I work as a Mental Health Counselor in the northeast USA. Found your channel a year or so ago. Every episode of yours brings me a smile. Not sure you intended for this result but it works for me. I camp. I hike. Even when I am having “a day” like the one I’m having today - your videos are a pleasure to watch. I won’t have time to watch this during the workday, so I’m looking forward to watching the rest of this later. Take care n keep on doing what you’re doing.

@grumpy-dad3701

5 ай бұрын

Wild camping and being outside is really beneficial to mental health.

@life-outdoors

5 ай бұрын

A great video that I agree with most and can disagree with lots, even those points I agree with. I love the sound of canvas, far better than syl nylon and polyester. I've wild camped for nearly 30 years, in my mind 50's and I still get anxious on the drive somewhere, especially winter when I don't know where I'm camping. I'm okay once I set off hiking, I know I'll find somewhere. I almost always sleep effectively 2 nights sleep in one when outside. 10 hours sleep instead of 5. Wild camping keeps me alive. If in doubt, do it, but leave no trace

@jowoods8009

5 ай бұрын

These videos help so many in different ways. 😊

I cant believe you did such an in-depth and informative talk/video on beginning wild camping and not mention the obligatory selection of craft beers that have to be arranged in front of any tent entrance...Its shoddy Paul, Shoddy!!!

Imagine a future technology when you won't need to carry a tent. You just go to where you fancy pitching up, pull out a sort of mini light sabre, wave it once over your head phzzzzzuzzz.....and an invisible tent cloaks over you. You can see out all around you, but no one can see in. 😂

Beginner wild camper, I did 6 last year, I've finally got all the gear I will need, after collecting bits and upgrading tents, sleeping bags & mats along the way, learning, I like the solitude, I usually get to my location by mountain bike

@JoeZUGOOLA

5 ай бұрын

I think I the gear hording never ends!.. (best bit)😅

@ZakkyB

4 ай бұрын

What gear have you ended up with?

I'm almost 50, have 2 small boys and a busy life (and wife). Living in Manchester, the Peak District is Pis@ing distance - a bit like you :). I did a lot of wild camping as a young man - first experience was on the Cumbria Way when I was 15 with my dad and brother, and I'll never forget the silence and joy. Did the Pennine way, and Pyrenees High level route when I was 20 or so. I haven't been wild camping since my early 20's, and without thinking about it, assumed I'd never do this again, but your channel has inspired me to try it again.... Thanks :)

@babcockandbobbins

5 ай бұрын

I was the same Paul, did the Pennine Way when I was 19 then family and work and everything else happens, i'm 53 now and although i kept hiking I always remember the thin foam pads of my youth and didnt think id be able to camp again with my bad back. But the tech now is amazing and ive been out camping again for the last 4 or 5 years and loving it - the inflatable mattresses changed everything for me.

@paulcowham2095

5 ай бұрын

@@babcockandbobbins thankyou for some more inspiration, bests and maybe see you out on the hill ;)

A lot of spot on information given in a comfortable, relaxing way. Too many KZreadrs give a “do it my way” tutorial.

I'm absolutely chuffed you've just started doing videos of stuff you enjoy doing again mate after the bit of soul searching you did while back! Love sticking your vids on of an evening to wind down. Keep doing what you enjoy Paul

My reason for wild camping are mostly economic - I can't afford to stay anywhere else, not even campsites now - I mean they are quite often £20-25+ a night now! As I am unwaged that's a luxury. And also pragmatic - I want to walk long distances, rather than day-hike, so as you say, I have to take a tent so I can do a multi-day hike. I alwaya wanted to do the latter on my longer day hikes, it'd be frustrating to go home on a nice night and have to come back to go further....but the gear used to be a LOT heavier. This is where the more ultralight yet affordable tents really help, and why I have started doing those hikes and filming them on my channel. I'm sure 20-30+ mile hikes are laughable to the hardcore long distance through-hikers, but I am slowly working my way up to longer ones. It's far harder with a heavy pack to do 10-15 miles a day!

Paul, you are a refreshing change from all the depressing stuff in the media at the moment. Thanks.

I’m in Birmingham UK and used to hike long trails and wild camp, but these days with my MS I can’t walk far or drive, so I use the Nearly Wild Camping Club a lot. My wife drives me to the pitch (I go for a drinking water only pitch) and leaves me overnight or got a few days. I still love the quiet and solitude.

