Going camping is a fun and exhilarating escapade. You might be thrilled with the idea of audacious and venturesome activities. However, packing away everything for the trip without giving a thought can squeeze out the real fun.
One of the simple and most inexpensive ways to unwind yourself from stress and take a little break is by going camping. However, it can turn from a little economical getaway to an expensive one in just a matter of time. For instance, if you like to invest a fortune in camping gear or spend a bit too much time on hauling. In that case, you might need to reconsider your choices and downsize your packing.
Isn't the idea behind camping acclimatizing to nature and giving up the comforts of life for a short while? Let's not make camping a stressful activity and add more burden. Instead, let it be the time to relax. Cut yourself off from a materialistic approach and try to incorporate minimalist camping to rediscover yourself on your short vacay completely.
Although everyone's perception of minimalist camping differs, there is no definite right or wrong approach. It can be a whole caboodle for one person, while a bare minimum for the other. All you need is to look out for ways to scale back things.
If you are new to this approach, don't fret. The guide below can help the adventurers go minimalist with camping:
1. Select the best camp location
Relieve yourself from the hassle of taking camping gear with you. Instead, search for the areas that already offer tents and camps for the adventurers. Figure out what you wish to do on the campsite. Do you want to go to educational sites for the kids? Then national parks with exhibitions might seem like a fair idea. Or perhaps you wish to enjoy the grass and river sites. And if you are a resident of Gatlinburg, US, why not go to the Smoky Mountains camping to enjoy the breathtaking views? That way, you can avail yourself of hiking trails and witness wildlife.
However, if you can't find areas with camps, cabins and big tops can also be a suitable replacement. They might seem a bit expensive; however, it is not a deep cut in the bank accounts or more costly than camping gear.
2. Go with a single backpack
Some people feel inclined towards frameless backpacks that offer low weight and are easy to use. In contrast, others believe that framed backpacks can give you fashionable vibes and allow more space to store things.
It is entirely dependent on you which items you should declutter and which possessions you should take along. However, it is recommendable to opt for a single backpack. Kids less than ten years shouldn't carry a separate bag as it might make things messier.
3. Pack fully loaded nutrient diet only
When it comes to food items, stick yourself to a simple and nutritional diet only. It is easy to get carried away with a multitude of food options in the grocery store. However, save yourself from the trouble and choose the ones that work the best for your camping adventure.
You don't need to go overboard by taking with you a camp stove, onerous pots, and heaters. The beauty of camping is to enjoy the chilly and breezy nights to the fullest. Carrying such items will defeat the purpose of your getaway.
Dietary staples such as walnuts and almonds are the powerhouse of energy and fiber. While you are at it, don't forget to include snacks in your supply list. Who knows, your kids might get sudden cravings and need something to munch.
4. Make a list of necessary items
Although this step might be hard for many people, the real trick of minimalist camping lies here. Be brutal about your choices and curtail the list of items. Multiple dresses, undergarments, and nightwears? Pretermit all of these in your home.
If you plan to spend a week, all you need to carry is a bedroll, a single piece of dress, sanitary and hygienic articles. However, if you only intend to stay for one day, a toothbrush, wipes packet, body spray, a spare shirt would suffice. The absolute charm of camping is to be a carefree soul. After all, you cannot evade the outdoors entirely. A little sweat and filth during your holiday wouldn't hurt anyone. You can always take a shower once you get back home.
5. Keep the entertainment alive
You might feel enticed to bring along cameras for photography, smartphones for live streaming, or a stack of books to keep you engaged. However, leave behind such items to enjoy a healthy and meaningful experience. Go for alternate options, such as a set of cards or frisbee that keep you and your companions bonded together.
Remind yourself of the reasons why you came here in the first place. Materialistic things wouldn't give you the same enjoyment as the nature that surrounds you. Therefore, pay heed to what matters the most to you and get ready for a rewarding holiday.
Final words
Going camping is a fun and exhilarating escapade. You might be thrilled with the idea of audacious and venturesome activities. However, packing away everything for the trip without giving a thought can squeeze out the real fun. The moment you reach mountainous regions and hilly landscape, you'll regret bringing this immense load with you. Therefore, relish and savor the experience by going minimalist camping on your next outdoor adventure. Divest yourself with extravagances, let yourself wander in nature, and take this time to explore yourself and the people around you. You will find it surprising how you can have the time of your life without carrying the things you thought your survival wasn't possible.
Photo by anurag kaushik from Pixabay
