Can you still wild camp when you're afraid of the outdoors? | Agoraphobia | Flextail Zero Mat + Pump

[@danielreed4282]

Good to see you back, that was a brave and honest video. well done 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Daniel, and thank you for watching 🙏🏻 James.

[@dontpanicbotanics]

Dang, as someone who's been suffering from agoraphobia and is also into camping, I feel like I know EXACTLY how you feel and could relate 100% with so many sentiments you expressed. Nice work getting out there I know how insurmountable and overwhelming it can feel and wanting to "push to the James you were before." There's something extremely validating hearing and seeing someone else go through such an alienating and lonely experience, this video made it not feel a lonely so thank you for that and for sharing I feel like I needed to see this.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I am really glad that you feel less lonely for watching this video, and you and I aren't the only ones. I hope you can find a "hack" (like cycling was for me) that allows you to ease yourself back into the activities you want to be doing. For me, I could handle walking if I had someone with me. It was mostly about needing distractions, but I get that people's agoraphobia is going to be driven by different triggers. This camping trip was one of two or three sizeable milestones for me, and in "only" 7 months, I've gone from suffering panic attacks to actually looking forward to going out for solo walks again. This whole experience has been new to me, and 7 months has felt like a very long time, but it's a relief to be coming out the other side at last. Keep trying to find ways to take small steps in the right direction, without trying to take big leaps, and you will push through too. Feel free to look me up on Instagram and drop me a message if you think talking about it would help you. My username on there is the same as on KZbin. Thank you for commenting, that's made my day 🙏🏻 James.

[@wildcamping.lifeuk]

Good to see you back, mate. What a fantastic, honest, and brave video. It's not often easy talking about the tough things in life. Theres bound to be other people experiencing the same challenges you have faced who watch your videos and who will get great motivation from watching this. You still remain my favourite youtuber in the ocean of wild camping youtube videos.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks a lot buddy 🙏🏻 I know that going out and crashing your bike won't be the perfect solution for everyone, but at least finding SOMEthing that you CAN do when other stuff fills you with dread is a help. I'm very honoured that you'd rate me against the others! 🙏🏻🫡

[@dannydarko371]

The great outdoors is such a powerful healer and wishing you well on your journey

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I agree with that 🙌 Thanks Danny 😊 James.

[@markturner2144]

Thanks James for all your videos helping me get out and about (with good kit). I really enjoy your channel and wise commentary.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you Mark. It's good to hear that there are some helpful bits in the videos 😊 Much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@jasonkelsey987]

Good to see you back out. Look forward to seeing you on the moors. Keep smiling.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Jason, same to you ☺️🙏🏻

[@Fellmandave1]

Beautifully put , especially with the drone shots and music. Well done for opening up...courage. Keep being kind to yourself.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Dave. A voiceover felt like the best way to try and get this out coherently. I hope you are being kind to yourself too 😊 James.

[@BadgerBotherer1]

Good to see you back, James, and that you are overcoming your problems. I have agoraphobia, too, so I only camp in woodlands as I can't be doing with those big open spaces! I have a little secret spot in a secluded woodland on Gower where I camp time and again, as I feel safe there in my little tent. Watching your video of your Gower bivy camp was partially what inspired me to get out to Gower, as I live nearby. Keep up the good work! Jez.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hello Jez. That's really cool that my Gower trip contributed to getting you out. I hope you found a spot that is less renowned for Adder activity than the place I chose! 😅🐍 It's great that you've got that spot that allows you to get out and enjoy the outdoors without feeling overwhelmed. I'm sure that will be playing an important part in your progress. Keep it going 😊 Thank you for your comment. James.