The best Wild Camping information for the UK I have ever seen. So well presented with superb camera work. You covered everything in one go. Probably the first to do it. Even down to the human waste subject which everyone else seems to avoid. An excellent piece of work Paul. Thank You

I’m no beginner Paul but this video is absolutely brilliant oddly enough 😂I enjoyed every minute. Certainly a video that can be recommended to beginners. Well done 🏕️👍🍺

@scotbotvideos

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, it's good. Paul is the British version of The Outdoor Gear Review.

Mr Messner at your finest... inspiring people to get outdoors. Even the more seasoned of your viewers still learn something in every one of your videos. Or we sit on our couch miffed at not getting outdoors ourselves 😂😂

I like these longer videos. More Paul for your click.

It made me smile thinking about what could possibly get you when you are out camping. Several years ago I was camping at a very basic site in Edale, the camp site was huge and it was a quiet time so there was loads of space so it felt like wild camping. I got woken up in the early hours by what felt like something trying to get into the tent, when I came to my senses I thought I had been dreaming or something and it was probably a Big Foot trying to get me 😂🤣😂. Anyway morning after the lady from the farm said don’t leave food hanging around as the badgers will try and get into your tent to get the food. Oh did I laugh to myself. Sure enough early hours I got woken up by the very same thing, it got a punch to its nose through the nylon tent. Next thing I heard a few minutes later was someone shouting so Im assuming it tried it’s luck on another tent instead. Great video Paul and I hope my story gave you a chuckle.

At first try camping at a regular campsite so you’ve got a few creature comforts around you… use your equipment you plan to take to see what works and what doesn’t … then progressively get farther and farther away from those creature comforts until you’re comfortable out in the wild. You’ll make mistakes sure… we all do 😂…. but slowly you’ll get your equipment fine tuned so you can be comfortable in the outdoors and enjoy it whatever nature may throw at you 😄👍👍

@stevenvitali7404

6 ай бұрын

Great advice, my first ever wild camping trip was on the SW coast path, I used to run along it so knew the area

I'm a country mouse who moved to town for work and now can't escape so for me, wild camping saves my sanity when I really want to get out of Dodge. A week with no traffic noise, no people and no stress is wonderful even if the rain doesn't let up the whole time I'm away.

@cheshirehomebrew

Ай бұрын

Aren't there any mad axe murderers around these days,??? Another great video, keep it up.👍

Good video Paul. For me there's a few things I like about it - I like the physical challenge of covering mileage and harsh terrain with a heavy pack. I used to do my walks in 'as the crow flies' to deliberately cross whatever obstacles were in the way, but as I've got older I've got a bit smarter! I like being away from people and electronics and just tuning in to a different rhythm and set of priorities, and I like the time alone. I like the looks on people's faces when I show them a picture or video or somewhere beautiful or some terrible weather conditions and they realise that they don't actually know if they could push out of their day-to-day and do it. Most of all though, I have an inconvenient medical condition that can make things difficult in my everyday life and so I love picking a mountain, not only climbing it but sleeping on it too. It's a way to show myself, my condition and anyone else that I will walk and sleep where I bloody well want because I'm still the boss of my body! Entered your raffle today, fingers crossed.

I want to start wild camping this year and find your videos really inspirational. My main reason is to get peace & quiet and see nice places on my travels. Also will help with fitness a little.

@stevenvitali7404

6 ай бұрын

I started in 2016 at the age of 42, best decision I ever made, the only regret is that I wished I did it earlier but I still have many years of Wild camping left, it’s so good for the body and mind,you feel it when you’re out there in our natural environment

@sliiiimjim

6 ай бұрын

@@stevenvitali7404 I'm 46 and wish I had the idea earlier. I am close to dartmoor and exmoor national parks and think i'll start there, then I would like to try abroad once im a little more competent. I like the idea of Norway and Switzerland, but i'll learn to walk before I run. 😀

Ive always camped for as long as I can remember, I live in the lakes and even in junior school we used to spend most of our trips walking local hills, going orienteering, canoeing, and bivouacing. Me and friends would camp out ar weekends and fo swimming in Ennerdale water. So ive just carried on doing what ive always done (45 now) sometimes with friends or my kids, mostly solo. If you arnt familiar with wild camping or camping at all I think the best place to start is your garden if you have one, that or a local camping ground, this will give you an idea if youll like it or not and also id suggest doing a few nights in bad weather to test your kit. Its better to test it in your garden or a camp ground and see ifnits up to the task rathar than on an hillside. Best advice of all is to enjoy yourself.

