rain while you sleep. There are dozens of ways to pitch a camping tarp in order to achieve this. Camping tarps range in size from 5” X 7” for an individual all the way up to 12” X 16” for multiple people.
Tarps offer a more modular sleep system- In my opinion, this is the biggest benefit to tarp camping. You can easily adjust your setup to fit the conditions of the region where you plan to camp. For example, if there are no bugs, you do not need to bother with setting up your bivy or bug net. If there is no rain, you do not need to bother with the tarp. If the night is wet and buggy, you can set up your tarp and bug net. Your options are open.
After a daylong adventure away from camp or along the trail, you have earned a comfy place to perch. Chair designers have gone a little wild in recent years, so you have a lot of options for your downtime gear.
