Medieval Camping: What I Brought

[@gormauslander]

"I wanna live like a ranger, not die like one" Well said

[@Critical_Pixel]

Stumbled upon your channel and have gotten hooked. I love that you are completely unashamed for using non-historically accurate materials and explaining the various reasons as to why. Even when that reason is: "It looked like the Lord of the Rings backpack." You've taken this whole world of medieval bushcraft and delivered it in such an approachable way that I feel that anyone could do this. Subscribed.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you, Iove reading comments like this. I hope I'm able to get many more people to start fantasy reenactment who wanted to, but didn't know how or have the money to buy a whole bunch of fancy gear.

[@wiederganger1959]

Same here.

[@JeremySpringfield]

Feast gear, and food related kit is a topic worth its own video. Btw, that mic helps a ton.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Absolutely! Probably multiple videos honestly, I'll add that to my list, thanks!

[@Test-UCKC]

A video regarding a selection of your favorite camping meals/snacks possibly?

[@GarThankYall]

this is me explaining why I look like a medieval character when I camp

[@fredEVOIX]

as someone who hikes a lot and doesn't have the ultra light expensive stuff but still modern gear, that seems hardcore, one of the things that skyrocketed in ease of use in the modern world is trekking gear, crazy how we went from almost medieval equipement to space age materials in the last 50 years

[@christopherfisher128]

Townsend's sells what is known as brewers pitch. It is meltable, food safe, resins for treating the inside of wooden drinking/storage vessels. It can be easily melted and combined with a bit of beeswax ( I use slightly less than a 2/1 ratio of pitch & wax) for use in creating a more period correct bota. After you craft the leather vessel simply pour the melted (but not scalding as it will "cook" the leather) into your bota and swirling it around. Make sure to completely coat the inside. I have had the best success using my oven on low heat to keep the mixture liquid and making sure it penetrated the leather. Warming the bota in the oven also makes draining excess mixture from the bota easy(ish ;) ). Again. only heat the oven hot enough to liquefy the brewers pitch. Cannot stress this enough. Hair dryers or heat guns can work but are not as easy and can give uneven results. The ideal is to fully coat the inside without building up an inner "wall" or thick layer. This process *will* stiffen the leather somewhat making it less flexible but it is a lot better than the modern botas or using animal stomachs or other offal to make a container. And if you mess up and make it really stiff, it is still a good looking and functional canteen. Cheers.

[@sandmangreen4]

That multipouch belt is really cool! Great work , never too many pouches XD

[@sethdusith6093]

Excellent kit, this is pretty much how I would do it. Mostly accurate, but not dangerously accurate

[@daydariftwalker]

I’m trying to write a story set in a more medieval setting, and this video helped me a ton! Really glad i came across this channel cuz I forgot that they have to carry at least a couple days worth of food on them… 🙃

[@shainsmith8433]

I appreciate the fact to admitting the modern gear and why! There's a reason why gear has evolved, and the fact what was common then is expensive now (WOOL).

[@petrhovado5590]

I like this very much. Although when we go on our trips, we put a ban on all modern-looking, colorful, plastic, branded etc. stuff. So you wouldn't pass our check with this kit 😀 Nobody from our party is on a big budget, so not everything is fully 'period', but we go for fantasy anyway and this simple ban inspired a lot of creativity. We keep learning from each other on every trip. Thanks for running this channel, we'd almost think we're in this hobby alone 😀

[@lordneador3724]

Such a great video! I love your practical approach, and it certainly helps that you are in a position like many of us, not beeing able to spend great amounts of money on the fancy/accurate things :) This really makes you amazingly "non-gatekeeping" if that makes sense ;D So many people are dogmatic and elitist about historical accuracy so its nice to see somehting different. greetings from a new subscriber!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Greetings and thank you!

[@YsmirGaming]

I came across your channel last summer while preparing for my local renfaire, and I'm so glad I did! Every video you make just makes me even more excited to live my life as an adventure. I haven't been able to get started yet, as I only recently turned 18 and still live with my parents, but I'm already making plans!