Hi Paul love your videos so inspiring, I stumbled upon your videos when researching for a tent for Glastonbury, I’m 73 and haven’t been camping for years, your videos have reignited my camping bug, the outdoors is where I belong Thank you keep the videos coming

For me, it's getting out in nature. Doesn't have to be in the wild, just as long as it's outside. The wilder the better of course. But here in Texas, we do have our share of wildlife to worry about. We've got wild pigs, cougars, bobcats, bears, coyotes, tarantulas, scorpions, 4 types of venomous snakes, and the two worst of all, mosquitoes and fire ants. 😊 And all the others aren't half as bad as the last two. But once you realize you aren't that likely to come across the really dangerous wildlife, camping out is a real pleasure that takes me out of my head and gets me centered again. Something I'd add to what Paul was saying about getting started, is that always look around your living space. You might surprise yourself at what you might have that you can use to go backpacking/camping with. You can also go online and look up any of the DIY websites that will help you create your own gear. Also, never forget that there is FB marketplace, online used gear sites, Ebay, thrift stores, etc. where you can find fairly decent fear for reasonable rates. And there's nothing wrong with military surplus except that it tends to be heavy. But for getting started you can't really go wrong with it. Just know that the most important parts of your setup are your pack, shelter, sleeping gear, and footwear. Especially the footgear. Let's face it, you may have the lightest, greatest, most useful gear on the planet, but if your footwear consistently gives you blisters, you're going to come home, sell everything and never go again. And for the sake of all that's holy, don't obsess about how much it all weighs right off the bat. If you can afford some bit of "ultralight" kit, then get it if you think you're going to use it, but don't obsess over the weight of each item, and drive yourself crazy trying to get the lightest weight items you can. What'll happen then is, you'll wind up buying all this gear, going broke, and never going camping.

@Accurize2

Ай бұрын

Well…when you do go broke and lose your house, then you can go camping every night! I’m an eternal optimist.

I loved this, Paul, thanks. It was enjoyable identifying with you eg starting out with heavy ex-Army gear, and then trying out cheap options until settling on kit that works. I learned some things as well such as what geodesic means in practice. Most of all, you made my madness normal like trying loads of different stoves! I’m grateful to you for the time and effort you put in to carry recording gear plus batteries, power banks, tripods etc so we can listen, learn and enjoy that sense of belonging to being ‘outsiders’. You’re a gem! 🙏

Hi Paul Watch your channel for a long time now. It’s great to see that you still encourage new people to get outside and enjoy the countryside. You’re a great inspiration, been walking for for years. Austria, Nepal etc. But I have never wild camp, which I will do this year. Thank you for all your information. Great channel. 👍

Another great film Paul..pretty sure you managed to answer every possible question there, including the call of nature one we all must have asked ourselves. Thanks for all the hard work you put into these videos.

This literally has to be one of my favourite videos of yours. I love the fact that you describe your journey from the beginning to now, with the lessons leaned along the way, fantastic video!

I’m sat here watching thinking how similar our videos are a day apart 😂 think I touched on the exact same subjects…must be that place working its connective magic ✨ great vid Paul, a real pleasure to watch thank you…ps I’m still a baby wild camper but I’m definitely starting to get a routine and know what I like and what I don’t. BW, Sarah

@jwwardward1670

5 ай бұрын

Sarah we were all baby wild campers at one time ,just learn and most importantly enjoy

My reason is to hike and enjoy what’s around me and the adventure of pitching a tent in the great outdoors.

Paul, you do a great job at getting people motivated to go wild camping. Camping allows me to get out and to appreciate all that nature has to offer. My first camping items were military and now I am almost ultralight and broke. Thanks for a great video.

Most informative video so far really enjoyed watching it, cheers Paul keep up the good work much appreciated. 👍

Love that tent. Definitely getting one for my summer motorbike trips. Great chat, thanks as always

Fantastic video Paul answered MANY of the questions I'm asking myself right now - started getting kit together almost by accident and now am 99% ready to take my first steps(camp) but still pretty nervous. Thanks for your valuable input.

