Camping Gear - The Lone Camper’s Affair With Nature

The lone camper is a totally different animal from the social camper, not only in mindset but in a practical sense as well. He would not only have to buy equipment for a single person, he would also have to set them up on his own. He would have to know the terrain well, and it is always an advantage to be knowledgeable in orienteering. He would also have to be in constant lookout for wild animals and other dangers. For this, he needs to be more attentive than your average camper; he has the disadvantage of having a diminished number of senses to rely on, with only one pair each of eyes and ears and legs. There is also the saying, "two heads are better than one". But of course, nature has its way of compensating for this, because in the long run, it is the lone camper's senses which are the keenest, it is his mind that is able to make the best decisions in a split-second. It is no wonder that a lot of lone campers are the "survivalist" kind as well.

Being alone almost always means having a rougher time of it, since the camper who goes alone would be limited by his equipment, which in turn would be limited by his strength, by just how much he can carry. It is a good thing, then, that there are equipment which are specifically geared for the lightweight camper.

Backpacking tents are manufactured nowadays to maximize mobility while at the same time sacrificing neither comfort nor durability. These lightweight tents are made from specially synthesized materials which provide sufficient water- and weatherproofing. The most common kind nowadays is the dome tent, which is an engineering feat of structural integrity. This kind usually requires a short pitching time, as well as minimal effort, since it does not require a lot of external support such as from guy wires and extra pegging, if any. The other most common type is the tunnel tent. This one has a lower profile, and as such it withstands the force of the wind better. However, the tunnel tent requires the support of guy wires.

The lone camper has much at stake when it comes to staying healthy. If an accident or sickness befalls him on the trail, he has no one to count on but himself. For this reason, he should make sure that his clothes are comfortable, warm, and as much as possible water resistant, especially his shoes or boots. His footwear should also allow efficient movement while protecting him as much as possible from sprains or strains at the same time. Sales personnel in camping stores are usually knowledgeable enough in outfitting campers with the most appropriate gear.

It is enough of a chore to cook for oneself at home, but for the lone camper, food is a vital concern. He would be needing a lot of energy to keep his mind alert and his body strong. There are ready-to-eat meal packs which require only heating - the lone camper, more than anyone, has the least incentive to prepare elaborate meals for himself. A good source of quick energy are candy bars, but one must remember not to leave a trail of wrappers, which not only pollutes the environment, but could lure forest animals after them.

It is generally not a good idea for the first-time camper to go alone, especially if the terrain is unfamiliar. One thing that the lone camper can do is to keep with him a cellphone just in case something happens to him. And of course, he should never leave home without letting anyone know where he is heading.

With the proper skills and preparation, the camper who goes alone can have the ultimate no strings attached affair with nature, that most generous of lovers.