I was thinking about the movie into the wild and was thinking of doing a similart thing in my gap year?

Question

the guy in 'into the wild' went out to live in the wild (as is implied by the name) but this has happened all throughout history. people in the middle ages often did it as a pilgrimage (many knights who werent the oldest did it to find nature/themselves)

but it would allow good time for reflection and thought and to get in touch with nature. however, it could be dangerous, what does everyone think of the idea and how could i prepare for it before going (he was very unprepared and this was his major flaw). i dont want to bring very advanced technology and would like to do it on a vegetarian diet of anything i can find. any help or feedback would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Its not that difficult except that you do need to be able to build a small shelter for yourself or find one.

Also you need to be able to survive with whats available in nature so you will have to study the environment you planning to move into.

Read some sites on camping which advise on what equipment you will need etc, you will have to then decide on how you will take care of basic daily needs like food, fuel, water.

Also if its a forest you need to be able to deal with animals, insects,reptiles.

Make a list and write down the solutions and you are off, frist try practising with camping a few times for few days and then go full throttle.

Answer 2

I've actually thought of doing something like this too.  I think gradually going into it is the best way.  Start saving a c**p load of money, reduce your spendings greatly by riding yourself of conviniences (cable, cell phones, all that c**p).  Take a few camping trips, get use to the idea.  Take a few more risks each time you go camping, like taking random walks into the woods early in the morning, and being able to find your way back to a road or camp or something.  By the time you're ready, throw all your money in a CD and earn c**p load of interest the whole time.  Run off into the wilderness with nothing but a knife or hatchet and a tarzan kilt you made in advance.  IF you choose to come back to civilization, you'll have money in your bank and a new appreciation for the conviniences you have.  Oh and don't forget to go to the resteraunt to have your cheeseburger in paradise.  s***w society.

Answer 3

I made a "half wild" move. I ended up being there for 10 years and it was the most beneficial move of my life. I moved into an existing shelter, but started from the ground up. I had a vehicle that I used to transport milk jugs full of water from the nearest town and I had a woodstove. I had always heard that necessity is the mother of invention and I found that to be absolutely correct. It was not easy in the beginning, but I learned so much. Be very careful preparing for Winter. It may be more than you ever expected. I found tons of scrap metal out in the wilderness and took it to recycle for money. I lived on less than $50 a month. I fully encourage you to at least try.

Answer 4

You know the guy died in the end, right? That should be a clue that if you don't know what you are doing, don't do it. Coming to YA for feedback is a clue that you don't know anything about outdoor survival.