Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live in the wilderness like Christopher McCandless in the 2007 Hollywood film Into The Wild? In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, taking a break from the constant hustle is alluring.
Having said that, venturing into the wild conjures sinister images of harsh conditions, minimal amenities, and even morbidity. According to Yosemite National Forest Search and Rescue, around 5,000 people are lost in the woods yearly.
However, living in the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to rough it out like Bear Grylls does. With thoughtful preparation and the right gear, creating a comfortable and rewarding living experience in the great outdoors is possible.
In this article, we will discuss essential steps and strategies to enjoy your wilderness experience without sacrificing modern comforts.
Choosing the right shelter
The most important factor to consider when considering living in the wilderness is picking a good shelter to protect yourself from the elements. This is probably the most important decision to ensure comfortable wilderness living. However, it depends on the planned duration of wilderness living and budget.
Tents
Tents are ideal for those who want a compact and lightweight portable shelter. Suitable for short camping trips or seasonal wilderness living involving many moving around, tents come in multiple options. These range from single-person bivys to family tents with various rooms.
Because tents are quick and easy to set up or take down and comparatively most affordable, 61% of campers feel they are the most essential item.
Cabins
If you are someone who doesn’t plan to move around a lot and find a perfect spot for wilderness living in the woods, cabins are a much better option than tents. Cabins offer stability and security that tents lack and can also be built using materials of your choice. Moreover, cabins provide spacious living, personalized design, and robust protection against elements.
RVs
Silver Spur RV Park says there’s no better way to connect with the great outdoors and live a life full of adventure than RVing. For the uninitiated, an RV is short for a recreational vehicle, a trailer, or a van with a living space designed for accommodation. These are ideal for wanderers who want to avoid putting up in one location for a long time and keep moving from one scenic location to another in the wilderness.
If you prefer a nomadic way of wilderness living, grab yourself a full-time RV living guide or look it up online because it doesn’t get better than this. There’s a reason why more than 3 million Americans have decided to live in their motorhomes full-time.
However, careful planning is required for a full-time RV living, such as managing water, electricity, and waste disposal. Moreover, the cost of buying and maintaining an RV and limited access to certain areas because of size might deter some.
Remember to pick the perfect shelter for your wilderness location depending on the weather conditions, terrain, and duration of the wilderness living.
Essential gear and equipment
Once you have sorted out shelter, the next most important consideration is the right gear and equipment. The right gear and equipment can dramatically improve the wilderness experience.
The first thing to consider is clothing made using high-quality, moisture-wicking fabric. Pick a base layer, insulated mid-layer, and waterproof or windproof outer layer to protect yourself against changing weather. Invest in good-quality hiking boots with ankle support.
One of the most common causes of death in the wilderness is poisoning from foraging. It’s a must to cook food until it reaches an internal temperature of 75 °C or hotter. At this temperature, most food poisoning bacteria are killed. So, invest in portable cooking equipment like camp stoves, portable grills, food thermometers, cutting boards, cookware, and utensils.
Once you are sorted with clothing and food, move on to comfort equipment. Pick a sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you will encounter and weather conditions. Additionally, get headlamps and solar-powered lamps for lighting requirements. And lastly, choose portable showers, biodegradable soaps, and more for hygiene and sanitization during the wilderness living trip.
Take only the essentials to prevent unnecessary bulk and weight. Additionally, prioritize multi-purpose gear to minimize clutter and free up space in your RV or luggage.
Power and water management
Two of the biggest challenges when living in the wilderness are managing power and water. Careful planning is required to manage these two resources in the wilderness.
Power sources
More than 5% of U.S. electricity comes from solar energy, and harnessing the sun’s energy to power your wilderness dwelling is an environmentally friendly option. Pick solar panels based on your system’s requirements and the amount of sunlight available in your location.
However, if camping in an area with little sunlight, pick low-noise generators after considering fuel costs and storage. Consider investing in a portable power station to keep your devices charged and running.
Water management
Water is crucial, and you have to make sure that you have enough to last for the duration of the wilderness experience. Rainwater harvesting using rain barrels or tanks is the most sustainable source of water. Invest in a good filtration system, preferably UV, to purify water from natural sources before consumption. Use low-flow faucets and showerheads, along with careful water usage, to make your water reserve last longer.
To summarize, comfortable wilderness living is possible with careful planning and the right resources. Make sure to pick the proper shelter, prioritize safety, pack essential gear, and have a power and water-efficient system to connect with the great outdoors without any inconvenience. Also, have a rescue plan in place by informing loved ones about where you will be, carrying satellite phones, etc., to be safe.
The article Top tips to experience wilderness living without compromising comfort first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.