[@summitupmark5615]

Glad to see you back out again James. Another great video

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you Mark 😊🙏🏻

[@1984flicky]

Brilliant video mate and nice to see you back on the trails and making great, informative content. 👌 I also own the Flextail R05 and I find it really comfortable. It's also a big, old beast and very nearly covers the floor in my Vern 1. 🤣I also like the look of your Flextail pillow. 😊 I think I'll look at getting one Myself. I pitched up at the weekend just over from where you were on Twmpa and also struggled to get to any decent depth with the pegs! 😅 Luckily no issues, also no views (Very foggy). But still great to be out. All the best buddy, stay safe! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿⛺👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers for that 🤝 Yeah I'm a bit torn about the Flextail mat now as its my most comfortable mat, good warmth, but maybe shouldn't be used as a chair. Decisions decisions! Flextail have sent me a 20% discount code that I can use for 3 months - JOINMEOUTDOORS20. So if that works for you, give it a bash if it lands you the best price for a pillow. Another comfy product and I like that you can wash the cover. I guess Twmpa is on about the same level as Y Das, with its pesky stones! I hope to camp there at some point too - bet the views are brilliant! ATB, James 🙏🏻

[@f33zlyf33zly]

Glad to see you back James 💪🏼

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you! 🤗

[@JN-dq7cv]

Keep at it. It's good to see you back, and best wishes going forward and making more videos.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks a lot. It's good to be back and I plan on making some more videos ✌️

[@MissBeeGood]

Great to see you uploading again. Such a personal Video that will no doubt help others. Proud of you 🫂

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you my friend 😊❤️

[@sharkusZ]

Great to see you back James! 💪

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks matey! ☺️

[@Trident_Spinmaster]

I did wonder whether something was up but didn’t want to stick my nose in. Hopefully you’ve broken the spell and can return to your normal ways soon. Lucky you’ve been able to dive into your work to keep you occupied! 😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks DJ Doc - good old work there to save the day! 😆

[@grahamscothern4319]

Hi James Sorry you have had a tough time, really good seeing you back out and glad your working things out. Atb Graham

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hello Graham. Thanks for that. On we go 🙌 ATB, James.

[@stuartmilne1819]

Glad to see you back out again. Well, Done Pal. As always, this is yet another great video, and this time more inspiring than you realise. Big respect for you James. Bravo.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks a lot, Stu. The support means a lot. I hope you're keeping well. James.

[@debbieedwards5107]

Dear James, i did wonder if you were ok and missed your videos. I know youre not ok-ok, such big life events can knock the stuffing out of you and turn life into a struggle. So glad your bicycle has helped you along the road. But its great to join you on another camp, well done you for getting out there, the views were amazing. It did make me smile when you talked about your Flextail pillow, i bought one based on your review....and the flextail pump, bought one of those too....and a sleeping mat, and the Rab Argon trousers, saved up and bought those too after your review. I'd forgotten how much money you cost me!! Those trousers are amazing. Your videos and reviews are great. Good to see you back x😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you Debbie. It felt wrong not to be able to get out like this, so I'm glad to be at this point now. Those views were worth fighting for 😍 I think people probably think I'm just trying to sell them any old products so that I can make a couple of quid, so it's really good to hear from someone who has actually bought this stuff and is getting to enjoy it! Apologies for tempting you into the danger zone of camping gear shopping though 🙈 I was very excited to be able to wear the down pants again!! 🔥 Thank you for your kind words 😊 James.

[@debbieedwards5107]

Well done James, your videos are very watchable for many reasons. And a lot of viewers will take heart from your words and your experience of the good times and the bad. And don't forget, it's OK to have 'off' days now and then and doubt yourself. Then you will have brighter days too. I love my flextail pillow, I find it better if I don't fully inflate it so it's a bit more squishy. We did a guided Kayak overnight camp in Scotland last month, unseasonably mild weather but very cool at night, I was snug as a bug in my down trousers. Not cheap but worth every penny. I notice flextail do a mosi repellent, do you know anything about them? Wrong time of year I know but would be interested to hear your thoughts. Best wishes to you.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Debbie, that's all really kind feedback 😊 And I do the same with my pillow. Gotta get that sweet spot with the pressure and then 😴 The kayaking sounds amazing. I get really envious when I see people heading off for kayaking camps - it's a whole new level of adventure! As for the mosquito repeller from Flextail; they have offered me one but I had to decline because we just don't get them down here in the Southwest. Back home in Cumbria the midges would eat us alive every summer, but (thankfully) Somerset is devoid of them. Flextail have bumped up the power of my discount code for 3 months, so if you did want to buy one through the Flextail site, you can use JOINMEOUTDOORS20 to get 20% off 😀

[@debbieedwards5107]

