Tent or Camper

Chris · 12-10-2007, 08:03 AM

I like it

okole · 12-20-2007, 01:03 PM

Try taking those "campers" out to an island sometime

I'm going on 67 and I use a tent or a tarp shelter, carry all my gear in my sea kayak and am having a ball (second childhood?)

Old Timer2 · 12-29-2007, 01:03 PM

My wife and I have been camping for over 54 years. Starting with a tent, and working upwards. When the kids were small, it was still with a tent. We camped extensively in Alaska in a truck slide-in camper. Later, graduated to a 5th wheel. and were "full timers" for over 5 years. Sold out and thought we were done, but the itch just kept coming around. Now we are in our later years, and bought an older Class A. Gas mileage really sucks, so we don't get too far from home, but we are still out there, having fun, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Life is Great!!

troy2000 · 12-29-2007, 01:16 PM

When I was contracting, I knew a guy who worked at a lumberyard. He took his wife and two kids camping one weekend a month, and everyone had a blast. They were tent campers, cooking over an open campfire and generally roughing it; and spent their time hiking and fishing and rock climbing, whatever.

One day he got a chance to buy a humongous cab-over camper already installed on a 1-ton, and jumped on it. About six months later I asked him how it was working out, and he told me, "I wish I'd never bought the damn thing, Troy. Now we go out and park, fire up the generator, and the whole family stays inside glued to the television, video games and microwave. I can't even get 'em outside to roast wienies and marshmallows, much less go hiking or fishing."

dscrick · 01-10-2008, 03:37 PM

Just like most of you, I started out under the stars, tents, then my wife convinced me that tent camping was no fun for her at 8 months pregnant! We bought a nice little Coleman pop up and had it for years. Easy to tow, all the gear in it and ready to go. Upgraded to a 29 foot Jamboree Class C 3 years ago, and I love it, No more motel bills (I travel for work and get tired of hotels anyway). And it is a serious "bug-out" vehicle, fully self contained with a 4KW genset and all the rest. I still do the rough it stuff as well, Hunting trips, some backpacking, canoeing when I can. I have all that gear as well.

The backpacking gear has come in handy for my latest passion - touring on my Harley!

I'm just glad I know HOW to rough it if I have to, too many modern folk have never slept anywhere but in a bed.

SpecOpOperator · 01-18-2008, 12:14 AM

self made tent... poncho, bungee cords, and a poncho liner or bag.. depending on how cold it is.. we have alot of caves and rock formations where i go, so i usually make a lean to with the poncho inside some rocks

woodster · 01-22-2008, 11:47 AM

I prefer tent camping. I don't like the idea of driving all day in a RV, eat my meals in an RV and then have to sleep in the RV. Give me a break! Besides I go off road and I've seen what happens when RV's go off road.

mym1a · 01-22-2008, 12:05 PM

having lived out of a 18 ft travel trailer for over a year in the az desert, with no running water electricity, cooked in a pit with masquette wood and my dutch ovens.I enjoyed watching the sunset while sitting under my home made ramada next to the trailer.I think a travel trailer is great for a home base but, unrealistic if you want to get back into some farely rugged places.I have used a small 1/2 man tent to tour on bicyle, canoing/kayak and back packing. Depends were your going,what your going to do when you get there.?I don't know if i would want to live in a travel trailer in extreme cold weather,I guess it depends on choice and the situation one is placed in?I f I had to I would live under rock,especialy if it ment maintaining my freedom?

shelter half, tarp and/or pancho also make a good temporary shelter.Fall hunting in the north country,make a leanto using dry leaves as insulation.wool blanket and pancho liner works well in farely moderate temps." temps ranging around the teens and above"as for winter camping and I had a choice definately would want a sleeping bag?Having lived in the desert for many years,I learned that you have to sacrifice some of the creature comforts in order to carry water,mre's for food works good rather bulky but better then dehydrated always carried combo of fruit nuts a can of tuna or 2.I use to be into photoghraphy and would lug around a camera and tripod which added even more weight!!!