I haven't properly started yet, I'm still testing gear but a huge thank you for this video, like you my love of camping came from bush craft, then i saw stealth camping and thought it looked amazing, i can't wait to atart wild camping with my dog. I do it for mental health, it really helps put my anxiety and depression in perspective, getting out and being in nature is great, i love the solitude (although I'm never without my dog) but also the interaction with people as well, it does reset your mind, thank you so much for helping people get into this brilliant hobby, and as long as people respect the land and leave no trace, i can't see anything bad happening to uk wild camping.

I watched this very very helpful video over days as my home is a tad busy /hectic and I really wanted to take on board what you were saying . Was so very very worthy . Could not really have helped more . Thankyou 👍

I've a sub for a long time and rarely post, but this has been (for me at least) the most heads up on wild camping, great vid ! :)

Cracking content you've shared here Paul. That's answered many questions I had and give me the confidence to take my 1st steps into buying with a more informed idea about what I'll need.

Loved this video. I can sympathise with the "Cabin Fever". Nothing better than getting out in the quiet.

Thanks very much Paul. Great points discussed about responsible camping, and leaving no trace. Very helpful and sensible advice about not having to spend loads of money on gear too. All the best.

That was quite a nice video, Paul. Thanks for having us along.

Another wonderful video Mr M. loads of what tarin can only assume is great advice.

Im starting out this year. So far im struggling to fit my gear in my bag. I know you've done a video on that already. I'll keep watching and practising. Your tip about compressing things in drysacks has been invaluable. Just need to get out there now!

Thanks, Paul, great channel, very informative and inspiring. Thanks for your down to earth honesty and guidance. I am really enjoying learning from you. Wild camping for me is all about escaping from the noise of everyday life and people, challenging myself, and humbling myself by not having my creature comforts and just being in nature. It also reminds me of the things that are important and the things that really aren't! Thanks again. 👍

Nice information , love the long talks you do even though i consider myself experienced , Its always good to view the new gadgets. Really looking forward to getting out this summer.

Instead of shrinking the bag before putting it in your rucksack, do it inside the rucksack and it will fit perfectly as you mould it.

Over in Scotland, wild camping is permitted anywhere thanks to right-to-roam laws. Go Scots! In the US, wild camping usually needs to be stealthy when the local law enforcement is over-eager. There are few campgrounds near me. For the few there are, the cost can be high and the reservation process is unnecessarily complicated. For me, wild camping means canoeing out to some delta or river islands where you are out of the reach of the long arm of the law. As long as my fires are small and hidden, and I use low-profile tents, no one need know where I am. Few things as peaceful as staring out at the stars with a fire and a beer.

Nature's beauty at its finest - snow-covered landscapes are breathtaking

Love your videos Paul! They always cheer me up, thank you!

Intresting video paul great work, all the best to you and Jo.

Recently found your channel and have found it very interesting. Both my kids have camper since babies and we enjoy camping as a whole family and your channel has given us all food for thought with future adventures. Keep up the good work and never let the buggers grind you down

I did not know it was called wild camping and looked at as a hobby. In Norway most people go camping when they grow up, some like it and some doesent. For me fishing has always helped me mentaly. And having a tent just makes the experience even better. Long away from roads, stress, people and civilization. I only have minimal food with me as a backup incase i dont Get any fish to eat☺️ there’s just something special about cooking your’e own fish in the wild by the tent🥰

Very informative video Paul. I bought my camping gear last year so I'm prepped to go out this year for the first time. You hit on all my fears such as getting busted and having to walk off camp at 1.00 in the morning. I'm going to knock on a few farmers doors just to get some experience and enjoy the camp instead of shitting my self of getting busted 😂 I'll be rewatching this video as it was so informative, thank you 👍

Great video! You just touched on the mental health benefits of camping which can never be underestimated. It’s why I camp off grid. Keep up the great work 😊

Great vid for starting out Paul.... Its that spot again.. We'll have to arrange a group chat there one day. ATB

Thanks Paul. I’ve been to Beehive Bushcraft a few times now and love it there. It’s a great place for newbies or wanting to experiment with new kit. 😊

This is my second time viewing your videos and found it interesting in the use of the air-sealer bags for storage of sleeping bags, for me it’s a simple and smart solution. From Tampa, Florida, USA.