Thanks James, that's kind of you. I'll look at mosi repeller, I'm a midge magnet usually. If you ever find your way up West Coast of Scotland, can highly recommend Karl at Otter Adventures, Strontian. Done several kayak day trips with him over the years and 2 overnight trips. Last year the weather was abysmal, this year was the complete opposite. Absolutely stunning scenery. Looking forward to hearing about your next camp. 😊 look after yourself.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@debbieedwards5107 I fully expect people to search for the best price they can buy things for, but if my code allows you to achieve that best price, all the better! Thanks for the recommendation. It's always good to find people who deliver a good service. Fingers crossed for good weather on your next outing with him (assuming there will be another). Thanks, you too, and I'll see you on the next one ☺️ James.

[@kim_outdoors]

James! The only youtuber who i have an alert notification set for! Glad to see your face on here again, we've missed you. The first few minutes of your video had me choked up, but then hearing how you've picked yourself up, made me smile, good for you! Love to hear about "real life" stuff, you did well, i can relate to you about the anxiety stuff, if you remember from our previous conversations. It takes bollox to put yourself out there in this video like you have, you did it really well 👌 nice to see you back again 😊 Kim & Justin

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Kim! You're alive! I did look for you both on Instagram a while back and saw that you'd disappeared, so it's good to hear from you on here 😀 I'm honoured that I earned a KZbin notification! Yes, I think we share some of that dislike of over-peopley situations. Thank you for commenting. It's great to hear from you and I hope you're both keeping well 🙂 James.

[@OnlyDans.Camping]

What a return! The long awaited video has finally arrived! Cracking pitch, cracking views and a cracking video. Everything well put together as always. You've still got it mate! Glad to see you back on the screen. Everything's temporary my friend. The good and the bad. Enjoy the good, and remember the bad will pass... so you can move onto good things again. Good to see you're on the mend 🫡👊 ATB DD

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks a lot, Dan! I hear a V8 is good for the soul - is that true???

[@OnlyDans.Camping]

@joinmeoutdoors absolutely mate, mix it with some prescription nature and problem solved surely 😅😎

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@OnlyDans.Camping Did we just unearth the secret winning combo to life? Prescription v8ture

[@OnlyDans.Camping]

Prescription V8ture.... perfect. Off to get that trademarked 😎

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@OnlyDans.Camping A gift from me to you 😇

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

James that was a lovely speech, well done to you. I subbed immediately, something tells me you are a decent bloke so bring on plenty out outdoors videos and remember you are not alone.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you very much Leonard, and welcome along to my channel 😊 I hope to make more videos next year than this year 👍 All the best.

[@leonardmcdermott7703]

​@@joinmeoutdoorsExcellent to read that, regards from Dublin.

[@markcannings1285]

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing this. I'm sure it hasn't been easy for you, but sharing this will definitely help others feeling similar.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Mark. This video probably wouldn't have come out until next year without your support 🙏🏻

[@dougieranger]

Well done mate. You have to push yourself when you feel down. It may not be what you want to hear right now but there really are plenty more fish in the sea my friend. Safe trails and big support from Scotland.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers Dougie. Share some of your snow with us before Spring comes back around, please! ATB, James.

[@dougieranger]

@@joinmeoutdoorsI’ll do my best brother.

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Big respect for getting out there and also for being honest about your fears. It takes a real man to be open about these things. Very well done my friend. The down side is, I’m still here with my Windburner and mat inflator pump jokes🤣ATB mate. Forza James!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hello Pete! Thanks pal. I'm glad you're still knocking about, even if that does mean that I have to tolerate your abuse 😉 All the best to you too 😊 James.

[@Clarabel70]

Great video and you speak so well about things that are hard to describe. Keep walking...best wishes ☀️

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you. Recording it all as a voiceover certainly helped with that. The walking will continue now 😊 James.

[@Clarabel70]

Good to hear! Walking helps me and judging by the comments, your video is helping others as well . 🙌

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm glad walking is good for you too 🤗 I wasn't really expecting all these comments tbh. Thought this video would fly under the radar as I've been away! 😬

[@chrisclendenin1832]

good to see you back out man. i suffer from anxiety and appreciate your sharing🤙🏻 this video is helping me get through the day

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Chris. I'm sorry to hear about your anxiety, but I'm glad if my video has managed to help a tiny bit. As a few people have said to me lately; this too shall pass. Take care.

