Complete Newb - Advice Sought

[ceepeebee]

Hi all,

Quick intros..I'm a 37 (nowhere near that mentally) year old techie who spends most of his spare time sitting in the same position I do during work hours. I recently (this year) embarked on a bit of a diet and shed 7 stone of excess weight and I'm keen to take up some more outdoors-ish hobbies, which will also give me chance to indulge in some outdoors tech no doubt too.

Couple this with the fact that I'm starting to yearn for something a little more simple and out of the rat race and somebody suggested camping.

Now, I've done camping before and I thoroughly hated it - I should say this was festival camping. I realise that t his is completely different from the sort of camping and trekking the people on these forums engage in. The idea of going out into the middle of nowhere and to be complete on my own (full on wild camping I suppose) is intriguing, however I know I don't have the experience or mindset for this.

What I'm after is a few beginners tips. What sort of meet is the North Wood meet? What sort of gear should I be looking at? Would this serve to give me some understanding of what I'd need to be aware of if I ever managed to convince a land owner to let me camp on their land?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just want to get out somewhere and get away from everything (and eventually, everyone) and relax - decongest and disconnect.

Thanks ahead of time guys & gals!

 

[Mesquite]

What I'm after is a few beginners tips. What sort of meet is the North Wood meet? What sort of gear should I be looking at? Would this serve to give me some understanding of what I'd need to be aware of if I ever managed to convince a land owner to let me camp on their land?

I've not been to a North Woods meet but I know the organiser and a lot of folks who go and I'm safe in saying you'd be made to feel welcome. They'll happily share knowledge with you, explain stuff and generally help you settle in.

As for gear, some to sleep under, something to sleep in, something to sleep on, something to sit on, something to cook in and something to eat with will do you fine

 

[crosslandkelly]

What he said.

 

[ceepeebee]

I've not been to a North Woods meet but I know the organiser and a lot of folks who go and I'm safe in saying you'd be made to feel welcome. They'll happily share knowledge with you, explain stuff and generally help you settle in.

As for gear, some to sleep under, something to sleep in, something to sleep on, something to sit on, something to cook in and something to eat with will do you fine

Hey, thanks for the heads up!

If anyone has any starter recommendations for me to look at, that'd be great. Happy to do my own research but as is the case in the tech world, there are bound to be a few things to stay clear or and a few no brainer purchases.

Looking forward to getting involved in this. I might even try my back garden first

 

[greg.g]

I am a regular at the North Wood meets. Our next meet is in a couple of weeks time ..27th -29th october.
If you want to attend the meet we would make you most welcome. It would also give you an idea of the options available. The 3 most common are 1 small tent, 2 sleeping open air under a tarp as a shelter, 3 hammock under a tarp. All 3 have their pro's and con's. If you pop along for the day it might help you decide which option would best suit you.
Greg

 

[ceepeebee]

I am a regular at the North Wood meets. Our next meet is in a couple of weeks time ..27th -29th october.
If you want to attend the meet we would make you most welcome. It would also give you an idea of the options available. The 3 most common are 1 small tent, 2 sleeping open air under a tarp as a shelter, 3 hammock under a tarp. All 3 have their pro's and con's. If you pop along for the day it might help you decide which option would best suit you.
Greg

Thanks Greg,

I'll look to get a couple of bits and bobs. Is there a drop dead date I have to confirm by, or can I cut it fine? Reason for asking is the Wife is having an op on the 12th and I'm unsure as to her recovery.

Thanks for the help thus far guys!

 

[greg.g]

Thanks Greg,

I'll look to get a couple of bits and bobs. Is there a drop dead date I have to confirm by, or can I cut it fine? Reason for asking is the Wife is having an op on the 12th and I'm unsure as to her recovery.

Thanks for the help thus far guys!

There is not a cut off date. If you do decide to attend, could you please add your name to the list on the North Wood meet thread.
It's a friendly gathering with plenty of people with far more experience than myself.

 

[woodspirits]

Hi CPB

Steve (mesquite) and Greg have covered it really, just fill your car with everything you've got and dip your toe in. As Greg said, you could just pop in for a few hours if you want. mind you one of ours will be cooking a mountain man breakfast at some point, not to be missed!

 

[Idleknight]

Welcome to the forums, I'm in Hinckley so not too far away. Will spend you a PM.

 

[richy3333]

Welcome to the forum. Just wanted to say, much respect for the weight loss

 

[ceepeebee]

Oh cheers man! I'm trying still....I'm one of those people who is ALWAYS going to have to watch their weight.

Sadly I'll not be able to attend the North Wood meet as I was planning due to my Wife's post-op recovery, but I'll get a tent and some bits and I'll be along soon!

 

[richy3333]

Oh cheers man! I'm trying still....I'm one of those people who is ALWAYS going to have to watch their weight.

Sadly I'll not be able to attend the North Wood meet as I was planning due to my Wife's post-op recovery, but I'll get a tent and some bits and I'll be along soon!

Family first pal. Hope she has a speedy recovery

 

[woodspirits]

Richy is exactly right you can attend meets to suite, you take care of your family first, maybe see you at the next one