dukenukum · 01-22-2008, 12:28 PM

I have had it up to my nose with campers , travel trailers and motor homes .
I grew up tent camping my folks got a travel trailer fixed it more than they used it . quit using it went back to a tent wich dad liked better anyhow .
my aunt and uncle got a pick up camper brand new , fix it more than they use it
I had a pop up camper fixed it more than I used it . got a big horn 2 from cabela's with the wood stove been happy ever since .

damage855 · 01-22-2008, 01:18 PM

Backpack all the way!

mym1a · 01-22-2008, 01:39 PM

as a kid in the early 60's my parents were into tent camping in areas were there was few people had a great time fishing hiking hunting and learned a lot about setting up a desent camp.I have to agree with others in here and say that camping with all the creature comforts of home teaches kids very little! on occasion while touring on my bicyle I have made the mistake of going to state and federal parks which is like staying in a make shift city, doesn't seem to make much sence to pack a bunch of stuff up transport that stuff several miles to pay $$$ to unload your stuff next to your new neighbor who has a lot of stuff with head pounding music and screaming kids.Now I'm not sure about every state or federal park but,I don't believe firearms are allowed.My shooting iron was always cancealed so I never was confronted on this issue?I always thought the purpose of camping as a family any way,was to get away from it all,and develop an appreciation for the creature comforts we take for granted in our ever day lives,to learn some survival skills in the event you had to live like this for real!As I get older I do understand the desire for creature comforts tho!

Quote:

Originally Posted by damage855

Backpack all the way!

best way to go especialy when your young and in good shape don't give it up even when your married with kids!!!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by damage855

Backpack all the way!

I noticed your statement about prisons prisons are dangerous: cause inmates have rights!who runs most prisons?governments!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Timer2

My wife and I have been camping for over 54 years. Starting with a tent, and working upwards. When the kids were small, it was still with a tent. We camped extensively in Alaska in a truck slide-in camper. Later, graduated to a 5th wheel. and were "full timers" for over 5 years. Sold out and thought we were done, but the itch just kept coming around. Now we are in our later years, and bought an older Class A. Gas mileage really sucks, so we don't get too far from home, but we are still out there, having fun, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Life is Great!!

damage855 · 01-24-2008, 08:21 AM

This is a picture when i went to Rogers mountain in virgina acording to the info I recieved Virginia honors CCW even in parks but I always carry anyway along with my badge. My wife will go camping but not backpacking so when I wont I have to by myself or with a few friends.

WISCSHOOTER · 03-26-2008, 02:03 AM

Tent. It's easier to set up. Unless your setting up in a blizzard, which has happened here in june.

GlockMeister · 03-26-2008, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billy

ive used those coffee things that look like tea bags.
it makes a decent cuppa joe.

If you mean the Folgers singles, they do make a great cup of joe. If you meant something else, FYI, Folgers makes what they call coffee singles, in both leaded and unleaded. lol

mitch_mckee · 03-26-2008, 09:38 AM

Here is my preferred option to a tent or camper:

IMG_4585-vi.jpg

jimkim · 03-26-2008, 10:05 AM

bed roll and a fire but that was ten years ago I havent been in years but I would probably take my truck and put an air matress in the bed.

Deersniper · 03-26-2008, 10:19 AM

Being a in construction, I've helped build three fish camps. Two on the river, so I get visiting privileges when they are not occupied. A steel building with a porch on three sides, with a swing, and a shower on one side of the porch. The insides walls are old fence boards, It has a AC, and lights, and a nice kitchen. The outhouse is located about 30 ft from the place. The dobson flies are out right now, and the catfish and bass are tearing them up. Will go this weekend. We get to do target practice, too. It backs up to the river. I have a tent.

