ultralight

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Overnight backcountry backpacking/hiking in the spirit of taking less and doing more. Ask yourself: do I really need that?

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founded 1 year ago

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Logbook Oct 2023. Stop by, say hi! 👋 (self.ultralight)

submitted 1 year ago by miles to c/ultralight

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A friendly place for casual discussion that doesn’t warrant a post. What’s going on?

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[–] dabu 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thank you. I wasn't expecting such a long a detailed response, I really appreciate it.

I am from Poland and there is a program called "sleep in the woods". There is a map of forests in which you may camp without a permit. Most of them don't officially allow fires (it says the place needs be designated for fireplace). Do you think that is a problem? Do you recommend skipping lighting a fire entirely or to search for a legal place? Or maybe just do it quietly.

I don't have a tent yet but I own a nice hammock. I love it, it's a staple during my trekks and hikes to rest a little bit it a nice view. What do you think about it instead of sleeping in a tent for a first-timer? I know it needs additional insulation.

I waa thinking of staying in a forest near the road for my first night. There's a very nice area of birch wood. If anything goes wrong I could get into my car in half an hour. Does that sound good enough?

Lots of good advice here. I really feel I know how to start now. I will sleep solo so maybe that's why I'm more afraid (unfortunately I don't know other interested in such activities). I will make a checklist out of your post and get back to you if you want in couple of weeks.

[–] Linus_Torvalds 2 points 1 year ago

You are welcome :)

The sleep in the woods thingy sounds good. I would not light a fire, except if there is a firepit and you can easily control it. Bush fires are no joke. Again, my recommendation is to find a place where it is legal to light a fire, but you can do without. It's just more fun (to me).

Here is an interactive map that shows all firepits in Poland (generated from OSM). Some might be at campsites, but some are in the wilds as well.

I must confess that I never slept in a hammock outdoors, so I can't give suuuper good advice on that. A friend of mine is always putting her sleeping mat in the hammock, and sleeps in a sleeping bag on it. There are special underquilts for hammocks, but that is pricy. Be aware that if you have no mosquito net, there is nothing that protects you from them. I don't know whether they are a problem in Poland, but just saying. Same goes for tarp. If you have no tarp, you have 0 rain protection, so you must be sure that there won't be rain.

Some people like the 'laying under stars, so close to nature' thing, others feel more exposed and safer in a tent. Ultimately, only you can tell. A hammock can be very fine.

The birch forest near the road sounds great! Close to your car is a good idea.

You don't have to, but I would be interested in your updates (especially if you do sleep outside)!