I have not really been looked "down" upon, but with surprise and curiosity, and many kids had fun of what they considered" kid's, or toy tent". Curiosity and fun from my "toy stoves" too. Fascination from the wood stoves.
And the ever present question, "aren't you cold in that?" (I do most of my hiking in early or late season at home)
And sometimes, a serious concern about my "safety" as I had to "prove" I had all the necessary gear....