[Comprehensive Comparison] What's the Best Solution for Free Travel? Camper Van vs. Camping vs. Roof Tent

Introduction | Is your journey truly "free"?

"One day I'll travel around Japan in a camper van!"
I want to go camping in the great outdoors with my family!
Do you have that same longing for the outdoors?
However, when you actually look into the reality, you may have questions and concerns like these ...

👉 "Campervans cost more to maintain than I thought ... "
👉 "I've always wanted to go camping, but setting up and taking down a tent can be a bit difficult for a beginner ... "
👉 "Even though it's a special trip, I'm exhausted from all the preparations ... "

For those of you who feel this way, we will thoroughly explain the optimal solution for achieving a truly free journey!

🔸 If you don't know whether a camper van or a roof tent is right for you
🔸 Beginners who want to make their outdoor debut

FELDON SHELTER roof tent, No. 1 in New Zealand We will take a closer look at the charm of this place.

Camper van vs. roof tent: Which offers more freedom when traveling?

■ The appeal of camper vans

✅ Kitchen, toilet and bed provided
✅ The interior is comfortable and safe even on rainy days.
✅ Ideal for long trips with family and pets
✅ A mobile villa that can carry a lot of luggage

■ Disadvantages of camper vans

⚠️ Initial costs are high, ranging from 5 million to 15 million yen
⚠️ Fuel economy is 3 to 5 km/L , and gasoline costs are high.
⚠️ The vehicle is large, making it difficult to drive and park.
⚠️ Almost impossible for everyday use. You need to own two devices.
⚠️ Maintenance costs (taxes, insurance, parking fees) are also high

[Camping vs. Roof Tent] Which is more convenient?
■ The benefits of tent camping

✅ Low initial cost ( 10,000 to several tens of thousands of yen)
✅ Enjoy time at one with nature
✅ The analog time spent around the bonfire is special

■ The difficulties of tent camping

⚠️ Requires effort and physical strength to set up and take down
⚠️ Comfort is greatly affected by the weather
⚠️ Condition issues such as hard ground, cold weather, insects , etc.
⚠️ The amount of luggage has increased, making loading and unloading difficult.

Reasons for choosing the FELDON SHELTER roof tent and answers to frequently asked questions about its weaknesses

Roof tents are more popular than campervans in New Zealand.
The reason it is chosen is its balance of "ease of use," "speed," and "cost-effectiveness."
However, it's not all good. We'll also introduce some of the disadvantages that are often pointed out and how to solve them.

■ Commonly perceived disadvantages and their reality

👉 【Is it vulnerable to wind?】
🔹 Crow's Nest has a rounded, aerodynamic design that deflects wind. It has been proven to withstand New Zealand's strong winds.

👉 【What is the fuel efficiency?】
🔹 Although the load can cause a 10-15% deterioration in performance, it is still far more economical than a camper van.
🔹 By adjusting the cruising speed, fuel consumption can be minimized.

👉 【Is it a hassle to set up and take down?】
🔹 Hawk's Nest can be set up in just a few seconds, and Crow's Nest in just 2-3 minutes . Quick setup, even in bad weather .

👉 【How comfortable is it?】
🔹 No impact from unevenness. Enjoy a comfortable sleep with a high-density foam mattress.
🔹 Many people say that it is more comfortable than sleeping in their bed at home.

👉 【What about height restrictions and parking?】
🔹 Hawk's Nest is 16cm tall when stored , so it can fit into a multi-storey car park.
🔹 Even at Crow's Nest it's about 40cm , and most parking lots are available.

👉 【What if it breaks?】
🔹 FELDON SHELTER can be used for a long time as all component parts are available.

✅ [Comparison Table] Check out all three styles at once !

[Which one is suitable?]

The perfect type of person for each is:

✔️ Who is a roof tent suitable for?

✅ I want to go out as soon as I feel like it.
✅ Want to keep initial costs down ( 300,000 to 600,000 yen)
✅ I want to use it as an everyday car on weekdays too.
✅ I want to use the same equipment even if I change my car
✅ I want to make it easy to set up and take down
✅ I want to embrace the outdoors in a New Zealand way

👉 Perfect for those who value freedom!
The Hawk's Nest can be set up in just a few seconds, and the Crow's Nest in just 2 to 3 minutes.
The decrease in fuel efficiency is only 10 to 15% , making it far more economical than a camper van.
⚠️Please be aware of height restrictions in city parking lots just as you would for a camper van.

✔️Who is a campervan suitable for?

✅ I want to bring my family and pets with me in comfort.
✅ I want to prioritize long-term travel and stays
✅ Looking for a comfortable space with a toilet and kitchen
✅ People who are comfortable driving large vehicles
✅ I want to feel at home even when I'm traveling

👉 Perfect for those looking for a "mobile vacation home"!
⚠️ Issues of maintenance costs, fuel economy and parking need to be considered.
It's difficult to use on a daily basis, so you'll need to own two .
⚠️ Height restrictions for city parking lots require attention, just like roof tents.

✔️People who are suited to camping (tents pitched on the ground)

✅ I want to experience nature directly
✅ I want to cherish bonfires and analog time.
✅ Want to keep initial costs down ( from 10,000 yen)
✅ People who enjoy setting up and taking down camp
✅ I want to enjoy the outdoors, including the hassle

👉 Recommended for those seeking an outdoor experience that is one with nature!
⚠️ Beginners and those with children should be careful as the slope is directly affected by the weather and the terrain.

[Conclusion] Traveling to feel free is different for each person.

However, being "ready to leave immediately" is surely one of the keys.

As a brand, we use FELDON SHELTER as "Where Freedom Begins."
This product is designed to strike a balance between cost, mobility, and ease of use.

How you feel about it varies from person to person.
I hope this blog will inspire you to think about what "free travel" means to you.

【FAQ】

👉 Q1. Is it okay to put a roof tent on my car?
🔹 There is no problem as long as it meets the weight capacity requirements. Please check here for details.

👉 Q2.Is it comfortable even on rainy days?
🔹 The fully waterproof, highly durable material prevents the interior from getting stuffy, ensuring comfort.

👉 Q3. Can I camp in the winter?
🔹Adding an inner hood (Hawk's Nest) and a bonus room (Crow's Nest) makes winter camping more comfortable. There are plenty of options.

"What kind of trip do you want to take?"

If you're searching for the type of travel that suits you and the option of a roof tent has caught your eye, be sure to take a look at our adventure.