Camping Tents

Portable shelter, convenience, safe space for sleeping, comfort. These are the purpose behind using a tent while camping. One more purpose that the inventors didn’t have in mind but it turned out to be the most important one.

That is ‘ it is so much fun camping in a tent’, and you will agree with me that this fun doubles when we go camping with family and friends.

Do you know what they say? “ The family/friends who camp together stays together”

The problem with camping in a big group is the space in a tent is limited. And that is when you need to connect your multiple tents. Connecting tents?

Sounds a bit tricky right, because you have to take care of that you do not leave any gaps to let your rodent friends inside your tent. Even if you do leave some gaps, you don’t have to worry about it, here is how to get rid of rats while camping.

I think you get the point of connecting tents. So let’s get started, shall we?

Ways To Connect Tents: 5 Easy Ways!

There are some tents available in the market that can be connected, or also can be used separately. But it’s not easy to get your hands on one of these and also, why pay more money on something you have a smart hack for?

1. Get The Tents That Can Be Connected

Starting with the easiest of all methods. You just have to take pains of setting the tent and zipping it together.

Get your hands on one of these readymade connecting tents. These are specially designed with a connecting mechanism like zipper or clips to be connected and also designed to be used separately if not in use. We all love a multipurpose tent.

You will have to take care of the brands of tents. The tents from the same brand can be connected.

If you are planning this trip then contact your friends/family to buy the same model and same brand of tent.

Otherwise, miscommunication can cause you trouble on the trip. Or you can just be in charge of the tents and ask them to be in charge of something else like food or a generator.

PodTents is a company that manufactures only connected tents and you can find a variety of connecting tents here. A more affordable place to shop connecting tents is Coleman connectable tent bundle.

The only drawback it has is it is a bit expensive than the regular tents, and therefore we have all the other hacks to save your money.

2. Clip The Doors Together

This is an alternative to getting connectable tents. Imagine how difficult it is to go store to store and find a similar zip pattern to sip the tents together, if it is not for connectable tents, and it even gets worst online.

So, whoever came up with this genius idea only applied some common sense and used the clips lying around on the campsite to him/her advantage.

It is very easy to execute. Just clip your tents with the same size doors with big size clips. Ensure at least one tent has multiple doors. Otherwise, how would you enter or exit your tent? This technique does not work with a tent with one door.

Also, look forward to sealing the doors property. Your insect friends can invade your space very easily. Use good quality clippers, and also make sure that these clippers are not ripping or damaging your tents.

3. Cover Over Smaller Tent Door

This method requires more specific requirements for connecting tents. This is a more reliable method.

You require one larger tent, or a canopy would work best. Now place the smaller tent inside the large tent and cover the entrance of the larger tent with a tarp. It will give you childhood flashbacks when you used to build tents from blankets. I will count this as a bonus.

The tarp will protect you from rain and make space a little safer. You can bring as many small tents as you want and create separate rooms out of them.

You can use clips to keep the trap in place.

4. Tarp Hallway Sounds Fun

This is such a fun way to connect tents, especially when you are camping with kids of any age group. This method is also a very practical way to connect tents when the tent does not have the same door size.

You would require a tarp and a chord, you might also need some tent stakes. Place your tents at least 1.5 m away from each other. Make sure the door of the tents faces each other.

If possible tie the chord from one tent door to the other, you can use stakes to support the tarp. Make sure the chord runs between the two tent doors, and also make sure the chord is tight and can handle the weight of the tarp.

You can hang the tarp on the chord and voila, your tent is connected. You can hang them on a single chord and spread them from the sides and press them with stones, or if you have an ample amount of supplies, then lay two chords parallel to each other and then lay the tarp over it.

This will create a small hallway between the tents. Just tie the chords tight enough that it can hold the tarp and do not slag down.

5. Pole Marquee Tents

This comes in handy when you are camping with your family. You can just build large a marquee tent and it can also be used as a socializing area for your family. This method completely fulfills the motive of connecting tents, that is making extra space.

Firstly, set a marquee tent. Next, pitch the smaller tent in a way that it faces one size of your pole marquee tent. This tent keeps your sleeping area rainproof. This type of tent can be expanded further.

Tips On How To Connect Two Tents

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this article solved your tent connecting problems. I would prefer you the tarp hallway method if you have tents with different door sizes. If you do have the same tents and go on with the clipping method.

Why miss out on all the fun that you can have with your family/friends outside, just because you don’t have enough tent space.

If you have any new ideas on how we can connect our tents, then do comment below. We would love to hear those.

Check other camping related guides on our website.

Until then happy camping!

42 Million Americans,
Yes, 14% of the U.S population, go camping with each other. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of camping outdoors? Sleeping in sleeping bags, tents, campfire, barbeque maybe. Yes, the basic and primary idea of camping is living in a tent. Every camper should at least experience tent camping once in their lives.

It is undoubtedly very important to choose the right size and shape of the tent for you or your family to ensure there is no overcrowding in the tent, to ensure the tent does not fly away even in the slightest winds. There are a ton of tents available in markets, but we know how difficult is it to find ‘the perfect’ tent for you.

Well, what about building/stitching your tent? It is possible.

