My first time solo was too far back to actually remember it. That said, if I was going to make any suggestions to someone about to give it a whirl, one of the more important things is a decent sleeping pad. If the ground isn't really cold, the Thermarest "Neoair" is very comfortable (and packs up truly tiny). If the ground is really cold, the Exped Downmat 9 Deluxe is the warm equivalent of the Neoair. An uncomfortable night on the ground can all too often turn a persons first solo night into their last night out.
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Stories of your first solo backcountry camping experience?
- Thread starter uyotg
- Start date
First person on the board to somewhat agree with me on the VibramsI was lucky that I did not need that strengthening period
I will also not hide that I do think they look kind of goofy, though
I recently finished reading Born to Run about the Tarahumara Indians of Northern Mexico and have a new perspective on the whole barefoot running movement
First person on the board to somewhat agree with me on the Vibrams
I will also not hide that I do think they look kind of goofy, though
It's unfortunate that on so many forums, the Vibram topic turns into each side trying to convince the other of their own choices. If they work for you, great. If you prefer boots, that's fine too.
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2007
- Messages
- 3,458
I'm a bit late but don't read this forum too often any more and want to put in my bit anyway. I don't recall my first solo camping trip. Pretty sure it was in a campground, or at least only a few hundred yards from any sort of civilization.
The story of my first solo "backcountry" trip can be found here: http://starkfiles.smugmug.com/Journ...pring-2011/17294182_c27spg#1312797594_nHtXNWz
Almost all my camping these days is done solo--it's been well over a year since the last time I camped with anybody else, and in the past two years it's probably only been two or three times I camped with others all total. At this point I really don't enjoy the backcountry trips solo very much as the lack of camping companionship over the past couple years has just drained my enthusiasm for camping in general--too much time alone is just does not set well with me.
On the other hand, I do believe that on solo trips a whole new outdoor experience is opened to you. You experience much that a group trip just doesn't give you.
The story of my first solo "backcountry" trip can be found here: http://starkfiles.smugmug.com/Journ...pring-2011/17294182_c27spg#1312797594_nHtXNWz
Almost all my camping these days is done solo--it's been well over a year since the last time I camped with anybody else, and in the past two years it's probably only been two or three times I camped with others all total. At this point I really don't enjoy the backcountry trips solo very much as the lack of camping companionship over the past couple years has just drained my enthusiasm for camping in general--too much time alone is just does not set well with me.
On the other hand, I do believe that on solo trips a whole new outdoor experience is opened to you. You experience much that a group trip just doesn't give you.
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2015
- Messages
- 1
I can't remember the first time I camped overnight by myself but I can say that it's something everyone should experience. If you are in a remote area where only the sights and sounds of nature are present its even better.
If adequately prepared, camping alone in the remote wilderness is safer than living in the city as far as I am concerned. The two legged creatures of the city and their domesticated animals are far more dangerous than animals of the wild. Once you realize this and you've learned basic skills to traverse the area you are exploring, are confident in your ability to set up your camp, prepare a campfire, obtain water, and prepare your food, then you'll start to really wake up to the beauty of nature around you. I enjoy experiencing the different sights, sounds, and temperatures of the various parts of the day; daybreak, morning, afternoon, twilight, night. There's nothing like enjoying a good campfire, the sounds of night when you are snug in your bed, and the warmth of the sun breaking at day. ...........................Stormy weather and knowing that at some point the time off ends, that sucks!
If adequately prepared, camping alone in the remote wilderness is safer than living in the city as far as I am concerned. The two legged creatures of the city and their domesticated animals are far more dangerous than animals of the wild. Once you realize this and you've learned basic skills to traverse the area you are exploring, are confident in your ability to set up your camp, prepare a campfire, obtain water, and prepare your food, then you'll start to really wake up to the beauty of nature around you. I enjoy experiencing the different sights, sounds, and temperatures of the various parts of the day; daybreak, morning, afternoon, twilight, night. There's nothing like enjoying a good campfire, the sounds of night when you are snug in your bed, and the warmth of the sun breaking at day. ...........................Stormy weather and knowing that at some point the time off ends, that sucks!
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2015
- Messages
- 126
Necrothread.
Mine was just an extension of prior activities. First was solo motorcycle camping, then solo 4WD trips with camping, then after backpacking with some buddies going solo.
One thing was predictable - 1st night's sleep in the tent just isn't very sound because the environment is different from normal. Earplugs help but aren't sufficient.
Mine was just an extension of prior activities. First was solo motorcycle camping, then solo 4WD trips with camping, then after backpacking with some buddies going solo.
One thing was predictable - 1st night's sleep in the tent just isn't very sound because the environment is different from normal. Earplugs help but aren't sufficient.