The idea of camping always involves tents. After all, these tents will serve as your shelter once you are out in the wild. In fact, it is already absurd to think that you can go outdoors without them.
But hey, it is really possible to go backpacking minus the tent. It is a good way to streamline the weight of your luggage and ensure that you can move anytime that you want. With tents, you would have to do the process of repeating the process of pitching and disassembling the tent (assuming that you want to transfer places from time to time).
Here, you will learn the art of backpacking/camping without a tent. We will go through the basics and see if it is for you.
Do You Really Need A Tent For Camping Or Backpacking?
The short answer to this question is no.
But allow us to expound on this in detail. Tentless camping has been going on for quite some time already. You’ll be surprised that a lot of people have been doing this adventure. Of course, the thought of camping without any tent sounds scary. But it is always a plausible pursuit, especially if you are prepared to do it.
Surely enough, tents are often listed as primary requirements for modern backpacking and camping. But at the same time, there are numerous ways you can camp without bringing one.
Keep in mind, however, that you still need to bring some insect or rain protection in this pursuit. Hence, hammocks with tarps, bug shelters, or waterproof bivvies should serve as great alternatives.
For instance, laying inside a hammock should be comfortable enough most of the time. If the climate is fine, you’ll experience the fresh breeze and the coolness of the air around you.
Is It Safe To Camp Without A Tent?
Technically speaking, it should be safe to camp without a tent, especially if you have fully mapped the area where you want to settle.
Tents provide the defense that you need against several threats that are commonly present in an outdoor environment. Specifically, there are two things that you should be wary about here:
- Weather
- Wildlife
Weather – Tents are purchased in anticipation that the outside world will be unruly. And in most cases, unexpected things do happen. The weather always remains a volatile element when spending time outdoors. From heavy rain to flooding, these things are always within the realms of possibility. Even the slight changes in temperature can already throw you off.
Wildlife – We should always remember that the outdoors isn’t our territory. It is the haven of our animal friends. Hence, don’t consider them as intruders to our campsite; instead, we are the ones who are sharing spaces with them. Hence, you should exercise due diligence in ensuring that you don’t disturb their homes and sanctuaries. At the same time, you need to find protection so that if they are around, you’ll never be harmed by them.
Both of these threats can be solved through the use of tents. As long as you are sheltered, you will never have to worry about the external factors that could affect the quality of your backpacking experience.
But then again, fully-prepared backpackers and campers know that tents aren’t necessary for them to navigate to these odds. For instance, hammocks with tents or bug nets can effectively protect you from critter bites. Meanwhile, lightweight bivvies are sufficient enough to keep you dry during drizzles. But during heavy downpours, you might want to find a spot where no rain can reach you.
This is where the importance of planning comes in. By being strategic in your adventure, you can already plan out your activities and campsite ahead of time. You’ll know what to do when things get sour, effectively keeping yourself protected and comfortable.
Is It Worth Spending Money On A Tent?
Of course! If you are an outdoor enthusiast, having a tent is a must! These tents are essential amenities in any backpacking and camping pursuit. In fact, they are always on the top of every outdoor checklist, defining their relevance in these favorite pastimes of ours.
In fact, despite the new waves and trends in outdoor camping, tents remain to be in the picture. Of course, that’s not surprising anymore, given the fact that people will always require temporary shelters once they leave the urban jungle.
The reason why some people want to try tent-less is for the thrill and experience. Just imagine being able to head out with almost nothing to protect you. That’s one way to commune with the natural world around you. At the same time, having no tent means reduced weight. So if you wish to reduce your bulk in your next adventure, you might want to consider going tent-less.
In actuality, the real question here is whether or not you need to spend on expensive tents. The answer to this question depends on how you intend to use the tents. For instance, for three- to four-season adventures, you might be required to purchase more expensive tents.
More expensive tents are desirable in extended backpacking pursuits because they are light and durable. The technology used on them ensures that they can help their users get far without being too strained by their bulkiness. At the same time, high-end tents are rugged. They can withstand punishments and can be brought on terrains with harsh conditions.