We will tell you why every tent camper needs to keep reading this article. Not everything goes as per our planning, what if the tent ripped off very badly and it is beyond repair, and you certainly do not have time, energy, fuel, and money to buy the same new tent at the moment.

What if you want to add something of your interest or something more comfortable to you to your tent. Or maybe you just want to see how creative you can get with your camping tent ideas?

Let’s get started, shall we?

Ways To DIY Tent For Camping

It can be a very tricky job to build a tent of own, but let’s just say there is always a first time to something. Some people even find it difficult to set up a readymade tent, at least we are more skilled than those fraction of people.

DIY tents mean setting up or stitching it from scratch. As difficult as it sounds, it is effortless with our guide.

1. DIY Tent Using A Tarp

You will require basic camping gear and a toolbox with you to set up this type of DIY tent in just 6 steps.

Step 1: get the tarp ready

• Lay the tarp on the ground properly.
• Make holes that can be used to attach the ropes to the ground later.
• Tarps are very important to set up because it will provide you with insulation from the weather outside.
• Make sure the holes are small and not too big, to ensure the ropes fit the holes well, too big holes will give an easy way for insects and cold wind to enter your tent.

Step 2: Choose a location for the tent and lay the center post

• It is very mandatory to choose an appropriate place for setting your camp, since, you are making it from scratch and you will have to take care of the ground beneath the tent, and several other factors.
• You would be looking for a plain ground to lay your tent.
• You will be required to install a center post for your tent, so make sure the ground is not too rocky, sandy, or brittle.
• A strong center post will decide how long your tent can stand.
• The center post should be able to handle the weight and tension of the tarp fabric.
• You should also consider laying some of the other carpet or other tarps on the ground.
• Ground insulation is important as it will save you from the moisture from the soil and maybe some insects like ants.
• The center post is going to be the highest point of the tent.

Step 3: Hold the tarp on the center post

• This is the most crucial step of all as you should be able to coincide the center of the tarp on the top of the center post.
• This is important so that the weight of the tarp gets distributed evenly on the post.
• Also necessary to ensure the right shape of your tent.
• Ensure the center post is fixed properly on the ground.
• Don’t fix the ends before the center, as it can mess the center of mass of your tent and the balance of the post.

Step 4: Secure the corners

• Stretch the tarp such that it is laid down from the center pole with all its corners facing diagonally opposite.
• You will be deciding the shape of your tent in this step.
• Ensuring the shape and also space inside the tent is up to you, how much you want to stretch the tarp.
• We would be making a shape similar to the Egyptian pyramids of our tent.
• Secure the corners by tying them with ropes with solid rigid support on the ground.
• You can install small wooden supports for your rigid support.

Step 5: Build a strong base.

• When you are making a tent, make sure that you need to take care of that it built strong.
• Make sure the small holes on the sides are well driven into the ground.
• Make use of a hammer while installing the wooden rigid supports instead of a stone.
• Make sure that both tarp holes are properly aligned at each corner so you can stay warm while camping without a worry of wind escaping inside the tent.
• You can keep stones on the sides of the tarp if the ground is not even or if the tarp is not aligned with the ground.

Step 6: Tie the ropes

• Just tie the ropes to the corners to the wooden rigid supports you installed before.
• You can also keep heavy stones along the sides of the tarp to make it rainproof.
• Make sure the ropes are tied properly so that strong winds cannot drive away your tent.
• Stones will help it stretch better and prevent the wind to enter the tent.
• Arrange your sleeping bag and other essentials to be kept inside the tent, you can make it as cozy as you want.

2. Stitch Your Customized Tent

We can also call it recycling old tents or you may buy the tent fabric and completely stitch it from scratch. The best part is you can just build the desired shape and design for your tent. You can build and customize the tent of your dreams!

There is a wide variety of tents available, but only you can incorporate every detail in your tent. Consider stitching your tent or at least design it and get it stitched by a tailor.

Some pros of stitching a tent:

• It is cheap compared to a shop-bought tent.
• If you decide to recycle an old tent of yours then it might as well be free of cost.
• It is durable because you build it.
• The quality of fabric and weight of the tent is also something you decide.
• Space and the level of ventilation in the tent is also something you decide.

Step 1- planning and material.

• You require to choose the right design and material for your tent.
• Keep all the requirements in your mind while designing and planning for your tent.
• The basis for your tent design should be on how many people you plan to accommodate in it, and whether or not you need to make it waterproof.
• Making a checklist for your requirements and then planning is the right way to go.
• The checklist would help you in deciding the amount of fabric you require and how many layers you want.
• Roughly doodle the design on a paper and get going after you take it on a graph paper.

Material

• Look for old cabin tents, they are big and rigid and provide more material for recycling.
• Choose a tent that can be used to cut out more and bigger pieces for your tent.
• Old tents can be found very cheap in old garages or recycling shops.
• Consider dyeing your tent fabric to fade away the color and then you can make the color to the color of your choice.
• Also, consider washing them once before cutting them for your use. Washing will get rid of all the dirt or previous fungus/bacteria that might be present in the tent.
• Once you are satisfied with the smell and the hygiene of the fabric start opening the seams of the tent.
• If you bought new fabric for the tent, then you can just skip all the steps mentioned above and get going with the further steps.