[@chrisclendenin1832]

thanks again. you are helping people.

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

Anxiety is absolutely horrible, but it’s also quite treatable. Respect to you for sharing your story.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Many thanks 🙏🏻 P.S. I love the username!

[@johnywaffle1365]

Good for you for pushing yourself to get out . I'm sorry to hear of your struggles, and hopefully, in time, it will all work out well for you. All the best

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you Johny. All the best to you too. James.

[@seanstacey3223]

Hi James, sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time. Utmost respect to you for sharing it with us, takes alot of courage that! I've certainly missed your videos and am so glad that you're back and look forward to your next one. All the best to you mate, and welcome back 😊👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you Sean. I appreciate that. It's nice to know that the videos get watched 😊 More vids to come 👍 James.

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

Great to see you back marra, sorry to hear about your break up and issues, hope the camps help going forward👍🏻 I got the mat but then it didn't fit in my southern cross tidy

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks for that. Definitely on a better path now 👍 That's a bit of a bugger about the Flextail mat now fitting in a Southern Cross very well. I guess I'll find out about that soon! Is it a complete no-go? Or is it a case of it stretching the tent out a bit at the corners?

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

@@joinmeoutdoors it fits tight, lessens the bathtub a bit, presses against the walls but doable I suppose! The extra height reduces sitting space further too and it's already cramped in there. If my wife asks tho it was a complete no go😉 one door closes and another tent door opens🤣

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors Hmm okay, I'll be on the lookout for that. I just checked the dimensions again and the Flextail mat should only be 1 cm wider than my Thermarest mat, and the same length. Clearly the only way to resolve your disastrous situation is to buy another tent 😂😉

[@Northeast-SouthwestOutdoors]

@@joinmeoutdoors you read my mind, that's the same conclusion I got 😂 I find it's the width more than the length with the flex tail mat in there but give it a go snug snug snug 👍🏻

[@pw6582]

You're glad you got out and so are we, good to see you back and still producing great content. You have a natural talent being able to communicate through your KZbin Chanel to your subscribers while doing something you enjoy. Will be watching out for the next video. 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you for the kind words. They are very much appreciated. I'm hoping I can get another vid out before Christmas, all being well 😊 James.

[@Cyclingbrad]

Love this video mate. You’ve always been a great friend to me and I appreciate that. Feel like we’ve known each other for years. Glad to see you back making videos 👌

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Ah cheers Brad. I think we have known each other for years! I look forward to your first video. It'll be a banger.

[@rachpwanders6095]

Sorry to hear you've been having a rough time recently, but it's good to see you back and it sounds like you're taking all the right positive steps.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Rach. Taking physical steps again feels like a very good step towards being more normal again 😊

[@bernardscott1783]

I always and still get a lot of inspiration from you mate and you’ve cost me a bloody fortune,!! So glad you’re feeling better to do this video 💓🍺👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Well I'm very pleased but also sorry to heat that!! Bet you're enjoying the kit you've added to your arsenal though? Thank you for your comment. James.

[@terrypatterson1481]

Good on you James - glad you are back out.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers Terry 🙌

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Good to see you back. I dont get any panic to go camping im the other way, just cannot wait. Just being stuck for a year because im a father and selling the house, buying new one, some other health problems on the way etc. But yeah its not always easy😅 Take care and dont think too much m, just pack you fav stuff and go out, also thats why I love doing official trails in Scotland because its always new adventure and super fun most of the time to do long distance walks😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Gregory. I find that the "Don't think, just get out there" technique is often useful, but agoraphobia is a different kettle of fish - very different to just feeling sluggish or unwilling to go out. I didn't really understand it until it visited me. I hope you manage to fit camps and outdoors times in among your challenges though, and I hope the health problems can be managed well. ATB, James.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

@@joinmeoutdoors Atb pal!

[@SteRumbelow]

Good on you for getting out and facing it, and talking about it. Just remember this won’t last forever! Always about if you need to chat.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Ste, and the same goes for you. It was good to chat tonight. James.

