Written in a tent after 4 months sleeping in a tent. For many, camping out is a wonderful experience where life can be simple, you are mobile and you are closer to nature.
However in highly populated areas, there are designated spots for camping, often involving fees ... then there is wild or free camping.
Free-camping gets a bad rep when people don't take their rubbish, just saying ...
If you decide to camp out for any length of time in a more urban setting, i hope that you benefit from this post.
We all know that you cant judge a book by it’s cover … after all, when you’re urban camping you could be almost anything not less having a place to stay out of the rain :
nature enthusiast
practising camping for upcoming hike
monk on hoiday
eco-worrier
tent reviewer
writing an article about homelessness and currently studying.
... now on to …
GENERAL TIPS !
Choose a spot that has little foot traffic – be camouflaged but not seen to be actively hiding. It’s a fine balance to find, no spot will be perfect just make your best bet.
Have multiple, clear exit paths and also exit strategy/s for situations when confronted.
Worst aggressors will be drug abusers, packs of 9yo and teenage boys.
Learn to understand why they’re being aggressive in a developmental and socio-political way. For obvious reasons, weekend nights will be the worst.
Don’t leave anything (including the tent) that you aren’t prepared to lose. You have to know that one day your tent may be destroyed and / or your belongings taken or trashed. Have a backup plan for a night elsewhere and prepare to give up or enough money to get a new tent, mat, sleeping bag and find a better spot.
OUTSIDE THE TENT
Don’t leave litter, show that you are considerate to the environment. No one respects an untidy camper.
Consider signs and symbols to perhaps show that you understand some of the local culture and are convivial ie. not hostile. In religious areas you can perhaps try an impression of the common sign.
INSIDE THE FIRST LAYER
Have gifts such as soft drinks or flavoured water for the curious. Maybe have there a more personalised note. Consider offering your phone number but expect random and hoax callers ... who knows you may start a random ‘pen pal’ relationship with somone anonymous.
INSIDE THE TENT
Leave your essentials – mat and sleeping bag in neat order. Tidy camper, house tidy. Maybe a book that shows you're a reader.
CONDUCT
Don’t imbibe in mind-altering substances including legal highs, it will not be for the best on a number of levels, because you are open at all times for contact and a clear head is needed.
At some point you are likely to encounter another person who may not have good intentions.
If approached consider the following conduct ~
Remain still and silent … people even if shouting out to your tent will often pass by. You cannot reply shout to someone shouting to you, it will not be heard or will be muffled.
If someone approaches within talking range ready yourself for contact.
Have some kind of defence ready – lemon juice bottle, hand weapon.
If they ask a question or say something to you then you need to respond – have your responses ready ...
Remain calm.
They are in position of power so let them know that if necessary, in the normal course of discussion.
If person is aggressive ask them what is their problem, invite discussion.
Tell them that you are not homeless and state your reason for being there.
If there is a demand to come out of the tent, ask why. Perhaps tell them your name and that you will come out and do not want ‘bad vibes'.
If the aggression continues, prepare for departure.
Whether you have conversation or if the aggression continues, you can open the tent. You know your exit path options so be ready to go.
Be sure to show both of your hands so they can see you are not a threat.
Begin a meeting conversation, you both maybe have things to share and learn.
FAREWELL bon journie ...
Take care, be safe , enjoy the camp life – leaving no trace but maybe some citrus fruit, and even the whole camp for someone else to make use of in a pinch.FRUGAL LIVING