Measurements and stitching

• You just need to measure the pieces you planed in the design layout.
• Draw these measurements on the fabric and leave some extra fabric on all the sides that are to be stitched for extra seams and support.
• After you are done with the measurements and cutting and you just need them to put them together as per your plan.
• This all sounded very easy, right? It is easy but with these detailed and technique-rich steps mentioned here (enter link).

6 Factors To Take Care Of While Setting Tent

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this article encouraged you enough to make your dreams of a perfect tent come true. It would be so nice to boast off your customized tent to your pals. You can also use this idea to make a gift tent for your camper friends.

If you have new ideas on how to make your tent or any new DIY for a camping tent, feel free to use the comment section below. We would love to hear your ideas.

Check out our other camping guides on our website.

Until then happy camping!

Whether you don’t like tents or don’t have one, it shouldn’t stop you from having an amazing trip outdoors. Don’t let the common trend of tent camping dishearten the experimenting adventurer in you! Check out these amazing alternatives to tent camping.

Camping is undoubtedly one of the most preferred ways of reconnecting with nature. Don’t believe us? Well, believe the stats! According to a study posted by businesswire.com, the number of campers who camp three or more times in a year has increased by a whopping 72% since 2014! Damn, that is a lot of camping enthusiasts.

And why wouldn’t it be so? Camping has many proven health benefits– both mental, and physical health tend to benefit from the activity of camping outdoors.

But that’s not all that’s great about camping. Another absolutely amazing feature of camping is the variety in which you can experience this activity. The days of the stereotypical tent and bonfire are long gone. Now-a-days, carrying a tent is not as much a compulsion, as it’s a choice.

Here are 16 unique ways to enjoy camping without a tent.

1. Roof Top Tent Camping

A roof-top is essentially a bed-on-wheels that allows you to drive away and get off the grid any time you want. It is an accessory that fits on the roof of your vehicle, allowing you to sleep on top of your vehicle and leave the internal load-space free. While the preferred vehicles for roof-top tent camping are SUVs, these can be fit on virtually any vehicle.

Advantages of Roof Top Tent Camping

1. Get off the ground. Stay away from animals and bugs, and enjoy the top-view of camping.

2. Quick and Easy Setup. Roof-top tents are easy and quick to set up. You simply go to an epic location, park your vehicle, and deploy the tent. Tents are available in both pop-up and foldable variants.

3. Easy Comfort. Most roof-top tents these days come with built-in memory foam mattresses. Moreover, they’re spacious, they’ve got good ventilation, and a very flat floor to lay on.

Disadvantages of Roof Top Tent Camping

1. Cost. It is indeed a little more costly than regular tents, with all the memory-foam and fitting accessories.

2. Minor inconveniences. If you plan on staying at the location for more than one day, and plan to explore the place, then removing and setting up the tent everyday can be a little tiring.

Types of Roof Top Tents

1. Hard-shell. These roof top tents have a hard suitcase-like shells which are screwed using a crank. One big advantage is the superior protection and simple construction. However, there are big disadvantages in terms of weight.

2. Folding roof top tent. As the name suggests, this is the kind of tent that can be folded and unfolded. The major advantage is the very less packing size and light weight. However, with multiple small parts to be attached, the assembly and disassembly is time consuming.

3. Inflatable roof tent. Unlike the folding roof top tent, this one doesn’t need poles and other metallic components. It uses an inflatable system that maximizes space and minimizes weight and assembly complexity. However, the process is still time consuming.

4. Pop-up roof. It isn’t a roof-top tent in the usual sense. It is more of a liftable sleeping roof.

Comparing The Different Types Of Rooftop Tents

	INFLATABLE TENT	FOLDING TENT	HARD-SHELL TENT	POP-UP ROOF
WEIGHT	From 20 kg	Approx. 45kg	Min. 75kg	–
PACK-SIZE	Super Compact	Relatively compact, depends on the model	Voluminous	Integrated in the vehicle’s roof
SET-UP	10 minutes with an electrical pump	5-10 minutes to unfold and fix	2 minutes to crank up	About a minute to unfold
PERSONS NEEDED FOR MOUNTING	1	2	2-3	Integrated build
ROAD PERFORMANCE	Hardly any effect	Unstable at high speeds	High increased centre of gravity due to increased weight	No effect
SPEED LIMIT	130 kmph	100 kmph	100 kmph	None
MIN. REQUIRED PERMITTED ROOF LOAD	50 kg	50-75 kg	100 kg	–
EXPANDABLE WITH AN AWNING	yes	yes	Possible for some models	With additional bus-awning
BIGGEST ADVANTAGE	weight	space	Solid roof	Easy handling
BIGGEST DISADVANTAGE	Set-up time	Driving aerodynamics	weight	price

2. Hammock Camping

If staying outdoors is more your style, then hammock camping is the choice for you! With different kinds of fabrics, shapes, and styles- hammocks are not only a good resting accessory, they also carry a certain adventurous aesthetic appeal.

Want to know more about this interesting outdoorsy experience? Well, we’ve got you covered. Check out our articles below to get everything you need to know about Hammock Camping.

