Is it just me hearing the credit card screaming from the wallet?
It never fails. The calendar shows March. Outside there is a kind of grey, indeterminate slush that is neither winter nor spring, and the wild camper heart aches. The motorhome, the city camper, or the campervan might still be in winter storage, or it stands in the driveway looking sad under a layer of dirty meltwater. For those of us with a roof tent or Camp-let, it is even worse; we know the canvas won't dry if we pitch it now.
What do we do then? Well, we retreat to the sofa, fire up YouTube on the big screen, and walk into the classic "I-actually-need-this-gadget" trap. March is the most dangerous month for the wallet of a wild camper. It is now that dreams are laid, and it is now that the postman starts wondering what on earth is in all the packages from the outdoor stores.
The YouTube rabbit hole: From inspiration to shopping cart
Do you recognize yourself? You start the evening by checking the weather forecast for Easter, but three hours later you are sitting watching an American reviewing a collapsible coffee maker in titanium that costs more than my first car. The algorithms know exactly what they are doing.
Right now, there is particularly one type of content that captivates: Preparations. There is something incredibly satisfying about watching others plan and pack, perhaps because it gives us the feeling that we are also on our way out on a trip. A video I recently found myself nodding appreciatively to is this gem about planning:
Walking The Entire Length of Norway - Preparations
Even though Kasper here is planning an extreme hike along the length of Norway, the mindset is directly transferable to us in a campervan or with a Camp-let. The way he systematizes the gear, evaluates weight (yes, that counts in a car too if you want to bring a lot of stuff!) and thinks about "nice to have" versus "must have", is worth its weight in gold. It reminds us that the best gear is what you actually use, not what looks toughest on Instagram.
The gadget madness: What do we actually need?
Many of us have been inspired by channels like "Playing with Sticks", who are masters at showing off smart solutions for small living units. If you have a smaller campervan, a VW Transporter with an interior, or a Camp-let, space is a luxury item. Here are some of the trends I see many clicking home now in March:
- Power stations: The portable battery banks (like Jackery, EcoFlow or Bluetti) have become common property. For us who wild camp, power is currency. Being able to charge the laptop, the drone and run the diesel heater without draining the starter battery is a security. But do you need the largest model? Probably not. Check your watt needs first.
- Modular kitchen solutions: For those with a roof tent or Camp-let, we see a boom in "chuck boxes" – wooden boxes containing all kitchen equipment, ready to be lifted out of the trunk. It saves you hours of packing every Friday afternoon.
- Lighting with atmosphere: An end to the glaring, white LED light. Now it is about rechargeable lanterns with warm light and dimming. It is small things, but it makes the evening in the awning much nicer.
Mood hunting and the dream of silence
While we wait for the frost heave to subside on our favorite forest road, it is important to remember why we spend thousands of kroner on gear. It is not for the sake of the gear (even though it is fun), but for the experience. The silence. The smell of campfires and damp moss.
To really get into the mode, I recommend setting aside a quarter of an hour to watch this video, which captures the essence of what we long for:
Norwegian Cabin In Frozen Forest
Here the atmosphere is in focus. Kasper takes us to a cabin in the frozen forest, and even though you might sleep in an insulated city camper or under the canvas of a Camp-let, it is this peace we chase. Notice the simplicity. He does not need much to have a good time. It is a good reminder when you sit with your finger on the "Buy" button for your third hiking axe.
My tips for smart spring shopping
After many years as a gear nerd and wild camper, I have learned some tricks to avoid the worst bad buys now in the transition phase:
- Wait 24 hours: Have you found the ultimate gadget online? Put it in the shopping cart, but do not pay. Wait until tomorrow. 80% of the time you realize that you will do just fine without it.
- Focus on sleep: If you are going to spend money on one thing this year, let it be sleep comfort. A good mattress topper for the campervan bed, or a proper down bag if you sleep in a roof tent early in the spring, is worth every penny. If you freeze or sleep poorly, the trip will be a failure no matter how nice a coffee grinder you have.
- Buy used: Finn.no is boiling over with almost unused gear from people who hit the wall last year. Especially tents, camping stoves and camping furniture you can get at half price.
- Multifunction: In a small motorhome or Camp-let, every item should have at least two functions. A pot you can also eat from? Yes please. A lantern that is also a power bank? Great.
Ready for season start?
It tingles, doesn't it? Even though we perhaps spend a little too much time on online shopping right now, it is part of the joy of anticipation. Whether you drive a fully rigged campervan, pull a nifty Camp-let or sleep on the roof of the station wagon, we are heading towards lighter times.
Use the month of March well. Go over the gear you already have. Maybe the storm kitchen needs a clean, or the sleeping bag an airing? And if you absolutely must buy something new – make sure it is something that gets you out on trips more often.
See you along the road – suddenly spring is here!