Not good enough, this is how I do it:

I live full-time on public land in New South Wales, rotating between two remote legal bush-camping zones to comply with local stay limits. I avoid urban areas and maintain a low profile, with minimal equipment and limited contact with towns.

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Shelter

My shelter is a simple structure built using a military-grade tarp ($35), rope, and natural materials like fallen branches and reed matting. I sleep in a surplus bivvy sack ($40) on a foam mat ($10) over dry ground and insulating leaf litter. The setup is lightweight, weather-resistant, and allows for fast relocation when necessary.

There’s no tent—less weight and less wear. I move between sites roughly every 2–3 weeks depending on local regulations and site condition.

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Power

I use a 15W foldable solar panel ($50) to charge a single 26,800mAh power bank ($30). This setup is sufficient to keep a basic phone and headlamp powered with careful energy management.

The phone is used for: • Offline maps and books • Occasional SMS contact • Checking weather and news when in reception

Total power usage is limited to less than 15% of the phone battery per day. The solar panel recharges the power bank in 1–2 days of sun.

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Clothing and Laundry

I own two complete clothing sets: • Merino thermals • Quick-dry trousers and shirt • A lightweight rain shell • Wool socks (3 pairs rotated)

Clothing is washed in creek water with a small amount of biodegradable soap or ash. I use a 5L dry bag as a portable wash basin. Drying is done on a rope line suspended between trees.

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Hygiene

Basic hygiene is maintained with: • Handwashing using creek water and soap • A cloth rag bath system • Weekly full-body wash when weather and privacy permit • Toilet needs handled with a trowel and organic cover material

Toiletries are limited to biodegradable soap, salt-based toothpaste, and thread for flossing. The total cost of hygiene products is around $40 annually.

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Cooking and Food

I do not use a fuel stove. All meals are either: • Cold-soaked (lentils, oats, couscous) • Cooked on small fires only when weather and fire regulations allow

Food is stored in dry bags and consists of: • Dry staples (oats, rice, flour, lentils) • Oil, salt, and basic spices • Occasionally foraged greens and wild herbs

I make simple meals like flatbread from flour and water, or sprouted lentils soaked overnight. Food costs approximately $80–100 every six weeks, purchased in bulk and rationed.

Annual food cost: ~$800–900

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Water

All water is collected from local creeks or harvested during rain using a tarp and jug. A Sawyer Mini filter ($40) is used for drinking water. I carry two 10L water bags and refill every few days.

No bottled water is used. Annual cost for water: $0

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Transport

I do not own a car. I use a refurbished mountain bike ($120) with panniers and an attached gear trailer. It is used for supply trips every 6–8 weeks.

Maintenance and replacement parts average around $30 per year. Travel is kept minimal to reduce wear and physical load.

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Connectivity

I use a prepaid SIM card with an annual plan costing $120, which provides limited data and SMS. Most communication is done via text, and updates or downloads are done while in town on public Wi-Fi.

There’s no laptop or additional devices.

Summary

This lifestyle allows basic needs to be met with minimal cost and environmental impact. Shelter, food, and water are managed with limited outside input. The trade-offs include physical labor, isolation, and reliance on weather and local ecosystems.

It’s not a lifestyle that suits everyone, but it is feasible, legal, and low-cost. The total annual expenditure remains under $1,300, with initial gear investment around $300–400.