Hammock Camping: A Complete Guide

How To Lay In A Hammock: Find Your Best Position To Sleep In

9 Best Sleeping Bags For Hammock Camping: Take The Chill Off

Hammock Camping In The Rain: All You Need To Know

Hammock Camping In Winter: Stay Ahead Of The Cold

Hammock Camping With A Dog: Embark On A New Journey

3. Cot Camping

If you do not like heights or want a sturdy floor to lay on, then camping cots might just be the thing for you. Camping cots are essentially minimalist bunk beds. These have a skeleton of steel or aluminum, and a canvas or polyester pad to sleep on.

Important Features of A Camping Cot

1. Size and weight. Weight is one of the drawbacks of camping cots, especially if your trip is more of an explorative one which requires quite a bit of moving around.

A sturdy steel frame will be around 20 pounds, and an aluminum one will be 15 pounds- which is still about 5 more pounds than a traditional tent.

The size, however, is not as big an issue. The frames are often foldable, and can be carried easily.

2. Comfort. Have you ever found the perfect campsite, set up your tent, and bedded down for the night, only to find that there’s a big, hard lump of dirt right in the middle of your back?

It’s a miserable experience, but it’s an all too common one if you’re sleeping on a basic mat.

A sleeping cot gets you off the hard ground, and onto a smooth, supportive surface. Many cots even padded, or include a pillow for added comfort. All in all, they’re a significant upgrade over most other options.

Another way that camping cots keep you comfortable is by keeping you cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather. Because they’re elevated off the ground, they won’t obstruct airflow, which will improve circulation when your vents are open. When it’s cold, the frozen ground won’t soak up all your body heat.

3. Storage. Okay, you’re probably thinking. So, I’ll be more comfortable. I can get that from an air mattress, and I can take an air mattress backpacking.

You’re not wrong. But there’s another significant benefit to camping cots that you won’t get from an air mattress: storage.

We talked a lot about the size and weight of a typical camping cot. However, once they’re set up, they also save you a significant amount of space.

This is because they sit up off the ground, so you can stow your other gear underneath. You won’t need to keep your backpack in the vestibule or leave it to soak in the rain.

Camping Cot Vs Air Mattress

Camping Cot	Air Mattress
Provide underneath storage space	Must be inflated before use
Provide a place to sit and dress up	High risk of damage through tears and punctures
Rugged for all weather conditions	Occupy too much tent space
Off the ground sleeping	Overnight air leakage
Heavy and bulky to store and transport	Portable and easy to store
Allows heat loss	Have a bed-like comfort
Costlier	Adjustable firmness

4. Tarp Camping

This is perhaps one of the least opted-for alternatives to tents. While a tarp has its advantages in terms of lighter weight, smaller packing size, and greater durability; it is not recommended for camping trips that last for more than one night.

A tarp will only act as a barrier between you and the external weather. It won’t provide any insulation, or comfort.

Another major disadvantage of using a tarp is the work that goes into assembling a shelter using the tarp. You’ll need poles and hooks and extra care while assembling it in order to prevent any untoward accident from happening.

That being said, if you’re going out just for the weekend, then a tarp could come in handy when paired with a camping cot or hammock.

5. Bivy Sack

Hmpf. Some camper must’ve thought; what if I there was a tent, which is also a sleeping bag? And voila! We had the Bivy Sack.

Unlike a regular sleeping bag, Bivy sacks have a special, elevated head cover that is either made of a mesh material and/or the same material as the rest of it.

This is for keeping the bugs out and for shielding the user’s face from sunlight and daylight so they can sleep in if they choose to. They are stored the exact same way as sleeping bags too, in a bag.

These are especially used by hikers because of how well they are insulated. Just larger than your sleeping bag and mattress, bivies are typically constructed of waterproof or water-resistant materials to shield against wind and precipitation.

Originally developed as emergency shelters, today bivy sacks and bivy shelters come in a range of styles.

Traditional, ultra-simple bivy bags—like MSR’s Pro Bivy and E-Bivy—weigh much less than a one-person tent and offer a utilitarian, pure approach for traveling as light as possible.

On the other end of the spectrum, full-featured bivy shelters add a pound or so more to your pack, but include an internal pole for expanded headspace and full-length zippers, offering a small-tent-like experience.

Advantages of a Bivy Sack

1. Less weight. An unbelievably light weight shelter, a bivy ranges from 170 grams to 300 grams only!

2. Packing Size. The ultra-compact nature of bivies makes them a valuable asset when shedding weight. Some stuff down to the size of a burrito (the food kind), disappearing in backpacking bags and small alpine packs.

With a smaller pack you can cover more miles and more easily traverse through technical terrain.

3. Sleeping spaces. And technical terrain is where the bivy shines. Requiring only the length and width of your sleep system, bivies open up campsite possibilities.

Rock ledges, climbers’ nooks on craggy scrambles, snow caves and narrow backcountry spaces too tight for staking out a tent all become available real estate for a night under the stars.

4. Efficiency. No setup. No pitching. No hassle. With nothing to assemble after a long day, nor to break down the next morning, bivies get you back on your route faster.

All that time and energy saved may be devoted to the day ahead. Additionally, these ultralight shelters offer an exceptional weight-to-protection ratio and efficiency.

How To Set Up A Bivy Sack?

