Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world filled with endless conveniences, technology, and digital distractions, it’s become increasingly clear that our personal and environmental health have paid a price. We often overlook the profound impact that a digital detox, accompanied by time spent in nature, can have on our well-being. Research suggests that reconnecting with nature can significantly improve our general health, mood, vitality, cognition, and life satisfaction.

As our lives become more comfortable and convenient, we find ourselves facing new health challenges that our ancestors would hardly recognize—conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. These issues are often linked to the widespread adoption of electronic devices and, possibly, social media.

Fortunately, there’s growing interest in nature therapies like Japanese shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and mindfulness in nature, both of which have shown positive effects on our lives. These practices can help repair our immune system, enhance sleep, reduce stress, and positively impact cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

Nature-deficit disorder?

It’s evident that we are collectively experiencing what author Richard Louv calls “nature-deficit disorder.” We’ve never been more connected through technology while simultaneously disconnected from the natural world.

For those who have experienced the transformative power of nature firsthand, it’s clear that time spent outdoors is invaluable. Outdoor activities, especially for young people, have declined significantly over the last two decades. However, venturing into nature, even for a daily walk or a more adventurous hike, can lead to noticeable improvements in personal well-being and a deeper sense of peace.

There’s something profoundly satisfying about setting up camp, building a fire, and cooking meals in the great outdoors. It allows us to appreciate the simple things in life and gain a newfound perspective on our modern comforts.

Is convenience your friend?

In our pursuit of comfort, convenience, and choice, we often overlook the benefits of a simpler life. Camping provides an opportunity to reconnect with the basics and embrace the challenge of living outdoors. While it may not be the easiest holiday option, the rewards are substantial.

Contrary to what one might think, camping can be cost-effective compared to traditional vacations. With no flights to book and minimal accommodation expenses, camping offers an affordable way to spend recreational time. Plus, it encourages a break from the excessive choices and conveniences of modern life, which can be a refreshing change.

Developing basic skills

Moreover, camping isn’t just about cost savings; it’s an opportunity to develop essential skills and self-reliance. The initial investment in camping gear can pay off in countless ways, and you can always borrow equipment from friends and family as you get started.

Camping can be a solo adventure, but it truly shines when done in a group. It fosters social bonds and provides a unique way to share meaningful experiences with loved ones. The shared adventure of camping encourages connections, strengthens friendships, and even helps form new acquaintances. Working together around a campsite, sharing responsibilities, and enjoying quality time by the campfire can create lasting memories and deep bonds.

For families, camping is a fantastic way to instill a sense of responsibility in children and strengthen familial bonds. Kids quickly adapt to camp life and take on tasks, contributing to a sense of unity within the family unit.

In a world where we are constantly connected to screens and surrounded by the allure of modern conveniences, camping offers a valuable opportunity to disconnect, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories with loved ones. So why not step out of your comfort zone, embrace the challenge, and experience the many rewards that camping has to offer?

Does it need to be uncomfortable?

My first camping experiences were family trips, with gear mostly borrowed from friends and relatives, and my memories are of uncomfortable (inevitably cold and wet) nights courtesy of leaky canvas tents and hopeless bedding – sharing a sleeping bag with cousins and sleeping on a piece of thin foam, if we were lucky! Still, they were always fun and memorable experiences.

But many people have been turned off camping because they’ve already had an uncomfortable experience, or because they imagine that they will. Often bad planning, disorganization, inadequate gear, and food are the culprits, rather than camping itself. This is unfortunate as there are many different ways to camp, and one bad experience shouldn’t end with the conclusion that ‘camping is not for me’. If you’re organizing the trip, you need to be conscious of your ‘team’. What might be perfectly acceptable for you in terms of comfort may not be for your companions.

In my teens and early twenties, I can remember taking various girlfriends on camping trips and some being an absolute disaster. Looking back, it could have been a better experience with some simple upgrades to my gear, in particular to sleeping gear and bedding. A better sleeping pad (or even just a sleeping pad!) or a bit more thought about the food would have helped lighten the experience, especially in rainy conditions.

It’s true that a few days in the bush in extremely wet and humid conditions with minimal gear, voracious leeches, freeze-dry food, and exhausting hikes is not everyone’s cup of tea! But what about a week on a beautiful remote beach in a large tent with a super comfortable bed, excellent food cooked on a gas barbecue, and a cold beverage on hand? You could add a solar-powered portable shower, fridge/freezer system, and even a TV – does that make it more attractive?

There really is no limit to the amount of gear available to make your camping trip more comfortable, if not downright luxurious. There’s no reason to rough it if you don’t want to. You can create a camping set-up that fits within your own comfort zone.

Of course, there are limits to what you can physically take with you. And if you’re car camping, the capacity of your vehicle, choice of gear, and budget will determine how comfortable your camp is.

Car Camping

Lightweight camping is great, but there’s nothing like a campout in nature with a few home comforts to make it that much more enjoyable. For this reason, I think one of the best ways to start your camping career is by car camping.

One of the many joys of camping with transport – whether that’s a 4WD set-up, campervan, or a standard car – is that it lets you set up a fully functional and comfortable campsite. It encourages you to stay a while and tune in to your surroundings. It also allows you to take along items you would never consider on a lightweight adventure: a larger tent, comfortable mattress, cool box, camp kitchen, cast-iron cooking gear, and maybe even that camp shower! The only limit is your vehicle’s storage capacity. Safety is the priority, of course!

With car camping, you can usually drive right to your campsite, unload, and set up your camp with everything on hand. This is a great way to camp for families and means that you have fewer restrictions on weight and size. So you can bring a bigger tent and those toys your kids simply have to have! Having a vehicle on hand means you can visit surrounding landmarks, parks, and walks. You can also drive to the nearest town for supplies (or a cooked meal, if you really must!).

What to Take?

Happily, camping gear has improved immeasurably in terms of quality, availability, and price over the years. For many beginners, choosing what gear to take on camping trips can be daunting, with seemingly endless possibilities. Yes, it does seem like a huge investment up-front, but after only a few uses it pays itself off. Plus most gear can be used for other purposes around your home. For example, a lantern for lighting up a garden dinner, a sleeping pad for the kids’ play date, a folding saw for pruning in the garden.

Conversely, you’ll already own many suitable items for your first camping trip, or you can borrow them from friends. Of course, there’s a thriving second-hand market for outdoor gear, too – people are always upgrading or moving. So check online or at your local charity or thrift store where you’ll find a lot of good gear at cheap prices.

The more you camp the more you’ll want to have a dedicated kit that is packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. But this takes time and expense. Plus you’ll need somewhere to store it. This isn’t always practical for an inner-city apartment, but it’s something to build towards.

Aside from clothing, the essential gear for camping trips consists of a combination of six main elements – shelter, kitchen, bedding, tools, lighting, and cleaning. The what, where, and how will dictate what you need to take. What are the likely conditions? Where are you planning to camp? And how long for?

In the next few posts, we will explore what gear to take and their pros and cons in more depth…

Extract taken from ‘Tent Life’ by Doron Francis, published by Hardie Grant.