Another great video, I've just got my equipment after a lot of research & doing my 1st wild camp(canal towpath) next wk. thanks for all your hints & tips 🙂

Hi Paul you're right about cabin fever been stuck in for weeks with crappie weather and not having the get up and go to get out and about it plays on the mind but for your missus to say get out is good you've got a good un there pal my missus tells me to get out either to hike or get out on the bike keep up the good work mate 👍

Doing my first wild camp this weekend 3 days! Iv camped before over night but not for 3 straight nights. I'm excited

Enjoyed. I speed thru most of my subscribed youtube videos. Not yours, Paul. Love that single wall Nortent. Would not lose sleep worrying on a stormy night. A bit heavy, but I'm past the days of 10 mile treks anyway.

Brilliant video best I've seen you do,very indepth,great commentary, really like your interesting places you know about, like you say there's quite a lot of people doing it, looking forward to seeing your next video, keep em coming o in

Great advice Paul, Thank you.

Good one again fellow Mackem. Talked sense well said fella.

A brilliant video paul nailed it ...a great inspiration as ever marra cheers Paul all the best 👍 ⛰️🏕

Great video Paul, keep us updated on that nemo tensor, I'm considering one also👍

.. For the new hiker/camper ,, if you listened to Paul , the next step is make your list and get out of the door .... Excellent info for anyone ... Stay Safe Paul ..

Great storyline Paul. On the tent, wonder how that compares with say the TN Southern cross 2. Keep enjoying your spot.

Something I've learned about wild camping is people do it for vastly different reasons. Some enjoy the escape. Some like to test themselves to the limit. Some like trialling new gear. I enjoy the battle against the elements. How to get into it really depends on what your goals are. It's worth mentioning that a lot of regular campsites are actually quite 'wild', especially off season.

Great video Paul! My fav pad is the Big Agnes Rapide SL, try it out. Sleeps like a baby in the wild!

Fantastic video Paul - Keep up the great work. Much love and all the best on your next adventure.

Wild camping is anywhere out of a back yard. Even in a woods next to an estate is wild camping. You are with nature not in a flat field with showers. I camped a lot as a kid, now im getting back to it. Its too busy on sites and i prefere my own company and peace, so ill look to areas away from civilisation. But usually if you head out late and leave early and be quiet im usually fine. I just need to be in nature and im only just starting to get into bush raft and foraging because one day i want to live like this, at the moment i live in a van on a field so im halfway their. Love your channel and how you show your gear by the way

Back when I started hiking and wild camping I got all my gear 2nd hand. Thrift stores, online from people who were selling their old crap or just going to the... waste facility? Dunno, a place where people throw out their junk. Found some things there too I could use such as a kettle, cups, a plate and water bottle. Made my own alcohol stove and wind shield by following directions I found online. All I want to say by all this is that even though you don't have £200 to spend on a tent, but still want to go wild camping, you can, quite easily, save quite a bit of money if you're not afraid to "get dirty".

Top vid Paul as usual, keep them coming 👍

My wild camping days are over, age and infirmity has seen to that, I just can't carry over the terrain like I used to be able to. I now camp old school with a camp bed and a wood stove, closer to glamping, but why not? I had a great backpacking tent back in the day though that served me very well, really low profile, and the best thing of all is that it cost me £3 from a charity shop! Aren't charity shops are brilliant (shades of the fast show there) 100 ltr army bergens be damned, I got a golf trolley the other day with a mind to using it to drag my kit into the woods, so who knows I might not be totally past it yet.

Great advice Paul. I will still be living my camping through you 😂

Speedster backpacking stoves. Makes custom folding windshields and little spill proof alcohol stoves, etc. I got his trangia 27 pot conversion kits. Banging bit of kit tbf

Thanks Paul for doing this video , its been a massive help , i plan to start wild camping and hiking this year , just to get out and enjoy nature , plus i plan to take my teenage son and get him away from technology , thanks for all your hints and tips , my biggest fear is getting lost , not being able to map read , Yet i add i do intend to learn , because i know gps isnt always reliable , we have kit just for summer camps at the minute just to see how we get on , and hopefully with experience we will be a bit more adventurous

For me there are many hugely enjoyable things about wild camping which I`m lucky enough and old enough to have experienced since the 1970`s. My own magical moment is when I get between my down quilts, have a sip of hot tea laced with a dash of brandy and hear nothing other than nature and my own deep sigh of satisfaction. Whether its birdsong, wind, rain, hail, whatever, I`m equally happy with nature`s serenade.

