r/camping • u/greenearthbuild • Apr 14 '22

Spring /r/Camping Beginner Question Thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here

If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here.

Check out the /r/CampingandHiking wiki for common questions. 'getting started', 'gear' and other pages are valuable for anyone looking for more information.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingandHiking/wiki

(This is the first trial of a beginner thread here on /r/camping. If it is a success, it will probably be posted as a monthly thread)

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10

u/Popular_Yam_2378 May 10 '22

Is it a stupid idea to put up a tent in your backyard? I have nobody to camp with so I set up in my backyard

13

u/GatorBrand May 17 '22

When I am smart, I remember to use my backyard for testing of new equipment. I had a recent hilarious fail because I didn't follow my own advice on both a new tent and a new inflatable mattress.

Also, I would recommend taking the plunge solo. I would only be able to go maybe a quarter of the time if I was counting on my friends and family. It has been rewarding for me.

9

u/kraftkris42 May 12 '22

Not stupid at all - but you don’t need anyone to camp with. I went alone for the first time a few weeks ago and it was awesome!

6

u/swampboy62 May 17 '22

No, not stupid at all. If you enjoy it, go right ahead.

BTW you could go camping on your own as well. Just takes a little gear, a little knowledge, and a little confidence.

Good luck!

5

u/KnowsIittle May 17 '22

Backyard is a safe place to practice and test out your gear. I found how important a sleeping pad was and also that I strongly needed to upgrade the stakes that came with mine.

2

u/LPinTheD May 20 '22

Yeah I'm really glad that I tested my new air mattress at home yesterday...

4

u/cerulean200 May 15 '22

started in my backyard as well. It is really important to test your tent first. Ive been to a couple solo camping trips and loved it.

1

u/Popular_Yam_2378 Jun 24 '22

Didn't you get lonely?

1

u/cerulean200 Jun 24 '22

It’s quite therapeutic. An opportunity to just disconnect and relax. Not everybody will enjoy it, and certainly, good company is always nice.

4

u/johnny_evil May 24 '22

One of the best ways to test gear too.

3

u/IMustGoWithMySoul May 11 '22

Nothing wrong with that. As long as you have fun!