I love camping as it allows us to get away from all the things that keep us in our materialistic lifestyles. The problem is that those materialistic things are marketed to us, the minimalists. Think about the last time you have gone camping and actually roughed it? That is what I thought, NEVER! Fact is most of us go camping and end up lugging all the “necessities” with us. We end up setting in the great outdoors surrounded by all of the luxuries we were hoping to escape. The truth is when it comes to the minimalist camping lifestyle allow yourself space to explore what it is like to go without. Prove to campers that over-packing is over rated and with the great outdoors being a minimalist is the only way to explore nature.
First things first, it is important that you remember camping is all about roughing it. When exploring the great outdoors consider adapting what nature offers to you and make so with it. The comforts of home are increasingly cumbersome when it comes to exploring nature. Don’t become the camper only interested in the latest gear. Be the camper that doesn’t get overwhelmed when they walk in to the camping retailer outlets. When camping camp with minimalistic expectations. Minimalist never consider walking around with more than they absolutely need. Extra gear to a camper who is truly in it for the experience is just clutter and waste.
Being a minimalist camper allot yourself a ten pound bag. More than that is an overkill. Your bag should only carry the bare minimum that is needed for you to be comfortable. In it pack clothing, extra shoes, bathing needs and anything you absolutely require. The basic rule in minimalist camping is that if you can’t pack it up in five minutes and carry it more than five minutes without wanting to set it down you have packed too much and you must lighten your load.
The next thing you need to consider is what you will need to survive comfortably at a campsite. Remember you need to keep in mind what you are able to carry in. As far as sleeping accommodations consider the size of the tent that you absolutely need. Only take what you need to sleep comfortably. You don’t need space for living and eating etc. As well as a tent to support the number of people sleeping you may also want to consider bringing a tarp along for incidentals. Keeping supplies dry is as important as keeping yourself dry.
When it comes to sleeping you will need one sleeping bag per person. If you are considering packing only a lightweight sleeping bag make sure that you have packed layers for sleeping clothing. Speaking of clothing, consider the fact that camping is about the experience and not what you are wearing. Consider wearing the same outfit more than once. When utilizing this technique it is important to use deodorant as well as layers of clothing to change as the temperatures change. Underwear can be reused with a quick cleansing using the soap and water or a river and they can dry in the sun.
Cooking and finding food is a bit more complex with minimalist camping. One small stove burner, propane and pan is really all you need to survive in the great outdoors. This along with a survival knife, some paracord and fire starter will prepare one heck of a meal. Consider packing some dry food goods as well as some cans of food, this along with the food that you hunt or fish for is the perfect combination for camping.
It is amazing what you don’t need when you camp. Camping is all about the experience and enjoying everything nature has to offer. It is important that you realize that survivalists have lived years without the conveniences that we now enjoy. Consider the minimalist approach on your next camping trip.
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