Wigwam, luxury tent or treehouse: A comparison of glamping variants

Wigwams and teepees are traditional accommodations that have always been used by the indigenous peoples of America, more precisely North America. They offer the benefit of a high living comfort combined with a relatively small pack size, which allows for flexibility in terms of choice of location.

Today, modern interpretations of wigwams and teepees can be found all over the world where they serve other purposes – for example as a children's play tent or as a glamping tent. The word "wigwam" is derived from the language of the Abenaki of the Eastern Algonquin tribes, and the term "teepee" was originally used by the Lakota of the Sioux tribes.

Tree houses are mostly known as playhouses for children. They originate from the cultures of South America, Africa, Asia and Western Papua (New Guinea). Today, tree houses can be used for a variety of applications – including luxury accommodation with an adventurous twist.

A wigwam can be imagined as a camping tent as we all know it: Curved, thin tree trunks form a dome that is covered with mats. The trunks are what we know as poles in the camping tent. Several layers provide sufficient insulation and make the wigwam waterproof. The tent floor is usually round. Thanks to a smoke vent, a fire can be lit inside.

A teepee has a very similar structure, with the difference that the tree trunks used for construction are not bent. As a result, it has an apex shape rather than creating a dome. This form is most commonly used for children's playing tents.

The natural materials wood and linen, which have have been used in the construction of traditional teepees and wigwams for centuries, are still often used in modern interpretations and in luxury tents.

Which accommodation is best suited depends on individual taste. Those who love forests are certainly well advised to opt for a tree house – and where there are trees, there can be other structures apart from tree houses. In these places, it is often pleasantly shady. The ideal choice for summer.

Wigwams and teepees can actually be erected anywhere. Some of them can even be heated. They offer the option of a holiday with that special something all year round. An additional outer tent offers the option of expanding the existing space.

What all glamping accommodations have in common: They are all well equipped and you won't want for anything. Plenty of space, comfortable sleeping facilities including a double bed, a kitchenette and sometimes even a private bathroom are the hallmarks of luxury camping. A mosquito net is essential in summer.

The different accommodation sizes allow solo travellers as well as families, couples or groups to enjoy a relaxing holiday. The only thing to keep in mind is that anyone opting for a tree house should be free of vertigo.

If you want to enjoy the comfort of an outdoors hotel room surrounded by nature, glamping accommodation is perfect for you. Not least due to its proximity, nature should play an integral role in any glamping holiday.

Manufacturers of glamping tents, such as STROHBOID, combine a luxurious camping experience with sustainability, and modern style with naturality. Locally sourced timber and high-tech tent membranes form the basis for a unique and protected design. The chosen materials are environmentally friendly and the tents can be heated energy-efficiently with a heat exchanger. For a year-round glamping experience, some versions are winterproof and waterproof up to a 15,000 mm water column. Last but not least, it is the longevity of STROHBOID glamping tents that makes the difference for glamping providers – for the sake of both guests and the environment.