Nagoya, JAPAN : Jin's photos and cameras etc.

I’ve said it before—my life’s been like living outdoors.

Sixty-five years on this earth, and yeah… it’s been a thorny path. Born in the middle of the Showa era, just a regular working-class kid. My old man ran an auto repair shop, my mom was a hairdresser. They worked themselves to the bone, but thanks to them, we never went hungry.

Thing is, when you’re from the working class and you want to achieve something, you’ve got to bleed for it. My folks were always busy, so I had a lot of time alone. Somewhere around ten years old, I made up my mind:

“Get out as soon as I can. Earn my own money. Live on my own.”

And for that, the first weapon was study. I put in the work—enough to make it to high school, then university. I’ll admit it: I couldn’t have done it without my parents. You can’t exactly support yourself as a kid.

Graduation was my breakaway. I left home and started living on my own terms. My father passed away seven years ago. My mother just left this world last New Year’s Eve.

They had their lives, I have mine. I think I know what they hoped for me… but at the end of the day, nobody can truly read another person’s heart.

That’s fine. I’ve lived my way.

Almost nothing ever came easy. Plenty of failures, plenty of times I fell flat—but every time, I told myself, “You’ve got to find a way through.”

Found work. Made money. Protected what mattered. Money isn’t everything, but without financial independence, you’re just stuck.

My motto? Double or nothing. Every new job, I set the goal to double my salary. I started at rock bottom, so sometimes, yeah, I actually pulled it off.

Looking back, it really was a thorny path. Thorns cut you, slow you down, snag your clothes and your skin. They hurt, and they hold you back. But so what? I’m still here.

Sixty-five years, and I’ve survived this far. I’ll keep walking this outdoor life of mine… a little longer.

(January 6, 2025)

It seems there are people who actually enjoy camping in the rain. (Laughs)

To be honest, I’m one of them.

The biggest challenges of rainy camping are setting up and packing up.

The first step is pitching the tarp.

Once the tarp is up, you have a sheltered space where you can stay dry and move around comfortably.

Choosing a properly sized tarp is crucial.

For rainy camping, a larger tarp is more convenient.

How quickly and efficiently you can set up the tarp in the rain is the key to a comfortable rainy camp.

The next step is setting up your tent under the tarp.

A compact dome-shaped tent is the easiest to handle.

Once the essential gear is placed under the tarp, you’re good to go.

Chairs and tables are essential for rainy camping.

When it rains, the ground gets wet.

You might think, “It’s fine under the tarp,” but in reality, water often runs in or seeps up from the ground.

That’s why low seating or floor-style setups don’t work well for rainy camping.

Clothing is another key factor.

A waterproof jacket is a must, and having a poncho as backup is also useful.

Waterproof jackets typically come with hoods, but adding a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, like a Sahara hat, makes things even more convenient.

Don’t forget about footwear.

Waterproof shoes or rain boots are ideal, but I personally rely on neoprene waterproof socks.

Pairing them with Crocs has become my go-to setup.

There’s something incredibly soothing about listening to the sound of rain while staying inside your tent or under a tarp.

It feels like creating a barrier between yourself and the outside world—a kind of personal sanctuary.

Rainy campsites tend to be quiet, with fewer people around.

That sense of solitude, the feeling of owning your own little world, is something I really enjoy.

The tarps I use most often are the DD Tarp 4×4 and the Hilleberg 10XP.

The DD Tarp is great for situations where I need a larger space.

Meanwhile, the Hilleberg 10XP is extremely versatile and can be used in almost any location.

Finally, let’s talk about packing up after a rainy camp.

Ideally, you’d wait for the rain to stop before packing up, but things don’t always go as planned. (Laughs)

I load all the gear under the tarp into my car (or sometimes my bike), leaving the tarp as the last thing to pack.

Packing often involves crouching and handling wet gear.

I pack the wet tent and tarp into dry bags.

If you don’t have a dry bag, a large garbage bag will do, though it does look a bit sad. (Laughs)

It’s worth getting a dry bag. I use a Coleman dry bag myself.

Even with all the hassle, rainy camping has its own unique charm.

It might even make you look forward to the next rainy day.

“If you can enjoy camping in the rain, you’ve earned your stripes as an outdoor enthusiast.”

…Just channeling some DOA “hero” vibes there. (Laughs)

In my previous article, I mentioned the importance of a high waterproof rating, but when camping in the rain, the shape of the tent can have just as much impact on your comfort.

It’s common sense: if a tent’s outer layer (rainfly) is shaped to let water flow off smoothly, you’ll have less to worry about regarding leaks, even if the waterproof rating isn’t exceptionally high.

