Lightweight, Traditional Camping, or Glamping: Which One People of Australia Prefer?
Did you know the first campers have been practising camping since the 1880s? People loved getting out of rapidly growing cities and spending time in nature. They would spread out their equipment and enjoy nature in its raw form.
As time passed and cars were invented the need for getting out of the big city grew. The pollution became enormous, and camping became a regular weekend activity for many people.
Fast forward to today, the need for camping is bigger than ever because our lives are almost entirely fixed to our desks, TVs, and smartphones. We rarely see the beauty of nature, so it’s essential to spend some time there.
However, there are various types of camping. The most popular right now are lightweight camping, traditional camping and glamping. Although the last one is not as often practiced as the other two, it’s still a popular option, and many would do it if they had the chance.
So, which one is the best for you, and which should you choose on your next trip? That’s what we’re talking about in this article. If you want to know more about the three options, tune in and learn more about all of the options available.
What is lightweight camping?
Lightweight, as the name suggests, is going camping with as little weight carrying with you as possible. Although there’s a term ultralight, most people will practice lightweight, as there’s still room for carrying the essential items with you and having a great time in nature despite having so little.
Lightweight means only carrying a backpack with the essentials – water, food, and a first-aid kit. Some will also have a tiny compressed tent that is perfect for sleeping inside on a cold night, but other than that, there’s nothing else to provide comfort and more than enjoying raw nature.
Lightweight campers leave no prints behind them, not only because they carry so little, but also because this is the rule in nature. It’s so easy to respect nature when you are camping this way. However, you must be prepared and experienced to do it.
What is traditional camping?
Traditional camping is the more relaxed option. There are no rules to follow, and you can do it without any pressure of doing something wrong. Of course, the rule of not leaving prints behind is also something to mind here, but you have more comfort than the previous option.
Many have a quarter canopy installed on their rear UTE tray, but others will also opt for a much bigger one, even the one that covers the entire rear tray. They might use this as a remote bedroom or for storing anything they need for a comfortable stay in nature.
The essence of traditional camping is feeling comfortable. You will bring a table with chairs, equipment for lighting a campfire and making barbeque, set up a tent comfortable for everyone travelling and many other things. Once you’re done you can return to civilization rested and with your batteries charged.
What is glamping?
Glamping is the most extreme of options, and it’s highly popular in the last decade. The name glamping comes from the term glamorous connected with camping – so it’s glamping. As the name suggests, glamping is when you go camping, but everything looks and feels glamorous.
How glamorous? As much as possible! People would pack tons of things and return many times to the camping site carrying everything they needed. The tents are enormous and have everything inside to resemble a standard living area. Many tents will have more than one room, and that gives you an idea of how glamorous these tents are.
Electricity, shower, curtains, and heating are regular features when it comes to glamping. People will install everything they need in nature using power generators, air conditioners, and assembling king-size beds. The point of this whole effort is getting the feel of a hotel but still being in nature and enjoying all of its fruits.
Conclusion
When thinking about all three, you must understand that Australia has a long history of camping. Australians love outdoor and off-road activities, so they practice all three regularly. If you’re a passionate camper, chances are you’re traditional, as this type is the most common.
However, switching from one kind to another is normal. You might want to experience something else, see new things and get a different feel for your outdoor trip. If you are a traditional camper and want to try lightweight camping, park your UTE far away from your usual camping spot, and go on foot for the first time and see how it feels.
If you want to see how glamping looks, start small and do something more on your UTE the next time you’re in nature. If you like it, do more each time you go in nature until you find the perfect setup.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