Between these tents and having no tents, you might want to consider the former, especially if you are sure that the conditions at your destination aren’t that friendly. You don’t need to go tent-less in challenging terrains. Being equipped remains a top priority for every backpacker.
What Are Alternatives For Tents?
If you are looking for alternatives, you should check the following options below:
Hammocks
If the weather isn’t that bad, then you should bring a hammock with you. Hammocks are tailored from different fabrics and are constructed in different ways. Just make sure that the hammock you pick is durable and large enough for your needs. It should also come with simple yet secured attachments so that you can hang them tightly on trees.
If you are planning to sleep overnight, you should get those hammocks that include a mesh on their construction. In this way, you will never be bugged by bugs and critters. If there’s enough space, you can even bring blankets and pillows.
Cot
A cot is an excellent alternative for those who hate the idea of sleeping on an elevated platform. It is similar to a portable bed that you can fold and bring with you wherever you go.
When choosing a cot, make sure that it has a sturdy base so that it won’t collapse under your weight. Those units that have a metal base are great. Aluminum ones are lighter than steel, but the latter is more durable than the former. At the same time, get a cot that can fit you in. It should be spacious enough for you to move around freely.
Tarp
It is not a secret that tarps are the simplest alternative for tents. They are also very accessible; you can buy them in your nearby stores and favorite online retailers. Many of these tarps are used as hammocks and tents. However, it is notable that these tents are more durable than their counterparts. They are waterproof and provide decent resistance against the wind.
If you are anticipating rain, snow, or extreme heat, you should choose a tarp instead of a hammock or cot. It is capable of shielding you against the elements, even in the absence of a tent. Pitching a tent may take some time, and you would need the following accessories: polls, ropes, or stakes.
Bivy Sack
Technically speaking, bivy sacks aren’t tents. But at the same time, you can say that they are a crossover between a tent or sleeping bag. A bivy sack has a headcover that has been elevated for added wiggle room. The head cover protects you from the heat of the sun or from insect bites.
Bivy sacks are often used by hikers because they provide a degree of insulation. However, keep in mind that they aren’t really waterproof. If you are expecting watery weather, you might want to bring a tarp with you.
Since bivy sacks are placed on the ground, you should insert a camping pad in between. In this way, you can lay more comfortably.
Tips for Camping Without a Tent
Pick A Warm Weather
If it is your first time camping without a tent, it is always a bright move to choose a day where the weather is fine. It’s not recommended to camp tent-less in the rain, even if you want to experience one. Trust us. It gets uncomfortable over time.
Get A Natural Shelter
If possible, you should scout your campground and look for a natural shelter. Even if it is not raining, there’s a possibility that it will get windy and chilly during the night. Having a place where you can be protected from the wind is quite beneficial.
Don’t Get Close To Water
It’s not recommended that you camp near a body of water, such as rivers and lakes. Aside from the high possibility of bug attack, numerous wildlife would also come to drink water. If you are in a bear country, this is bad news.
Prefer Established Parks
If you decide to camp without a tent, make sure that you do it in established parks. These are considered safe spaces; they are well-maintained and monitored. Furthermore, park guards and local rangers ensure that there aren’t dangerous wildlife nearby.
Be Wary About Poisonous Plants
At the same time, you have to probe your surroundings. Get to know the local species of plants and see whether or not they are poisonous. Examples of the poisonous plants that you need to watch out for are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. We also suggest that you avoid picking or eating plants with three leaves.
Bring A Bug Spray
It’s likely that you’ll get bugged by insects if you aren’t inside a shelter. Because of this, it is imperative that you keep yourself protected against them through the use of bug sprays. Alternatively, you can also set up a bug net to prevent mosquitoes and other critters from disturbing your peaceful endeavor.
Conclusion
Camping without a tent is always possible. It just requires extra preparation and planning to ensure your comfort and safety along the way. Having tent alternatives will help you adjust to a tent-less setting, so it would really be great if you bring one with you.
And of course, don’t forget to have fun. Enjoy the experience of being one with Mother Nature!