Our Family Camping Setup Evolution in Five Stages

Over the years, our family’s camping setup has evolved to meet our changing needs and adventure styles. We’ve used various tents, vehicles, and campers, each reflecting our life during that time.

Stage 1: The Tent or the Jetta

In our early days as a couple, camping was simply a place to rest between adventures. We’d often arrive late, pitch a tent for a few hours of sleep before tackling a mountain, or squeeze into the front seats of our VW Jetta for some rest before a day of climbing. Camping was functional, not leisurely; there were no campfires or extended hangouts. It was all about maximizing our time exploring, whether that meant snuggling up in a compact Nemo tent during a bikepacking trip or catching a quick nap at a trailhead.

Stage 2: The 4Runner

Seeking easier access to backcountry trails, we sold the VW and bought a Toyota 4Runner. This upgrade not only improved our off-road capabilities but also provided bonus sleeping space. By removing the second-row seats and building a platform in the back, we could crawl into bed for some rest before an alpine start. This eliminated the hassle of pitching a tent by starlight. Lying flat in the back of the 4Runner was significantly more comfortable than “sleeping” half-crunched over in the front seat.

The hassle-free enjoyment of this setup lasted a couple years. After our first born, we continued to use the platform for camping. Dennis created a platform hinge-system that allowed us to reinstall the 2nd row seat for our new and very precious cargo. The camping shuffle grew a bit, as setup now involved removing the car seat, folding down the seats, flopping the sleeping platform into position, and precariously stashing the extra bags of clothes, food, and diapers. Despite the extra steps, it remained a rather cozy sleeping space for the 3 of us.

Even after our second baby was born, we continued to utilize the 4Runner’s sleeping platform for a short while. We juggled two carseats and more blankets, pillows, and gear. The 4Runner was plump full, and we were quite squished in the back. The platform was just smaller than a full-size mattress for the four of us.

Stage 3: Back to the Tent

As our family grew, it only took a few crammed nights in the 4Runner to convince us change was needed. This already sleep-deprived momma needed a little more wiggle room, and we returned to traditional tent camping. Back was the routine of searching for flat spaces, clearing out rocks and sticks, and pitching a tent. These days, we were spending more time at camp, so setting up a tent seemed a bit more “worth it”. However, like all adventurers, we couldn’t help but dream of better camping solutions.

Stage 4: Rooftop Tent

When our second child was about 18 months old, we splurged on a rooftop tent — the iKamper Skycamp 3.0. This was the largest hardshell rooftop tent on the market. We opted for a hardshell because it significantly improved the ease of set-up and take-down compared to soft shell versions. The iKamper quickly became one of our favorite camping investments, offering convenience, comfort, and so many wonderful memories. It was a game-changer for late arrivals or rocky campsites where stakes were impractical. You can read more about our experience with the iKamper in this post.

With this new simplicity, we were able to enjoy a more “overland” style of camping. That is, we could pull into a site, stay for the night, play in the morning, and then pack up and nap/drive our way to the next destination. Many of our favorite trips followed this rhythm, including tours of Colorado and Utah national parks. I’ll share more about these adventures in future posts.

As a family of four, the iKamper was the perfect fit — just enough room for all of us, a couple of stuffies, and the toddler potty (because no one wants to climb down a ladder for a 3 AM wee). As in the past, the birth of another child shifted our camping dynamic. Although we tried squeezing all five of us into the rooftop tent, it was far from comfortable. Spending nights like this left us even more unrested than a typical night of sleeping with babies and toddlers.

Upgrading from the 4Runner to a Tundra (a necessary switch to fit three car seats in the second row) opened up new sleeping options. Dad or mom and baby could sleep in the truck bed while the rest of the family stayed in the rooftop tent. Other nights, dad would pitch a small ground tent while mom and the kids slept up top. While these solutions worked, we had the desire to get all five of us under one roof.

Stage 5: Truck Camper

One of the things we loved most about our rooftop tent was its simplicity. It allowed us to venture off-road with ease and set up camp quickly. But as our family grew, we began searching for a new setup. We wanted to increase our sleeping space without sacrificing off-road capability.

After considering many different types of vehicles/campers and our budget (because holy cow can some options break the bank), we settled on the idea of a truck camper. To stay within our Tundra’s payload limits, we focused on lightweight pop-up truck camper shells. We debated our options for months, tallying up features and attending in-person walk-throughs to get a feel for different models. Eventually (and quite recently), we took the plunge and placed an order for a Topo Toppers Rincon!

To save money, we opted for a base model. We plan to customize it ourselves—adding lighting, insulation, and other upgrades. We’re excited about the versatility and simplicity the truck camper promises! Our camper will be ready for us in a couple of months, just in time for a big camping trip. Stay tuned for more posts on our truck camper adventures!