[@Test-UCKC]

I always get the feeling I'm weird because the fact that i love this kind of thing but then i watch this video and i see the comments and i see everyone else that is just like me and i feel really good because I'm not the only one. Living Anachronism, thank you for showing me it's not just me who loves all this kind of stuff. You're the voice i wish i could be ^_^ you are a legend and i think of you as a sort of guild leader in a way :)

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you Bard! Not only are you not alone in loving this stuff, but hopefully my videos can show it's not that hard to start doing either!

[@MarieWest-tbic]

Looks like you gathered everything you need that does not exceed a weight limit. Being historically accurate seems like it would be very much heavier! Love this video! Thank you for the time you put into showing us!

[@elliapenguin]

This is super useful for Larps starting in fall this year! I know a bunch of games are setting up incentives to camp rather than cabin up here in the northeast to encourage social distancing and tips like this are great for people wanting to set up immersive camp sites. Fantastic video!

[@Elkanthar]

Hey Sir! Great work! I just started medieval hiking and your Videos are more than inspiring. Much love from Germany

[@CrownVessel]

Just stumbled upon your KZbin and can say I'm glad I'm not the only one who wants to do midevil camping. Just sad that I haven't found friends to do it with

[@andynonymous6769]

I want to as well! I go camping with scout camp leaders sometimes. Most of them are the definition of geekiness so maybe they'll be down 🤞

[@lhughes6656]

OMG I loved this! Thank you for making this! I am going medieval camping for the first time in a few weeks and I'm pumped!!! Lots of great ideas in the vid. Thanks fam, you gained a new subscriber!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you and welcome!

[@richardmarriott-smith9517]

Thanks for this video. Some useful advice for camping.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

That stew looked amazing!

[@joeydr1497]

I’d recommend a Polish army tent, looks like a fantasy tent, it’s an olive green canvas tipi style tent. If you’ve got a buddy you can unbutton them and make a pair of ponchos/ cloaks.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I've looked at the Lavvu system, it seems really cool and practical! I just received a poncho/tent piece made by OneTigris, so modern material, not canvas, but a good way to test for now

[@epicsage16]

Fantastic video! Makes me want to try LARP camping.

[@LivingAnachronism]

You should!

[@patrickbateman3146]

Still one of my favorite videos

[@RiderofRiddermark]

It is lovely liottle videos like this that convinced me to subscribe. I do indeed like the various other topics covered, but medieval camping takes the cake.

[@AzraelThanatos]

For the mug, you might want to look into some of the metal ones, there were several tin ones that fit as something someone might have at the time, and while it would cost more than a ceramic or similar one, they were more durable and if you're an adventurer, that means that your stuff would be banged up quite a bit in the bags. And if you're in a fantasy world, such as middle earth, you'd be ready to drop a lot of what you're carrying in many areas to be able to defend yourself.

[@diegooland1261]

Three pipes! I admire your spirit. Drop the plate and cutting board. Get a heat resistant cup. Eat your hot soup out of the cup or the pot it's cooked in. With pre-prep you can drop the fork. Never carry beer, hard alcohol if you want spirits. And alcohol like "tobacco" can be used to barter if need be. Use a old school coffee percolator for your pot. In AM you make coffee/tea, at night you use to cook your soup. Good call on candle, shavings can be used to help start fire. Look for mini candle lantern, good when windy.

[@shadygremlin9702]

Get that Smoky Mountain Green for those pipes, makes the night sky brighter

[@shawn092182]

Just found your channel today, I've only seen a couple videos, so I don't know if you done a video on this or not. I just wanted to throw in this little piece of information for anyone who might not be aware of. For me I go backpacking, hiking on trails that takes you through different properties. Whenever I think about primitive camping, I see my campsite being away from the trail out of the way of other hikers. And a must have for me is a campfire for cooking, warmth, even lighting at nighttime. Around here, the majority of the places allow open flame campfires but a few are restricted. In order for you to cook food, you would have to use those small backpacking stoves. I've made some myself out of used aluminum cans. I was just thinking that perhaps it might a small project for and your audience. Of course, instead of a modern look, perhaps you make one with a medieval twist to it.