ArkansasHunter · 03-26-2008, 11:07 AM

I just sold our 26' camper and after reading this thread I may have made a mistake.
With all the Big Foots run'in around these parts a Tent is out of the question.
A.H

AKHunter · 03-26-2008, 12:38 PM

Has to be a tent for me and my wife. Either we backpack, canoe or boat to a prefered camping area and set up a tent. Campers dont fit my idea of camping by any means and I LOATHE motorhomes. I do understand the usefulness of such things for those getting on in years and need the convenience of them in order to enjoy the great outdoors but that is as far it goes.

12-10-2007, 08:03 AM	#62
Chris HMFIC Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,834,290 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 20	I like it __________________ Rules \| Contributing Members No one has the right to deny my personal safety Please be descriptive in your thread titles! NRA Life Member

12-29-2007, 01:16 PM	#65
troy2000 Resident Armed Liberal Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 10,470 Images: 9	When I was contracting, I knew a guy who worked at a lumberyard. He took his wife and two kids camping one weekend a month, and everyone had a blast. They were tent campers, cooking over an open campfire and generally roughing it; and spent their time hiking and fishing and rock climbing, whatever. One day he got a chance to buy a humongous cab-over camper already installed on a 1-ton, and jumped on it. About six months later I asked him how it was working out, and he told me, "I wish I'd never bought the damn thing, Troy. Now we go out and park, fire up the generator, and the whole family stays inside glued to the television, video games and microwave. I can't even get 'em outside to roast wienies and marshmallows, much less go hiking or fishing." __________________ I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting you really believe what you just said. WF Buckley, Jr

01-10-2008, 03:37 PM	#66
dscrick Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 54	All the Same Just like most of you, I started out under the stars, tents, then my wife convinced me that tent camping was no fun for her at 8 months pregnant! We bought a nice little Coleman pop up and had it for years. Easy to tow, all the gear in it and ready to go. Upgraded to a 29 foot Jamboree Class C 3 years ago, and I love it, No more motel bills (I travel for work and get tired of hotels anyway). And it is a serious "bug-out" vehicle, fully self contained with a 4KW genset and all the rest. I still do the rough it stuff as well, Hunting trips, some backpacking, canoeing when I can. I have all that gear as well. The backpacking gear has come in handy for my latest passion - touring on my Harley! I'm just glad I know HOW to rough it if I have to, too many modern folk have never slept anywhere but in a bed.

01-22-2008, 11:47 AM	#68
woodster Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: High Desert, California Posts: 433	To Each His Own. I prefer tent camping. I don't like the idea of driving all day in a RV, eat my meals in an RV and then have to sleep in the RV. Give me a break! Besides I go off road and I've seen what happens when RV's go off road.

01-22-2008, 12:05 PM	#69
mym1a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,313	having lived out of a 18 ft travel trailer for over a year in the az desert, with no running water electricity, cooked in a pit with masquette wood and my dutch ovens.I enjoyed watching the sunset while sitting under my home made ramada next to the trailer.I think a travel trailer is great for a home base but, unrealistic if you want to get back into some farely rugged places.I have used a small 1/2 man tent to tour on bicyle, canoing/kayak and back packing. Depends were your going,what your going to do when you get there.?I don't know if i would want to live in a travel trailer in extreme cold weather,I guess it depends on choice and the situation one is placed in?I f I had to I would live under rock,especialy if it ment maintaining my freedom? shelter half, tarp and/or pancho also make a good temporary shelter.Fall hunting in the north country,make a leanto using dry leaves as insulation.wool blanket and pancho liner works well in farely moderate temps." temps ranging around the teens and above"as for winter camping and I had a choice definately would want a sleeping bag?Having lived in the desert for many years,I learned that you have to sacrifice some of the creature comforts in order to carry water,mre's for food works good rather bulky but better then dehydrated always carried combo of fruit nuts a can of tuna or 2.I use to be into photoghraphy and would lug around a camera and tripod which added even more weight!!! Last edited by mym1a; 01-22-2008 at 01:14 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

12-09-2007, 10:57 PM	#61
galleta loco Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 46

12-20-2007, 01:03 PM	#63
okole Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NW Montana Posts: 61	Try taking those "campers" out to an island sometime I'm going on 67 and I use a tent or a tarp shelter, carry all my gear in my sea kayak and am having a ball (second childhood?)

