AnsomMag.com |

Americans still take to the outdoors for vacations, although in smaller numbers than in 2002 and 2003 when, in the aftermath of 9/11, camping enjoyed a surge, as people were reluctant to travel far from home.

But camping still holds its own, in part because high tech equipment, such as GPS and water purification systems makes camping more comfortable and less hazardous than in years past.

Camping can be divided into three categories, according to Elie Markin, president of Ledmark Industries in Lakewood, New Jersey, a manufacturer and distributor of a variety of camping supplies.

The first two categories, which together comprise family camping, are RV camping and car camping. In the former, a group of people, usually a family, travel to a campsite in a recreational vehicle. Large tents are rarely needed, as the adults generally sleep in the vehicle although children may pitch small tents at the campsite.

Car camping is similar except that tents are required, usually a large tent for the entire family.

Sales remain strong in both categories, but have been slower in the third category, backpacking, in which campers hike in backcountry for several days.

“Backpacking sales are holding steady but not growing as quickly,” said Markin.

Markin sells a folding lightweight aluminum stool that can easily fit in the back of a car. The stool can be used for sitting at the campsite.

“A survey of campers reported that the most enjoyable part of any camping trip is sitting around the fire,” Markin said.

Comfort is important to family campers, many of whom prefer to sleep on cots than on a ground cover in a sleeping bag. Markin sells the Comfy Camper with a one-inch foam mattress. Unlike the traditional military cot, the Comfy Camper is bi-folding.

The extra strength Super Jumbo Cot, supports up to 500 pounds. Although not bi-folding, the cot has sold well.