by Jessica A. Tucker

Created on: June 05, 2010   Last Updated: June 06, 2010

When considering how tent camping has changed over the years, on one side, one could think that it has evolved as much and at the same pace as the rest of life. On the other hand, the avid forest camper probably believes more that tent camping in the forest has only changed as much as each and every camper lets it.

Sure, there are many evident changes that have occurred over the years in regards to tent camping in general, however the same old camping principles really still apply. Today, a small fortune can be spent on new camping gear, from your tent, sleeping bags, the best clothing, to the latest gizmos and gadgets.

Another thought to consider is that forest goers of the past also did not has use of many of the safety and mapping electronic devices that campers of today have access to such as GPS units, transievers, beacons and cell phones. All today, widely used for safety and wilderness activities of many sorts.

Largely changed in the forest camping world also are the fabrics that are used today in the production of clothing, tents, tarps, and other uses of material and waterproofing. Plastics and the uses of other more durable lightweight materials are another change that has occurred over the years making packs quite a bit lighter for any forest tenting trip.

Tents are also another big change for tenting camping, in any neck of the woods. A tent of today, is a far reach from the little red tent you may have pitched in the backyard as a child. Tents now come in almost every size, shape, and color that any camper might desire. Every camper should be sure to shop around before purchasing that new ``home away from home``.

Another big change that has affected all kinds of camping and activities in the forest, in the last several years is the depleting access to the land where forest camping can be had. Whether it be from logging, development, private sales, or usage restrictions being applied, many of the areas that were maybe once used for forest camping are not always still there. In many areas, fire bans are now largely in effect, fishing regulations are tighter, and in some cases access totally banned, forest camping life is definitely not as it once was.

One factor that cannot be overlooked when discussing how tent camping in the forest has changed over the years, is water and the availability of it, when camping in the forest. Years ago, a creek or running river was usually thought of as safe to drink from. Today, most of us would think, not twice, but three times before drinking from any lake, river, stream. Natural water sources that may once have been safe to drink from or swim in are now often contaminated in some sort of way. This has to be one of the most significant changes that has occurred over the years, to camping in the forest.

In whole, tenting camping in the forest is quite the same as it once was and always has been. What changes have occurred since the dawn of tenting in the forest, can be greatly attributed to the many advancements that have been made over the years, to many parts of our life.

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