4 ms·

A few years ago I considered putting together an 'off grid kit' for people looking to buy themselves some time in nature to get away from the grind. I thought

A few years ago I considered putting together an 'off grid kit' for people looking to buy themselves some time in nature to get away from the grind. I thought through heating, cooling, water, food and toilet options, as well as help locating land to set up on. I considered a range of shelters, from a rugged tent to a larger, stronger structure. I also wanted to include a 1-year subscription to an emergency satellite beacon. I actually wanted the whole setup to be able to last someone a year, or longer after re-upping basic supplies. The plan was to make it as affordable as possible. The conclusion I eventually came to was that to get to a remotely reasonable price point (around $10k at the time), anyone motivated enough to pursue this would probably find better solutions on the market-- like your example of a travel trailer. Whatever these guys are doing is nowhere near that and not what the headline made me think of. It's definitely not going to help anyone who doesn't already have tons of other options.

pavel_lishin 3y ago
I think most people who want to spend a year off-grid are the sort who already have some expertise in this, and would prefer to do their own shopping & research, and would not trust a one-size-fits-all solution. The exception is the people who want to do that, and don't know anything about it, and would pay $10k for such a thing, set it up in the woods, and get eaten by a bear, fall down a ravine, or eat some poisonous flora on their third night.
- slfnflctd 3y ago
  There are certainly many scenarios where it could go hilariously(?) wrong. I think you're right that it requires a certain amount of intense interest and preparation, and that people who are up for it will likely prefer a personalized solution over a pre-designed kit. Perhaps it could still be viable as a service, where you help aspiring off gridders avoid common mistakes? Probably a tough sell regardless, but I wouldn't rule it out. I continue to be enthusiastic about the general idea.

pavel_lishin 3y ago

I think most people who want to spend a year off-grid are the sort who already have some expertise in this, and would prefer to do their own shopping & research, and would not trust a one-size-fits-all solution. The exception is the people who want to do that, and don't know anything about it, and would pay $10k for such a thing, set it up in the woods, and get eaten by a bear, fall down a ravine, or eat some poisonous flora on their third night.

slfnflctd 3y ago
There are certainly many scenarios where it could go hilariously(?) wrong. I think you're right that it requires a certain amount of intense interest and preparation, and that people who are up for it will likely prefer a personalized solution over a pre-designed kit. Perhaps it could still be viable as a service, where you help aspiring off gridders avoid common mistakes? Probably a tough sell regardless, but I wouldn't rule it out. I continue to be enthusiastic about the general idea.