stormysailor7 said:Why on earth would anyone opt for a tent? 🤷
In the summer, honestly, the easiest way to go is just to crash out in a sleeping bag with a pad underneath you while you're out camping in the middle of nowhere.
Pack a tent—it’s non-negotiable. During the summer months, you never know what kind of spiders or snakes might decide to share your space, and you really don't want to deal with those surprises when you're trying to rest. As for gear, keep it minimal. Stick strictly to the essentials; overpacking is a rookie mistake that makes everything unnecessarily difficult later on. Water is your absolute priority. When it comes to food, eat light and frequent intervals—grab something small, fuel up, and keep moving. For your first trip, I highly recommend bringing a companion. Everything is significantly more manageable with two people, provided they possess the same level of grit and determination as you. Perhaps most importantly, though it's a bit cynical to admit: have enough cash on hand. Money can solve a lot of problems if things go sideways. At the end of the day, just get out there and start. If you hit a wall and truly cannot continue, stop. There is no shame in calling it quits, especially on your first outing; walking away isn't cowardly, it's practical.
Good luck. I'll be waiting to see what you come up with.😉