I've been on several adventures this summer. I love the idea of camping, but so far I haven't enjoyed myself while spending the night. I haven't been comfortable sleeping and can't afford one of those fancy roof-top tents. I really dislike not being able to shower easily, especially after a long day on a dusty trail or working up a sweat hiking. I absolutely despise the mosquitos. I don't particularly care for spraying myself down with repellent, but I'll do it. Finally, there's no way my wife will go camping without an RV so I basically have to go solo.
Is overloading not for me?
Does anybody here run off-road adventures where we use motels?
Anybody have suggestions for improving the experience and convincing my wife to go?
I just got back from a 10 day adventure that was awesome. I used motels and relatives' couches the whole trip. I ran 6 Jeep Badge of Honor Trails including Black Bear Pass. I want to do that again next summer - but no camping. Would I find any takers in this community?
I hate mosquitos too. I have 4 kinds of insect spray. One of those thermal butane repellents. Mosquito candles and i dont hesitate to use it all! Ive learned where to camp over time where mosquitos dont live. Usually high up in the mountains away from any standing water.
And no, you don't have to camp. This isnt the boyscouts, you're not missing out on necessary patches and ribbons in order to be a true Overlander. You can stay in motels. And as far as remoteness, try air bnb or something similar. I have rented peoples cabins for a night in the middle of nowhere. only have to go a few miles out of my way to get to them and stayed deep in the woods the whole time.
Get out there on your own time and in your own way. Dont be afraid to go with strangers. And dont be afraid to stop going with people who have different ideas of what Overlanding is to them. Good luck. And have fun. Remember if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong