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.

  • BrerChicken
    15•6 months ago

    I’m not seeing the most basic bit of advice in my brief perusal, but even so it needs repeating: find a camping buddy. That is by far the easiest way to get into camping. And honestly you shouldn’t be going out on your own as a novice anyway.

    Ask the people you know, or the people THEY know. If that doesn’t work then try local camping groups near you. Lots of people are looking for others to go camping with, so you’re a commodity! Get together with them before your first trip to go over packing lists and menus, and maybe even go grocery shopping together before hand. I really didn’t recommend going out there in your own, buying everything you need, etc etc. Start with someone else, see if you’re into it, and next steps will be obvious. You were born to live out there, it comes pretty naturally no matter how many thousands of years your people have been in the city–you were out there much much longer!

    • @[email protected]OP
      1•6 months ago

      Thanks.

      A couple of people have mentioned getting a camping buddy, I must say I’m not enthused by the idea as I want this to be a solo endeavour, but I will toy with the idea if camping close to home doesn’t go well and I feel I need a little more support.

      • BrerChicken
        1•6 months ago

        You can eventually start camping solo, but you’re going to have a much harder time learning how to do it if you’re alone. The idea is to go calling with people until you’re well-versed enough to go out alone.