Zen and the Art of Teardrop Camping

On my recent interview with TeardropTrailerRadio.com I mentioned that in my everyday life and in my camping life, I tend to be a bit of a minimalist. I personally don't like to have a lot of stuff (that's probably why I camp in a teardrop trailer) and avoid shopping like the plague.


However, I'm not perfect. When I go to various gatherings or campgrounds and see some great cast iron cookware, a brilliant sink design, a new pop-up shelter or another convenience item, I still get that little tickly feeling in my stomach that says "I need that!" I get all caught up in how this item is going to make my teardrop life better and go through the motions of attempting to purchase it. Usually when I'm in the store or online with my finger on the "Buy Now" button, I stop and think: Do I really need this? Don't I already have something that's similar? Where am I going to store it? Damn, we'll have to haul this heavy ass thing all over the place!

Teardropping can be a compromise between the relative simplicity of a tent and the larger commitment of a camper or fifth-wheel. A few items of comfort can mean the difference between a great time and a not so great time. For instance, I can't go camping without a good pillow, my fleece sheets and some good food and beer. Just like anything in life, you have to step back once in a while and scrutinize what you own and if it's benefitting your life in the best way possible.

Photo by vice1/Flickr

8 comments:

  1. When we first started camping we wanted this and that to. Now most of it is in the shed.Our society has a lot of wants but a humans needs are few.

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  2. I don't like a lot of clutter either. I looked at your posted camping supply list and still feel like I am packing too heavy. I am going to "practice camp" in the back yard, so I can see it all in one place.

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    1. Great idea! You can also take a short trip to a nearby campground that is near a town with stores. Figure out what you really need and then keep a list of what you what you are missing and what you can leave at home. Remember to take into account a change in the weather on future trips.

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  3. Not to threadjack but could not find your e-mail. Well, it finally got here and I posted some pics up on the Little Guy forum - feel free to take a peek - would love your thoughts!!

    http://www.golittleguy.com/forum#/discussion/1429/say-hello-to-my-little-guy-friend-seattle-wa

    Tim
    NetDep@gmail.com

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  4. Since our broadcast together, I've referred to you a dozen times as our Danish TearDrop Delight and I've used your minimalist comment twice that much and In the weeks leading up to picking up my 6 wide, I've refrained from buying new gadgets for that very reason...at least until I pick up the unit on Wednesday in Ohio. Joe is going to be out of town next week but Chris will be introducing me to my Platform. I'll post photo's on the TearDropRadio.com webpage and forums as I learn the procedures. Now every time I get the urge to buy that can't do without teardrop treat, I'll first have to ask myself, "What would the Danish Delight have to say?

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    1. Thanks for the cute nickname, Brooke! I've been catching up on the past few shows and I'm looking forward to the one with Debbie. :-) LOL! Yes, when you get your first teardrop, you can get really excited about what to put in it. It will take some practice to realize what you do and don't need, but practice is part of the fun.

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