Interesting thread with varied opinions. I say each to their own! If you want to try a setup like this and find it to your liking, COOL! If on the other hand it turns out not to be what you envisioned, well you can always return to a TC or try something else! Personally at this point (age) in my life I'm not really interested in switching to this type of camping. For those of you who find these an attraction of interest, go for it! Oh and let the rest of us know about your experiences (may they be great) as time passes. We used to back pack and portage canoes at an earlier age. Couldn't imagine we'd ever move on to of all things a truck camper, OMG! Live life and enjoy your interests and pursuits with a bit of passion, you'll only regret it if you don't when you no longer can!