Solo Camping for Two has long been my favorite ongoing manga. Yudai Debata’s depiction of the outdoors and the people who love them is comforting in a way few others can ever hope to match. While SynergySP’s animation doesn’t live up to the majesty that is the Futari Solo Camp manga, and I have more complaints about the show than Attack on Titan has fillers, I’m still quite overjoyed that this manga got adapted.
This title is the perfect entry into the outdoors, and many people can benefit from spending time in the wild. So for the next few months I’ll be here to pontificate and preach about the healing aspect of nature and expand on the gear covered in Solo Camping for Two.
To prevent confusion, these articles won’t be the typical Anime Corner reviews, they’ll only focus on Solo Camping for Two‘s technical aspects. They won’t cover the show’s production details or plot. These articles are here to help new campers figure out what gear they need by building on what the anime depicts.
Solo Camping for Two — Do You Need a Tent?
Firstly, if you’re going camping… you need a tent, right?
No, you don’t. If you’re uncomfortable with tent camping, there are plenty of ‘glamping’ campgrounds offering cabins, safari-style tents, and other accommodations. If you’re used to being outdoors, you can even buy a weatherproof hammock and use that instead.
Solo Camping for Two does an excellent job of emphasizing the importance of a tent. It protects you from the elements and wildlife (bugs). Usually, you don’t need to worry about megafauna. Animals like bears or jaguars avoid humans.
The real threats are insects. I’ve had malaria and dengue. I also currently host parasites that even National Geographic hasn’t heard of, so I can promise you that bugs are your biggest threat. If you think DEET or picaridin is enough to keep you safe, I envy your optimism.
No Two Tents Are Alike
Even experienced outdoors people are surprised by how many types of tents exist. While most tents are versatile enough for various conditions, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all type of deal. You need specific tents for specific scenarios.
The basic tents you’ll encounter are dome tents, half-dome tents, and A-frame tents. Sleeping-bag like shelters named bivys have started to garner a lot of attention lately. The lightweight and compact nature of these appeal to ultralight campers and hikers.
(Bottom Left) Outdoor Research’s Helium Bivy – (Bottom Right) Ozark Trail’s A-Frame Tent
Dome tents are what most people think of when they hear ‘tent.’ These are either free-standing or staked tents that feature four solid walls. Free-standing tents often require guide ropes and poles for setup.
Half-dome tents resemble dome tents but have one or more walls made of breathable material like mesh, which improves airflow and reduces weight. A-frame tents are the triangle-shaped types you sometimes see. In Solo Camping for Two, Gen-san uses a MSR Free-lite Ultralight backpacking tent. We’ll talk more about ultralight gear in another article, so keep that in the back of your mind.
Regardless of what type of tent you choose, also consider where and in what conditions you’ll be camping. It’s common to see higher-quality tents come with an “X-season” label. This label indicates in what season (ambient temperature) you can use the tent in. The Wilderness Time’s visual below is the easiest way to conceptualize what an ‘X-season’ label entails.
If you’re interested in getting your first tent, I recommend that you visit an REI store. If there’s none near to you, I recommend their Trailmade Backpacking Bundle or the Kelty Discover Basecamp Bundle. I know a $280–$400 camping set is out of reach for many, but REI stuff is built to last.
©REI
If you’re on a budget; or don’t want to spend a lot on a new hobby, brands like Ozark Trail are reliable and much more affordable. Their Hiker tent retails for around $40 and is great for summer camping.
Solo Camping for Two & Sleeping Bags
The first episode of Futari Solo Camp highlights an often-overlooked piece of gear: your sleeping bag. Much like tents, not all sleeping bags are the same. There are various types, and your choice boils down to personal preference. However, it’s essential to pick a sleeping bag rated for the conditions you’ll encounter. A bag rated for 40°F might not keep you comfortable at that temperature.
The first episode of Solo Camping for Two emphasizes an often-overlooked piece of gear: your sleeping bag. Much like tents, there are different types of sleeping bags. Which one you choose mainly depends on your personal preference. However, you need to pick a sleeping bag that is rated for the conditions you’ll be camping in—because a bag rated for 40°F might not keep you comfortable at that temperature.
A decent sleeping bag will have either an EN or ISO rating. There rate a bag’s comfort, limit and the survival rating. Using my sleeping bag as an example, it’s rated for 45°F weather. It’s comfortable at 80°F ~ 60°F. But at the 55°F mark, it starts to feel cold. At the 90+°F mark, it’s unbearably hot. It will keep me alive at temperatures below 45°F, but it will be miserable. Using a sleeping bag at its extreme rating may result in significant bodily damage, but you’ll live.
Additionally, as shown in the anime (though unfortunately not mentioned), having a sleeping pad makes a big difference. Sleeping directly on the ground can make you feel either too hot or too cold. A sleeping pad acts as a barrier and provides valuable insulation. These come in inflatable and foldable options, but honestly, I use a yoga mat. Many people might say that’s a bad idea because it’s hard to pack (it is). But since I rarely camp in winter weather, it’s perfect for me.
All that said, if you choose to go camping, always respect the environment and the people around you. If you’re heading out alone, let someone know where you’ll be. A single misstep or a fall down a trail can easily leave you lost.
Investing in gear and learning camping skills seems like a pain. But once you’re comfortably settled beside a campfire or taking in a beautiful view, life gets better.
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©Yudai Debata, Kodansha -Solo Camping for Two Anime Production Committee
None of the brands mentioned in this article are affiliated with this post.
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