Great video. Really informative. I have been wild camping for 4 years now and can fully agree with everything you said. Remember…. You will nearly always forget something. So long as it’s not your shelter you should fine on an overnighter ;-)

I got into wild camping through doing mountain marathons, and most of my gear was accumulated through that, and much of it I still have, despite some of it dating from the 1980s! Sadly I'm not as fit as I was then, and that restricts what I can do these days. The most stressful thing about wild camping is often where to leave the car without attracting the wrong sort of attention, or setting off the mountain rescue services and wasting their time. I'm lucky in that I sleep warm, so am happy on an old style foam mat and see a thermarest as luxury. If in doubt wear something in the sleeping bag and put a hat on :)

A fantastic video. Thank you.

Great video and some amazing points You inspired me a long time ago to get out their and I'm dong my best to get some more bits together for more adventures. I have tried to do a youtube but I lost my job and lacking funds to get the rest of the stuff I need. Mainly Video recording equipment and a few other bits of gear too. Hopefully I can get back on it soon.

I'm off to Dartmoor with the kids in summer. I usually go bikepacking and have camped in a glade, under a tree, a farmers Fields.

Excellent video Paul Thanks

I remember in your early videos you using Vange tents poul which I got my selth nice videos thanks

Pure inspiration . Messner should be made available on prescription .

Awesome longer vid 👍❤from Michigan 🇺🇸

Great video and good advice Paul 👍

Kudos for referencing the bushcraft legend that is MCQ Bushcraft. Such a loss that MIke gave up the activity.

I like your take on what is wild camping I think your right it’s what you make it , I say that like an expert even though as of yet I’ve never been , I’m going to start hopefully in March , I first watched you when I was looking for a light weight tent and watched loads of reviews on the Bobcat. Are you going to do a field review any time soon ? I did buy one but would still like your views on it .

Hi Paul brilliant videos keep it up . Have you looked at the ridgemonkey headtorch and the ridgemonkey bivvy lite vault bivvy light brilliant bits of kit south usb charging cheers mucka

Each to their own, as you said Paul. For me it's just a way to flush my brain out. I fuckin' HATE my life (as a lot of us do), but when I'm hiking and camping that goes away. I am a "walk till you drop" guy though. Pitch an hour before sunrise and smash your tea. I just love listening to owls in the middle of the night, after a long walk. Totally with you on the woodland camping 🤟

Thanks Paul

Enjoyed this video, good stuff. Perhaps a video on budget tents for us noobs?

As a side sleeper I can highly recommend the sea to summit ether light extreme. Might be a big chunk but so comfy and warm. Human waste is becoming an issue too as many people don't carry that out with them

My first bacjpack was also a British Army Bergen! The Other Arms pack, with the daypack side pockets, I had the daypack straps as well - can carry something crazy like 100-120L. Still have it, it's rather battered though. I then got a free second hand Berghaus, which failed spectacularly mid-trip, the bolt was lost off the internal frame! Then a Coyote Kelty 80 - which is a brilliant if heavy pack, so comfortable...and most recently the Osprey Rook 65L which tbh I am still not sure about...it doesn't seem as comfortable as these others.

In Belgium there are bivakzones. They are free and small and usually middle in the forest. Perfect for ppl who wanna try legally.

New subscriber👍 thankyou very helpful and informative. 👌

Really good video. Thanks.

Enjoyed the video Paul, What size are the vacuum sealed clothes bags used in the video to store the sleeping bag?

Also went into forests mainly as a teen, with the seemingly obligatory 'Ridiculous weight' backpack. Heavy-duty cotton shirt for-sitting-by-the-fire, military dumpstore army boots and poncho. Relatively short walks, stationary camps when bushcrafting a shelter with some branches and some plastic. 'Close-to-torched' hamburgers, boiling-beans-in-tomato-sauce and a six pack of beer, sleeping on a ridiculous 1cm foam mat. Great times. Later on, I started doing longer/long distance hikes and also started buying more expensive gear. Hopefully folks won't get the idea, you need a €2500 gear-list to have a great 'outdoor' experience. Only after some decades of hiking (and also steadily earning a bit more income), I've been able to buy my current (mostly quality brand) gear. And no, a great outdoor experience doesn't need to be a summit overnighter in gale force winds or a week long mountain trail.