Nearly four years ago, the world suddenly went from the hustle and bustle of daily life to slowing it down so much it almost stopped completely. The Pandemic took people out of their offices and into isolation. For many it was a tough transition, and for some it opened their eyes to the great outdoors.
People quickly became tired of staying in their homes and sought new ways to be on the move without having to be amongst people. This is how a whole new generation of campers were made (and we aren’t talking about your typical campers – you know, the ones pulling their Subarus into a paved parking spot pitching their tents near a shower). We are talking about the people who drive their trucks off road to be alone in the beauty and wonder of our Nation’s great outdoors with no bathroom (or human) in sight.
When it comes to off roading, whether you’re roaming into the mountains or wandering into a dry, dusty desert to find a camping spot, you had better be prepared. You definitely need supplies, but most importantly you need a safe place to sleep.
Camping on the dirt in a tent may sound like a great option, but in many situations, an everyday tent on the ground may not provide the protection or comfort needed. In the last three years the sale of truck bed tents have gone up drastically and sales are holding strong even though most of life has returned to normal; it seems many people have caught the offroad camping bug post-Pandemic.
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Why choose a truck bed tent over a traditional tent?
Truck bed tent camping might be easily overlooked when it comes to the norm but that’s likely due to the lack of exposure to the topic. When a friend asks if you would want to go camping I’m willing to bet you would picture heading to a campground and pitching a tent or hooking up a pull behind camper.
Truck bed tents offer a more sturdy setup, increased comfort, more mobility, and more protection from the elements than you could be afforded by a tent on the ground. While it is true that with most truck tents you are dealing with tighter spaces, which means many are best suited for 1-2 people, these campers make it possible to get through rough terrain that a basic RV camper would not allow.
This style of camping also makes camping off the simple trails more accessible to those not physically able to strap a bag on their back and hike to a primitive campsite. Being able to drive a truck into more remote areas can give those with different needs the ability to experience adventures that may have once seemed impossible for them to have. Imagine being able to drive off road to camp by a beautiful waterfall that was too far of a hike for your body to make due to having limited endurance. You’d get to drive in, set up camp in minutes, and sleep, listening to the sounds of moving water; all because you had a truck and a truck bed tent.
What factors should you consider in finding the right truck bed tent for you?
When it comes to shopping for the right truck bed tent there are several things to consider.
- Proper fit is key – be sure to understand your truck’s bed measurements.
- Storage space – a tent typically requires minimal storage space, but it is still a factor to keep in mind.
- Ease of setup – different pole systems present different setup challenges.
- Comfort and safety – know what your needs and expectations are.
- Durability – the type of materials and the quality of construction are important for anything sheltering you from the weather.
- Budget – Cost is always an area of discussion, so shop within your budget wisely, especially in today’s economy.
Research brands that fit your needs, look at their reviews and pay attention to the durability of the tent to get the most out of your money.
What are Truckpowerup.com’s top 3 picks?
Our Top Pick: Kodiak Canvas Truck Bed Tent
This tent is made of a durable and water tight cotton canvas. It boasts 36 sq ft in floor space and is 5.5-6.5 ft tall. This tent is perfect for all 4 seasons, for those adventurous types that camp year round. This tent has 5 windows for ventilation and includes a cab access window as well. With the 100% cotton canvas similar to what the military uses and the roomy interior, we believe you will love this tent as much as we do!
A close second: The Quictent Pickup Truck Tent
This tent fits all 5.5-5.8 truck beds. It is waterproof, including a waterproof floor. It is a 2 person tent with 63” of headspace. You will get an expandable awning to help keep out rain and give you shade on those spicy days. You can put this tent up within 5 minutes, making it a fast and easy assembly. At night you can sleep comfortably on a memory foam after a fun day of adventures.
Our lowest cost favorite: The JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent
JoyTutus Pickup Truck Tent, Waterproof PU2000mm Double Layer for 2 Person
It is 5.5-6ft and comes with fiberglass rods and is waterproof. Comes with a sky view tent for those starry nights and additional vents. Comes with a 1 year quality warranty. Pair this with a Joy Tutus quick inflation air mattress in their bundle and you can rest well after a long day of driving and adventures.
Bonus Recommendations!
A Step Up (No, we’re not dancing right now)
Beech Lane Pickup Truck Tailgate Ladder – Universal Fit
You may find that installing a step will make it easier to gain access into the tent such as the Beech Lane Pickup Tailgate Ladder with a universal fit.
Find more tailgate ladders here.
Keep it Leak-Free
All tents’ waterproofing wanes over time. You can amp up the water protection by applying a waterproofing spray with extra attention paid to the seams, where leaks tend to occur the most. We find that KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty spray elevates the waterproof protection to the next level.
There is definitely something freeing about being able to jump in your daily truck, packing nothing but simple necessities, and spontaneously getting away. Truck bed tent camping allows for the minimalist to get away from the everyday grind while having a protective and comfortable shelter to sleep in at night. If you have yet to take your truck camping, we highly recommend you get off the highway and into the great outdoors!
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