Wherever We Land

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it would take to do some serious off-grid camping in a tent with Snatcher. While we both love camping, the idea of going completely off-grid is a different level of adventure. I’m not sure if it’s something I want to dive into yet, but the concept intrigues me enough to want to explore it.

The first thing I know is that off-grid camping would be more demanding than our typical camping trips. We’d have to rely solely on ourselves for everything—water, food, shelter, and any sense of comfort. I’ve always been one for enjoying nature, and I don’t mind roughing it a bit, but how far am I willing to go? That’s the big question. To make an informed decision, I need to figure out what essentials are truly needed to make off-grid camping not only feasible but enjoyable.

Obviously, water is one of the main concerns. I’ve read about water filtration systems and how crucial they are for off-grid camping, but I still need to dive deeper into how they work in various settings. Do I really want to rely on filtering stream water or collecting rainwater while out in the wilderness? And what if we’re in a place where water sources are scarce?

Then there’s food. While cooking over an open fire is something we enjoy, I know that off-grid camping means being prepared for longer stretches. No popping into a store if we forget something! I’ll need to look into ways to store and preserve food without modern conveniences. I’m thinking dehydrated meals, but would that be enough to keep us satisfied over an extended trip?

Energy is another thing that comes to mind. Some off-grid campers use solar panels, which I think is a great sustainable option. But I’m not sure how much energy we’d actually need. Would we be okay just going without it altogether? I know Snatcher loves the idea of being truly disconnected, but I want to make sure I’m not miserable out there. Being off-grid doesn’t have to mean being uncomfortable 24/7, right?

And let’s talk about safety. While I’m not too worried about wildlife (we’ve had our fair share of encounters), being far away from emergency services is a different ballgame. What do we need to ensure we can handle any situation that might come our way? First aid is a must, but is there more that we need to consider?

I’ve realized that off-grid camping isn’t just about packing up and hitting the woods—it requires a mindset shift. The idea of being self-sufficient out in nature is appealing, but it also comes with real challenges. I want to explore all the necessary gear, the knowledge required, and how comfortable I am with leaving behind the conveniences of modern life.

I guess what I’m saying is, I’m not sure yet. Part of me loves the idea of truly getting away with Snatcher, disconnected from the world. But I also need to feel confident that we’d be prepared and safe. So, I’ll be diving into more research, learning what it takes to camp off-grid, and then I’ll decide if this is an adventure I want to embrace or one I’m willing to leave behind for a different kind of outdoor escape.