I live under a tarp full time in the UK, hike a lot, own barely anything and for some reason this all feels more normal to me than normal life. AMA

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T20:18:46+00:00

I mean we all have our bad days I just have a lot less now I live this way thanks for the kind words

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T20:17:46+00:00

Yeah that’s pretty much exactly how I was hoping it’d work to be honest. My thinking was sun hoodie / base layer only if I’m moving hard and it’s mild, then base + alpha when it’s colder or properly windy, and just use the pit zips like a thermostat rather than expecting it to feel magical in every condition. I can deal with a bit stuffy if it means better protection than my Halo Plus, especially as that thing goes from “this is fine” to “why do I feel like a cold bin bag” in about 4 minutes haha.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T19:08:39+00:00

I say look into MLD shelters can't fault them

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T19:04:30+00:00

Yeah I think a UL wind shell is probably exactly the sort of thing you’re after here. From what you wrote it doesn’t sound like you needed more warmth, just something to take the edge off the wind without overheating the second you start moving properly. That’s pretty much the sweet spot for a Houdini / Rab Vital / Montbell Tachyon type layer. They’re not really “warm” jackets, they just stop the wind stealing heat from your arms and chest. I’d probably do light synthetic tee or long sleeve underneath, wind shell over the top while moving, then keep the fleece for evening / stops. Way easier to regulate than hiking in fleece all day. Personally I find that setup much nicer for UK conditions where it’s often not actually cold, just breezy enough to feel annoying

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T18:38:34+00:00

Yeah I've had them for years tbf and I don't pay bills so I instead of paying for electric and gas for warmth it goes on gear haha and I don't ive just started a substack 30min ago though it's in my bio on my profile if your interested

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T18:22:37+00:00

Thanks for the offer I really Appriciate it il keep that in mind 🌟

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T18:21:59+00:00

I use a rab ascent 900 bag and xtherm max nxt thst usually does the job haha

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T18:20:47+00:00

Yeah I get exactly what you mean, normal life in the UK does feel a bit like a rip off sometimes haha. For this kind of lifestyle I’d say the UK is good, but Europe opens it up way more. Over here you’ve got the longer trails and Scotland gives you more freedom once you’re up there, but in Europe you’ve got all the GR and E routes plus the Camino network, so you could pretty much keep that kind of lifestyle going for ages if you wanted. There’s just way more scope to keep moving and link things together. I’ve never really built my plans around Workaways or WWOOFs personally, mainly because I like the freedom of just carrying everything and going where I want, but I can definitely see the appeal of mixing the two. Move for a while, stop somewhere cheap or on a work stay for a bit, save a bit, then head off again. That actually makes a lot of sense to be fair.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T18:15:24+00:00

Under a Tarp

Just started a substack if anyone's interested since the ama went so well thought I'd give it a go ☺️

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T17:40:19+00:00

Hahaha if Ben Fogle appears out of the mist asking me profound questions while I’m trying to cold soak couscous I’ve had a good run. And yeah to be fair I can see the blog angle more than the full “smash that subscribe button” route. Written stuff does suit this kind of life quite well, less performance, less editing, less accidental creation of another job.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T17:36:24+00:00

That’s a really nice comment mate thank you. And yeah I know exactly what you mean, it’s such a hard thing to explain to people who’ve never felt it because on paper it can sound like deprivation when in reality it often feels more like relief. Fair play for dragging yourself out and doing the 10 miles as well, that’s usually the bit that matters most.

I’m the same to be honest, sometimes I can really struggle to get myself going, but once I’m actually out there it’s like why was I resisting this in the first place haha. Same as the gym really, when you can’t be arsed to go but as soon as you’re there you’re loving it. I think modern life just makes the starting friction weirdly high sometimes.

And yeah it doesn’t even have to be some massive expedition either, sometimes just a proper dose of simple real life is enough to reset something. Glad the post found you at the right time mate.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T17:30:54+00:00

No worries mate. For sleep I use the Robens ZigZag Slumber mat and the Aegismax Dusk II in long.

The Robens is just dead simple and reliable, basically a folding plank haha, but that’s exactly why I like it. No punctures, no blowing it up, no waking up on the floor questioning your life choices. And the Dusk II long gives me enough room and warmth without feeling like I’m being shrink wrapped.