1. Find a sheltered zone or nook; often popular climbs will feature bivy sites surrounded by rock walls.
2. Ensure you’re not setting down in small water channel (pay attention to the contours around you).
3. Place the gear you need kept warm at the foot of your sleeping bag.
4. Changing out of wet layers before bed.
5. On cold nights, place a bottle of hot water in a core zone–crotch or arm pits–for instant warmth.
6. Just like camping in a tent, cook a good distance away from your sleeping site.
7. Cinch the bivy’s hood down around your face, but avoid breathing inside the bivy.
8. A buff or balaclava makes a great lightweight face mask.
9. If possible, during the day, turn the bivy inside out and air it out.
10. In snow, consider using an ultralight tarp underneath; and two sleeping pads—a closed-cell pad and an air pad—for greater insulation from the ground. See these tips for snow camping.
11. Because the majority of your gear won’t be protected, consider a backpack liner/cover to guard against precis.
12. Consider choosing a “water-resistant” sleeping bag as extra insurance.
13. Use these tips to trade the austere bivy experience for one with a little luxury.
14. Check the forecast! And enjoy the lighter pack on your back.

Factors to Consider When Opting For A Bivy Sack

• 1. Terrain
• 2. Weather Forecast
• 3. Bugs and creepy-crawlers
• 4. Hygiene
• 5. Duration of the trip
• 6. Amount of climbing/walking required daily, which in turn impacts the amount of weight of your luggage

6. Hammock Tent

Tree-house lovers, unite!

A hammock tent is the closest you can get to the combination of a hammock, a tent, and a tree house. It is essentially a hammock with a covering tent, that has to be hung by the trees.

It is a very unique experience, and should be on the to-do list of every camper. What makes it even better is that unlike a hammock, which holds only one person at a time, a hammock tent can hold up to 3 people at once!

The only major disadvantage is that it needs 2 to 4 trees, or sometimes even more, to hang a single hammock tent.

7. Sleeping Bag In A Car

This is the most affordable, the most convenient, and by far, the easiest way to camp. All you need to carry is your sleeping bag and other supplies you need. And, all you need to do, is to park your car in an epic location, and snuggle up in your sleeping bag.

While sleeping in your car isn’t exactly free camping, you will benefit from knowing more about it. Check out these articles to get an insight into the precautions and hacks when camping in your car:

The Ultimate Guide To Boondocking: Free Camping Made Easy (10+ Hacks And Tips)

Dry Camping Made Easy: 10+ Essential Tips and Hacks for Beginners

8. Teardrop Trailer

This is one of the traditional forms of what is now called glamping. Glamping, or Glamorous Camping, is basically camping with additional amenities.

It is the direct opposite of free camping, in which you rely completely on the supplies you’re carrying.

What Is A Teardrop Trailer?

A teardrop trailer is a mini towable RV. It has a distinct shape- round on one end and tapered on the other. Because of their compact footprint, these RVs are ideal for adventurers who plan shorter trips and want basic amenities when they travel.

They’re also a great option for camping at state and national parks. Campsites here are often small or don’t have as much room to manoeuvre a larger RV, but that’s no problem for a teardrop trailer.

How much do teardrop trailers weigh?

Teardrop trailers typically weigh less than 4,000 lbs. Because of their compact size and lightweight construction, they can be towed by smaller vehicles – think light trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and even some motorcycles.

One of the lightest options available is the MyPod; this RV has a dry weight of just 630 lbs.

How much do teardrop trailers cost?

Because of their small size, teardrops are among the more affordable RVs you can buy. Prices vary, but many range from under $20,000 to over $40,000.

Keep in mind that the price is highly dependent on what features and upgrades you choose. You can get everything from off-road tires to solar power packages installed.

Advantages Of A Teardrop Trailer

• Cost of operation. Teardrops are very light and easily towed behind a small car. This can be very economical and much cheaper to haul than a large caravan.
• Camping locations. Trees can cause real havoc (and damage) to large caravans and so they are often stuck in flat, barren spots at campgrounds. Since teardrops are small, they can often take advantage of much more scenic sites.
• Outdoor. Teardrops encourage you to be outdoors and enjoy nature where caravans encourage you to be indoors enjoying luxury.
• Off-site storage. Teardrops fit inside a garage with ease. Caravans often require off-site storage that can get VERY expensive.
• Cost. Teardrops are significantly cheaper to buy than big caravans.
• Maintenance. The larger the rig, the more maintenance you will have and the more money you will spend on upkeep. Teardrops are so easy to manage and do not require much maintenance.
• Resale value. Teardrops tend to hold their resale value very well when compared to pop-up tent trailers and caravans.

9. Tent Trailer

A tent trailer, more commonly known as a pop-up, is basically a tent on wheels. If you want to upgrade from your existing traditional tent, but still aren’t sure about going for a full-blown RV, the tent trailer is just for you.

It is often taken as an introduction to RVing. You have the experience of sleeping in a shelter-on-wheels, but with lesser amenities than in an RV.

Advantages Of A Tent Trailer

1. Light Weight. A tent trailer is lighter than an RV, and thus is easier to haul and tow.

2. Wallet friendly. A tent trailer costs much less than a usual RV.

3. Location flexibility. Many tent sites have size and weight restrictions that RVs don’t fit in. However, with a tent trailer, you can set up your camp almost anywhere.

Teardrop Trailer Vs Tent Trailer

Teardrop Trailer	Tent Trailer
They are typically more expensive.	They are relatively cheaper
They are typically more cramped than a pop-up.	They are relatively more spacious than a teardrop trailer.
Teardrops have less storage space.	These have relatively high storage space.

