Campers have more options now than ever before, and these new options make camping an attractive alternative even for those who don’t like to rough it. They can say au revoir to sleeping on the hard ground, crammed into a one-room tent and eating blasé food. Anyone can enjoy the luxuries of a hotel vacation in the beauty of the outdoors. Instead of parking lot views, every window promises a spectacular vista. It’s far less expensive than a night in the city, and no early checkout is required.

“Today we are seeing all types of campers,” says Jim Reid, director of public relations for The Coleman Company, Inc. “We still have the diehards, folks who want to rough it and take the minimalist approach. But the much, much stronger trend is families who want to maximize convenience and comfort.

“There’s a resurgence of camping and other outdoor pursuits. The reasons are many. Some just want to escape the day-to-day rat race. Others, recalling the joys of camping from their youth, want to create those experiences and memories for their kids and grandkids. And, almost categorically, they choose to add the comforts of home to their campsite."

Weekend trips by Americans have increased by 70 percent in the past decade, according to a report by the Travel Industry Association of America. The report also found that weekend travelers are more spontaneous and far less likely to book their travel through a travel agent, making comfort camping the perfect weekend escape.

“People don’t mind throwing a rocking chair, oversized captain’s chair or party table in the back of their SUV if it means added comfort,” Reid says. “Many baby boomers see camping as an escape – a way to rejuvenate over the weekend – but they’re not willing to give up too many creature comforts.”

The Coleman Company offers many ways to make the outdoor experience downright cushy. The Camping Coffeemaker makes it possible to drip-brew coffee at camp just like at home – except no electricity is needed. Designed for use with any two- or three-burner camp stove, the Camping Coffeemaker enables campers to consistently brew a delicious pot of coffee with very little time or effort. For those who can’t wait, the handy pause-and-serve feature makes it possible to pour a quick cup before the entire pot is finished brewing.

Products like the Remote-Control Lantern are battery-operated, and the remote control works from up to 50 feet away. It’s perfect for use inside a tent or for providing a nice soft glow at the dining table.

Another accessory that ups the comfort ante is a Coleman QuickBed™ airbed, which creates supreme sleeping conditions with firm support and six-inch-thick, body-cradling comfort. The airbed is easily inflated in less than three minutes with one of Coleman’s QuickPump™ inflators. Topped with 350-thread count sheets and a king-size sleeping bag, a Coleman airbed will tempt even early risers to hibernate for hours. When they do awake with the warm sun peeking through the tent, breakfast in bed will seem like a grand idea.

Traditional campfire cooking is passé with the Coleman® Propane Grill Stove – a combination grill and stove that allows even the most finicky camper a way to grill and sauté their favorite dishes at the same time. An optional griddle transforms the Grill Stove into the perfect stove for fixing a lavish breakfast or champagne brunch.

Small luxuries make all the difference when dining outdoors. Wine or champagne glasses will come in handy for toasting with Chardonnay or Merlot while enjoying the scent of sirloin on the grill. Linen napkins are not just for dining rooms; they’re easy to pack and add a special touch to an outdoor meal, as would a small vase for freshly picked wildflowers.

Anyone desiring a weekend getaway with a touch of class should consider indulging in the outdoors, where they can enjoy hors d’oeuvres by the lake – complete with fiery sunset and moonglow – followed by desserts by the campfire. With the outdoors as a billion-star hotel, an outdoor experience can be just as gratifying as staying at any five-star hotel.

For product information or retail availability, plus tips, checklists and recipes, consumers can go to www.coleman.com or they can contact Coleman at 800-835-3278, consumerservice@coleman.com or P.O. Box 2931, Wichita, Kan., 67201.

The Coleman Company, Inc. manufactures and distributes products for camping, backpacking, tailgating, backyard grilling and other outdoor leisure-time activities. Widely available in the United States, Canada and more than 100 countries worldwide, Coleman products can be found at outdoor retailers, sporting goods stores, mass merchants, hardware home centers, food and drug stores, and online retailers.