Three weeks with a Teardrop Caravan prototype: simplicity that creates space

It's 2022, and on a clear morning, we're standing next to our first teardrop prototype, keys in hand. Inside, the scent of new wood fills the air. The air is cool, but the sun promises warmth later in the day. Three weeks with children and limited space demand that everything run smoothly. Will our first test be successful? With a minimalist design, we hope to create more breathing room.

As the designer of the Pure Camper, I focus on the total experience. A compact space only works if every detail is perfect. Designing a teardrop caravan was a challenge. This journey—from the Netherlands to Germany, Austria, and then the crossing to Elba—wasn't a showroom moment, but a real test to see if everything worked.

From departure to Elba: the rhythm with a Teardrop Caravan

The rhythm was established on day one: drive, stop, open, land. With a Teardrop Caravan, you quickly realize that arriving isn't about unpacking, but about a single action that makes the place "yours." The tailgate up, the kitchen open, water ready, and inside, everything is already in its place.

We drove along quiet roads and small villages, using Park4Night primarily as inspiration for places you might otherwise pass by. Not every location is suitable, but it helps to see where others are staying. The light, maneuverable size meant we didn't have to hesitate for long, even in cities or on a narrow shoulder.

On Elba, it all clicked: the caravan wasn't a destination, but a tool. The kids ran ahead to the beach, we made coffee in the outdoor kitchen, and inside it stayed cool enough to read for a bit. That's the kind of "comfort" I mean: not luxury, but removing friction.

Shady spot on wheels, mid-day: Teardrop Caravan as shelter

In the middle of the day, the cabin became our shaded retreat. A Teardrop Caravan lacks standing height; that's a limitation you shouldn't overlook. However, since you don't walk around inside, you sit differently, look at things differently, and find it easier to relax.

The mechanism is simple: double doors with sliding windows and an open roof window ensure pleasant air circulation while the thick insulation keeps the heat out. You can immediately feel the practical effect when the sun shines brightly: the air stays in motion, the wood doesn't feel stiffening, and your eyes naturally find a calm spot to focus on.

On warm days in Elba, during a heatwave—stagnant air and bright light—the difference between "not being able to stand it at the campsite" and simply being able to relax was clearly noticeable. With the door open, back against the ergonomic backrest, and comfortably gazing outside. That may seem small, but it determines whether you experience the afternoon as a break or not. I had some ideas about this during the design phase, but I didn't expect it to turn out so well.

Sitting and reading: inside feels bigger

The interior feels larger because everything is designed at seating height. When you sit on the bed, with your back against the backrest, your gaze is drawn to the light instead of the clutter. This isn't a trick; it's the elimination of unnecessary elements.

I discovered that reading on the go only truly works when you don't have to worry about comfort first. Two reading lamps, a designated spot for your book, and sufficient ventilation to prevent drowsiness are essential. The wood adds a soft, warm tone, especially in the evening when the world outside grows dim.

A thought I often had during the trip: how can I feel so comfortable here? The open design and the ergonomic backrest, everything within easy reach and made of wood, work together to create a sense of well-being. It really works, I thought with a smile.

Smart storage space for four people

Storage was the question I was most critical about beforehand. With two adults and children, "small stuff" quickly piles up: swimwear, shoes, books, games, cables, food. It not only had to fit but also be easy to find without turning everything upside down.

The solution was layered storage combined with easily accessible storage: under the bed, behind the backrest, and above the footboard with open storage. The kitchen worked the same way: drawers for cutlery and pots, a place for trash, a sliding drawer for a 40L cooler, and open access to everyday items. These fixed locations meant no searching, even after a long day of driving.

What I learned practically: storage space is only "smart" if you use it without bending over, stacking, or removing anything else first. That's why we deliberately kept one area open, so it remained spacious and didn't clutter your head.

• Under the folding mattress: chairs, table, large more technical items such as the awning sail

• Behind the backrest: books, lamps, small everyday items such as charging your phone.

• Behind the backrest: Large soft items such as extra blankets and sheets.

• Above the foot end: clothing and general items such as the swim bag.

• Kitchen drawers: cooking, dishes, waste and cooling space without repacking

• Above the kitchen cupboard: for everyday things, bottles and everything that needs to be accessible for preparing food

• Extra on the drawbar: one box for things that get wet or sandy, or for three bicycles.

Parking without stress, spontaneous stopping

Parking became a non-issue, and that changed our route. With a compact Mini Caravan, you're more likely to take a turn you might otherwise pass up: a narrow street to a viewpoint, a spot by a river, a quick stop in a city.

Park4Night helped us stay calm in our decision. Not as a "guarantee," but as a map of experiences. We chose places where you can be especially quiet: the edge of a field, a parking spot near water, a corner where you won't disturb anyone.

The best evening came about because of a mistake. In the dark, we took a wrong turn and ended up on a narrow mountain path. I briefly felt the tension of "this is too narrow"—we couldn't turn around without a disaster. A little later, a local owner approached us, not angrily, but rather curiously, and pointed out a spot where we could pitch—with a view you can't pan. We were given a beer and a delicious breakfast the next morning. Another unforgettable moment.

Pure Camper teardrop caravan prototype with an open rear kitchen during a morning stop along a quiet road.

Conclusion

After three weeks on the road with the prototype of the Pure Camper Teardrop, we can say one thing for sure: this is camping with the best of both worlds. You retain the free, spontaneous feeling of travel, but add a surprisingly comfortable "shady spot on wheels."

Especially on warm days we noticed how nice it is to be able to go inside for a while, doors open, children playing outside, and still have a cool place to sit, read and relax.

What struck us most was how quickly you feel at home: the seating area invites you to truly slow down, the layout is logical, and the storage space proves to be more spacious than you might expect. Moreover, the light and agile handling makes traveling relaxing—from parking in a city to finding a quiet spot along the way.

Of course, a prototype is also a learning experience. On very rough terrain, we noticed that stability requires attention, and for those who want to be off-grid for longer, solar energy is a logical next step. But it's precisely that combination of a strong foundation, smart choices, and clear areas for improvement that inspires confidence.

In short: the Pure Camper Teardrop hasn't just made our travels more comfortable, but above all, more free. And if a caravan makes it easier to grab a book during the day, spend more time outdoors in the evenings, and more easily say "yes" to a spontaneous stop along the way—then, for us, it's more than just a camping vehicle. It's a way of traveling.

The core of what I take with me: be honest about the border → improve the mechanism → more peace of mind in use.