10. Motorhome

A motorhome, as the name suggests, is a home-on-wheels. It is larger than a usual RV, and has greater amenities and can house a greater number of people.

Class A Motorhome

Medium to large RVs. These are the bus-shaped models. The class spans from alternatives to Class C, built on similar platforms, all the way to extremely luxurious, large coaches called diesel pushers, due to the engine being in the rear.

Class B Motorhome

Camper vans that are based on a van. These RVs are typically the most expensive per foot. They pack a lot into a small space and often are based on a Mercedes-Benz platform. The key benefits are a premium cabin and modest size that makes them more suitable than big RVs for driving to stores, restaurants, and attractions.

Class C Motorhome

These use a cutaway chassis, combining a van cab front with an RV shell that typically includes an over-the-cab sleeping area. Class C can be the most affordable all-in-one models. There are Super C models, very expensive RVs that apply this concept to a medium-duty truck platform.

Class A vs Class B vs Class C Motorhomes

Class A Motorhome	Class B Motorhome	Class C Motorhome
Most space per foot of any motorhome type, thanks to their width and shape.	Not much room inside; usually only sleeps two people comfortably.	Cab area can be relatively cramped due to the “doghouse” engine cover that intrudes into the space on van-based models.
Variety of sizes, prices, and finish levels.	Relatively few floor-plan choices.	Wide variety of floor plans.
Relatively low fuel economy.	Best fuel economy of any RV; can get up to 20 mpg.	Moderate fuel economy in between class A and class B
Prices start around $90,000 and go up to $400,000	Between $85,000 and $150,000	$70,000 to $200,000
Typically, six to eight people.	Usually only two people comfortably; sometimes four will fit.	Typically, four to eight people.
Sizes can range from about 25 feet long up to 45 feet long, but they are typically around 30 to 36 feet long.	Between 20 and 26 feet long	Usually 22 to 35 feet long.

Motorhome VS RV Trailer

Motorhome	RV Trailer
Starting price is $50,000	Price Range $20,000 to $30,000
Miles Per Gallon: 15 to 20	Miles Per Gallon: 30 to 40+
Maintenance is costlier	Maintenance is less expensive
Class C Motorhomes are very accessible and compact	Trailers aren’t compact and thus less accessible

11. RV Trailer

RV Trailers are non-motorized, towable forms of RVs. They are budget-friendly, have high fuel economy, and are great for campers who are new to RVing.

However, with all the assembly complications, these aren’t suitable for trips that involve exploring the location and removing & setting camp again and again. Moreover, these trailers aren’t compact. So, you cannot carry your trailer everywhere.

12. Campervan

A van equipped as a self-contained travelling home, they are normally smaller than a motorhome. There is generally no divide between the cab and the living quarters. It has basic facilities for cooking, washing, and sleeping.

Campervan VS Motorhome

Campervan	Motorhome
Less expensive	More expensive
Less space	Greater space
More compact, hence more accessible	Class C Motorhomes are compact and accessible
Lesser amenities	Greater amenities

13. Yurt Camping

If you’re the kind who wants to enjoy the stunning nature without having to sacrifice your comforts of daily life, then Yurt Camping might just be right for you. It is a kind of Glamping, or Glamorous Camping.

Yurts are cylindrical tents with domes that have all the amenities you’ll need to have a luxurious trip outdoors. If you’d like to know more about Yurt camping, check out the article below:

Yurt Camping: 9 Important Things To Know (+3 Beginners’ Tips!)

14. Pickup Truck Canopy

This one’s for all the truck owners out there! If you’ve had a truck, you most certainly have had thought of buying a topper for it at least once. Well, if you’re both a truck owner and a camper, get a topper already!

For the most part, there are 2 or 3 options (it depends on the manufacturer):

• Aluminium
• Fiberglass
• Composite/Plastic

Aluminium Toppers

Aluminium is by far the least expensive option: You can typically buy a brand new aluminium topper with minimal features for $900 or less (installed). However, aluminium:

• Is almost always white, and a lot of people don’t like how a white topper looks on a truck that’s any other colour
• Over time, aluminium toppers (especially the least expensive toppers) tend to look dingy and dented

If you’re not at all concerned about aesthetics (or if you have a white truck) a plain Jane white aluminium topper is a fine choice.

Aluminium is also a good choice if you’re trying to save weight, or if you want a serious commercial topper with features like shelving, locking toolboxes, double doors on the sides, etc.

Fiberglass Toppers

Fiberglass toppers typically look great – they’re often painted to match your truck’s factory paint job – but they’re quite a bit more expensive than aluminium (it’s hard to find one for less than $1,200 installed – most cost $1,500-$2,000 installed).

Fiberglass toppers are also on the heavy side (they can weigh as much as 200lbs, depending on options), and it’s not as easy to find fiberglass toppers designed for commercial use (although they are available).

Composite/Plastic Toppers

Composite/plastic toppers are a relatively new option.

While colour selection is very limited, they’re a good compromise between aluminium and fiberglass, as they offer a lot of the features of aluminium without sacrificing appearance.

