Camping is what 'others' do. That's how it seemed a bit when we previously asked a question about the word "camper". The interesting thing is that everyone (both those who want to live comfortably and those who want to live primitively) thinks that camping is for others... Does that mean that no one is camping?
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Camping is for others ...
After the post "Camper or motorhome driver - is it important what you call yourself?", we received many comments (mainly on social media). Indeed, several wrote that not looks down on either concept and that there may not be a contradiction, i.e. that you may be both.
At the same time, it was strikingly many people thought that camping is something that 'others' do. What is interesting about this is that both those who want to live more comfortably (for example in a camper van or cabin) and those who want to live more primitively (for example in a tent or shelter) thought that camping is what 'others' do
"Camping is more primitive" (and therefore not what I do)
Here are some quotes from readers who described 'camping' and 'campers' as something more akin to nature, tents and storm kitchens.
Campers for us are probably more those who really enjoy tents, trangia kitchens, and the more primitive way of living away from home.
Camping means you are out in nature somewhere, a bit more primitive - no electricity, cooking outside and more time outside the tent/car/windbreak than inside.
But traditional campers no longer exist, as they used to. That is, way back when tents were a major feature of the camping scene.
"Camping is more organised" (and therefore not what I do)
Here are some quotes from readers who described the word "camping" and "campers" as something that takes place on established campsites, with services.
Aren't you a camper if you go and stay at an established campsite?
I think of camping as a campsite with cabins and lots of stuff, not my thing. I'd rather hitchhike and camp in the woods.
No one is camping ...?
We can understand both descriptions. "Camping" can refer to both established campsites and camping in nature. At the same time, it's a bit funny when everyone describes camping as something that "others" do.
How to interpret it? As in none think they are camping ...? But then who shops in camping shops, who buys camping equipment and who reads camping magazines? Joking aside, it's all a bit funny ... isn't it?
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Lena in Wales and a bit everywhere says:
I would say I used to camp, but that was then. Nothing for me today. Was good when the kids were little.
Take care!
05 June 2024 - 11:13
Helena says:
Camping can be cosy! But yes, a little less comfortable of course! 😉
10 June 2024 - 7:53
BP says:
It almost sounds like there are no "real" campers anymore;-) Now I can't say that I've ever been a camper, as a single night in a tent on an archipelago island and persistent rain can hardly be counted as "camping", so you may be right with your interpretation that camping when something that others do - hahaha:-)
05 June 2024 - 21:37
Helena says:
Tenting in persistent rain is perhaps not what makes one long to repeat the experience... 😉
10 June 2024 - 7:54
Travelsis says:
Wow, this is not something I've thought about before... But we usually camp/sleep in shelters every summer. When we camp, we sometimes do it on camping, but most often we fricampar(, it depends a bit on what feeling we want. If we just want to hang out by ourselves then we fricamp, but if we are keen for something to happen then we are camping😊. /Pernilla
06 June 2024 - 7:10
Helena says:
Camping or sleeping in a shelter sounds cosy! 🙂
10 June 2024 - 7:55
Maria says:
Campers are all of us who in some way live on a campsite, caravan, caravan park... Yes, who do not live in a hotel or b&b.
All of us who exhibit camping tables and chairs.
That's what I think.
06 June 2024 - 7:13
Helena says:
We probably think the same way, but have discovered that not everyone seems to feel really comfortable with the words "camper" or "camping". So, a little interesting to think and hear different views! 😉
10 June 2024 - 7:56
Tobias says:
Exciting thought.
For me, campers are all of us who are travelling without staying in a hotel. That is, both tents, caravans, motorhomes, campsites, pitches and free camping. It's so easy to become blinded by home and think that everyone perceives the world (and words) in the same way.
What word would the rest of you use to describe 'all of us'?
10 June 2024 - 7:12
Helena says:
We probably think the same way, that camping/campers is an "umbrella term" that encompasses much of what you wrote. But then we have discovered, when we use the word camping, that it is quite common that you do not really feel "at home" in it. Hence the reflection and pondering 😉
10 June 2024 - 7:59