12-29-2007, 01:03 PM	#64
Old Timer2 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Paradise Posts: 45	My wife and I have been camping for over 54 years. Starting with a tent, and working upwards. When the kids were small, it was still with a tent. We camped extensively in Alaska in a truck slide-in camper. Later, graduated to a 5th wheel. and were "full timers" for over 5 years. Sold out and thought we were done, but the itch just kept coming around. Now we are in our later years, and bought an older Class A. Gas mileage really sucks, so we don't get too far from home, but we are still out there, having fun, fishing and enjoying the outdoors. Life is Great!!

01-18-2008, 12:14 AM	#67
SpecOpOperator Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 57	self made tent... poncho, bungee cords, and a poncho liner or bag.. depending on how cold it is.. we have alot of caves and rock formations where i go, so i usually make a lean to with the poncho inside some rocks

01-22-2008, 12:28 PM	#70
dukenukum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 20	make mine a tent I have had it up to my nose with campers , travel trailers and motor homes . I grew up tent camping my folks got a travel trailer fixed it more than they used it . quit using it went back to a tent wich dad liked better anyhow . my aunt and uncle got a pick up camper brand new , fix it more than they use it I had a pop up camper fixed it more than I used it . got a big horn 2 from cabela's with the wood stove been happy ever since . Last edited by dukenukum; 01-23-2008 at 03:20 PM. Reason: bad spelling

01-22-2008, 01:18 PM	#71
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 951 Blog Entries: 1	Backpack all the way! __________________ If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?

01-24-2008, 08:21 AM	#73
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 951 Blog Entries: 1	This is a picture when i went to Rogers mountain in virgina acording to the info I recieved Virginia honors CCW even in parks but I always carry anyway along with my badge. My wife will go camping but not backpacking so when I wont I have to by myself or with a few friends. __________________ If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?

03-26-2008, 02:03 AM	#74
WISCSHOOTER Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MILWAUKEE Posts: 101	Tent. It's easier to set up. Unless your setting up in a blizzard, which has happened here in june.

03-26-2008, 09:38 AM	#76
mitch_mckee Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 1,085 Images: 3	Here is my preferred option to a tent or camper: IMG_4585-vi.jpg

03-26-2008, 10:05 AM	#77
jimkim Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Near the Little Ocmulgee river in GA Posts: 2,620 Blog Entries: 15	bed roll and a fire but that was ten years ago I havent been in years but I would probably take my truck and put an air matress in the bed. __________________ "Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." Last edited by jimkim; 03-26-2008 at 10:06 AM. Reason: no double post

03-26-2008, 10:19 AM	#78
Deersniper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,136	Camping Being a in construction, I've helped build three fish camps. Two on the river, so I get visiting privileges when they are not occupied. A steel building with a porch on three sides, with a swing, and a shower on one side of the porch. The insides walls are old fence boards, It has a AC, and lights, and a nice kitchen. The outhouse is located about 30 ft from the place. The dobson flies are out right now, and the catfish and bass are tearing them up. Will go this weekend. We get to do target practice, too. It backs up to the river. I have a tent.

03-26-2008, 11:07 AM	#79
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 11,270	I just sold our 26' camper and after reading this thread I may have made a mistake. With all the Big Foots run'in around these parts a Tent is out of the question. A.H

03-26-2008, 12:38 PM	#80
AKHunter Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 899	Has to be a tent for me and my wife. Either we backpack, canoe or boat to a prefered camping area and set up a tent. Campers dont fit my idea of camping by any means and I LOATHE motorhomes. I do understand the usefulness of such things for those getting on in years and need the convenience of them in order to enjoy the great outdoors but that is as far it goes.