Camping with artists

Olivegreen

I am just throwing the last few things into the trailer, which is new to us and an immeasurable step up from tents and popups. I am the incarnation of all that my old backpacking self thought silly
So can take more stuff! to a paintout in North Texas. It is five days away, with dog, and I plan to hike a LOT.
A lot of oil painters will be there, they are loosely organized but assume that we will shake the dirt off and eat together at a couple of points. Other than that, it is gear.
I know a few of us are outdoor enthusiasts.
Any hard won tips and recommendations for your back and forth travel wardrobe for road and trails? And how not to scare the tourists when you come off the backcountry?
Sigh. Artists are not glam in themselves, usually, but they are some judgey in groups. If I reply sporadically, it is because wifi may be spotty.
Thanks and looking forward to your expertise.

9 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Olivegreen

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Sounds like fun! Wet Wipes and plastic ziplock bags are essential.

9 years ago

Traci

Veteran

I approach packing clothes for camping much like a vacation capsule. I pull the clothes I think will work, take pictures of outfits, then swap out what didn't work. I always take a scarf, a lightweight sweater and a button up shirt for lots of layering options.

Most of my camping clothes come from my regular wardrobe. I have one natty old cashmere sweater that I keep around just for camping. We car camp, so I don't have to be extremely light with the packing. One thing I could use is more quick drying clothes. I have mostly natural fibers that hold onto moisture.

My biggest indulgence when camping is a brand new pack of socks. I swear nothing feels better after finally getting a shower than to slip on a pair of brand new socks in the wilderness.

One of these years I've got to take pics of my camping capsule in action.

9 years ago

donnat

Veteran

It does sound like fun. I like what Ledonna said lol.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I have not been camping in decades. But I have been on artist's retreats that include a ton of hiking. Of course it's gear for that part, so no problem.

For dinners, it depends a bit what kind, but I am assuming fairly casual, pub like spots.

My go-tos in situations like that are great jeans or a VC tube skirt or a super casual dress, a pair of non -gear shoes (or sandals for your location). If traveling, a really fun graphic tee or two would not go amiss. If you can bring a topper of some kind, add that. In a hot climate, the easiest might be the dress or skirt plus tee plus denim jacket.

Amazon

Vince Camuto Women's Cafe Stripe Midi Tube Skirt

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Top Pick

Banana Republic

Linen Trapeze Tank

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Aritzia

tanka blouse

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Nordstrom

Lucky Brand 'Sabrina' Leather Sleeve Denim Jacket

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Gap

Printed twist-back dress

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Nordstrom

Ecco 'Damara' Leather Sandal (Women)

$119.95

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9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh gosh, in terms of clothes: my camping capsule:

Bottoms:

Brown plaid skirt
Convertible cargo pants

Footwear:

Crocs or Chaco sandals (I prefer the Crocs for kicking around camp)
Hiking boots or Trail sneakers (like 'em better than boots, but always wear the boots for no reason)

Tops:

Muscle tee
Tankini

Outerwear

Sweater or fleece
Puffy

9 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

My artist friends may wear vintage tees and worn jeans, but they are sporting triple necklaces with that cool, unique artist vibe. No rings or bracelets for camping, just the very simple individual look. Unbelievably cool and effortless, I always want to buy everything they wear!

We go camping with 2 dogs. I wear a gear tank top, chambray or linen big shirt (for sunblock) and femme looking hiking shorts. Add a warm jacket and stretchy jeans for cold mornings/evenings. I like my socks to match my skin tone or be a dusty color so they don't look dirty, and 2 pair of hiking shoes to interchange. These are all relatively dog proof and washable I'd take a maxi skirt for dinners out, or maybe a gear-fabric little dress and sandals. Pile on the necklaces and have fun.

9 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

You can make espresso with a Bialetti espresso maker on top of a small propane backpacking stove. Frozen half'n'half will keep for days if wrapped in sweaters or stored in an ice chest. Caffeine addicts will love you forever and not care what you wear.

9 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

My family took a big western trip last year, for which I did a pretty elaborate capsule. Since we were in Yellowstone over labor day, sleeping in a popup without electricity, warmth was paramount! You may be toastier, but here are some of my suggestions:

1. I second the Crocs, which double as shower shoes. My are ballet style flats, in leopard and black.
2. Don't forget a good sunhat!
3. Loved my wool socks that fit well! They keep the blisters away and help regulate temperature. I choose lightweight ones.
4. A good denim jacket works as a topper when you're out to dinner, or by the campfire.
5. I limited my color palette to keep things interchangeable. I picked gear worthy fabrics, but in simple, classic design that would double as street wear.

Have a great time!

9 years ago

Active Member

I am (was) a jewelry artist and I've been camping with other friends who were either artists or musicians. My vibe is very simply and on the earthier side when I'm in nature. You will look the least creative and/or artistic if all of your clothing looks like they came straight from REI or Patagonia. I think there is a difference between artistic and totally impractical for the situation, so bring your practical outdoor clothes, but also think about how you can bring some visual interest to those clothes. Besides my outdoor basics, I specifically keep clothes in quick-drying fabrics that look nothing like hiking or work out gear for going hiking or camping.

If all your clothes are obvious outdoor-wear, scarves or a cotton print handkercheif over your hair or around your neck and/or jewelry that doesn't get in the way (necklaces, earrings) will add interest to your outfits. If you have some everyday clothes that can double as camp clothes, then you can layer those artistically with a comfortable but stylish sweater, a large wrap, or shawl in a bold color or eye-catching print when it gets cooler at night. I like to pull on comfortable dark jeans or a comfortable dress over leggings around camp in the evening.

Even if someone is dressed very normal at camp, I usually think they are an artist if their camp is put together creatively with pretty and practical use of lighting (battery-operated string lights for seeing around camp), and extra aesthetic touches like a bright tablecloth on the picnic table, wildflowers & greens in an empty tin can or wine bottle, having taken the time to find storage containers and salt/pepper shakers in fun colors or designs, or some obvious sign of creating something from the environment, like rock stacks, pine cone labyrinths, or little collections of interesting pretty shells and leaves.

9 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi OGreen --

Everyone else has covered what I'd want to say, but I had to request you report back as this sounds like an amazing adventure!

Hope you recharge and relax.

9 years ago

Olivegreen

Active Member

Hi you all, we got above the canyon rim this morning and wifi and phone signals and snazzy coffee are now available. We left a bit early as torrential rain indicates that the place IS made of mud, and IS sliding onto roads and campgrounds. Also come to find the weekend brings large groups of deliriously happy kids. The dog petitioned for escape
The artist painted, the dog and I got off leash and went a tad rogue. We were a lovely mud shade, but always worth it. Lots of wildlife. Will put up pics when we get home and load into the Mac.
Great, great tips. Dust coloured socks, espresso, jewelry, big wrap, gonna get crocs for sure after such whole hearted recommendations, and Rachy-lou, hiked the Himalyas in skirts and tights, they really are comfortable. And modest, it helps with acceptance in some places. Am not sure about America in the middle?
WB, completely agree on the total gear outfit. Lacks appeal. One artist lady had hit exactly the right note, some gear, some print and flair.
Suz, what a great selection. The tube skirt for sure. The dress is also lovely.
Traci, I also lay it all out and check for interchangeability.
LaDonna, yes...plus lots of your own toilet paper in all the pockets.
Two or more pairs of hiking shoes, check. In this latitude, I pack three pairs of hiking sandals and one pair light hikers.
Graphic tee, check. Says Palo Duro Canyon!
Have a short list of what worked well this time, and plan to replicate. Will write it up and include pics.
Thank you all for the hard won advice.

9 years ago

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