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Tips on How to Plan for a Primitive Camping Trip

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A group of friends on a camping / hiking trip in the mountains
Primitive camping is best with friends

True adventures often begin when we shed our modern day luxuries, step out into the great outdoors and let the wind direct our path. One of the best ways to experience the grand beauty nature has to offer is through primitive camping. Primitive camping is a fun way to test your survival skills, build relationships, and truly become an expert camper. We have come up with some tips to help you get prepared for the ultimate camping adventure.

What is primitive camping?

Primitive camping is as close as we will ever get to recreate the adventures of settling uncharted territory. Camping today often involves RV hookups, electricity, running water and prepared campsites. Primitive camping takes the luxury of a prepared campsite out of the equation, leaving campers in solitude with nature. When on a primitive camping trip you will carry your own equipment backpacking through remote and isolated areas of a forest or park. Once you find the right place, clear out the area and settle camp with as little disturbance to the natural environment as possible. This means you should be prepared to be fully self reliant when on a primitive camping trip.

The right people make the trip

Primitive camping as a family trip is probably not a good idea. But never go primitive camping alone. It is best to select a couple of experienced hikers and backpackers for your trip, especially if you are new to primitive camping. If you need help finding a group for your trip try meeting up with a primitive camping group. A good place to start is meetup.com, where experienced and non-experienced adventurers put together primitive camping group trips. Once you have chosen your team start planning the trip.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Naturally due to extended periods of hiking it is important to be in good physical shape to meet the demands of a primitive camping trip. Your stamina and the stamina of your fellow campers are very important to the preparation of the trip. Exercise regularly in anticipation of the trip, cardio exercises work best. You will be carrying your equipment on your back, weigh it before the trip to get a sense of the physical effort needed. When preparing for your camping trips remember the following advice.

  1. Purchase the right backpack. Learn to pack efficiently.
  2. Purchase or rent a light backpacking tent.
  3. Provision the area you want to explore and map it out.
  4. Camp near a water source like a stream or river.
  5. Plan the food ratio. Remember you must take your garbage with you.
  6. Purchase the correct gear for the trip.
  7. Remember that primitive camping is always eco-friendly.

Shelter & Gear

You don't have to necessarily rough it during a primitive camping trip. Bring a comfortable sleeping bag for those cold nights. Shelter will take up most of your backpack space so make sure it can be easily stored and that you have space for your equipment and clothing. Bring comfortable clothing and don't forget to pack rain gear. We recommend waterproof boots with good soles and ankle support, treat your feet right, comfort is key. Below is indispensable equipment to bring with you, remember that less is more and safety is first.

  1. Camping first aid kit.
  2. Flashlight with extra batteries. We recommend going for a head lamp as they are very bright and allow you to have the use of both of your hands.
  3. Sharp camping utility knife.
  4. Hat and gloves (gloves for dealing with wood sap and other dangers).
  5. Compass and maps.

Food & Water

The best food to take on a primitive camping adventure is freeze-dried or dehydrated. Food containing water is heavy to carry. With freeze- dried or dehydrated food all you need to do is boil water from a near by source and enjoy the tasty meal. Firewood is to be found in the area you intend to settle. We have a step-by-step instruction on how to set up a campfire. It is of extreme importance to purchase a water purifier and learn to use it before the trip. You will have to generate water along the way. This list of necessary equipment for food and water will help you get started.

  1. Aluminum pot.
  2. Outdoors water purifier
  3. Canteen to store clean water.
  4. One fork. One spoon. You can eat out of the pot.
  5. Matches and lighter.

Have fun!

Primitive camping is an incredibly rewarding experience. It will increase self-confidence, build great memories, enhance survival skills and allow you to truly be one with all that nature has to offer. Mastering primitive camping is truly a life changing experience. Start preparing and find the perfect place for a camping adventure. Above all have a fun!

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2 comment(s) so far...

"This should be titled, 'entry level backpacking.'" - Christian B.

By nosyt22 on 5/30/2013 12:34:20 PM

went through the writing. nicely explained everything. Bravo!

By mustakim on 6/3/2023 9:53:11 AM
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