[@SteRumbelow]

@ anytime. 😊

[@hedleythorne]

Super video, glad you are well.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@adge_ventures4915]

Great to see you back out James and more power to you for explaining whats been going on. Its not easy to go public in this way but ive a feeling that the wave of support and love that will folllow will really motivate you to keep pushing through it 😊 Something that helps me is to keep things stupid and simple. Minimise the things that p*ss me off basically. Do more of what you love and less of what you don't. Hope you continue to improve mate. Adge

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Adge. I wanted to share a snippet of the reasons behind my absence, without bearing all. I fully agree with your approach of doing stuff you enjoy, and not doing stuff that you don't enjoy! I appreciate the comment 🙌 James.

[@tim1289r]

Good to see you back out James.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Tim 🤗

[@TheWalkingKev]

Nice to see you back and back in Wales of course! I hope it has helped to share your feelings and that you can continue with the walking and hopefully we'll get a snowy winter for some camping as well.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

It had to be Wales! Walking is well and truly back on the cards now, and camping will follow suit, I'm sure. Fingers crossed for that snow and ice...

[@TheWalkingKev]

@joinmeoutdoors you're always welcome to join me in the mountains for a camp or for a walk and camp anywhere in South Wales.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Kev ☺️🙏🏻

[@raytaylor4199]

Break ups really hit hard, I’ve been through my fair share, everything you’ve mentioned resonated, All the positive action you’re taking is definitely the way forward.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you've been able to build yourself back up too. Thanks Ray.

[@Mrsmith74]

Great to see you back, Personally, I tend to go from one extreme to another, What I want to do & what I do are two completely different things, I usually end up somewhere in the middle. Top video👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you, Mr Smith. Hopefully you find that landing in the middle ground ends up with you doing something that's good for you ☺ ATB, James.

[@funkypixie1]

I hear you. Welcome back 😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you kindly! :)

[@thevalleywalker]

That 1st 5 mins listening to you actually say the words was quite a challenge to listen to. Hats off James you approached the break up in your own way and I hope that going forward these camping trips will bring you sollace. I for one have missed watching you cross the border and enjoy these mountains - as you know well the Blacks are probably my faves of all the hills I have walked. .. I have not been up them since my own personal occurrence but hope to soon.. maybe I will bump into you up there one day. Ah you camped on Y Das. Further along the ridge tere are some rocky outcrops so I suppose you were on the same line hence the difficulty pitching. Well detailed review on the mat. Can't say going forward I will be camping anymore - confidence and the tia, coupled with a general fitness drop has really taken its toll on this person whos next milestone birthday is now closer than my last one..lol. Good to see you haven't lost your appetite 😂 Loved the morning inversion timelapse. Welcome back. atb Al

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hello Al. Those words were challenging to write and record too, I can assure you. The joys of recording in private and editing out the wobbles. You had a big part to play in me discovering the Black Mountains, so I will happily continue walking and camping here in your honour. If a companion would help you to get over that faltering confidence, let me know. I know it's been a rocky year for you too, but it has been really good to see you getting out and about again - no doubt bringing about some fitness improvements. It's good to hear from you 😊 James.

[@marcfisher3417]

Great to see you back out enjoying the outdoors and the fresh air. I’ve exped mats with the baffles running the same way as the flex and they make an almost identical seat kit so I wouldn’t worry too much. Did you hang onto the vern tents? Great video 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Marc. I've just had a look at the Exped chair lots, so I see what you mean. Good spot! I contacted Flextail and they confirmed that there is a risk of damaging the mat, using it the way I did in this video. The jury is out as to whether it's a sensible thing to do or not then! I still have the Vern 2, yes. I haven't owned any other Nortents to date. Would love to try the Vern 1 though. Do you have a Vern yourself?

[@marcfisher3417]

@@joinmeoutdoorsyes I’ve the 1 and 2. Just make sure to contact Nortent and ask them to send out the thicker 9.5mm poles. They upgraded them free of charge and simply post them out. You can keep the old ones to double pole if you wanted but with the new thicker 9.5mm poles it’s a beast of a tent. Thanks for putting yourself out there in the video it will have helped others no end. Also great to see the leave no trace message at the end. Thanks for your reply and keep getting out there. Will look forward to your next video 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That's a really good response from Nortent. Those 9.5 mm poles should be pretty sturdy! They sent my tent to me free of charge to try out and review, so I'd feel a bit cheeky asking for upgraded poles. I would still like to try the Vern 1 though as it ticks loads of boxes for me. How are you finding yours, out of interest? Thanks for your comments. I hope this video can help at least a small handful of people, and the "leave no trace" stance can't be reinforced enough! 🙏🏻 James.

