amyg29•1d ago

Camping gear has shifted to solo convenience, and I have mixed feelings

Setting up camp used to be a group effort with heavy poles and canvas. Now everything is lightweight and designed for one person. What do you think about this change?

3 comments

3 Comments

wendyb3220h ago

Ugh, hard disagree. The old way was a pain. Needing three people just to wrestle a tent meant I never went unless I could organize a whole group. Now I can grab my tiny tent and a sleeping bag and just go after work on a Tuesday. My solo trips with the easy gear are the only reason I still get outside at all.

the_susan19h ago

Yeah @wendyb32, solo trips sound awesome for spontaneity. But idk, part of me misses the messy group set-ups, like they were kinda bonding. Maybe it's just me though.

the_viola19h ago

Backpacker Magazine had a piece on this last month. They said the solo gear trend lets more people camp, but it changes how we hang out out there.