For example, consider carrying a hammock instead of a tent or a tent … You can win free gear from OOFOS and 20 other brands by reviewing campgrounds on The Dyrt. The good thing about solo camping is that you’re traveling alone and you’ll only need to carry the things you think you need. Click Here to download the Free eBook. Here’s our list of the most important gear you really can’t do without. You’ll build confidence. Though camping normally means roughing it and going without a number of basic creature comforts and day-to-day amenities, car camping opens the door to a host of gear and equipment that wouldn’t normally be considered if you were hiking into camp on foot. Did I have enough water? At some parks, storing things in the car is a fine way to keep critters out of your food. Road Trips. If you are taking out new gear, your solo trip prep may involve practicing with those items before leaving the house. One of the most important approaches you can take when solo camping is to pack with your deficiencies in mind. It was reassuring to know there were extra matches and a flint in tinder in case my duct-tape wrapped lighter (that’s another handy camping hack) gave up the ghost. All of the little forest noises can amp up your nerves when you are alone in the woods, so not being able to hear every single one of them can help. When solo camping, it is a good idea to leave your route and itinerary with a trusted person back home, who can help you in case of an emergency. It wasn’t my preparedness that I needed to worry about. If my car breaks down or a piece of gear needs to be repaired, that’s usually when I call in help from friends or professionals. After all, it would be pretty terrible to show up at camp only to realize you have no idea how to pitch your tent. Tips for Solo Backpacking. Gear Every Solo Car Camper Should Have. You can lull yourself to sleep and play your favorite seize-the-day jams in the morning while you make a mug of cowboy coffee. Let’s face it, even if you’ve logged plenty of backcountry hours, solo camping can be a little scary. There’s also no law that says you can’t keep up with your usual routine for freshening up in the woods. Online shopping from a great selection at Tools & Home Improvement Store. With these items, I’ll at least have the gear I need to cut wood and rope or mend what gets torn or busted. First Time Camping Solo: Basic Gear and Packing List; 10 Lessons Learned from a Solo Camping Trip; Travel First Aid Kit for Peace of Mind; Last updated: 31st July, 2020. There was paracord in case I forgot one of my hammock straps, as well as bandaids. Before you credit me with enormous bravery and/or insanity, I should tell you that I have done many camping trips before. She has written for the Washington Post, Fortune Magazine, Yoga Journal, Eater Magazine, and Uproxx amongst others. Or hammered my finger into the ground while pitching my tent? It’s a little thing that really makes a big difference for how relaxed and at home you feel in the great outdoors. At others, the food storage protocol is to always use a bear box or canister. 2) Go MIA. I asked Vicki for a list of essential gear she uses car camping thinking I’d get 4 of 5 of her favorite items, however she provided me a thorough list of items! Your packing list is, naturally, longer than these five items but this is the gear that you likely don't have if you've never camped before. Always travel in pairs, or groups. When I went on my first solo camping trip this summer, I was excited to experience the exhilaration of being in the woods all by myself. There were things in here that I had never even considered! Apart from the obvious items that make your camping trip more exciting, we’ve found a few other miscellaneous gadgets that you may not have even known existed. For years and years, I was able to get away with always assuming someone else could spare a square if the campground bathroom was out of toilet paper. Read up on the campgrounds you’re considering to find out what the recommendations are for food storage. 3.Solo Camping Gear Tips: Sleeping bag. Still, I got little sleep the first night. I finally found the serenity that I’d been seeking for the past twenty-four hours. Anyone can go solo camping, as long as you do your research and pack the most important essentials. There's much more that you could buy but this gives you the fundamentals for a great trip. ... two poles and it is up. The Benefits of Camping Solo. Share past camping experiences, photos, and videos to earn points towards monthly prizes in The 2018 Great Camping Giveaway! Solo camping can give you a better understanding of your personal limitations and strengths; When you go camping alone, you don’t have to worry about fitting other people’s gear into your vehicle. Travel Money . If you are camping in bear country and there’s no box at the campground, it certainly offers peace of mind to know that your food will be safe from  wild visitors. What if a bear thought I was a tasty prepackaged snack hanging there in my thin nylon hammock? Wilderness Camping Gear Checklist. Solo camping can be safe, fulfilling, and a darn good time. What if I forgot some essential piece of camping gear? “My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service”. Selecting gear for outdoor activities such as camping and canoe tripping can be a challenge. • Tent or hammock – if you’ve got lots of gear, don’t necessarily opt for the 1-man tent, think about comfort and a little extra space too College led to summer stints in England and Slovenia, grad school to a sojourn Hong Kong, and curiosity to everywhere in between. Deals. Mar 20, 2020 - Solo camping can be a lot of fun and a good way to relax and regenerate. I am the person in my circle who knows how to survive in the wild: I have all the gear and the know-how and my friends know to come to my place in the event of apocalypse. The new hype for solo trippers, however, is the hammock tent. A post shared by David A Stien (@nature.edc). You’ll have plenty of space to bring whatever items you want; Dangers of Camping Solo. There are many more benefits of camping alone than you may think. There are thousands of product reviews from verified purchasers from OpticsPlanet. There are a lot of quality solo tents and lightweight bivy bags. This solo camping gear guide is brought to you by our friends at OOFOS, who make women’s footwear that’s not just comfortable, but designed to aid runners and hikers in active recovery from all of their favorite outdoor pursuits. Storm Ciara had passed the previous week or so. But I knew I’d be covered for any potential mishaps. The tent may or not be rolled up and put in it’s bag, depends on how wet it is. The Dyrt Ranger Kayla H. loaned me her LifeLine emergency kit, which contains everything from first aid supplies to fire starters in a handy 32-ounce water bottle. With a bear canister, though, you’ll be prepared for almost any scenario. Meghan O'Dea is a writer, world traveler, and life-long learner who grew up in the foothills of Appalachia. My solo camping adventure started with a lot of doubt. You go camping alone. These come in handy when you need to hop out of the tent or hammock to tend the fire or head off to the bushes when nature calls. Besides the obvious camping gear, here are seven extra items I’d recommend for anyone going on a solo camping trip. I’ve taken to the trend this past season and slept in Exped’s Scout Hammock and loved it. Next time I go solo camping, I’m absolutely bringing a sketchbook and art supplies so I can recreate that experience for myself. Camping is the rugged sport of man, but we’re also all living in the same day and age – modern conveniences are, well, convenient. Also get a sleeping bag with a safe margin of comfort temperature. It is exciting when you come back home from a foray alone outdoors and realize that you succeeded not only in surviving your experience, but turning it into an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy yourself as well. One of the best camping experiences I’ve had was a women’s camping retreat where we chilled out with adult coloring books. However, I had never camped solo before. However, not being able to hear them can be nerve racking, too. Simply leaving behind some luxury items, like a camp chair or hardcover book, can make a dent. Outdoor recreation is extremely popular and there are thousands of companies catering to the masses. Going on a solo car camping trip can be a great way to have an adventure and enjoy some time alone. Destinations. Being one with nature is a great way to spend your free time. Here are nine steps for what not to do on your first solo camping adventure. The secret to successful solo camping, I found, is preparing not just for what you actually need to survive a weekend in the woods. Got caught in a crazy storm on the last days of my winter bushcraft camping trip. When you’re camping solo, though, there is no such luxury. Store the essentials like face cream, toner, or beard oil in small, reusable containers like HumanGear’s silicone travel bottles. Should I have brought that extra pair of socks? The next big thing is a good sleeping bag. The result is crystal-clear sound while also leaving your ears open to hear what’s going on around you. It’s preparing for all those midnight scenarios that will probably never happen, just so the nervous voice in your own head can simmer down and let you enjoy the sensation of being by yourself outside. If you aren’t much for the visual arts, that’s ok. Bring along your knitting, a good book, or whatever other soothing activity you like to keep your hands busy and mind occupied. Meghan hopes to visit all seven continents with pen and paper in tow. I felt confident enough to wing it a little and find a campsite near Crater Lake National Park without a prior reservation. Site By RTW Labs, A Road Trip Alone: Top 10 Tips to Prepare, Basic Gear for Your First Time Camping Solo, Inflatable kayak with 4-star reviews and only $70. A post shared by Kathy Jane (@le_smashkat). The next night, I returned to that same spot at Thielson Forest Camp with no fear. Instead, I’d nailed my first night. