They both have their place. I once camped deep into the wilderness solo inside a redwood tree hollowed out by fire. I was awakened by wild boars running all around the tree. Quite a night. Scary as that was wilderness camping was the most rejuvenating awe filled experiences of my life.
Thanks for sharing, Peter. As another solo camper, I totally agree with all your thoughts. For me, I have some key 'go-to' things, including 1) don't cook where i sleep 2) keep a 'smelly' pannier separate from anything coming into my tent 3) pay attention to my surroundings (for people and animals) 4) trust my gut 5) stop before I'm really tired. I really enjoy the solitude of camping solo, and there are so many amazing places close by to hone your camping skills. Thanks for the video.
When I was backpacking out in New Mexico, we were told in no uncertain terms not to wear deodorant/anti-perspirant because it attracted grizzly bears. Further, we were told that human body odor is a natural deterrent to wild animals, predatory or otherwise, and we should lean into that. Dry yourself off when you get to camp after a ride or hike so you don't chafe or freeze, but don't be afraid to stink it up out there. The animals want nothing to do with this strange, unfamiliar smell that they know is some kind of animal but isn't an animal they're accustomed to eating.
I've been staying in public, and the occasional private campground to abate my fear of being alone and vulnerable. My best 2 nights of late, though, was all alone in Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico, a year and a half ago. It was the best! Park personnel weren't far away.
I've had 2 unsettling experiences wild camping (with humans) and it has shied me away from it. Give me a campground with similar people and conveniences.
Great topic and video. I pitch my tent next to the picnic table (for convenience), but great point about not eating where you are sleep. The sound of people walking on gravel, then going through unpacked items woke me once. I bolted from my tent (cussing loudly) to confront the perps. Turned out to be Racoons, carting away unopened food I left out. I've used wooden food box provided, to find door unlatched next morning. Now if I hear noise I stay in my tent. If critter's big enough to kill me I'd rather not see it coming. Organized campgrounds for the table and pit toilet. My America The Beautiful Senior Pass saves me 50% off the fee in NFS sites I've used.
Raccoons are tricky and can do a lot with their paws. Probably the biggest pest camping and common in the urban environment around here. The American the Beautiful pass is a good deal, only US citizens and permanent residents get the discounts. I had to pay full price for mine. But the good thing is that it's annual, so the pass I bought in September 2024 is good until September 30 of 2025.
@@RetiredAdventureRider If you stay at a campsite where you put your fee in a drop box, the envelope may ask for a senior pass code (from the back of your card). A camp host, and later online verified as 50% off. If your annual non resident card has a code on the back give it a try.
I prefer camping alone and out in the remote bush. I have had several bear encounters in my northern travels. Had interesting bear encounters in my camps on the trans tiaga (shredded tent)and another one on the north canol road last year to name a couple. In the end, I feel safer out there in the bush than in city of the world. My biggest fears are of people. The real reason I pack bear spray 😊. Cheers, ~ GrizzLee
I like the chair. My bivouac kit does not have a chair yet. All the ones I’ve seen were too bulky to go on the bike anywhere when the rest of it was loaded. Always feels like I’m over packing, so the chair doesn’t go.
I just started using a chair this year. Where I live, there are always logs to sit on if there's no picnic bench, but I found in the desert everything is covered in dust and there's nowhere to sit or put your stuff. The chair really came in handy, and it's more comfortable than a picnic bench. It's a little bulky, but I can live with it.
Point taken. But I've done both, and it feels the same when you are alone in the dark. The difference is how much time it's going to take to get back to civilization.
Big Foot, Aliens, escaped con's, bears, mtn lions, even ex-girlfriends, or maybe just a dead battery? It's all apart of the allure. I'd rather take my chances and enjoy mother nature where I know my place in this world. I do sleep better with a 40 cal.
Do you like to camp alone? Which feels better, an organized campground or out in the wilderness? Leave a comment on solo camping.
They both have their place. I once camped deep into the wilderness solo inside a redwood tree hollowed out by fire. I was awakened by wild boars running all around the tree. Quite a night. Scary as that was wilderness camping was the most rejuvenating awe filled experiences of my life.
