Embracing the Off-Grid Dream: 

My Journey to a Dry Cabin

By Logan Jackson July 17, 2025

The thought of going off-grid has been swirling in my mind for a while now, and the more I ponder it, the clearer my vision for a simpler life becomes. It’s a journey back in time, to a way of living that prioritizes resourcefulness and a deep connection with our most basic needs. And at the heart of this vision? A dry cabin.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “What in the world is a dry cabin?” Simply put, it’s a home without indoor plumbing. No running water to faucets, no flush toilets connected to a municipal system. While modern regulations often require a septic system even for off-grid living, you absolutely can still embrace the dry cabin lifestyle.

My plan for water management is all about getting double the use from every drop. The greywater from washing dishes? That’s going straight into the toilet. This isn’t just about saving water; it’s about making every drop count and significantly reducing our footprint.

Rethinking the Bath: A Return to Simplicity

You might be wondering about bathing without a shower or bathtub. This is where we really step back in time. Think early 1900s: most people bathed once a week, but their daily routine included a refreshing cold-water wash with a pitcher and basin. This wasn’t just for cleanliness; it was a way of life born out of necessity and a deep respect for water conservation. That’s exactly what I’ll be doing. It’s amazing how effective a simple basin wash can be, and it truly grounds you in the practice of mindful living.

The Heart of the Home: My Dry Sink Kitchen

The kitchen in a dry cabin is the epitome of efficiency. I’ll be setting up a dry sink system. Imagine a 5 or 10-gallon bucket for my clean wash water, and another identical bucket right there to catch the greywater for the toilet. It’s a closed-loop system that makes sense, allowing me to wash dishes effectively while preparing that greywater for its next purpose.

And hot water? Forget the traditional hot water tank. If I want warm water for washing or bathing, it’s as simple as heating a kettle or pot directly on the stove. This approach eliminates unnecessary complexities and reliance on modern appliances, truly aligning with the back-to-basics ethos.

This journey isn’t just about building a house; it’s about building a lifestyle. It’s about reconnecting with fundamental practices, appreciating every resource, and finding freedom in simplicity. It’s about proving that a comfortable, fulfilling life can be lived with less, and that sometimes, going back to the way things were is the most progressive step we can take.

What are your thoughts on embracing a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life? Have you ever considered what you’d include in your ideal off-grid home?

The above is a dry sink and would have been used to wash dishes, veggies and fruits.