Camping as a 40-Year-Old

A young man's game

I camped at Badlands National Park. The spots are first-come, first-serve. The only amenities are two outhouses.

I set up my comically small tent, inflated a sleeping pad, rolled out a sleeping bag, and then chucked all my stuff in the tent (I was not concerned about bears). The result was what you see in the pictures: a motorcycle and a tiny tent that barely fit one guy. (Everyone else had multiple tents, coolers, chairs, or even travel trailers. I truly looked “ultralight.”)

For dinner, I had two tins of “fish.” I am using that term liberally. Technically, one tin was sardines and beans, and the other was oysters. Both delicious. It will leave you hungry, though; but, I didn’t have to cook.

Breakfast was great. I rehydrated some oatmeal and brewed fresh coffee. When I first showed a picture of everything I packed, I included a normal V60 in the image. But it didn’t fit! I was distraught. So, I found that “rollable” V60 you see in the pictures. Packs super small and makes coffee just as good. I also replaced my Hario paper filters for some thicker ones. (I strongly prefer thicker filters, which is why I normally brew a Chemex.)

So, everything went great. But, man am I old! Riding all day, to set up camp, eat dinner, get up, take down camp, make breakfast, and then ride all day, is no joke. If anything, it is sort of a medical exam. I tested positive for old age. I may adjust my trip accordingly.

If you want to see more pictures of the Badlands, check out the “Notes” section of my Substack. I took pictures with my Fuji XT-4. I am no professional, but I was happy with the images. They convey the mood I was feeling.

I am already in Wyoming. Maybe I will cross to Canada today. Maybe. It’s a long way.