Keeping the Misses happy

[firephil]

So I am very new to this expedition stuff. Not new at all to camping though, but just used to packing a bunch of stuff in the back of the truck and heading out for a weekend with the buddies. Well that is still going to happen, but as I have aged and gotten married and had a kid I need to plan a little better.

I just bought an 85 fj60 and I am in the process of planning it all out and what I need for upwards of a week in no mans land.

My question is mostly to the ladies or to the gentlemen who have been here before. What do I need to put on the rig to keep the misses happy? Shes not much of the camping and rouging it type. She is game for a new thing, but I have to make this a good experience to keep her wanting to do it.

Already planning on a shower and water system and a toilet, but what else? All suggestions are welcomed!!

Thanks

Phil

 

[BIGdaddy]

Keep her rested, keep her fed, keep her warm, and keep a managable bathroom system nearby, and I'd say the rest is up to her.

I camp with 4 girls (wife + daughters) and those are the key ingredients.

Some ladies simply don't like the outdoors, experienced this way, but most just need one solid, positive experience to be hooked.

Good luck!

 

[theksmith]

excessive warmth when it's cold out, excessive cooling when it's hot out, a shower after 2 days, and always lots of liquor. oh and a good fun group to hang out with!

 

[nwoods]

---

Carve this Truth in stone, for this is immutable, unchangeable, inarguable Wisdom. Never stray from these fundamentals. Oh, and let her drive from time to time.

Keep her rested, keep her fed, keep her warm, and keep a managable bathroom system nearby, and I'd say the rest is up to her.

I camp with 4 girls (wife + daughters) and those are the key ingredients.

Some ladies simply don't like the outdoors, experienced this way, but most just need one solid, positive experience to be hooked.

Good luck!

 

[78Bronco]

Warmth is the most important by far, followed closely by a civilized bathroom facility, well fed would be next. I would also suggest starting off slowly for a couple quick trips before going all out on a week long adventure.

 

[firephil]

Thanks guys! Pretty much what I thought, but good to have it confirmed. Any special items that would be good to bring? Obviously plenty of TP, but what else?

 

[theksmith]

one other thing - my GF likes a proper kitchen area, including a sink type tub for dishes, and plenty of space and "things" when cooking. it's one thing we differ on completely, i only need about 1 square foot, 1 pan, 1 burner, 1 knife, and a jug of water.

i agree with this previously posted wisdom "...but most just need one solid, positive experience to be hooked" - don't take her out for a week, in the cold, or with unknown people the first time... get her hooked with a nice temperate short weekend with a group of well-liked folk in a place you are familiar with. then later start the crazy-story-making adventures!

 

[The Rover Shop]

And let her make decisions as to where to go and where to setup camp...they are funny little creatures and like to be feeling like thay are participating and have some control...LOL...
P.S... don't show this post to my fiancee....LOL...

 

[theksmith]

And let her make decisions as to where to go and where to setup camp...they are funny little creatures and like to be feeling like thay are participating and have some control...LOL...
P.S... don't show this post to my fiancee....LOL...

good point... my GF doesn't care about control much on outdoor trips. but she IS a planner and i am NOT usually. therefore we need set itineraries that she is completely informed of and need to stick to them to keep her happy. the unbridled wanderlust and unplanned side trips are mostly left for my solo missions. this isn't a man/woman thing, just a "be aware of your partners personality" thing.

 

[nwoods]

Thanks guys! Pretty much what I thought, but good to have it confirmed. Any special items that would be good to bring? Obviously plenty of TP, but what else?

Always keep a jug of wet wipes handy. Women use them in disproportionate amounts compared to men.

The biggest thing YOU need to do is listen, and let HER set the cadence of the weekend. I wrote a more family/kid oriented blog post about that once, but I think it pertains pretty well to bringing out a female newbie who's happiness will control your life: http://www.woodsfamily.cc/blog/?p=39

This is us:
http://www.adventureparents.com/adv...ream-loving-woods-family-in-15-questions.html

 

[hochung]

So I am very new to this expedition stuff. Not new at all to camping though, but just used to packing a bunch of stuff in the back of the truck and heading out for a weekend with the buddies. Well that is still going to happen, but as I have aged and gotten married and had a kid I need to plan a little better.

I just bought an 85 fj60 and I am in the process of planning it all out and what I need for upwards of a week in no mans land.

My question is mostly to the ladies or to the gentlemen who have been here before. What do I need to put on the rig to keep the misses happy? Shes not much of the camping and rouging it type. She is game for a new thing, but I have to make this a good experience to keep her wanting to do it.

Already planning on a shower and water system and a toilet, but what else? All suggestions are welcomed!!

Thanks

Phil

This is what makes women happy: Seeing their man happy.

I just keep mine home.