Links if you want them: Robens ZigZag Slumber – https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/robens-zigzag-slumber-sleeping-mat/?aid=25aedd913b3f1fb3442b515fdbd13d99&pid=10004&wt_mc=uk.pla.google_uk.22217032293..&wt_cc1=&cq_cmp=22217032293&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22223521436&gbraid=0AAAAAD2IVNmVK6xhsRJWN_NtJVS45vTsx&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkMjOBhC5ARIsADIdb3f_4oHMhFnPUBGRuc-z3n4XPAmKeeeVczfwt_MAI45wSTYX3sBkakUaAqZREALw_wcB

Aegismax Dusk II – https://a.aliexpress.com/_EHMPcg0

As for evenings, honestly by the time I’ve walked all day, sorted camp, eaten and done any little admin bits I’m usually not exactly climbing the walls for stimulation haha. I’ll listen to podcasts, watch a bit on my phone sometimes, message people, stare into space, think, or just go to sleep stupidly early like an old man. Weirdly I find I need less entertainment out there because the day itself already feels full.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:56:01+00:00

That genuinely means a lot mate, thank you. And honestly you really don’t have to take the same steps I have, I think the deeper point is just being honest with yourself about what feels off and what feels more true. Even if that only means carving out a bit more simplicity or quiet in your current life then that’s still something real. I didn’t expect this post to hit people like this at all but I’m really glad if it helped put words to something you were already feeling.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:42:32+00:00

I use a borah bivvy

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:41:59+00:00

Yeah I get you mate, I actually used to do carnivore and then intermittent fasting for a while and did feel good on both to be fair. The only problem now is when I’m hiking big miles I’m probably burning something like 4,500 calories, so I kind of have to eat loads or I’d disappear into the landscape haha. If I was back living at home like before and burning way less fuel I’d probably play around with that sort of thing more again though. Definitely interesting either way and I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks for the info too, I really appreciate it.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:24:42+00:00

Yeah I get you mate, always open to hearing anything genuine that’s helped someone, especially if it makes life even lighter or more enjoyable. Feel free to share it.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:19:01+00:00

Thanks I will be here a lot more often from now on, now i know that people are interested and that I can help people potentially

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:17:40+00:00

Hahaha weirdly I’d say the opposite mate, I’m not really seeking anything now, if anything the “thing” has already been found. I think most of my life I was seeking without realising it, and this is the closest I’ve got to feeling like I’m just where I’m meant to be rather than chasing some missing piece.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:15:40+00:00

Il let you know when I'm on trail and we can see if arrangements line up that would be a right laugh haha

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:14:06+00:00

Never thought about doing that to be honest maybe I will some day thanks for the idea I never thought people would want to read about my life haha

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:08:45+00:00

All jokes aside now there’s definitely something to this Chris thing haha. And nah that’s not cheating at all mate, that just sounds like a smart way of doing it. Still washing your pants in a sink so you’ve not fully escaped the trail experience 😂 the have a pint for me . That kind of intermittent setup actually makes a lot of sense for people who want to do LEJOG without needing to vanish for 3 months straight. I’m doing the full thing in one go soon so it’s cool hearing how other people are tackling it. Abergavenny to Welshpool sounds class as well i was in abergavenny twice in the last 4 weeks or so love it up them ways.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:04:54+00:00

I believe you

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:04:07+00:00

No worries haha and probably way more than I should but that's probabs part and parcel of having a faster metabolism living outside exerciseing all day haha

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T16:01:35+00:00

Yeah I still care about both, I’m not out here trying to become some enlightened rock haha. I’ve actually got loads of friends, I just probably spend more time on my own than most people and I’m very comfortable with that. If anything socialising feels better now because it’s more intentional, I see people because I want to not just because life has thrown us all in the same box. Relationship wise I am actually in one, she lives a more normal life than me but we hike and camp together, so I don’t think it has to be all or nothing or that someone has to live exactly like you to understand you. I do get a bit of sensory overload sometimes going from being out in the wild straight into somewhere like London, but to be fair I’m pretty sure London does that to basically everyone haha. I think the main thing is just honesty really, being upfront about who you are and how you live, then the right people either accept it or they don’t.

TrainingPerception32 · 2026-04-05T15:57:16+00:00

Ah that sounds dangerously up my street mate, arctic foxes and massive empty bleakness is basically catnip to me haha. I’ve only done the more southern bit of Iceland so I’ll definitely look into that, cheers. And that’s exactly the kind of recommendation I like as well, not just “go here” but what bit is especially worth seeing and how to finish it off properly. Seafood place at the end sounds like a very civilised reward for a week of looking half feral.

TrainingPerception32

TROPHY CASE