[@therovingranger]

That’s a lot of good info! Thanks! I would really like to try medieval camping one day! Even if it’s not 100% historically accurate! 😄

[@lilyandrose8557]

Thanks for the pdf! I'm looking around at what I have & will keep an eye out at op-shops to see what I can find :)

[@Bb24138]

Dude I just found a perfect place in southern California for this I can't wait to get my gear and go medieval camping

[@quailypoes]

Thank you for an excellent video!!

[@scoutofthewoods]

so cool... someday i will make a stew in the woods... mark my words!!!! looks delish!! also, i really appreciate the emphasis on DOING it, not jsut doing it PERFECTLY. it's really cool to see!!! ive been binge-watching your videos all day and the production quality and level of research are really great!!

[@zakkmiller8242]

Should have brought the clay bong. Hahahaha jk this is awesome bro. My mind has been in medieval fantasy for 20 years now and i cant believe ive never did anything like this. I got my kids watching with me and we are about to go do stuff like this and start making our own outfits. This channel is a gem. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into these. Youre a good man!

[@LivingAnachronism]

That's awesome Zakk, have fun! Thanks for your support!

[@thatsafactorino1120]

Saw a video you got up on the attire. Very informative. Taking my kids to the robin hood fare so it helped out alot......... what u got in them pipes ????? I see you playa 🤣🤣🤣 enjoy your mythical journey

[@LivingAnachronism]

Tobacco, I go for the LOTR inspired blends whenever possible 😂

[@thatsafactorino1120]

Lightin it off the flames of mordor 👍🤣🔥🔥💯

[@nomi9997]

the pdf? preparing beginner options and explaining historical options? you did the most. thanks.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

Love these videos. ❤ I like hiking, camping and fantasy role play, but I'm also on interested in bushcraft, medieval history and HEMA. Your channel has elements of all of these, even if your main focus is fantasy reenactment, which is itself interesting and entertaining. I'm curious how much all this gear weighs. It seems feasible to carry it on a journey lasting several days, but you're not carrying any weapons or wearing any armor, both of which would add significantly to the total weight. And we haven't yet mentioned loot! IlRC, D&D allows adventurers to walk 3 miles per hour along a road, assuming they travel no more than 8 hrs per day and rest every few hours. However, this seems optimistic given how much they'd be carrying.

[@Rocketsong]

Love the Townsend's trivit. Presumably 18th century, but quite a bit of their stuff can pass as older. I've been using one of their horn spoons for Ren Faire for almost 30 years now.

[@andydaniels3029]

For a possibly more appropriate approach to water filtration, perhaps a DIY filter would do; imagine a period bottle or crock jug, cut about a quarter from the top and inverted. This piece could be ceramic or pottery or even wood-turned or carved if you have the materials, skill set, and equipment. Stuff a cloth into the "neck" and leave it hanging out from the normal opening of the piece. What you are effectively creating is a larger funnel shape with a cloth hanging out. At the top of your "funnel," add alternating layers of activated charcoal, sand, and gravel or rocks. What you've just DIY'd is the the basic design behind every bioactive filtration system on the market today. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't also suggest to you to boil the water after straining for maximum safety.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Definitely something I'm planning on doing in the future, impromptu water filter is a good skill to have regardless. For my first trip, I wanted to be extra safe though, haha!

[@dannyhaasdyk3572]

waxed canvas works for tents and tarps if you wanna put a little more time into melting beeswax on a canvas drop cloth

[@impcgaming6560]

Great video once again, thank you for sharing!

[@AzraelThanatos]

Just another thought for this, you could make an encasement for the bear bag to look like one of the smaller barrels, not entirely sure how difficult it would be to do.

[@nikkusan6704]

Second video of yours I’ve watched and I am very impressed! Very thorough and thought out. Definitely earned a subscriber!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@maryhairy1]

I love this concept, except having items on the outside of ones pack can very easily become detached. I found out I didn’t have mat to sleep on. As tired as I was I slept amazingly well directly on the ground. Not to be repeated.

[@samuelleask1132]

Another great video!

[@samuelolson3017]

Love your videos sir keep them cming

[@gaela2659]

The camp list pdf in the description box ain't working, just so you know! Amazing video, as always. I will use some of your ideas for my larp characters, hehe

[@williamrobinson4265]

great work dude, hope to see more content! lets grow the genre!

[@LivingAnachronism]

That's the goal! who knows the influence we will have a year from now!