I prefer to ride/camp with friends. I’ve don’t the solo thing, but hanging around the camp fire with friends just can’t be beat.
Thanks for sharing, Peter. As another solo camper, I totally agree with all your thoughts. For me, I have some key 'go-to' things, including 1) don't cook where i sleep 2) keep a 'smelly' pannier separate from anything coming into my tent 3) pay attention to my surroundings (for people and animals) 4) trust my gut 5) stop before I'm really tired. I really enjoy the solitude of camping solo, and there are so many amazing places close by to hone your camping skills. Thanks for the video.
When I was backpacking out in New Mexico, we were told in no uncertain terms not to wear deodorant/anti-perspirant because it attracted grizzly bears. Further, we were told that human body odor is a natural deterrent to wild animals, predatory or otherwise, and we should lean into that. Dry yourself off when you get to camp after a ride or hike so you don't chafe or freeze, but don't be afraid to stink it up out there. The animals want nothing to do with this strange, unfamiliar smell that they know is some kind of animal but isn't an animal they're accustomed to eating.
The only grizzlies anywhere close to New Mexico are in zoos.
I have to start doing that.
Thank you for sharing your experience 🍻
I've been staying in public, and the occasional private campground to abate my fear of being alone and vulnerable. My best 2 nights of late, though, was all alone in Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico, a year and a half ago. It was the best! Park personnel weren't far away.
The more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel. Way to go!
I've had 2 unsettling experiences wild camping (with humans) and it has shied me away from it. Give me a campground with similar people and conveniences.
Great topic and video. I pitch my tent next to the picnic table (for convenience), but great point about not eating where you are sleep. The sound of people walking on gravel, then going through unpacked items woke me once. I bolted from my tent (cussing loudly) to confront the perps. Turned out to be Racoons, carting away unopened food I left out. I've used wooden food box provided, to find door unlatched next morning. Now if I hear noise I stay in my tent. If critter's big enough to kill me I'd rather not see it coming. Organized campgrounds for the table and pit toilet. My America The Beautiful Senior Pass saves me 50% off the fee in NFS sites I've used.
Raccoons are tricky and can do a lot with their paws. Probably the biggest pest camping and common in the urban environment around here. The American the Beautiful pass is a good deal, only US citizens and permanent residents get the discounts. I had to pay full price for mine. But the good thing is that it's annual, so the pass I bought in September 2024 is good until September 30 of 2025.
@@RetiredAdventureRider If you stay at a campsite where you put your fee in a drop box, the envelope may ask for a senior pass code (from the back of your card). A camp host, and later online verified as 50% off. If your annual non resident card has a code on the back give it a try.
I prefer camping alone and out in the remote bush. I have had several bear encounters in my northern travels. Had interesting bear encounters in my camps on the trans tiaga (shredded tent)and another one on the north canol road last year to name a couple. In the end, I feel safer out there in the bush than in city of the world. My biggest fears are of people. The real reason I pack bear spray 😊. Cheers, ~ GrizzLee
Looking to start soon!
I like the chair. My bivouac kit does not have a chair yet. All the ones I’ve seen were too bulky to go on the bike anywhere when the rest of it was loaded. Always feels like I’m over packing, so the chair doesn’t go.
I just started using a chair this year. Where I live, there are always logs to sit on if there's no picnic bench, but I found in the desert everything is covered in dust and there's nowhere to sit or put your stuff. The chair really came in handy, and it's more comfortable than a picnic bench. It's a little bulky, but I can live with it.
On my 2nd chair. 1st one was too low for this fat senior to get out of. 20" height is best.
Camping with a motorcycle is not wilderness camping. It's just camping. Wilderness means you're at least a mile from any road.
Point taken. But I've done both, and it feels the same when you are alone in the dark. The difference is how much time it's going to take to get back to civilization.
Wilderness means out of cell range.
@@Roybatty066 Only to modern unaware suckers.
Big Foot, Aliens, escaped con's, bears, mtn lions, even ex-girlfriends, or maybe just a dead battery? It's all apart of the allure. I'd rather take my chances and enjoy mother nature where I know my place in this world. I do sleep better with a 40 cal.