Complete Beginner

[Gadgetaholic]

I'm not too sure which one would better describe what I want to do. I was thinking just into the woods to check out some scenery and just hang out, chop some wood, light a fire then spend the night. Do a little more of the same the next day before heading home. I don't really know what there is to do besides that out there but that's what I was thinking.

Sounds a lot like what I have done more than once. It can be nice to get away from the hustle & bustle of the big city for a night or two, just you and your tent. It is also a good excuse to play with some knives. I always take a book or 2 as well.

You will need to think about food - you can just take snack foods or stuff to eat cold. You can also look to cook food - if you do then you need to consider how you want to cook it. You can buy a small gas stove and pot for a fairly cheap price if you want to keep it simple. You can also look at making your own wood or alcohol burning stove if making stuff like that is something you would enjoy. If cooking is just too much trouble then you can take cans of baked beans, tuna, peaches and energy bars and trail mix - you don't have to cook if you don't want to.

 

[TheGame]

Welcome to the forum, there is a great bunch of people to get info from here.

I +1 on all those who said you do not need fancy gear. You just need a few essentials to get you by and see if you enjoy it. I'd also do as others stated and spend some time in your backyard and practice before you go out anywhere alone. Get comfortable with whatever tools you acquire and then when you feel you are ready, then do the overnighter

 

[thebeck]

Hi Tim. I'm very new here also, but have found the knowledge shared vast, of great value and often...really amusing.
So...Welcome. I hope you enjoy the love.
I agree with the basic sentiment being shared. It doesn't take that much to go for an overnight in a reasonably close area.
But keep in mind that no one ever plans to get stuck, lost, or hurt out in the great green world. So, don't go without a mind to surviving being out for a while if things do not go as planned.
I also think that a Boy Scout manuel would be a good beginner...but it is just the beginning.
Make sure you have a good safety plan...someone back in the world who knows where and when you are going and intend on returning. ( I would suggest that whomever you choose not be a beneficiary of any life insurances you may have...but that's me and I have trust issues. )That's the very first thing.
The ten essentials are just that...the ten essentials...you can survive with them...but you might want to do a little more than survive. I like to enjoy myself...so I do bring along some creature comforts and suggest you decide for yourself what would make your time out in the woods most enjoyable...in example...a sleeping bag or a hammock. Are you bringing some DEET? I, personally, really hate mosquito bites. A small medical kit...think of the old favorite...Altoids tins. A couple of tablets of your generic anti-diarrhea medicine can save a camping trip. I have added a whistle to my stash of essentials. ( per advice from a fellow bladeforums guy. )
And I would like to point out that it is good to be a wise shopper. Make a list of your essentials...past the ten essentials, of course...as you are reading and learning. You will end up changing and updating it as you go along. Whatever items end up on the list...there are lots of places that have great buys. Craig's list is one that comes readily to mind. I don't know what stores they have in your part of the world...but re-sale shops like Goodwill or Salvation Army Stores are great places to look for all kinds of camping gear...from sleeping bags, tents, cookware, to ruck sacks and even books on camping or survival.
Of course...your knife selection will matter in a huge way...I would suggest bringing more than one type of blade. As I have learned on this very forum...It's better to have a good solid survival knife and carry an additional folding saw...add to this a SAK and you will probably be all right.
Read all that you can between now and then. And take the guys up on their offers...It's good to go with someone who has outdoor experience.
Hope for the best and Prepare for the worst. You will do fine.

 

[kg4ghn]

hey Tim! WELCOME!!!! i'm in Vancouver, we have a big group here that practice wilderness skills. You are VERY welcome to join us

email me your contact info and I'll get a hold of you after Christmas :thumbup:

You can't get any better than going with somebody who knows the ropes already.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

With all the guys in VC, you shouldn't have trouble finding people to go out with.

And if you hook up with Pitdog, you may be able to get instruction from the premiere wilderness survival instructor in the area. . . . . . .






MAISY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dipbait]

I suggest to do a little fishing on your campout. Camping and fishing is about as much fun as it gets.