Coaching and Camping

Why Coaching and Camping?

For similar reasons to coaching and walking.

I’ve found that more and more of my coaching clients feel better outside, think clear outside and generally get better clarity for themselves and the issues they are trying to think outside.

Being outside brings a connection to the earth and nature that seems to bring a lot of problems and issues into more of a perspective.

Individuals mental health is improved when we are outdoors, the fresh air, the open spaces all bring something to how we as humans feel.

The modern world is so much noisier than it once was.  Getting outside cuts out that noise.

Coaching and Camping

Camping adds an extra layer of self-reliance and mental health resilience.

Knowing that you have to carry everything (well, most of it!) you will need brings an even deeper clarity of thought of what we really need to survive the modern world.

How much weight will I need to carry?

Not as much as you may think – I will be carrying the heavier items anyway.

Generally, you would be carrying about 20lbs – 25lbs maximum.  That’s 10kg – 11kg. That includes water, food, sleeping systems and shelter systems as well as warm clothes.

A lot of the equipment I use is lightweight.  The lighter the equipment the lighter your rucksack and the better you feel when walking. I do not sacrifice either safety or comfort though.

Remember, the walking part isn’t about getting there as fast as possible.  It’s about being able to hold a conversation when walking. 

Rest stops to check the view, eat something suitably nutritious (or just chocolate!), check the locations (map reading skills can be taught if you feel inclined) but most of all to admire where we are going and where we have been. 

What will I camp in?

You have a choice…depending on how “wild” you want to be!

Option 1 – you will have a two-man tent for yourself.

Option 2 – You can use what is known as a tarp tent.  Basic but just as waterproof.

The trap tent is more basic, but closer to nature and can be just as waterproof / water resistant if set up correctly.  If you do choose the tarp option you will get a Gore-Tex bivvy bag to put your sleeping bag in.

What will I sleep in?

I use down sleeping bags.  Lighter than synthetic sleeping bags but important not to get them wet.

If you are a cold sleeper (i.e. you feel the cold) I can give you a thermal liner that will add around 10’C to the warmth of your sleeping bag.

You will also get a sleeping bag liner (freshly laundered) to sleep inside.

Sleeping mats are also provided, and I use a mixture of self-inflating (almost) and inflatable mats.  These are rated using a standard system known as the R-value.  The higher the R-value the more warmth they provide. The mats I use are in the region of R 4 so are very warm.

What do I wear?

I cover the basic stuff you need on this page, however, as a general rule, you should wear boots/shoes suitable for the terrain we are walking on, clothes suitable for the weather we are walking through.  I’ll provide a rucksack with a few essential items to make sure you and I are safe at all times.

Taking notes

A coach will usually take written notes, and as you can imagine doing this whilst walking is a bit awkward. To help us record the coaching conversations I use a small unobtrusive digital recorder.  This helps me to track our sessions and make actions points when we have finished in order to feedback to you.  If you feel uncomfortable about this then we just have more rest stops so I can make written note. All recordings are deleted after the notes are taken, and if you want a copy of them before I delete it you are welcome to.