Pricing varies greatly on these newer composite toppers, but you can generally expect to spend more on composite than aluminium (but still less than fiberglass). $1,200-$1,800 (installed) is a good estimate, depending on features.

Advantages Of Pickup Truck Canopy

1. Multipurpose and aesthetic

2. Costs less if you already own a truck

3. Great for Cargo Storage

Disadvantages Of Pickup Truck Canopy

1. Can be bulky and takes up garage space when not in use

15. Portable Awning

If you’re looking for something that suits your spontaneous one-day trips to the beach or woods, then portable awning could be the thing for you.

RV awnings are made of two basic types of fabric: acrylic and vinyl. There are pros and cons to both.

• Acrylic fabric allows air to circulate.
• Acrylic awnings are made out of a woven cloth that repels water.
• Acrylic awnings are not water proof, but they generally dry within a few hours of getting wet.
• Vinyl awnings are mildew resistant, but are not mildew proof.
• Vinyl awnings easily collect dust and dirt, which can lead to mildew.
• Vinyl awing are especially susceptible to mildew when exposed to heat and high humidity.

Awnings are good as overhead shelters, but there’s nothing more that they do. These are best when used for one-day trips in combination with camping cots or tarps.

16. Pickup Bed Tent

Pickup bed tents, also known as truck bed tents, are the answer for people looking for a budget-friendly way to avoid sleeping on the ground.

They pop open inside your truck bed, allowing you to use the truck bed as a sleeping platform.

Some truck bed tents don’t have a bottom, while others do. Truck bed tents come in several sizes and can be used with long or short beds. They attach to your bed rails or strap into your fender wells.

Truck Bed Tents VS Ground Attachment Tents VS Rooftop Tents

Truck Bed Tent	Ground Attachment Tent	Rooftop Tent
The biggest disadvantage of truck bed tents is that you can’t use your truck bed while camping. You have to unload all your gear, coolers, and equipment before you can go to sleep, which can be inconvenient if you arrive at your campsite at night.	You don’t have to take it down when you want to drive somewhere. Just unstrap it from your car, reattach the removable wall, and convert it to a standalone tent.	With a rooftop tent, you can camp anywhere. They’re great for overland adventurers who enjoy seeing the world from a higher perspective.
Truck bed tents are a great entry-level tent if you’re just getting into truck camping. They’re accessible for the average camper, starting at around $200.	Ground attachment tents are the most cost-effective way to break into car camping, starting at around $200.	The biggest disadvantage of rooftop tents is that their features come at a lofty price. The least expensive tents start at around $800 for a base model. Add in the cost of a canopy, awning, ladder extenders, or simply a larger sleeping area, and you can find yourself spending thousands on a camping setup.

Advantages Of Pickup Bed Tents

1. These tents weigh in at just 8-10 pounds and take up very little cargo room.

2. Your truck’s tiny footprint allows you to set up anywhere you can drive. There are no ladders or overhangs to worry about.

3. You still maintain a height advantage with protection from ground elements. The sides of your truck bed shelter your sleeping area from wind and wildlife.

4. As opposed to a rooftop tent, you can take the tent down after every trip. This is a great option if you’re camping with your daily driver and don’t want to commit to installing a heavy tent that’s difficult to remove.

Disadvantages Of Pickup Bed Tents

1. The biggest disadvantage of truck bed tents is that you can’t use your truck bed while camping. You have to unload all your gear, coolers, and equipment before you can go to sleep, which can be inconvenient if you arrive at your campsite at night.

2. You’re still just as susceptible to the wind and rain as in a ground tent. You may also have to deal with water pooling inside your truck bed – and in your tent – during a bad storm.

3. Truck bed tents come in a few standard sizes, but they are not guaranteed to be a perfect fit. They are usually not adjustable.

4. They can only be used with a pickup truck. If you trade or sell your truck, you won’t be able to use your tent anymore.

5. You’ll need to buy a bed mat for your truck for comfort purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

That’s a long list… Here is a quick recap of all the alternatives…

The days of camping being restricted to just a tent and a bonfire are long gone! With glamping and various shelters-on-wheels like yurts, motorhomes, and campervans, the camping experience has changed, and for good!

So, don’t let the absence or dislike of traditional tents discourage you. Happy Camping!

Camping is supposed to be a fun activity, and it is something people do to get away from the daily world and relax.

All that is good but you can’t relax in a tent if it stinks badly. Can you?

So, why does a tent smell? Well, it is actually because of the formation of mold and mildew on your tent. If they start developing on your tent, it gives a very bad smell and they don’t even go off easily by cleaning. You need to know how to clean a tent that has developed mold.

So, we are here to help you with that and tell you how exactly you can remove these stinky things from your tent. Let’s get started.

What Are Mold And Mildew?

To get rid of the problem, let’s get to the base of the problem first. Let us take a look at what mold and mildew are.

Mold is a kind of fungus that contains multiple identical nuclei. You can identify a mold if you see black or green patches on your tent. Further, they are dangerous because they penetrate through the surface and get inside your tent.

Mildew is better than mold. It is identified by white, gray, or yellow patches on your tent and it stays on the surface. They are found in damp spaces.

Why Are Mold & Mildew Formed?