[@marcfisher3417]

@@joinmeoutdoorsHi James I’m loving the Vern 1 it suits my frame at 6ft 2 and 17st. My exped pad fits easily at LW and I’ve still got space inside for stuff and plenty of room in one side of the vestibule for my atmos 65 pack which leaves the other for cooking etc. I wouldn’t think Nortent would be concerned about upgrading the poles for you they’ve done almost every other KZbinr from what I can tell. You could always make a follow up video saying what great service you’ve received with them upgrading the poles for you. A measure of a great company is one that listens and improves and they’ve certainly done that with the poles. I’m sure a positive post for yourself using the tent again would benefit them no end. The Vern 1 is a good investment in my opinion with the upgraded 9.5mm poles. I fancied a soulo but it just wasn’t big enough and venting options are a little limited. I may still get one though but it would likely be a second hand one as you can never have too many tents although I do fancy an Allak 2 😂

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@marcfisher3417 It's good to hear directly from a Vern 1 owner. Interesting the space and venting were big factors in your decision to buy the Vern 1 over the Soulo. I'm sure the price helped too! I might get in touch with Nortent about the poles. I do receive some bits of kit free of charge, but ideally I like to try and keep my experience of a brand/product fairly realistic, rather than getting preferential treatment just because of my enormous worldwide fame 😆 I take your point that they have been sending out the 9.5 mm poles en masse though. That's really good to hear. They were originally going to send me a Vern 1 to try, but sales were so fast that they contacted me to let me know that they wanted to prioritise their customers rather than deprive a customer of their Vern 1 so that I could have one for KZbin. I liked that. They could easily have put a marketing opportunity ahead of a paying customer.

[@lifesahike1679]

Nice to see you back out .

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you 👍

[@suewheeler5795]

Welcome back. You've been missed. Hopefully you are beginning to turn a corner 🤞

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Ah thanks, Sue. Things are much better now than they were, thank you. I appreciate the comment. James.

[@CanvasandPeaks]

Ah mate, whilst is great to see you back you need to know you're not alone. If you ever need to chat or offload, you have a platform to reach out to me. And if not me, someone, anyone. As you say share the burden. Keep strong buddy 💪

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks man. I have leaned quite hard on some close friends this year. It's made all the difference. Onwards and upwards 🙏🏻 ATB, James.

[@Collected1]

I'm glad you were able to get out. Some very wise words in this video. As someone who struggles with anxiety it can often feel like a constant battle against thoughts but I also find getting outdoors is way to clear my head and establish some control over them. Thank you for sharing your own struggle. I'm interested to possibly give that mat a try. I've struggled a little to get along with my current mat. I've found I keep waking up with leg discomfort and struggled to stay on the thing. The pillow looks interesting too.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Having a reliable "go-to" way of de-pressurising is really helpful, isn't it? What mat do you currently use? It's one thing to have a warm mat, but this Flextail mat has highlighted to me that while my Thermarest mat is pretty warm, it's maybe not as comfortable as it could be. A thick mat and a well-shaped pillow are both really important if you're a side sleeper. Thanks for your comment :) James.

[@Collected1]

@@joinmeoutdoors Currently the NeoAir Xlite NXT. I originally had the MAX version but switched to the mummy shape in an attempt to save grams which in hind sight was a mistake. Next time I'll carry more grams to ensure I get a good quality of sleep. Sometimes obsession with pack weight can go too far!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I was in the same boat. I like the idea of less weight and volume, but the square, wide mats mean that your elbows and ankles are less likely to drop off the edges in our weird and wonderful sleeping positions.

