r/WildernessBackpacking • u/TACBGames • 1d ago
ADVICE Advice on camping trip with father
Hello all!
I’m going on a camping trip soon with my father.
We’ll be spending 8 days camping in an environment very secluded from society with no cell service.
The thing is…this feels very intense to me. Meaning, it’s not a regular trip I’ve ever gone on. It provides a lot of anxiety to step away from life and take on this great challenge.
I know my dad would be fine doing it on his own, but just again, it’s a situation I’m not very well versed in.
I guess I’m looking for advice? To be unplugged from society for that long is just a crazy thought for me. Especially since im connected to technology pretty much all of the time.
3 or 4 days sounds manageable to me, but 8 days is again, intense.
So yeah any advice on how to mentally take on this trip? Thanks in advance
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u/wolfgeist 1d ago
Whatever you end up doing, don't take it for granted. There may be a day where you'd give anything to be there with him again for those 8 days.
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u/MountainLife888 1d ago
Your call. But from what you shared, you're absolutely the person who should do this.
Stepping away from the screens for a bit is nothing but a positive. And your head will be different on Day 8. I'd take advantage of this if I were you. You'll be better for the experience.
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u/Colambler 1d ago
After the first couple of days it will become the new norm.
Bring a kindle/some books/fishing rods/etc to keep yourself entertained if there is downtime planned. Having stuff to do can help if you are feeling antsy.
I do this - with teenagers - for a month at a time. No cellphones, completely disconnected. Everyone loves it tbh
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u/TACBGames 1d ago
A month at a time is insane lol. Good for you for providing that experience to them!
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u/Outside_Signature403 1d ago
You’ll be surprised how much nature keeps your attention once the screen addiction realizes it’s not going to get a fix for a few days. You’ve got this.
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u/AliveAndThenSome 1d ago
My take is that because OP admits that they're screen-addicted, they have completely habitualized/normalized significant screen time as a routine part of their day, like eating or sleeping.
Whether they admit it or not, part of their anxiety is they don't know what to do during the time they'd normally be with their device. What will I do with my mind/thoughts if I don't have some stimuli (screen) giving me inputs/feedback? How do I just sit with my dad, maybe saying/doing nothing...what do I DOOOO?????
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u/TACBGames 1d ago
While I don’t think it’s that intense, yes it’s a little bit of that.
But it is also the lack of every other “quality of life” to society.
Like probably won’t have a toilet or shower or no comfy bed.
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u/AotKT Fair Weather Snacker 1d ago
I (middle aged woman) backpack solo regularly. One of the best feelings of ultimate freedom is pooping in the woods. Why? Because it's SO SO SO different from the super clean, comfy world we all live in day to day. Here I am, pants down, anyone walking by (not that there is anyone in the back country) could see me.
Tip: if you will be digging a cat hole to go poop, do it the night before as camp setup. That way you're not hurrying to dig one while having to urgently go in the morning, possibly in the dark.
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u/GandhiOwnsYou 18h ago
There’s freedom in that too. When you go out overnight or for a weekend, your brain is primed to “this is almost over.” You spend your time thinking “tomorrow I can get a cheeseburger” or “tomorrow I can find a nice clean toilet.” It’s significantly easier to let yourself accept and enjoy the experience when you’re not on the cusp of getting all the modern toys back.
After a week on trail I’m sleeping better than I ever do at home, my stomach feels better, I don’t miss anything from home.
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u/awayman1129 1d ago
Hopefully dad has done this before. Anxiety is normal but you may easily find it liberating. Comfort and nutrition should be your worries.
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u/GrumpyBear1969 1d ago
Well. I’m old and I think perhaps it is something you should do on your own anyway. But I grew up when constant interaction was not a possibility. There are few studies out that say it is not great for you.
So what can you do to make it less eventful?
I read a lot on my phone. I buy books and download them. I also download games that are good without service. And then actually, your phone is a treasure trove of resources. I pay for Gaia so I can play with routes and hiking details while out. Many are super in to photography. If you are into 3D printing you could try to make ‘LiDAR’ models.
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u/Extra_Mustard19 1d ago
Dude, your senses are gonna show you shit you've never seen/smelled/heard before. Embrace it! I envy you doing this for the first time. I hope you love it. And my goodness, people who are constantly connected should have mandatory periods of being unplugged. For the good of us all. Remember what it is to be human.
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u/THE_Eddie_Wern 1d ago
Beside the other great advice in this thread, I would suggest bringing alternatives to the stimulating feeling of the internet. Sketch book, journal, random craft, etc.. even if you’re not particularly good at any of those things you might find yourself captivated anyway. Good luck! I’m glad you’re heading out there with your dad and I promise you won’t regret it.