[@Ozarkwonderer]

Nice kit. Im more into 18th century gear but have noticed that much parallels to the medieval time. Wool clothing ...cast iron...ect. it'd be nice to see you with a flint and steel fire kit eventually. But i get what your going for and its really cool

[@LivingAnachronism]

I'm seeing if I can hunt my own flints, but I might end up having to buy something if I don't find any soon. I like 18th century kits as well, and find that there is some solid 18th and maybe even 19th century influence for LOTR reenactment

[@Rocketsong]

Townsend's has a video on making your own oilcloth. Not technically historically accurate since Jon is smart enough not to use lead salts, but otherwise pretty close. That's what I would use for a bedroll.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I wanted to do it that way, but the drying time, and the flammability pushed me in another direction this time

[@LuxisAlukard]

Really cool video!

[@rakatika]

Very inspiring

[@SteamTitan]

I could see modifying a bear can to look more like a barrell for larp and such

[@scotmcpherson]

I think what you may mean is oilskin....oilcloth was more like a toxic form of rubberization than oiling. Oil Cloth was basically invented in the late 1800s, it's the yellow rubber raincoats the generation before you wore as kids, and sea pilots would wear as foul weather gear. Today it's basically PVC Coated cloth instead of linseed oil and lead salts like it was originally made from. Oil Skins on the otherhand were made by dipping canvas into oil and letting it dry or using a drying agent to dry it back out. This is what was used to make waterproof luggage and waterproof capes and cloaks I think you were referring to. Still good stuff if you know how to make and care for it. Very authentic for even medieval (or at the very least renaissance period) water proofing.

[@gcvrsa]

"an even smaller clay pipe" :D

[@mmcgartland2095]

I am planning on camping with medieval garb end of month

[@LivingAnachronism]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@koticneutralftw7016]

I think John Townsends mentions copper pots were preferable to explorers in the 18th century because they're lighter than cast iron.

[@donaldmcdaniel1773]

very interesting

[@Test-UCKC]

Using jerky as the meat in the stew? Clever, nobody's ever done that to my knowledge, i have to try that next time i go.

[@jdzencelowcz]

Even without the filter, he could just find some really clear stream or pond, & boil the water, so he's good to go.

[@rebd00mer93]

For anyone that is looking for a wooden comb that looks exactly like the ones used in Medieval times and that also looks like the one Kramer shows here you can go to Walmart and in the men's shaving section there is a product called Cremo beard comb. It's marketed as a beard comb but it looks exactly like the ones used in Medieval times and also it's a lot cheaper than any replicas you could purchase online..

[@LivingAnachronism]

Great comment, that's what mine is! Different brand, but it's a beard kit comb.

[@beksc9209]

Slightly paraphrased, but I now quote your statement, "I may want to live like a Ranger, but I don't want to accidentally die like one." 😆

[@harrylagerlof1751]

This guy is so good at what he does, its so sad that the audience is a little bit to small för him to skyrocket.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks Harry! We'll get there

[@AdamMclardy]

And it’s growing great!!!

[@joshuabarnhill1265]

if you paint the flask with gun black and make a leather holder for your flask it would look less out of place

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

Awesome load-out :) although it looks like it would be very heavy

[@LivingAnachronism]

It wasn't comfortable, but it was certainly doable. Pack with everything on it was just about 30lbs, so compared to what military personal carry, it's not too bad. But that's partly why experimenting is so great, because you learn what you need and most importantly, what you don't ;)

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

​@@LivingAnachronismExperimentation is king :) I have no experience medieval/fantasy camping because wild-camping/open fires/most of bush-craft is not legal in the UK without the landowners permission (and they never say yes) but I still take cooking stuff and other equipment on day hikes to test stuff out. The most obvious place I think you could save weight and space is to ditch the metal trivet and pan for a small zebra billy can (or any other billy can, but I think this one is best), then you can use the handle loop to hang the pot over a fire using a tripod that you make where you camp Also, have you seen Shadiversity's recent video on load-out for a fantasy adventurer, he doesn't really go into survival stuff but he has some interesting ways to carry weapons with the gear

[@GarThankYall]

because im an australlian I get jealous of seeing people that can wear warm clothes or layers

[@SirCrabthe1st]

*Laughs in American*

[@wiederganger1959]

So wait, you brought not one, not two, but THREE pipes? What did you bring to light them with?

