Most successful bushcraft is about creative problem solving and sharing of knowledge, resources, and support. I owe a lot of my current level of experience to the generosity of others, and I’d like to encourage everybody to think about how important that is.
I love the outdoors. I love the simplicity, and the isolation, and, of course, the natural setting. But we don’t live isolation on this planet, and the more people that love and respect the outdoors, the more we can all continue to appreciate the woods, whether alone or together.
I recently found out about a Kickstarter campaign by “Father Nature Outdoors” for an Integrated Camping Blanket. It’s a quilt — by all rights a hybrid sleeping bag and blanket — but they seem to be doing it right, with utility, comfort, and price point at a sweet spot if you intend to spend nights in the woods.
I like that they’ve put a priority on the comfort factor — too many new (or non-) outdoors enthusiasts think of it as a spartan, uncomfortable, cramped pastime.
A quilt is quick and easy to pack and deploy, versatile, and comfortable. I haven’t used a dedicated one like this before, mostly because I have far too many sleeping bags already, and the price point has usually been fairly high, but it should be as comfortable as a regular blanket, with technical improvements.
Gear should designed and inspired on the trail, not in a boardroom, and that’s what’s happening here (just check out their blog at fathernatureoutdoors.com). It’s something that should be supported.
I realize I’m sounding either salesy or commune/hippie-like, but I’m not at all affiliated with these guys — last week, I didn’t even know they existed. I just like the cut of their jib.
So I’ll put my money where my mouth is, and become a backer for their new endeavour (hopefully without too much trouble — I’m a Kickstarter newbie).
I encourage you to take a look and consider doing the same — with them, or with any of the many worthy projects on there that support the appreciation and respect for walks in the woods.
More info here: “Father Nature Outdoors” — Integrated Camping Blanket
As always, do your research: Kickstarter FAQ