As great as big missions into the bush & backcountry are - sometimes all you’re looking for is a quick break from the everyday grind. A small taste of the wilderness to unwind before heading back to civilisation.

Unlike multi-day trips, day camps don’t require a whole lot of prep, planning, time, or overall effort, and they can serve as a great inbetween when time is short.

What we’re talking about here is different to just a day tramp or local bush walk.

What we mean when we say ‘day camp’ is packing the essential gear, heading out nice & early, and spending the day parked up next a mountain stream or grass clearing. Maybe you’ll pitch a tarp, start a small fire and brew a coffee, maybe you’ll practice some survival skills, maybe you’ll sink a few beers - no matter you do, the point is that you’re out there in nature.

We think day camps offer the perfect balance between immersion in nature without commiting to an overnight stay, allowing some real time to slow down & reconnect.

A big reason why we ourselves get outside is to find some time to think while enjoying the fresh air. At a guess, you probably do too - whether it be with a rifle, a rod, or a pair of boots; you’re probably out there at least partially seeking something (other than a deer or a fish).

To us here at Falko, day camps are an ideal way to disconnect for a while - without the extra hassle of all that other stuff. It’s an excuse to relax for a bit, and this is something we think a lot of people have forgotten how to do these days.

With all that said, here are our top reasons why day camps are an underrated gem in the world of outdoors and back-country adventures.

Setting up next to a mountain stream and practicing outdoor cooking is a great way to spend the day.

Day camps are low stress, simple, and accessible.

It’s all about simplicity, which means less stress and more time to enjoy just being out there. There’s no need to pack days worth of food or gear into your pack – just pick a spot or trail, grab the basics, and you’re pretty much good to go. This ease also means a day camp is accessible to almost anyone. Have a few hours free on a Saturday? You can still shoot out for a quick escape. You’re not tied down by a set plan either. Once you get out there, you can change your plans, do what you want, and head home when you’re ready. It’s far less pressure and much more freedom compared to multi-day trips.

That’s kind of the point here. Not every adventure needs to be roughing it for days at a time in the deep bush, sometimes a more relaxed trip is needed in order to actually relax. Which brings us to the next point…

2. Reconnect, Relax, Reflect.

It doesn’t take long to feel the benefits of being out in nature, and day camps are a perfect way to recharge without the need for a big expedition. Just a few hours spent in the bush can help clear your mind and reset your worries, making it a mindful escape that’s both accessible and impactful. Seriously, go sit by a river and switch off for a bit, these short breaks have a real, positive effect on your mental health. You don’t need weeks of planning or time off work to feel connected to the outdoors – a day camp gives you that feeling on your own terms, pretty much whenever you need it.

3. Minimal Gear Required.

The beauty of day camps is that you don’t need to lug around a mountain of gear to have a great time. With a lightweight setup, you’re free to explore with ease and truly enjoy your time outdoors. Our ultralight titanium gear and durable waxed canvas ground mats are perfect companions for this. Simple, efficient, and built to handle whatever the day throws your way. A compact kit means you spend less time setting up and more time soaking in the surroundings.

As a minimum, we’d recommend packing the following for any day trip:

• First aid kit
• Food & water
• Appropriate clothing for the conditions
• Head-torch

If you don’t have all the gear for an overnight stay, a day camp is still possible which is a massive bonus - especially if you’re just getting into the outdoors lifestyle.

4. Practice Before The Real Thing

Day camps are a low-stakes environment to put your gear to the test. If you're trying out a new cooking setup, lightweight shelter system, or practicing fire-starting skills, it’s a chance to get familiar with everything before you commit to a longer, multi-day trip.

There’s no need to rush, you can spend all day honing essential bushcraft skills, like starting a fire with our FURNACE Ferro Rods or practicing outdoor cooking. Without the pressure and time constraints of an overnight stay, you can focus on refining your techniques and making sure your gear is dialed in for when the real adventure comes.

5. Make the Most of Good Weather

Day camps allow you to embrace those ideal weather windows without the worry of getting caught in a storm overnight. Unlike with multiday trips, tomorrow’s weather doesn’t matter - just take advantage of the clear skies now. With a day camp, you're flexible. Got a sudden gap in the rain or a crisp afternoon? Seize it, get out there! The beauty of it all is that you can still get your fix of adventure, connect with the wilderness, and be home before the weather turns to crap.

Bonus Tip: Being out in the elements when the weather turns is a different experience when you’re not committed to staying out. Enjoy the rain, but be safe around rivers and streams.

Summary

Day camps offer a flexible, low-commitment way to escape into nature. You can adapt them based on whether you're looking to unwind or sharpen your outdoor skills. And with minimal gear and maximum freedom, you can enjoy the outdoors without the stress of multi-day trips.

They're perfect for seizing good weather windows, reconnecting with nature, and practicing new techniques before bigger adventures. Plus, the simplicity of a day camp means you can pack lighter, move faster, and still enjoy all the benefits of time spent outdoors without the hassle of overnighters.

Sure, the term “day camp” might sound a bit odd, and we’re not even sure thats the right term, but the idea’s simple: head out for a single-day chill mission in the wild to scratch that outdoor itch when between bigger trips. It’s that quick hit of nature that keeps you going until the next full-blown adventure. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with the wild is to keep it simple, and day camps give you the freedom to do just that.

The Underrated Benefits of Day Camps: Easy Adventures