Despite the fact that there are a million different ways to camp, you really can't go wrong. Camping is a wonderful experience, no matter how you do it.
Now, that's not to say that our way of camping and your way of camping are the same, right? With different preferences and lifestyles, everyone is going to have their own opinion.
So why not talk about them?
Today, let's talk teardrop camping vs tenting camping.
Is a teardrop really worth the investment when you could run to any camping store and pick up a tent?
In this blog, we'll walk through:
Teardrop Camping: Pros
Teardrop Camping: Cons
Tent Camping: Pros
Tent Camping: Cons
Teardrop Camping vs Tent Camping: Which is Right for You?
Teardrop Camping: Pros
When comparing teardrops and tents, there are two major benefits to teardrop camping: comfort and convenience.
Comfort
With a built-in bed, electrical, and kitchen options, it isn't hard to see why achieving comfort is easier in a teardrop camper. Though smaller than home, many of the comforts of home, heating and A/C for example, come with the teardrop camping experience.
Convenience
Teardrop campers are designed with built-in storage for your travels. This eliminates any need for you to have to figure out a makeshift storage area at your campsite. This can be particularly helpful in preventing pesky wildlife from infiltrating your secret snack stash.
Though there is maintenance involved, once you park and unhitch your teardrop camper, you are set. Not only are you set, you don't have to worry about the weather changing suddenly. If there's a sudden downpour, just hurry inside and wait out the storm in your camper.
Other pros of teardrop camping include:
Always ready to hitch and go
More protection from the elements
On-the-go kitchen
Pro Tip: Did you know that some campsites allow you park your teardrop trailer on a tent-designated campsite? You can enjoy all of the perks (and views) of a tent campsite while maintaining the added comfort of a trailer!
Teardrop Camping: Cons
We won't be biased - there are some cons to teardrop camping as opposed to tent camping. Let's talk about the big ones: cost and maintenance.
Cost
Teardrop campers are an investment, for sure. Unlike a tent, you can't just pop in and casually buy one. (If you can, come on over!)
Depending on your preferences, the cost will vary. Not to mention, you can't always get a teardrop camper the same day. Often times, there is a waiting period, which can be a bummer when you are ready to hit the road and take off on your next adventure.
Maintenance
Along with the initial cost of purchasing a teardrop camper, you also face the cost of maintenance. Maintenance is one of the main gripes for owning any large vehicle. Have you ever heard the saying, "your goal in life shouldn't be to have a boat. It should be to have a friend that has a boat"? Well, that's largely due to maintenance.
There are a few routine things you can do to maintain your teardrop camper, so don’t let the idea of maintenance intimidate you.
Tent Camping: Pros
When comparing tent camping to teardrop camping, there are two major pros that come to mind: cost and room.
Cost
Compared to teardrop camping, the cost of buying a tent –even a large one –is much smaller. Plus, depending on the tent you choose, you have a pretty good shot of being able to walk into the store and purchase it that day.
Room
Another perk of tent camping is the ability to purchase one large enough to hold your whole family. While teardrop trailers have a set number of people who can fit –not a large one at that –tents come in all sizes. You can buy a tent that fits just you or one that sleeps ten.
Tent Camping: Cons
While there are some nice pros to tent camping, we've got to address the major cons as well: the hassle and the storage –or lack thereof.
Hassle
Setting up a tent can be a pain for many of us.
And you know it gets worse when (not if) you lose the instructions.
Now there are some tents that are "fool-proof" and "easy to set up" but frankly, we think those are a lie.
We just have to address it... What goes up, must come down.
While tearing down a tent can be easier than set up, you can't actually tear the tent down, so there is definitely more headache. And if it rained during your trip, you get the added bonus of drying the thing out... Hard pass.
Storage –or lack thereof
Tents are not known for the storage space. Unless you have a tent larger than the number of people you have, you are going to be finding creative ways to store things.
Food storage is another area we have to address. When you are camping, the last thing you want to do is store any kind of food in your tent. This means you are taking up space in your vehicle and also having to go back and forth a fair amount when you are ready for meals and snacks.
Teardrop Camping vs Tent Camping: Which is Right for You?
So, what's the right decision for you? Well, that depends on a lot of different factors.
If you are in the position to financially invest in a teardrop camper, but you are still torn between whether or not it is worth it, here are some things to consider:
Do you want to go camping year round or be more restricted during the winter months?
Are you excited by the idea of camping on uneven and uncomfortable terrain?
Do you want to be able to go camping without worrying about unexpected rain storms?
Find Your Perfect Teardrop Fit with Vistabule
We want you to have the camping experience of your dreams. When you invest in a Vistabule teardrop camper, you have the option to create what is going to be the best for your life!
With options from awnings to storage, there is nothing you can't have. If you are ready to start planning your dream teardrop, come check out our pricing sheet. It takes 3 minutes –literally –for you to see your dreams start to become a reality.
Still unsure? Contact us or check out the Vistablog for popular topics about the teardrop life! We are here to answer any questions you may have.