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.

  • twinnie@feddit.uk
    4·
    6 months ago

    Just take the bare minimum and spend a night near your car or home, someone you can up and leave at 2am if you need to. Take a shit before you go.

    There’s not really any surprises for what you need, just take a tent, sleeping bag, warm enough clothes, a little toilet paper, water and food (just take loads of cereal bars and stuff you don’t need to cook for the first time). The only other thing to take is bin bags so you can clean up any mess you make. You should leave the place you camp as if you were never there. No food on the ground, nothing. Don’t feed the animals.

    If you’re feeling extravagant you can take some baby wipes and toothpaste/toothbrush for cleaning but don’t stress yourself on the first time. If you have a garden you can even camp in your garden for the first time just to get a feel for it.