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.

  • @[email protected]OP
    3•7 months ago

    Thanks. I do want the hiking aspect, as I’ve learned that just exploring on foot is something that makes me happy, and I figured learning camping would enable me to take on longer hikes through national parks and such.

    • @brap
      3•7 months ago

      Ah good stuff. Don’t go buying loads of stuff if you’re not sure whether you need it or not. It all adds up weight-wise and before you know it that bag will suck to carry. Like someone else said, hit a local camp site and see how you go - you can always go home if it all goes wrong.

      And don’t forgot, legally you cannot wild camp in England and Wales whereas most of Scotland is fine except around Loch Lomond if I recall correctly.