[@roberthunter5398]

Sorry to hear about your problem. Truth is mental health affects most people these days. Myself included. Glad to hear you were cycling. Cycle touring is my thing but I've been struggling and unable to get out. Maybe your inspiration will help. Good luck😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Robert. I'm sorry you've been struggling to get out too. I wonder if you might be able to pull a reverse of my trick, and use walking to get you back out on the bike. Cycling is great as you're travelling 5 or 6 times faster than you do when walking, so you get to see 5 or 6 times the amount of stuff in any given time frame! Perhaps the slow pace of a walk will frustrate you enough to make you want to hop back on the bike 😉 You will get back on it - it's just a matter of time 😊 James.

[@davidhale1568]

Good man yourself James. Sounds like that was a net calorie gain walk ! Two wheels good 😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers David. The calories tasted good on this one - even better when there's snow on the ground :) James.

[@andycoombes161]

Really well done on picking yourself up and getting back out there. I was wondering where you'd gone as I'd not seen you on KZbin for a while. Onwards and upwards. These things happen, it's how we deal with them that matters....

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Andy. As you say, things are bound to go wrong along the way, and sometimes it takes a while to work out how to deal with a challenge that you haven't encountered before. Thank you for your comment. James.

[@lysan1445]

With the help of a psychotherapist, I overcame agoraphobia 40 years ago. It never returned. So, take heart. What you are doing right now is the right thing to do.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That's brilliant to hear. I have no idea how widespread it is, but it's really good to hear from a few people who have overcome it and not looked back. Thank you for sharing that. James.

[@samimurtomaki5534]

I cannot say anything for sure, but I did think if it would be wise to do that chair trick with my BA rapide sl. I desided it was not worth thr risk. It does cause stresses that are not there in normal use, tight bends do worry me as if a baffle does separate from the outside, it will most likely rip the inner PU and create a leak, even if not, the pad would be deformed after that.

[@samimurtomaki5534]

Moght be just beacause I'm poor and don't get free stuff.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I think you could well be right there. It made me a little uncomfortable even with my Thermarest mat which a) Has horizontal baffles and b) Is designed and tested to work together with the trekker chair kit.

[@samimurtomaki5534]

​@@joinmeoutdoors I'd definately do that with Thermarest, I don't see a problem there, the structure is way better for kind kind of thing, just that as side sleeper I'm prettu sure that those baffles would restrict the blood flow and make nights not that great, so I bring a chair separately.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Please could you explain what you mean about different baffle layouts affecting blood flow?

[@samimurtomaki5534]

@@joinmeoutdoors Hard narrow horizontal baffles are restricting verticsl blood flow, for example from my shoulder to my arm, and then my arm ia in sleep but I'm not and I have to change my side. Experinces my vary and I know that too hard sleeping surface does that to me, so I never even tried horizontal one. This is my first inflatable sleeping pad and I sleep so much better on it especially if it is not fully inflated, but bit softer.

[@currahee1960]

Great video and great content. Subscribed to your channel. I suffer from social anxiety disorder by the way

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Phil, and welcome to my channel. It's interesting that you suffer from social anxiety but have a KZbin channel. I often find this a strange phenomenon with myself, too - avoid busy social stuff, but am happy to broadcast to thousands! Weird mix, isn't it?

[@currahee1960]

I only started wild camping last year, before that i just camped on campsites. I find solo camping much better for me as i fear mingling with other people, i want too but but my social anxiety makes it difficult for me if that makes any sense. I do historical re-enactment and have my own viking encampment but usually just hang around my own camp on the evening while other re-enactors are socialising with others. When i try to socialise i usually go very quite and start getting anxious and sometimes muddle my words up etc. really gets me down sometimes

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@currahee1960 Yes that makes absolute sense to me. I know exactly those traits that you're talking about. Fumbling your words, and then developing a paranoia to the point where it's easier just not to speak. None of those problems when you're out camping alone, and if you mess your words up on camera, you can just film it again and edit out the mistakes. Perfect! I'm sorry it gets you down though. Do you find that it's less stressful when people know that you struggle with it?

[@currahee1960]

Yes it does help a little when people know about my SAD but I'm still always the quiet one in the crowd when i try to mingle

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@currahee1960 That makes sense, and I can sympathise with you. On the other hand, I know that some of those more social people are somewhat fearful of spending time in their own company, so that's where we win! 🙂