Why Go Camping?

Sooooooo why go camping? Especially Roof Top Camping.

Every person you speak to will have a different reason for why they go camping and spend time in the great outdoors.  Some is for adventure and 4x4 exploration.  Fot others it's for solo missions to get them closer to nature after too much time in the city.  For families it may be to revitalise a forgotten tradition or revitalise relationships.  For some youth organisations the outdoors is a tool that is used as a circuit breaker and also an environment that teaches kids many different things and problems to solve.  Whatever the reason is for you, make sure you use it and get out there!  Whether you are wrestling with the poles of your dome tent, parking the caravan or quickly popping the best roof top tent up, here are some other reasons people go camping.

Tradition

Some of us are lucky enough to have some camping passed on from generation to generation. People have been camping in national parks for over 100 years, and many visitors who camped as children, now camp as parents and grandparents, passing on an appreciation for time outdoors.  Over this time, the mode of camping may have changed from tents, to caravans, though the remise of the time in the outdoors with your family is still the same.  It is the passing on of these traditions that help build a better world.

Improve Health

Camping really does the body, mid and spirit a whole lot of good.  The physical demands of camping clearly count as exercise, and the more remote the more physical your experience will be.  But really any kind of camping has health benefits. Some are straightforward, like setting up camp or hiking, or even just pitching the root top tent in your local caravan park for a night. Researchers have for years linked outdoor activity to a decrease in depressive thoughts and no doubt sleeping under the stars helps you get in touch with your natural circadian rhythms, a base for high quality sleep and health.

Remove the digital distraction

We all could do with a little less time on our screens, sometimes you just need a break from technology. It is hard to escape it at home, but there are many national parks and campgrounds that have poor, or no mobile connectivity, and it’s best to take advantage of that. These places are perfect locations for us to focus on the basics that we still have access to. Relax with a good book, draw in a sketchbook, go for a hike, pitch your tent, watch the bushmans TV (fire) or write in a journal.

Build Relationships

When travelling to parks, beaches, campgrounds and natural areas, to spend a few days and nights outside, your choice of companions matters. The face-to-face conversations replace personal technological devices for entertainment. A shared experience shapes the memories that make up life-long relationships.  Think back to that camping trip as a kid and I bet you have fond memories of the people you hung out with, even if you have never seen them again. Camping is a great time to get back to the basics, without distractions. Sharing stories. Sharing laughs. Sharing adventures.  A James Baroud roof top tent provides that perfect setup.

Developing Life Skills

When camping, it requires you to rely on yourself and your frieds to meet your basic needs, to purify water, build a fire, survive the elements, be alone with your thoughts. But these are more than just survival skills; these abilities give you confidence and self-worth that carries over into all other aspects of your life. 

There are challenges that arrive when camping that you need to solve on your own or by asking a real person, problems that siri or google cannot solve (because hopefully there is limited reception).  From setting up a tent, (this is an easier one with a roof top tent), to finding enough fire wood, following a recipe or coming up with a tasty meal, all of these problems need to be solved in order for a fun and comfortable camping trip.  Research suggests that tackling new challenges and experiences keeps our brains healthy and force us to think for ourselves.  With this then comes self-confidence, growth and happiness.  This goes for both children and adults alike.

Camping increases your vitamin D intake

Camping often means more time in the sun, and the more of those rays means extra vitamin D, which has benefits for you.  Be sun smart when outside though take advantage of this opportunity to be outdoors.  As well as the mental health benefits of the sunshine, it too has a positive impact on your bones and overall wellbeing.

Food just tastes much better when you’re camping

Sausages, hamburgers, roast veggies, s’mores and roasted marshmallows – typical camping food is some of the best-tasting food and it tastes even better in the fresh air. Cooking over an open flame or over a grill gives your meat and veggies an intense flavour and s'mores can't be done as well on the stove at home, that is a fact.

Camping makes you happier!

At the end of the day, we go camping because it makes us happy.   Serotonin, that wonderful chemical our body produces that helps to make us happy is released as soon as we start planning our trip.  So what are you waiting for……… start planning your next camping trip and jump in that roof top tent now.