>>2224571Do a solo overnighter with an open tarp or cowboy setup, unarmed. Doesn't have to be very far in the woods, just enough that it would suck to go back to your car in the dark. Extra points for not using a fire. No bushcrafting memes, no false sense of security from a $300 tent, just go into the woods, take in your surroundings, go to sleep, and walk back in the morning. If anything looks spooky, take note of how it looks in the morning and feel silly for being afraid of it. Do this once or twice and your confidence will increase tenfold. Camping with friends and a fire will be infinitely more comfy. Accept that nature is right there with you, get acquainted, and then the two of you will be good neighbors.
Pic is my last trip, no fire. The cave had crickets the size of my thumb but I sprayed picaridin around my ground sheet and they didn't bother me none.