The recently popular one-pole tents and canopy-style tents are prime examples of this.

These tents feature slanted sheets designed to naturally channel rainwater away, preventing it from seeping in.

These days, tarps have become a standard part of camping setups, but how you pitch them is incredibly important.

If you set up a tarp with large flat sections, rainwater will collect and increase the risk of it seeping through.

To ensure water drains efficiently, it’s crucial to create an appropriate slope when pitching your tarp.

When rain becomes heavy, water may accumulate on the roof of your tarp or tent, causing it to sag.

High-waterproof materials prevent seepage, but they can also hold more water, which increases the weight and could lead to a tarp or tent collapsing under the strain.

That’s a real danger.

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way in the past.

Since then, I’ve made it a habit to attach caps to the top of adjustable tarp poles, allowing me to push up from the inside and guide rainwater away.

Having at least one telescopic pole with adjustable length can be a lifesaver in situations like this.

In rainy camping conditions, you’ll often spend extended periods under your tarp or tent.

That’s why creating a spacious and tall area is another key to staying comfortable.

Being able to stand upright makes a world of difference.

If you’re stuck in a cramped space for hours, it can quickly become exhausting, but having a taller and more open area allows you to relax—even in the rain.

A larger space also provides more room to store your gear without getting it wet, making cooking and taking breaks much easier.

When camping in the rain, it’s not just about the design of your tent or tarp.

How you set them up and plan your time under them also requires creativity and preparation. Each small precaution you take can be the key to making the experience enjoyable.

One simple takeaway: whether in the outdoors or in life,

Camping always comes with a sense of uncertainty.

Outdoor adventures aren’t just about fun and excitement—they’re also filled with inconveniences and worries.

That’s the nature of camping: a mix of play and a certain type of “living.”

Isn’t life a lot like that?

One of the uncertainties that comes to mind is rain.

In the outdoors, weather has a huge impact.

The phrase "guerrilla rainstorm" has become familiar over the years, though recently it seems to have faded from common use.

Perhaps it’s on its way to becoming a thing of the past.

Rain is one of those inconveniences that can be a real hassle.

To stay comfortable on rainy days, a good tent or tarp is essential—something that can stand up to the rain.

One key factor in rain protection is the waterproof rating, which determines how resistant the fabric is to water penetration.

From my experience, for camping in Japan, a waterproof rating of 1,500mm to 2,000mm is sufficient to handle most rainy conditions.

It’s worth noting that when choosing overseas-made tents or tarps, you need to be careful.

Products designed for regions with less rain often have lower waterproof ratings.

In Japan, where rain is frequent, checking this spec is crucial.

Take Coleman, for example—a famous outdoor brand from the U.S.

I’ve heard that their products come in both Japanese and international versions.

One distinguishing feature of the Japanese models is their higher waterproof rating.

In the WeatherMaster Series by Coleman, the rainfly has a waterproof rating of around 3,000mm—50% higher than Coleman’s standard products, which are rated at about 2,000mm.

When I was younger, I used to think Coleman’s gear looked a bit "uncool."

Its waterproof performance seemed no match for brands like Snow Peak, and the designs didn’t stand out much.

But as I’ve grown older, my perspective has shifted.

Take Coleman’s signature white guy lines.

I didn’t like them at first, but now I see their value—they’re highly visible in the dark, which adds a layer of safety at the campsite.

The rope material is soft yet sturdy, striking a nice balance between ease of tying and durability.

Never judge solely by appearances.

Many times, I’ve learned to appreciate practicality over looks.

On rainy camping days, you’ll end up spending more time under your tent or tarp.

That’s when quality matters.

If the waterproof rating is low, you’ll constantly worry about leaks.

That’s why I aim for at least 2,000mm for rainfly and floor sheets—and preferably 3,000mm if possible.

This is especially important for the floor sheet when sleeping in the inner tent.

It needs to prevent water from seeping in, not just from rain but also from the ground.

A good groundsheet under the inner tent is also essential.

While any durable material works, I like to prioritize “atmosphere.”

Although utility tarps work fine, I prefer using dedicated groundsheets to complete the camping vibe.

This mindset stems from past experiences.

Once, I was camping at the Hirayu Campground in Gifu Prefecture.

A sudden downpour hit in the middle of the night, and the area around my tent turned into a river.

I had to retreat to higher ground, leaving the tent behind.

At the time, I was using a cheap tent.

It wasn’t exactly stylish—a basic model from the DCM brand—but its waterproof performance surprised me.

