Few things in life are as amazing and as fulfilling as a good camping trip in the true wilderness, where you can no longer hear the people or planes or cars of our world, where it’s just you and nature, because there is a freedom that comes when you reconnect. Some attribute it to the sound of the wild, or the spirit of the wind, or simply, the peacefulness of the forest. My feelings and realizations about our connection to the rest of the animate world have been ever-changing and evolving over the decades, and now I believe all three can be equally powerful in providing respite, inspiration and spiritualism to all who need an escape.
When camping in the great outdoors, it’s best to come as simply as you can. So, however little you can carry, the better. Secondly to that, simplify the technology that grabs your attention during this time. Unplugging is a real necessity in this day and age, because the more and more that we stare at our phones, computer screens and televisions, the more our eyes are becoming trained to these things, but even more discerning is the fact that anxiety and depression have been linked to excessive use of digital technology. So when possible, camp, and at all costs, do it simply. Besides, unplugging is how you achieve the peace I talked about prior.
When you travel the wilderness simply, you still have to carry a good amount of gear to survive with some comfort, because without, say a hatchet, a tent, and a stove, you will be without shelter, a way to work with firewood, and a way to heat water and cook food. Survival is always the first priority when venturing far out, but that doesn’t mean it has to bog you down either. For a good soul-searching, peace-finding mission into the bush, I suggest keeping it to necessities, like a knife, a hatchet, a backpacker tent and lightweight sleeping bag, a stove, some food, and a few other belongings, like clothes, toiletries, and whatever else you think you really need (i.e. you need a book, trust me, reading in nature is a beautiful way to pass the time; besides exploring, of course).
When you travel the wilderness simply, you still have to carry a good amount of gear to survive with some comfort, because without, say a hatchet, a tent, and a stove, you will be without shelter, a way to work with firewood, and a way to heat water and cook food. Survival is always the first priority when venturing far out, but that doesn’t mean it has to bog you down either. For a good soul-searching, peace-finding mission into the bush, I suggest keeping it to necessities, like a knife, a hatchet, a backpacker tent and lightweight sleeping bag, a stove, some food, and a few other belongings, like clothes, toiletries, and whatever else you think you really need (i.e. you need a book, trust me, reading in nature is a beautiful way to pass the time; besides exploring, of course).
Keeping it simply especially includes the burden you must carry in and out of the wilderness, so you must consider weight and your capabilities, and of course, where you’re going in the world. Weather is always a consideration, which will dictate some of your gear choices and additions. You will want to consider a pack that can handle carrying everything you need; one that has the capability of harnessing gear on the outside, like for your hatchet, your tent, maybe a set of hiking poles. If you over burden yourself, you will be consumed by the displeasure of such, rather than focusing on what you see and feel around you. And if you find it difficult to focus on the peacefulness of the place you end up, try meditating, or making tea and reading a book, then go exploring, in silence.
You may be wondering how you can lug a stove around with you, and not be burdened by it? While most things, like tents and sleeping bags, can be found in lightweight models, stoves can be another animal entirely. I have worked with a range of camping cooking options, and I’ve learned that the most successful ones, ready for just about any environment, are the ones that are made specifically for backpackers, where all the pieces work together ergonomically and have the capability of closing down nice and tight, and lightweight. Otherwise, if you purchase the cheaper models, you may struggle with wind and setup and consistency, as well as be forced to carry a larger gas container than what is absolutely necessary. Plus, you then need to consider carrying heavy, bulky cooking pans. My goto is the WindBurner by MSR, because it was built for my kind of travel, for this kind of backpacker approach to packing, where burden of weight and space matter greatly.
The WindBurner is a minimalist stove system, perfect for soloists, with a radiant burner for fast boiling, which is enclosed in a windproof design; which is so important when you’re trying to cook or boil water in very cold temperatures. It’s an all-in-one system that nests inside its own pot, so you have easy packing and assembly, in one tight knit package. Put simply, MSR’s WindBurner is a great little stove that I found to be quite efficient and easy to use, and very well designed for my specific style and approach to camping and backpacking.
If you’re interested in learning more about MSR Gear, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott / Outdoor photo by Ben Matthews / Product photos by © MSR.
You may be wondering how you can lug a stove around with you, and not be burdened by it? While most things, like tents and sleeping bags, can be found in lightweight models, stoves can be another animal entirely. I have worked with a range of camping cooking options, and I’ve learned that the most successful ones, ready for just about any environment, are the ones that are made specifically for backpackers, where all the pieces work together ergonomically and have the capability of closing down nice and tight, and lightweight. Otherwise, if you purchase the cheaper models, you may struggle with wind and setup and consistency, as well as be forced to carry a larger gas container than what is absolutely necessary. Plus, you then need to consider carrying heavy, bulky cooking pans. My goto is the WindBurner by MSR, because it was built for my kind of travel, for this kind of backpacker approach to packing, where burden of weight and space matter greatly.
The WindBurner is a minimalist stove system, perfect for soloists, with a radiant burner for fast boiling, which is enclosed in a windproof design; which is so important when you’re trying to cook or boil water in very cold temperatures. It’s an all-in-one system that nests inside its own pot, so you have easy packing and assembly, in one tight knit package. Put simply, MSR’s WindBurner is a great little stove that I found to be quite efficient and easy to use, and very well designed for my specific style and approach to camping and backpacking.
If you’re interested in learning more about MSR Gear, click here.
Article written by Brandon Scott / Outdoor photo by Ben Matthews / Product photos by © MSR.
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