Backpacking, in my opinion, just isn’t complete without a couple of nights in a tent. However, before you head to the nearest outdoor store right away – there are a few pros and cons to consider before you decide that tenting is right for you.
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First, in the interest of bad news first, let’s go over the cons. Depending on how long you are backpacking for, adding a couple extra pounds to your pack can be the difference between a rucksack you can carry without problems, or those which make you cringe every time you lift it. If you are new to backpacking, or feel out of shape, perhaps tossing another couple pounds on your back is not the best option.
In the same vein, the size of your pack could be problematic for carrying a tent. For those of you with small packs (under 60 litres), or who are travelling for many months, will undoubtedly have a problem with donating half their bag to camping gear. Keep in mind that you will need not just the tent, but a hiking sleeping bag (as well as a headlamp, multi-tool and sleeping mat). Even with small sized, lightweight gear, you will find it to be fairly cumbersome.
On the pro side, tent travel is truly the most free. Almost every place on earth has the capacity for camping in some regard. Camp sites, beyond certain prime locations down-town in certain cities, always have space available. On top of that, there are many towns (such as Hallstadt in Austria, Gozd Martuljek in Slovenia) where camping is the only reasonable, or available, option. Although getting to campsites can at times be a bit of a walk, it is the best way to see the most breathtaking parts of Europe.
Not only does it give you the possibility of seeing more remote, less tourist-covered locations, but at a price you can’t be beat. Beyond couch surfing or visiting relatives, there is no way to sleep for cheaper. Compared to hostelling, you can travel for anywhere from half to a fifth the price. For a one month trip, you could be saving anywhere from three to five hundred dollars on hostels.
So, as long as you can handle the extra weight, less clothes in your pack, and a bit of a walk to the campsites, know that you will be able to see more, travel farther, and head to places far off the beaten path.
To find a campsite in your area, either check online (before you go or at an internet café along the way), check your guidebook, or stop in at a local information booth when you arrive. Usually there will be information readily available as to where the closest sites are, and how to best access them.
Click here to see Amazon.com’s range of backpacking tents
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