| Has anyone ever said to you that less was more? | | | | sounds of nature. |
| Well, they were not just giving you somecryptic, | | | | Just bring a spoon. You absolutely do not need a full |
| sensei type response, they might have been right. | | | | set of silverwear. |
| We are going to talk about just howmuch less is | | | | Find many uses for one item. For example, your |
| more. There is a strategy of camping which involves | | | | water bottle can be your cup and also yourbowl. You |
| eliminating and reducingyour amount of equipment | | | | don't need three items, just one. |
| instead of increasing your equipment and believing | | | | Teach yourself how to find food. Finding your food |
| that bigger isalways better. This strategy is called | | | | instead of bringing it can be a greatway to learn |
| minimalist camping. Based on the principle that the | | | | more about nature and a good way to respect your |
| morethings you take with you, the less you are | | | | surroundings. |
| surrounded in your new environment, the | | | | Camp without a sleeping pad. Gather some leaves or |
| minimalistlooks to fully understand and love the | | | | find a smooth grassy spot. Instead oftaking your pad |
| wilderness. By lessening the amount required for | | | | with you, let nature be your pad. |
| suchan endeavor, the minimalist seeks to better | | | | Wear the same clothes. You can stay in your same |
| acquaint themselves with nature. This idea | | | | clothing for your entire expedition. Youdon't need |
| waswritten about by the likes of John Muir, Ralph | | | | your entire wardrobe, especially if you wear high |
| Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau. | | | | quality clothing like The North |
| Okay, so the less you pack, the more you get to | | | | Face Clothing. |
| know your surroundings. But how exactlydoes one | | | | Do not bring camp shoes. Bringing extra shoes does |
| manage to bring less? What can you stand to leave | | | | not make much sense if you are tryingto camp with |
| home? Is there a specialprocess I can use to | | | | the least amount of gear possible. A better option is |
| decrease my gear? Absolutely. Here is a list of tips | | | | to get a pair of lightweighttrail runners, such as |
| and techniques: | | | | Salomon Footwear, that will stay comfortable all day. |
| Leave the tent at home. If it is going to be a nice | | | | Leave those inhibitions at home also. One of the |
| night, go without the tent. Nothing is betterthan a | | | | most important skills for minimalist campersis to |
| clear night sleeping under the stars. By leaving the | | | | remember you should only take what you absolutely |
| tent behind, it will not only lightenyour load, but it | | | | need. Do not be afraid to leavesome items out. It |
| could make you fall in love with the beautiful | | | | might be the best thing you could do. |
| nighttime sky. | | | | Remember that going camping isnot about what you |
| Don't take your electronics. I assure you a day | | | | bring into the wilderness, but about the memories |
| without the phone and iPod won't kill you. | | | | you take out of nature. |
| It just might allow you to appreciate the beautiful | | | | |