Episode Recap: Embracing Imperfection in the Outdoors with Michelle, The Wimpy Camper

I had an honest and entertaining conversation with Michelle, known as The Wimpy Camper on Instagram. Michelle describes herself as a "nerdy city girl" turned outdoor enthusiast, sharing her experiences with bushcraft, camping, and content creation in a fun and relatable way. We dive into her journey into the outdoor space, the importance of representation and community, and how she balances authenticity with the pressures of social media. If you've ever felt like you don’t quite “belong” in the outdoor world, Michelle’s story will remind you that adventure is for everyone.

Meet Michelle – The Wimpy Camper

Michelle created her Instagram account in 2017 as a way to learn from the bushcraft community. She intentionally chose the name The Wimpy Camper to reflect her learning process and avoid giving the impression that she was an expert. Over time, her content evolved into a space where she shares her real, unfiltered outdoor experiences, proving that you don’t have to be perfect to enjoy the outdoors.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• The outdoors is for everyone, no matter your background or skill level.

• Social media creates pressure to appear like an expert, but embracing imperfection is more relatable.

• Representation matters—seeing diverse adventurers online has changed the outdoor space since 2017.

• Community is everything, and forming connections through social media can be incredibly rewarding.

• Solo camping isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay! Michelle enjoys front-country solo trips for relaxation.

• Comparison culture is real, but outdoor experiences should be personal and fulfilling, not competitive.

• Authenticity is key—if content creation starts feeling forced, it’s time to re-center on what brings joy.

• Gear isn’t everything—learning skills matters more than having the perfect setup.

• It’s okay to find comfort in the outdoors—sometimes a tent, snacks, and Netflix are all you need.

Q&A Highlights

Q: What inspired you to start your outdoor journey?

Michelle: I grew up a total city girl, but I always loved watching Survivorman and stories about wilderness survival. When I finished school, I wanted to gain more confidence and life skills, so I started learning about bushcraft and camping. Instagram became a way to learn from the community.

Q: What’s your advice for beginner outdoor enthusiasts?

Michelle: Don’t overthink gear! I used to think I needed the perfect knife or tarp, but really, learning skills is way more important. Also, if you’re overwhelmed by knots—just learn two and start from there!

Q: Do you struggle with imposter syndrome in the outdoor space?

Michelle: Absolutely. Because I didn’t grow up doing this, I sometimes feel like I don’t deserve a seat at the table. But then I remind myself—everyone is always learning. And my experience is still valid, even if it doesn’t look like someone else’s.

Q: What’s your favorite fire-starting method?

Michelle: The Swedish fire torch is the most fun. I still want to try drilling an L-shaped hole into a log for a different type of airflow burn.

Q: What’s your favourite campfire meal?Michelle: Steak. Simple, classic, and always satisfying.

Where to Listen & Connect

Catch the full episode on Spotify and follow Michelle’s adventures at @TheWimpyCamper on Instagram.

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