Written By: Patrick Kingcaid w/Mid Tn Outdoors
So we are going to dive into a deep rabbit hole so get ready as I break this down. Which overloading shelter is right for you. I have to ask how much dang money do you have? Really and truly that is what it comes down to. Now we are going to look at each one and see where you may fit and I will tell you where I fit and my pros and cons of each.
The first choice and cheapest by far is a ground tent. Yes, you can pick up a decent ground tent for around 100 bucks, and don’t get me wrong you can also spend a stupid amount of money for a tent, but you can stay on a budget for sure. The pros of the ground tent are probably the cost. Cons are set up time. Mine is an instant tent and by the time I guide it out right will have 20-30 minutes putting it up by myself. I will say if you are just staying one night and the weather is right some tents you don’t have to guide it out all the way, I have done it that way many times.
Second choice and here is where the money starts flowing like a flooded creek. RTT (roof top tent) RTTs can start well over 1500 bucks and go way up from there. Pros to an RTT is set up very quickly and the mattress stays in it and for the most part, you can leave all of your blankets inside also which means the bed is ready. Cons well cost duh!!! Also, you have to have something sturdy to mount to like some kind of rack system or a trailer for it to mount to. Did you hear the cash register going off just then!! So no you can’t just toss the dang thing on the roof of your Civic!!!
The third choice and the one that will probably make your wallet fill like it has been on a drunken night in Vegas is Tear Drop Trailer. (I want one of these so bad) So here is where the rabbit hole hits rock bottom. Ok, you can build one of these yourself for about the price of an RTT but if you don’t have the time or skill to do so here is where it gets pricy. In my research starting price is a basic Camper is about 8 grand!! I have seen these things get into the 20k range with all the bells and whistles. Pros to Trailer pretty much pull up level it and you’re camping. So the speed of set up is the fastest of all of the ones I listed. Cons well once again cost cost cost. If you’re on a budget one of these is out of the question hands down. You will also have to have something to pull it with and no your Civic will not last long pulling this thing all over the country. Another problem is where are you going, will the trailer survive the trail and will there be room at camp for it.
So we went down that rabbit hole and we got some dirt on us. Let me add another option you might think of could be a hammock and while this is a fast option may not be for everyone. You can also save some coins by looking on the used market for an RTT or Tear Drop, but buyer beware you could be buying someone’s problems. Now that I have laid out all the Pros and Cons get out there the best way you can.
Mid Tn Outdoors 