Laid-Back Camp

 Laid-Back Camp ( ゆるキャン△) is a 25 episode slice of live anime.  The series is based on the manga of the same name by Afro. 

    Nadeshiko is an energetic high school student who has recently moved from her hometown.  While exploring her new surroundings she comes across a girl her age solo camping.  The girl, Rin, is serious and dedicated in everything she does.  She is a fan of living her life outdoors and offers to help Nadeshiko, who is a little bit lost.  The experience emboldens Nadeshiko to join the outdoor club at her new school, hoping to have more opportunities for camping and exploring the world around her new home.

     The inclusion of Nadeshiko pushes the small club to take their activities series.  The other members teach her the basics of camping with an emphasis on doing so in cold weather.  Together they take numerous trips to scenic spots in the area, pooling their knowledge.  Even though she is not a member of the club, Rin begins to be included in the tight-nit groups activities and planning.

 

     Laid-Back Camp is as warm and fluffy as the characters oversized scarves.  The characters grow into close friends with their shared experiences.  There is not really any overall plot or drama, just the intricacies or camping and showcasing various places in the Yamanashi area of central Japan.  Mount Fuji it's self tends to be a central character in the series as they frequently camp in places offering good views of the mountain.

     The artwork is plain but comfortable, the characters are pleasant and comfortable...the best way to explain the series over all is really just comfortable.  Its comfort food, unassuming, cute and without drama.  The story lends its self to be more about camping tips and tricks as well as doubling as a tourism brochure for Yamanshi Prefecture.  You would almost think it was sponsored by their tourism board!  Either way, this a really enjoyable series to watch, even if it offers nothing more than sweetness and innocence.  Kind of like Sweetness & Lightening.

     As of the writing of this review there is a 3rd season on the horizon, with an as of yet release date.  Both seasons and the movie are available on Crunchyroll.