I need to get out more

[Tacticalplinker]

For physical and mental health reasons I need to get outdoors more. I need to spend more of my free time outside.

Problem #1: I hate other people (mostly), I don't do well with large crowds and I don't want to spend obscene amounts of money... That eliminates sporting events, concerts, shooting ranges (at least frequent visits), etc.

Problem #2: It's summer time in the desert and it's f*** hot (duh!). I rather not get heat stroke/sickness or sunburns in 100*+ heat. Fire restrictions and public land/trail closers are also a concern.

So, what do you guys do during the summer to still get outdoors, away from the city and most other people?

Secondly, besides the obvious such as water and maybe a firearm, what gear are your bringing along?

Please keep it realistic. I'm not pretending to be Bear Grylls or living out some end of the world bug out fantasy.

[campinginaz]

I like to go up north and go camping. Great weather and you can go alone for solitude if needed. If you don't have any camping supplies it can be costly at first. Once you have what you need it's just food and gas (and you have to eat anyway).

[Racewin]

As was mentioned, camping. While you certainly can spend a lot more, you could get started for a few hundred. Start off at one of the more prepared sites, and upgrade gear as you go. You could probably save a lot buying used.
Tent: 40
Tent stakes: 20
Tarp x2: 30
Paracord: 10
Air mattress: 30
Sleeping bag: 40
Single burner camp stove: 30
Cooler: 40
Folding table: 20
Camp chair: 20

[kenpoprofessor]

As was mentioned, camping. While you certainly can spend a lot more, you could get started for a few hundred. Start off at one of the more prepared sites, and upgrade gear as you go. You could probably save a lot buying used.
Tent: 40
Tent stakes: 20
Tarp x2: 30
Paracord: 10
Air mattress: 30
Sleeping bag: 40
Single burner camp stove: 30
Cooler: 40
Folding table: 20
Camp chair: 20

I have to laugh at those that love "camping". Spending all that money to simply live like a bum on the street. Air mattress, blanket, and food/water, drive north, spend night in bed of pickup or the vehicle you have. That's camping.

Have a great, gun carryin', Kenpo day

Clyde

[Doc]

I like looking at titties at the farmers market. It gets me outside. Parking is free. The girls even help w the low cut shirts.

[rockbronco]

Travel the backroads, tons of places to explore throughout AZ. If you have a 4wd that opens up even more via dirt roads and such. Stick to stuff up north during the hotter months and bring enough gear to be prepared for a breakdown or unexpected event like getting stuck in the mud after a monsoon etc. Bonus if you bring along some camp gear and make it a day or two event with different camp spots on the way.

Check out Onx off-road app for maps, trails, points of interest etc.

[Winmagbill]

I take the dog out for a walk along the salt river by Blue Point rec area. Winter and summer (am) it’s all good. Best part you don’t even need a dog. A national parks pass works for daily parking - no Tonto Pass bs. Gilbert Riparian area is nice also.

Have you tried Fishing? You sound like a fisherman; “I hate other people (mostly), I don't do well with large crowds and I don't want to spend obscene amounts of money...”

[Tacticalplinker]

I'm more of a day hike guy. I've never enjoyed camping. Unfortunately I don't have a truck anymore, so getting to some areas might be tough. I may have to settle for established trails.

It's been several years since I went hiking. I like getting out of the city and away from peole.

[Suck My Glock]

I like to visit the desert shooting areas on Sunday and Monday mornings just before dawn and cruise around on my Polaris Sportsman 500, scrounging for the brass left behind by shooters who don't reload. It's not so much about getting free brass (although that is cool), but mostly about having an excuse to get out and roam around and get in a minimal amount of exercise, bending over and stooping and walking around to look for the little gleaming beauties. In my physical condition these days, that's about the extent of my ability anymore anyhow. By 8am or 9am, I'm done and it's hot, so I pack it in and go get breakfast somewhere and head home.

The other benefit is that the dawn hours are when the desert wildlife are most active, so I'm most likely to see them. That can be both good and bad. I've come face to face with a least one Diamondback buzzworm while on my hands and knees chasing .45acp brass. Fortunately, I saw him there under the bush before started reaching that direction. He was real chill and never made a sound, which was the most disturbing part. But it was also cool and thrilling. Later I wished I had the presence of mind to take a picture of him there just glaring back at me.

I just take my cell phone, my sidearm, small dufflebag for the brass that also has a small trauma kit in it, a Rotopax spare fuel can on the rear rack, a small folding camp shovel, some wiping paper and bottles of water in the saddlebags over the fuel tank.

[smithers599]

In the summer, I hike up north. Going to Happy Jack next week. Two and a half hours driving each way, for a four hour hike. Long day, but it's the only way to not die of heat stroke. Kendricks Peak, Mt. Humphreys, lots of excellent hikes up north.

What to carry:
More water than you could possibly need. Yeah, it weighs a lot. You want exercise, right? Plan on spending the night in an emergency -- you get lost, break a leg, whatever -- so extra Clif bars, space blanket. Extra battery for phone.

I'm over camping, too. If you have the time and the money, stay in a motel. Do a hike in the afternoon on the first day, and in the morning on the second day.

The AllTrails app is well worth the 36 bucks. Every trail in AZ, with descriptions and reviews. Check it out.