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u/HaveAtItBub 20h ago
just vlog the whole thing. seems to be the trend for ppl who go in the woods but can't let go of a digital presence. even when not in service, you'll get the piece of mind knowing once you post your video it'll get mad likes
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u/Henri_Dupont 1d ago
Bring a book. Trade books with him. Perhaps there are fish to catch. Bring elaborate food to prepare. Just the normal rhythms of camping and starting fires and moving camp from time to time can take up an entire day. Enjoy this time to get to know your father more deeply. Have deep conversations about life and philosophy under the stars (with plenty of DEET). Make some elaborate camp furniture out of rocks and stumps. Have a ridiculous and hilarious disaster like a flooded tent. Get through it as a bonding experience and laugh about it later. Turn off that damn phone but take some pictures (I bring a little point and shoot camera and a good telephoto camera instead of a distracting phone.)
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u/markbroncco 1d ago
I did a week-long canoe trip with my dad last year, completely off the grid, and those moments became some of my favorite memories. Journaling helped a lot, I ended up writing about silly stuff we did and inside jokes. Also, just looking up at the stars with zero distractions is something you don’t get in daily life. You got this, and it’ll be way more rewarding than you might expect!
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u/RainInTheWoods 1d ago
One day at a time. That’s all you need.
Turn off the phone. Bring a compass and paper map and know how to use them together. Bring plenty of activities with you to keep your mind busy.
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u/LuckyAstronomer5052 1d ago
I think you’re going to love the break from that tiny little screen. I understand the anxiety but you won’t have time to even think about the nothing you’re missing on your device. Hopefully you have a good relationship with your dad and you’ll have a great time out in nature. Maybe practice turning off your phone for a day and doing something else or read the book Digital Minimalism. You won’t miss anything on your phone, maybe you’ll have a few moments of habituated desire to click it on but you’re not going to miss anything of significance, especially anything you can’t catch up on when you’re back. Have fun on the trip, hope it goes well n
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u/QuadRuledPad 1d ago
You are going to come back more relaxed and less anxious than you might even think is possible. This is a great opportunity with your dad, and just in general, but it’s also going to have a hugely beneficial impact on your brain and the rest of your life.
Look forward to how chill you’re gonna feel in a few days. The fidgety feelings will pass after a day or two!
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u/Mentalfloss1 22h ago
You will experience withdrawal. Accept that. I agree with u/Weak-Fly5922. Since you will be there and there's nothing for it, take a book on meditation, breathing, the local nature, etc. Do some basic journaling. Turn off the phone except to take some photos ... photos you will treasure later on in life.
Different is usually good.
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u/Mysterious_Rip2720 22h ago
My advice… lean on your father. Focus on the opportunity to get to know him better. No matter how good your relationship already is, this time together can make it so much stronger. Think about some things ahead of time that you want to talk to him about. Maybe things about his childhood or early years that you might not know. Talk and share. You might be surprised how quickly you forget about your phone.
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u/Guilty_Treasures 22h ago
I believe there was a study that suggested three days is generally the amount of time it takes for the brain to do a little reset and accept the new circumstances. If that’s true, many anticipate that the first few days will be the most uncomfortable and hopefully after that it’ll get easier.
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u/RavenSnack787 19h ago
Once you have camp set up and you find yourself with downtime, reaching for that phone... it's a good time to explore. Completely different than hiking with a pack. For my kids this is the best part of backpacking - discovering cool stuff.
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u/FieldUpbeat2174 18h ago
Remember, our bodies, including our brains, evolved for a way of life much, much closer to backpack camping than modern grid-connected urbanity.
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u/GandhiOwnsYou 18h ago
As a father with a plugged in kid, the fact that being unplugged for 8 days gives you anxiety is likely a large reason why your father believes it’s a good idea. It’s a dopamine detox and it will be good for you.
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u/rivals_red_letterday 12h ago
Maybe go into it with an open mind--be open to the possibility that you might actually LIKE being unplugged for that time period. Give it a chance, and see how you react. See if your mood changes from the start to the end of the trip.
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u/jbochsler 1d ago
Everclear is the highest bang for the buck in this situation. You should have room for at least a fifth.
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u/wannathosedays 1d ago
Prep and research! Figure out what you might need to keep yourself comfortable and happy for 8 days. Batteries, treats, whatever. You’re going to have a ball though.
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u/Weak-Fly5922 1d ago
I get it, 8 days feels huge when you are used to being plugged in all the time. The trick is not to think of it as 8 days. Break it down into smaller chunks, like two nights at a time, and reset after each one.
The first day or two will feel weird, but then your brain slows down and you start noticing the little things. The fire, the wind, the hikes. That is the real payoff.
And honestly, the time with your dad will be worth it. Twenty years from now you won’t remember what you missed on your phone, but you will remember that week together.
It feels intense now, but you will be proud you did it. Treat it like an adventure.