The Joy of Camping

I think of myself as an average outdoorsman…with skills that rivaled those of Jerimiah Johnson or of Daniel Boone – (in my head anyways)

and would like to believe that I do not need a lot of gear to brave the wild or not so wilds!

Not long ago, I was going through my stuff and I came to the realization that I was either becoming a hoarder or I had a serious dependency on outdoor gear.

Until that moment I did not realize the problem I had or currently HAVE… (gasp)

Did I really need all of that stuff?

Did this Chevy truck sized pile of gear give me a false sense of security? …(most likely)

Every time I planned on camping “off trail” , anxiety seemed to be my partner as we geared up for the trip. This anxiety probably came from the shame I had for not taking most of this “stuff” I had acquired specifically for these types of outings I was going on more and more.

The gear had a hold on me- (damn you gear!)

MAN this STUFF was really getting to me- (funny but not funny)

Soon my emotions had me challenging myself against the the wilds in which I held with utmost resect.

I started by taking next to nothing with me on solo hikes and overnight camps to prove that I did not need the extra stuff.

Looking back this had only proved 3 things…

1.That I could endure the suck factor and survive the night- (yay)

2.That I could have enjoyed my experience much more if I only had a few items with me at the time– (duh)

3. What I really needed was to learn how to enjoy camping again- (truth)

Why did I keep trying make perfect day and night afield less than perfect?

I’m certain it was the guilt I experienced for keeping all that gear around and never using it and looking for a way to build up my confidence to lessen the need to carry all that STUFF! – ( man that stuff really had me messed up!)

Just like the late great George Carlin describes the “stuff” in his comedy skit below.

Click on the picture to watch-

WARNING ADULT LANGUAGE AND HUMOR!

His description of “stuff” resonated with me.

His funny but true scenarios about stuff made a lot of sense me then and will hopefully bring clarity to more folks who see this brilliant skit-

I thought I had too much stuff/ too much gear…( I do really but that’s besides the point now)

My solution was to just bring enough and not be weighted down by unnecessary gear- (K.I.S.S)

**A few of my favorite things**
**“the good stuff”**

Make every trip an adventure by simply using more wits than gear!

Below is a basic checklist of helpful ideas to help you plan your next outing…

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
Bring something to eat & drink
Take lightweight shelter or cover element
Carry a few handy tools (This could be a pocket knife, multitool or what ever makes you feel more at home away from home)
Capture it all by journaling or photographing your experience!
A comfortable bag or pack (to carry it all)

Take note of the items you did not use. This will soon be a short list of gear that you leave behind on the next trip.

Remember be safe and always have fun!