The floor material was as tough as industrial tarps, which kept all my belongings dry inside the tent.

That anxious, rainy night taught me an important lesson: always prioritize waterproofing when choosing a tent.

If there’s any takeaway from today’s story, it’s this:

When did I start to feel that "home" is the most comforting place?

Looking back, my memories of a peaceful home always seem strangely devoid of other people's presence.

Most of the time, I was alone, and I rarely thought about "family" as part of my home life.

Of course, I have a family.

But even so, when I think back on my memories of home, their presence doesn't really come to mind.

Some might say, "That sounds lonely." (laughs)

Well, they wouldn't be wrong.

I guess I am a "lonely person."

But that solitude has been the foundation of my life and is deeply connected to how I enjoy the outdoors.

For me, camping is almost always solo camping.

Sometimes I join group camping trips, but in those situations, it never really feels like "my own camp."

I still find the most comfort in spending time and space alone.

One of the essentials for camping is a tent.

Sure, you can camp without one, but it just feels different.

I've tried spending nights under a tarp, going minimalist with no shelter at all, and even attempting some survivalist-style camping.

But none of those gave me the same cozy feeling as being "at home."

A tent is different.

Maybe that's because it becomes your "home" during the camp.

Yes, a tent is my home.

And there's truth in the saying: "You can tell a lot about a person by their tent."

-----

Take one of my favorites, the North Eagle Rip-Two-Room Dome 200 NE171.

Sadly, this model has been discontinued, but there are so many things I love about it.

This tent stands out for its lightweight duralumin poles and 3,000mm waterproof rating for both the outer layer and the floor sheet.

It also features a hanging-style inner tent and a subdued, calm color scheme for the outer layer.

The guy ropes are made of flexible material and come in an ivory color that's easy to spot even at night.

It might seem like a minor detail, but this kind of functionality makes a big difference in actual use.

This tent is designed for solo or duo camping, with a slightly larger vestibule.

When I'm camping solo, I skip the inner tent and simply place a cot inside.

In winter, I even bring a kerosene heater inside for warmth.

As long as you manage ventilation carefully, it creates a surprisingly comfortable space.

For two-person use, you can hang the inner tent and lay down mats and carpets, creating a cozy and functional living area.

I've been using this tent for over ten years, and it's still going strong.

I'm sure it will continue to serve me well for years to come.

-----

Setting up and taking down the tent takes a bit of effort since it has nine guy ropes.

But that effort pays off in stability and wind resistance.

One downside is the lack of a skirt at the bottom of the outer layer, which can make it feel colder in winter.

On the flip side, this design improves ventilation, which is a clear advantage in warmer conditions.

Every tent has its pros and cons—there's no such thing as a perfect one.

But this tent's combination of size, weight, durability, and affordability makes it a winner in my book.

Talking about life doesn’t mean I want to become a philosopher or anything (laugh).

What I’m here to talk about is the outdoors.

And of course, my life along with it.

Maybe I’ll even throw in a few risky stories… who knows (laugh).

So, let’s talk about gear.

Whenever we do something, we all think about the tools we need, right?

YouTube and other websites are overflowing with shiny, “amazing” new gear.

And sure, modern gear is incredibly well-made these days. It’s affordable too.

But the gear I use? Most of it is about 10 to 20 years old (laugh, laugh).

Even so, it still works perfectly fine.

In the end, it all comes down to how you use it.

Of course, I’ll buy new gear if I really need to.

But using old gear to its absolute limit—that’s my style.

Here’s my first lesson from living an outdoor life:

"Use your gear to the fullest."

Foreword

…65 years of life have passed, and the last ten years have flown by incredibly fast (laugh).

Looking back, my life feels like an outdoor journey—an endless trek along a thorny path, one step at a time.

When I reflect on my essence, who I truly am, it seems I’m the kind of man who’s meant to convey something to others.

That’s why I started writing.

Life, in the end, is a battle. As someone born in the Showa era, I think most people from my generation would agree.

The younger crowd might not understand, but the generation before us—the war generation—faced far harsher struggles. Compared to theirs, my battles might seem trivial.

Even so, my life has been a battle in its own right. I thought I’d share a little about that.

To be honest… my life has been full of losses (sigh).

Maybe it’s because I’ve lost so much that I’ve become such a stubborn, tenacious man (laugh).

Bite, claw, and hold on—that was all I could do.

I’ve rarely felt a sense of clean and graceful acceptance.

Whenever I lost, I’d think, “You son of a…!” and burn with frustration, determined to prove myself.

That relentless feeling, that overwhelming sense of inferiority, has shaped who I am.