How do you guys push yourself to go hammock camping and backpacking?

[Fancy Shoes]

I really like to go. But every time I tell my self next week I am going to go, it just never happens. It has been way to long.. almost 4 years since I have gone out. I am hoping my hammock hasnt rotted away in my bag while hanging on my wall! Especially when I want to add these type of videos to my youtube channel.

[Big Flounder]

Just go. Make it a priority.

[SilvrSurfr]

You sound like a friend of mine - makes plans and hardly ever goes camping. He has a whole host of excuses, but the weather is his favorite - if the forecast says even 20% chance of rain, that's grounds for him to cancel the trip. A couple of years ago, he asked me, "How come we never go camping together anymore?" I couldn't even answer him. Maybe it's because he has too many excuses for not going? Nowadays, I don't go hiking or camping with anyone that is "iffy" - I go with folks who wouldn't back out unless there was a direct hit from a hurricane approaching.

[ChrisJHC]

You can also have a few different destinations planned. That way, if the conditions don't suit in one area just go to another.

Another approach is to take on the "12 nights a year" challenge that is on another thread.

[sidneyhornblower]

It's more like how do I not go? The 12 nights a year is one way to add structure and motivation, though so far this year I've slept outside in a hammock 26 nights. Most of those are simple overnight jaunts.

To make it easy I'd suggest making it simple. Don't try a huge hike with stunning destination views. Just find the closest patch of woods and walk a mile or two in the afternoon. Set up, eat supper, sleep, have breakfast, walk out, go home. That's my basic trip right there, the most recent one Wednesday of last week.

Elaborate plans are daunting. Make it simple.

[cmoulder]

It's more like how do I not go? The 12 nights a year is one way to add structure and motivation, though so far this year I've slept outside in a hammock 26 nights. Most of those are simple overnight jaunts.

To make it easy I'd suggest making it simple. Don't try a huge hike with stunning destination views. Just find the closest patch of woods and walk a mile or two in the afternoon. Set up, eat supper, sleep, have breakfast, walk out, go home. That's my basic trip right there, the most recent one Wednesday of last week.

Elaborate plans are daunting. Make it simple.

This is very similar to my approach. Do a day hike of 10-15 miles, ending up at a campsite not too far from the trail head, have a relaxing evening with a good dinner, a great night's sleep, a simple breakfast and cup of coffee and walk out the next morning. I am also always 'chomping at the bit' to get out and rarely let the weather forecast derail my plans.

As far as not being able to get out the door and actually do a trip, I have a simple theory (of course!) on that... If you are truly motivated to do something, nothing will stop you; if you are not truly motivated, any little excuse to bail out will do.

[ObdewlaX]

When I don't have the time to get out on a proper trip but feel like being in the woods, I'll pack my stuff & head to a State Park for an overnighter or two. If nothing else, it's a good way to keep your skills sharp & practice your setup, meal prep & cooking, etc., so that when the time comes, you're ready. It can be good for motivation too getting you back out on the trail.

My .02...

[tsshaw78]

I made myself a commitment to take my kids out once a month to 1) get out there and enjoy nature, 2) get the kids into nature and away from electronics, and 3) give mom a break from all of us. I try not to let weather be a huge factor. I have a few locations in Uwharrie next to creeks where the kids can play and cool off in the summer heat. But with busy schedules it isn't always easy.
Like this weekend will just be an overnighter, go out Friday night, chill a bit Saturday morning, maybe a short hike along the trails and then head home.

[OneClick]

Good post. I asked something similar in the past, but more geared towards going solo and losing interest in doing so.

But life gets busy, things come up, and sometimes you may just not feel like going even though you know it will be fun. After a few mishaps and cancelled trips, I decided I needed to give it more effort. Promise myself to stop bailing at the drop of a hat. A trip that could have been amazing...I will never know.

Tomorrow is a good example as I plan on heading out. I typically don't camp in the heat and bugs but I'm trying to get out even more often now. I have all kinds of excuses like finishing the deck, powerwashing everything outside, clean up the basement, etc. But the weather will be nice and dry (my forcefield!), gas is relatively cheap, and I just look forward to some quiet time to hang and do nothing.

And watching a Shug video or two is always a good motivator!

[alifeoutdoors]

If doing YouTube videos is your main drive I think you’re going out for the wrong reasons. If you’re also having to force yourself to go then you should probably seek another hobby. 4 years? Yea I think you’re not as into it as you think you are. Do something you’re passionate about.