So, I’ve really started to make some large changes to my life after many years of being a degenerate and all my money going on smoking weed and doing other drugs with friends etc.

It all started when I got diagnosed with ADHD, got medicated, since stopped as the cons were worse than the pros now I’m on a good track, re-trained as a software developer and have been in my first role a year and I’m late 30’s now.

Weed was the last thing to quit and it’s been almost a month and I’m finally able to do all the things I could never afford. Bought a nice watch and booked a session for a sleeve tattoo I’ve always wanted.

I still need something to focus on to keep me happy and I love being out in nature and just milling about, but I’m a city kid, north UK, so really don’t know anything about surviving outside; but I want to go out for weekends and see the stars and just explore and be self sufficient.

It all just seems so overwhelming and I have no clue where to start. I’ve been watching YouTube videos and still it seems so overwhelming. My plan is to start purchasing everything you would need with a view to start from April next year but I honestly don’t know where to begin. What do I buy, which tents should I be looking at, how do I learn about water supplies I can drink from, what about cooking; can I make bacon and eggs for instance, what sleeping bags, cookers, backpacks, shoes, etc.

The list goes on and on and I guess I’m just looking for good resources to consume over the next 10 months to make sure I can go out and be safe, considerate, and not a burden on anybody else.

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

Edit: I have a lot of comments here to reply to, but I’m pretty sleepy right now so will reply to you all tomorrow. Thanks.

  • @[email protected]English
    6•6 months ago

    Congrats on turning your life around and getting into the outdoors.

    A quick way to learn would be to find a friend who knows and go camp with them.

    I think you should not try to acquire all the gear until you know what you will actually use (besides, you will be the one carrying it)

    Things I would definitely bring:

    -a hatchet

    -container(s) to drink from and cook in

    -lighters

    -single burner propane stove

    -tent

    -sleeping bag

    -tarp

    -rope and/or ratchet straps

    -water filter (MSR MiniWorks EX is my personal fave)

    -garbage bag(s)

    Based on what you described, I think you should just go for it with some basics for one night at a time, and you will quickly learn what you want to bring in the future.

    • @[email protected]OP
      2•6 months ago

      Thank you for the kind words.

      I appreciate the list of items I should be looking for. Many people are suggesting a camping buddy, although I am not enthused by the idea I will look into that.