[@PipoZePoulp]

spare socks or foot wraps, check. I notice you're missing two pieces of gear; a small pot of honey in your first aid kit for wound dressing or emergency energy, and a lump of beeswax for tool maintenance and rubbing your feet/hands after a long day marching.

[@glenntanner5132]

Try a percolated coffee pot

[@robertreese6903]

A bedroll is supposed to protect one blanket, supplies, and body from the elements. So it should be wind proof and water resistant. So it stops wind and water and allows the blankets to maintain body heat. If don right -30f is comfortable. Is to mess up and have 15f be unbearable

[@LivingAnachronism]

Yeah, my bedroll is certainly not done correctly yet. I'll get there, just need to scrounge up the $ for a proper wool blanket and maybe a dear skin for water proofing.

[@samuelleask1132]

2:22 *someone* read Ranger’s Apprentice :D

[@LivingAnachronism]

Many, many times

[@Michael-zl1rm]

Great video. Btw where did you purchase your seax knife? I am looking to buy one myself

[@LivingAnachronism]

It's from Baltimore Knife and Sword (the guys from Man at Arms reforged) I bought it at the Maryland Renaissance Faire.

[@Michael-zl1rm]

@@LivingAnachronism Nice! Thank you for the information

[@TheirishkingadventuresBlogspot]

do you recall the approximate weight of all of your gear when fully loaded? I'm curious how this setup compares to a more modern one.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I believe it was just over 30 lbs at the time. But things have since changed a bit. It wasn't that heavy, but I also had things I didn't need, didn't have things that I needed, and it was all carried very inefficiently.

[@Hummingbird222]

Where would you reccomend getting a seax?

[@advknight4351]

I know this video is a couple years old now, but I wanted to ask anyway: How much are you carrying (in pounds)? I've been using your videos to help breathe life into my D&D world, and I'm curious how heavy this kit is.

[@ChelleLlewes]

Fair warning for anyone considering cast iron cookware: it is HEAVY! Try a dress rehearsal with a full pack for at least an hour before you commit to a full day.

[@velazquezarmouries]

Well forged iron skillets were a thing since roman times

[@velazquezarmouries]

They would be really useful for a person in campaign

[@clintcarpentier2424]

I wouldn't say cast iron is out of place, but I think it's more ubiquitous in colonial america, because they were... moving in. Copper pots would not be out of place in camping settings, as copper predates iron due to it's ease of smelting and manufacture. Being lighter than iron, you could carry pots nested together for the same weight. They also heat up and cool down faster. They do have their own problems, like heat deformation and general denting, but a rock can bang it back into shape; whereas iron needs a blacksmith. Might need to do some homework before taking my word for it.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Pottery is another option I want to explore, though they are heavy and easily breakable. Copper, or perhaps tin, might be the easiest route for now, though I don't think tin was a medieval cooking metal

[@clintcarpentier2424]

@@LivingAnachronism I would avoid unglazed pottery. Pottery is porous and porosity invites bacteria. Copper and tin make bronze aka bronze age. Which predates the iron age. The reason I say cast iron pots are ubiquitous with American colonialism, is that those who were colonizing "the west" knew... that they were not coming back anytime soon, so the items that they brought, were expected to last. Cast iron pots and pans had a LOT of upsides, and still do to this day. But travelers have a weight issue. Basic cost/benefit analysis says iron is not worth the effort. Those today who call themselves "ultra-light campers" tend to use titanium cookware, despite its craptastic cooking abilities. Long story short, iron is not something an adventurer would have on them.

[@Rocketsong]

Period correct cast iron can be shockingly thin and light. In a time where material was expensive, and labor was cheap, they could afford to cast very thin iron and if half of it broke in the mold they would just re-smelt it. Townsends had an episode a while ago with actual vintage cast iron, and you would think it was modern aluminum by how thin it was.

