Wesley Littlefield 07.10.25
I like tenting, whether or not in an RV, a tent, or an SUV. Every has advantages and downsides that make it higher in particular conditions. As we speak, we’ll give attention to the similarities and variations I’ve found after years of SUV tenting vs. tent tenting.
What Is SUV Tenting?
SUV tenting can take a number of totally different types, together with combining it with tent tenting (rooftop tents). I contemplate SUV tenting to be utilizing the SUV as your main type of transportation and lodging. I typically lie the again seat down, toss an air mattress in, and sleep in my SUV, however that’s in no way the one solution to do it.
What Is Tent Tenting?
Tent tenting is while you arrange a tent and sleep in it. You’ll be able to pack it up every evening, transfer spots, or set it up in a location and use it as a house base (very like you’d do on a backcountry searching journey).
SUV Tenting Professionals & Cons
Tenting in your SUV has many advantages and downsides, equivalent to:
Professionals
- Higher shielded from the climate and harmful animals
- Much less setup/tear-down time
- Much less gear wanted
Whereas tenting with my dad just a few years in the past, I skilled simply how nice SUV tenting is when unhealthy climate rolls in. I used to be dry and comfy at the back of my 4Runner, whereas my dad was soaked in a tent. He’d even tried to waterproof it as finest he might as a result of we knew the rain was coming, but it surely nonetheless didn’t cease the water from finally discovering a method in and soaking him and his gear. He conceded and joined me in my SUV. Tenting in my SUV can also be safer than sleeping in a tent in bear nation. Sure, bears can nonetheless get right into a automobile, but it surely’s much less probably, particularly while you take the correct precautions.
I’ve by no means loved how a lot time it takes to arrange and tear down camp, particularly whereas tent tenting. The beauty of SUV tenting is that point is drastically diminished as a result of your sleeping quarters are already arrange. Nonetheless, I’m not saying it’s immediately prepared; SUV tenting requires some preliminary setup.
SUV tenting is so intriguing to learners due to the dearth of substances wanted. You don’t must have a tent or RV to sleep in; all you want is your present SUV. You’ll nonetheless want some tenting necessities, however you’ll lower your expenses on a spot to sleep.
Cons
- Fewer choices for locations to camp
- Should pack up every little thing everytime you need to drive someplace
- Lower than best for households
One of many largest drawbacks for the adventurous spirit is the dearth of locations to SUV camp. Sure, overlanding is an possibility when you dwell out west. Nonetheless, a lot of the US is restricted to RV websites or simply off the overwhelmed path.
I is perhaps exaggerating slightly after I say you need to pack up every little thing, however you do must pack up greater than you usually would whereas tent tenting, simply to drive down the street to the trailhead or a fast run into city for provides you forgot.
I’ve camped in a tent with a number of folks without delay, however it will be a wrestle to SUV camp with my household of 4, so you probably have a big household, SUV tenting most likely isn’t the answer to go tenting. You would possibly need to look into a big tent or an RV.
Tent Tenting Professionals & Cons
I grew up tent tenting and have skilled the numerous upsides and disadvantages of tent tenting, like:
Professionals
- Extra locations to camp
- Higher for households
- Have a house base
Tenting in a tent opens up your choices for tenting. You’ll be able to hike in and arrange a tent deep within the woods or mountains, or you’ll be able to pop your tent up in a state park.
When tent tenting, you can too get a bigger tent (6-8 individual tents are quite common) so you’ll be able to convey the whole household. Except you have got an enormous SUV, you’re extraordinarily space-limited and may solely accommodate just a few folks.
I admire which you can arrange a tent at a location and simply enterprise off from there, with out having to interrupt camp (however the possibility to interrupt camp and arrange someplace else remains to be there).
Cons
- Have to buy and pack extra gear
- Much less shielded from the setting
Determining all of the gear you have to in your first few tent tenting journeys could be a bit overwhelming as a result of there’s loads. When you’ve taken just a few tenting journeys, you’ll be higher ready and know what to pack and what to depart at residence.
As I discussed, tents are usually not the perfect safety from the setting, however so long as you get a high quality tent and perceive what you’re stepping into, it’s a enjoyable solution to benefit from the outdoor.
Remaining Ideas: SUV Tenting Vs. Tent Tenting
Now that you understand the variations and similarities of SUV tenting and tent tenting, it’s time to come back to a remaining verdict on which is best.
Tent tenting is the way in which to go for the extra adventurous. Nonetheless, for individuals who favor to remain slightly nearer to civilization and don’t have a big household, SUV tenting is right.
Simply since you select one kind of tenting on one journey doesn’t imply you’re caught doing it perpetually. I tent and SUV camp all year long, relying on who’s with me and the way a lot time I’ve for adventures.
