I'm a college student, and I have a summer job, and it's far enough from home that I can't commute. I've set myself up with a 9x9 canvas tent in a field off a road in Maine.
I live close enough to the place I work that I can shower and use the facilities here. I also have internet, which allows me to keep in tough with family and friends. There is an ice machine here, and I can get free ice to keep my cooler cold. I am about 45 miles from reliable gas, cell signal, and about 25 miles from small markets.
My other gear includes
-Surefire E2DL flashlight
-Black Diamond headlamp (headlamps are invaluable when you're in the woods. Being able to use 2 hands while cooking or doing other chores is great)
-ESEE 3 knife. This is my lifeline. It's great for cutting things, clearing small brush, opening packages, the list goes on.
-Glock 19. My carry gun when I'm out and my 'nightstand' gun. Loaded with 147gr Gold Dots
-12 gauge Remington 870 with Surefire mounted. My long gun for anything the Glock wouldn't be able to handle. Spends most of its time in my car.
-Coleman white gas stove. Works well for cooking whatever I need, fuel isn't too expensive, and it's very reliable.
-Cot to keep me off the ground. I use a sleeping bag on the cot.
-All season carpet in the tent. This keeps wear off the tent floor and lets me feel a little more at home. I also have a small table and some shelving for every day items.
I've been living in the tent for about a month so far, and have already learned more than I expected about living out of a tent.
Some observations:
-Metal things rust easily. My 870 is parkerized, and I keep it coated in CLP, but some light rust managed to form in a few areas, especially where the parkerizing had worn thin. Knives are the same way, especially my ESEE, which has high carbon steel. Keep everything oiled!
-Raccoons are a lot more clever than one might think. Keep your food secured and take care of trash.
-The "hey I'm living in a tent this is cool" feeling lasted about 2 weeks. After that I started to miss some creature comforts of home. A small radio or iPod helps to boost morale, and keeping a journal and taking pictures is a good way to really reflect on how you're thinking. Books are great, too.
-Clean clothes and warm food are also a great morale booster. Even basic foods can really help bring the mood up.
-Paracord really does have a million uses. Get as much as you think, then double that. I can't begin to name how many times it's come in handy.
Any questions about what I'm doing or suggestions for things I could add?
I live close enough to the place I work that I can shower and use the facilities here. I also have internet, which allows me to keep in tough with family and friends. There is an ice machine here, and I can get free ice to keep my cooler cold. I am about 45 miles from reliable gas, cell signal, and about 25 miles from small markets.
My other gear includes
-Surefire E2DL flashlight
-Black Diamond headlamp (headlamps are invaluable when you're in the woods. Being able to use 2 hands while cooking or doing other chores is great)
-ESEE 3 knife. This is my lifeline. It's great for cutting things, clearing small brush, opening packages, the list goes on.
-Glock 19. My carry gun when I'm out and my 'nightstand' gun. Loaded with 147gr Gold Dots
-12 gauge Remington 870 with Surefire mounted. My long gun for anything the Glock wouldn't be able to handle. Spends most of its time in my car.
-Coleman white gas stove. Works well for cooking whatever I need, fuel isn't too expensive, and it's very reliable.
-Cot to keep me off the ground. I use a sleeping bag on the cot.
-All season carpet in the tent. This keeps wear off the tent floor and lets me feel a little more at home. I also have a small table and some shelving for every day items.
I've been living in the tent for about a month so far, and have already learned more than I expected about living out of a tent.
Some observations:
-Metal things rust easily. My 870 is parkerized, and I keep it coated in CLP, but some light rust managed to form in a few areas, especially where the parkerizing had worn thin. Knives are the same way, especially my ESEE, which has high carbon steel. Keep everything oiled!
-Raccoons are a lot more clever than one might think. Keep your food secured and take care of trash.
-The "hey I'm living in a tent this is cool" feeling lasted about 2 weeks. After that I started to miss some creature comforts of home. A small radio or iPod helps to boost morale, and keeping a journal and taking pictures is a good way to really reflect on how you're thinking. Books are great, too.
-Clean clothes and warm food are also a great morale booster. Even basic foods can really help bring the mood up.
-Paracord really does have a million uses. Get as much as you think, then double that. I can't begin to name how many times it's come in handy.
Any questions about what I'm doing or suggestions for things I could add?