As we can see both mold and mildew are fungi, so they develop in places where there is dampness or dirty water. When you camp during rainy weather, the water drips on the surface of your tent. When you return and keep your tent away, if by chance some amount of water, however little, gets trapped inside the tent while packing, over the course of time, mold and mildew start developing in the tent.

So, when you take your tent out, it will start to stink. Also, sometimes, there is natural precipitation or condensation on the surface of the tent when kept away. Then, in that case, as well, the tent starts developing mold and mildew.

If you want to know more about how to clean a tent that smells, you can check How To Clean A Tent That Smells: 8 Easy Ways To Keep Your Tent Stink-Free.

So, now that we know all that, let’s first see how can we avoid mold and mildew altogether.

How To Clean A Tent With Mold: 5 Ways Of Prevention

There are many things you can do to keep your tent from developing any kind of mold. You must do all of them to ensure that your tent remains clean.

1. Clean Your Tent:

Firstly, you have to clean your tent as soon as you are done camping. Every time you go camping in some dirty or rainy environment, it is very important that after you return, the first thing you do is clean the tent with fresh water and detergent. 

As it is said, prevention is better than cure, so if you don’t let any dirt or stale water stay in your tent, your tent is more likely to last for a long time and get no foul smell. 

2. Dry Your Tent:

You should develop a habit of drying your tent after every use. If you dry your tent, no moisture can get into the tent and hence no smell. After you are done with camping and your tent is cleaned with water and detergent, if you pack it instantly without drying it, it will catch a foul smell.

So, it is best to dry your tent not in an enclosed area like indoors but in the open under the sun. You can keep it under the sun for a day because it takes a while to completely dry out.

Make sure that fog and mist don’t fall on your tent though, then all your effort may go to waste.

3. Seal Up Your Tent:

Next is storing your tent, and the best method is sealing it. You can pack your tent away into a sealed container and it will guard your tent against moisture or pests. If you use this method, you also have to pack a moisture and odor absorbing object with the tent. It is best to use some rice in a cloth, or the commonly available naphthalene balls for this.

4. Use Airy Protection:

If you don’t use the sealing method, this is another method to prevent developing mold. In this method, you can store your tent in its original bag or any other space which is climate controlled. Space has to be maintained at a stable temperature and humidity. Places like a storage closet can be used for this method. A moisture-absorbing object isn’t necessary but you can place one for extra precautions.

5. Check On Your Tent Regularly:

Finally, you must always check on your tent at regular intervals. As we have said that mold can develop because of condensation on the tent while it is kept away as well. So, always check on your tent every six months to make sure there isn’t any mold. 

If you find any, clean your tent in the process that we will tell you in detail below.

How To Remove Mold:

Removing mold can be a tricky process and may require you to do hard work, but it isn’t impossible, and here are 4 methods by which you can remove mold.

Use Soap And Water:

The first method is using soap and water to clean your tent. You have to pitch your tent somewhere like on your patio. Then, start scrubbing your tent gently. Use a cloth or a scrubber. Remember that there is a waterproof layer, and to make sure that the layer remains intact we scrub gently.

If your tent is a canvas tent, you can apply a bit more pressure. Then mix some non-detergent soap with water in a bucket and use it to scrub the mold and mildew. Then rinse the tent with clean water and let it dry under the sun.

Use Vinegar And Lemon:

In a container, pour water and vinegar in equal amounts to make a solution and then pour it into a spray bottle. Now, spray some of the solutions on the affected areas with mold and let the solution as it is for some time. Then scrub the areas gently.

In place of vinegar, you can also use lemon. Ass, some people don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add some salt and lemon to water and spray that solution instead. 

You must keep in mind that before using any method, first try it out with a small portion of the tent and if it is safe, then proceed with the entire tent.

Use Spray-On Treatment:

In this method, you can use mold removal products, like Concrobium, for example. Certain products are made for cleaning mold stains. You have to apply these products to the mold stain, let it dry, scrub it, and repeat the process twice.

If you have some single spots with tough mold and mildew, this method is very effective in cleaning them off but for large mold and mildew affected areas, you can use other methods.

Use Deep Cleaning Method:

If you have tough mold problems that previously mentioned methods couldn’t remove, you can get to a deep cleaning method that can surely remove all the mold and mildew off your tent.

First, fill a large container, like a bathtub with lukewarm water, and then add some enzyme cleaning product.    

Then, turn the tent inside out, and unzip all the zips. Soak the tents as long as is required and then rinse the tent with fresh water. After you are done cleaning, look for some spots remaining and clean them using the previous method. Finally, dry your tent by pitching it and then hanging it in a shady area.

Always check for the waterproofing of your tent after cleaning with these methods, as some products may damage the waterproof coating, especially if you leave them for long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Conclusion

As it is said that prevention is better than cure, you must always try to prevent first and if the problem persists, look for a cure. Similar is for cleaning a tent, always try to get your tent checked regularly so that mold doesn’t get the chance to grow in the first place.

As campers, we can tell you not to use a washing machine ever for cleaning your tent. Do the hard work and it will save you a lot of money, we can assure you that.

Also, always make sure to check on the instructions that are given on the products before you start any cleaning process. These methods will work on all kinds of tents, so whatever type of tent you own, these methods can help you.

Please share with us your fun camping stories and tell us how you got rid of mold in the tent, through the comment section below.

As per tradition now, Happy Camping!