So, I’ve really started to make some large changes to my life after many years of being a degenerate and all my money going on smoking weed and doing other drugs with friends etc.
It all started when I got diagnosed with ADHD, got medicated, since stopped as the cons were worse than the pros now I’m on a good track, re-trained as a software developer and have been in my first role a year and I’m late 30’s now.
Weed was the last thing to quit and it’s been almost a month and I’m finally able to do all the things I could never afford. Bought a nice watch and booked a session for a sleeve tattoo I’ve always wanted.
I still need something to focus on to keep me happy and I love being out in nature and just milling about, but I’m a city kid, north UK, so really don’t know anything about surviving outside; but I want to go out for weekends and see the stars and just explore and be self sufficient.
It all just seems so overwhelming and I have no clue where to start. I’ve been watching YouTube videos and still it seems so overwhelming. My plan is to start purchasing everything you would need with a view to start from April next year but I honestly don’t know where to begin. What do I buy, which tents should I be looking at, how do I learn about water supplies I can drink from, what about cooking; can I make bacon and eggs for instance, what sleeping bags, cookers, backpacks, shoes, etc.
The list goes on and on and I guess I’m just looking for good resources to consume over the next 10 months to make sure I can go out and be safe, considerate, and not a burden on anybody else.
Thanks for any tips you can provide.
Edit: I have a lot of comments here to reply to, but I’m pretty sleepy right now so will reply to you all tomorrow. Thanks.
It’s only as overwhelming as your trip. Start simple: Overnight in a tent somewhere close to home. Bring what you think you’ll need, and if it turns out you overlooked something vital, you can always go home whenever.
Baby steps. Nobody camps a week in the wilderness alone, miles away from civilization their first time.
On short trips nearby, you can get by with the bare minimum: tent to sleep in, something to sleep on, something to sleep under. A sleeping bag can cover the two latter points. Personally i like blankets better, provided I set up the tent so.ewhere reasonably soft. Bring as much food and drink you think you’ll need - It doesn’t have to be a full meal. If it’s only over night, even a bag of chips and a bottle of water will do.
Tons of great suggestions already shared, but I’d like to add one I haven’t seen yet.
Wilderness Survival / Bushcraft School
They exist in nearly every corner of the world. There will be tons to learn from instructors and other students alike, since that sort of program tends to attract other outdoor enthusiasts who may already have experience with basic camping and backpacking.
Many will offer overnight programs where you camp out in a safe environment while practicing skills that can save your life if things go really wrong, not to mention that they’re fundamentally rewarding.
I don’t have a resource to point you towards, but firstly decide how you’re doing things. Are you hiking? Or are you hitting green lanes (BOATs and UCRs) in a 4x4? The first will make you need lightweight and smaller kit, the latter less so. Figure out what you’re looking to do and buy accordingly.
Thanks. I do want the hiking aspect, as I’ve learned that just exploring on foot is something that makes me happy, and I figured learning camping would enable me to take on longer hikes through national parks and such.