[@brucelee3388]

What most people think of as 'tin' was actually copper or brass/bronze that was coated with tin or a tin alloy. It did wear off eventually but you took it to a 'tinsmith' who etched/pickled the inside and wiped on a new layer of tin alloy - just like professional chefs do today. You should be able to find videos of this if you look for 'tinning'. Sheet iron was known and used for pans and pots since at least the days of the Romans. Early Medieval pots were made from multiple pieces of iron, just like they made helmets (spangenhelm). A good iron worker could make the riveted joints almost waterproof from the hammer, you just cooked something gooey like porridge that would get into the joints and bake hard, sealing the joints semi-permanently, renew as needed.

[@clintcarpentier2424]

@@brucelee3388 Fucking bots learning woke mumble.

[@alissom377]

could you teach how you made that chest belt

[@LaineyBug2020]

How accurate would it be to have a couple goats and a dog as pets that could carry stuff for you? I ask because the guy on the Firebox Stove always goes camping with his goats (I think he has 3) and his dogs, and he gets to bring so much stuff because they can cary it. Do they let you bring animals LARPing or to Ren fairs if you pick up after them?

[@LivingAnachronism]

Accurate? Probably very if you had the animals already, or at least plausible. Larps and faires, their rules aren't universal, so I can't speak for all faires or larps. Larps, I'm inclined to say aren't very animal or pet friendly, but perhaps there is one out there. Faires are generally pet friendly from my experience.

[@dheyderjr]

Europe even mass produced cast iron in the 14th century

[@JohnMiller-zr8pl]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@dheyderjr]

The Chinese made cast iron before 1,000 ad the shape was wrong but to have it was correct.

[@dannyhaasdyk3572]

where do you get a water skin?

[@fjalarhenriksson]

my "going alone" getup is much simpler

[@NathanB417]

Period correct or not without those frying pans they may well have never made it out of the mines of moria 😅🤷‍♂️

[@aev0317]

Out of curiosity are you US based and what size is your bear can?

[@LivingAnachronism]

Yes, US based in New England. Bear Can is from Backpackers Cache and is approx 340 oz or 2.6 liquid gallons.

[@aev0317]

Can you use a ursack?

[@Rocketsong]

Turnips instead of potatoes would have been far more "historically accurate". But I freely admit that we all play a bit fast and loose when it comes to historically accurate food, since so many things we take for granted these days are "new world" food, like potatoes, corn, turkey...

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

Music when you are talking why ?

[@David-wn8uy]

😂2 pipes, my man.

[@Blondie42]

Your friends/family who were with you must have felt under dressed with them in modern attire and you in your adventuring attire. 😉😏

[@LivingAnachronism]

My lads all watch Townsends, so I'm hoping one day we'll all be in gear, even if it's all from diffferent centuries

[@DH-xw6jp]

*[shows three smoking pipes]* "Eating is one of the most important things." I hate to break it to ya, but you aren't a Ranger. You are a hobbit!

[@charliemcdowell5231]

I think there’s more crossover between classic bushcraft and larp camping. Ultimately both involve using materials and skills that modern technology has made obsolete. Bushcrafting is essentially larping as an old school huntsman or pioneer, and even in those cases one often makes concessions to modern technology in certain areas for safety or convenience. We must remember that throughout history camping was harder and more brutal than in modern times, yet was still representative of people doing things the easiest way they knew how, with the best technology they could afford.

[@Craigthepope]

But why?

[@LivingAnachronism]

Such are the existential questions we must all ask ourselves

[@petcro5546]

1000th view! Lol

[@zhukel_marimasko]

Sorry, I was distracted by your dreamy gaze. Can you repeat literally all of that?

[@_malprivate2543]

It's not really "medieval" camping if you use stuff that isn't medieval, now is it?

[@LivingAnachronism]

A number of my videos aren't intended to be 100% accurate, but sort of a "dip your toes in" for people who want to get involved in anachronistic re-enactment, but don't have a full kit, and maybe don't even have the desire to be completely historically accurate, but just have fun. So technically no, but for the purpose of the video, yes, if that makes sense.

[@davidfunkhouser516]

Not medieval...

[@LivingAnachronism]

Not fully, but it's how my kit is starting, and hopefully gives inspiration to people who want to get immersed without having to spend thousands on kit upfront. Then they can start, have fun, and then accumulate more gear later.

[@SirCrabthe1st]

It's more about having fun.