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. From trying to coordinate the schedules of multiple people, to ensuring everyone brings the gear they need, to figuring out who will be responsible for what meals, it can turn into more of a headache than it’s worth. But camping solo is a great way to refine your camping skills, because every job will be yours! Listening to my favorite songs always calms me down when my anxiety is getting the best of me. Solo Camping Gear Reviews. Let’s face it, even if you’ve logged plenty of backcountry hours, solo camping can be a little scary. Having a knife and multi-tool on-hand makes it easy to get things done around the campground. Top Categories on Solo Traveler. As much fun as it is to talk all night by the campfire with your ride-or-dies, it’s also really nice to quietly journal by the light of flames, translate your favorite scenery from daytime hikes into watercolors, or just doodle with some drawing pencils. Bring the essentials— TP, wet wipes, a shovel for digging cat holes, hand sanitizer or bio-degradable soap, etc. If it is raining, I set up the 2nd tarp…it is used as a cover over the rear seat & gear in the car where it can dry after I head out. Please remember, that women need much warmer sleeping bags! A post shared by SuzanneKatBelle (@thesheepishspinner). Nervous questions kept running through my head. Basic Gear for Your First Time Camping Solo There are five basic pieces of gear that you need to car camp in a tent. A hammock is lightweight, surprisingly comfortable and … Camping Alone Safely – 7 Solo Camping Tips: Choose a Campsite carefully, don’t be too isolated Leave a Schedule with a Contact Person. If you’re looking for ways to significantly lighten your pack, read our article Ultralight Backpacking Basics. What to Know. Sure, I’d be arriving after dark, but I knew from plenty of practice that I would be able to string my hammock up quickly and get a fire going no problem. A pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off are a must have. 7 Extra Items You Should Bring on Your First Solo Camping Trip, 5 Reasons to Ditch Your Friends and Try Solo Camping This Summer, RV Camping Tips and Tricks for First-Timers, 9 Small Campers You Can Pull with Almost Any Car, 7 Campgrounds in Florida That Campers Can't Get Enough Of, 6 Off-Road Campers That Can Handle Almost Anything, 9 Tips That Make Sleeping in Your Car Way Less Miserable, Warm Up in These Utah Natural Hot Springs, 12 Cars That Can Handle Dirt Roads and Camping, 7 of the Most Beautiful Campgrounds Near Bangor, Maine, Explore The Heart of Arkansas at These 7 Remarkable Little Rock Campgrounds, 7 of Jacksonville, Florida’s Most Popular Campgrounds—According to Campers, The 6 Most Sought After Campgrounds Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Here’s November 2020’s Campground Review Contest Winners, Explore The Outdoors at These 7 Great Campgrounds Near Columbus, Ohio, The 7 Most Popular Campgrounds Near Portland, Oregon—The Dyrt’s Hometown. It will be a pleasant experience if you prepare yourself and have the proper equipment. That, of course, depends on the season, weather and your own needs. Pillow – I definitely suggest bringing your own pillow. Solo car camping is a great way to save money, get a good night's sleep between hikes, and get a little privacy to think. Please read our full Privacy Policy here. Many places of solitude don’t get mobile phone reception, and if the need arises to summon help, it’s best to have at least one person available to do the task. This doesn’t mean you have to purchase expensive ultralight camping gear just to enjoy a night of solo backpacking. These 20 must-have solo camping gear items will ensure you have everything you need. It feels good to rely solely on yourself. A solution that satisfies both sources of unease is a pair of open-ear headphones, which transmit music not through your ear canal, but through the bones in your face. A post shared by AfterShokz Singapore (@aftershokzsg). I packed up my things and headed to Umpqua Hot Springs just down the road to celebrate. Solo camping though, I have to be ready to rely on myself if things go sideways. All Articles. So, how do you enjoy all the fabulous benefits of camping without the stress of coordinating so much? Our Solo Travel Course. For example, I’m not very handy. Solo Female Travel. Solo camping does mean you’re on your own, so it’s critical you pack the right things. Ladies might also want a few specialized items, too, such as a Diva Cup for camping on your period or the Tinkle Bell, to make doing your business easy breezy. Perhaps you have chosen to go solo camping for the peace and quiet that it provides, your friends all had other plans, or your camping buddy canceled at the last minute. A Solo Point of View . 2. Insiders on Patreon. Whatever your reason, this guide will help make your camping experience a safe and enjoyable one! When dawn finally came, I was relieved to discover I hadn’t been eaten by wild animals or withered from dehydration. Prepare for your next adventure by downloading maps. Fortunately, I never had to unscrew the lid to get at the contents. The Insiders. Camping by yourself is similar in a lot of ways to camping with others, but as female solo travelers, we need to take in a few other considerations, specifically safety on the road. It was just the very loud doubts in my own mind. This solo camping gear guide is brought to you by our friends at OOFOS, who make women’s footwear that’s not just comfortable, but designed to aid runners and hikers in active recovery from all of their favorite outdoor pursuits. Is to always use a bear thought I was a tasty prepackaged snack hanging in! A writer, world traveler, and curiosity to everywhere in between and headed to Umpqua Hot Springs just the! Camping and canoe tripping can be safe, fulfilling, and life-long learner who grew up in foothills... 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