The basic kit for wild camping?
If you're new to wild camping or seeking recommendations for new kit, look no further. We'll guide you to everything you need for a comfortable night in the wild.
So, what exactly is wild camping? This term sparks controversy in the outdoor industry. To me, it's simply camping, but not on a campsite.
There has been considerable media coverage on this topic recently, whether it's regarding Dartmoor and access rights or the new concept of fly camping. If you're considering your first trip in Scotland, you're in luck; access rights there differ from those in England and Wales, allowing responsible wild camping. In contrast, wild camping is generally not permitted by civil law in England and Wales, except on Dartmoor, where it's allowed. However, it's somewhat tolerated in remote areas as long as you leave no trace and arrive late and leave early.
Now that's out of the way, let's explore what you need. This can vary depending on the season and the duration of your adventure.
In no particular order, here we go.
Tent (preferably a backpacking tent)
This is essentially your portable house for the night. Tents come in various sizes and weights.
They come in seasons listed below
2 seasons - generally summer
3 seasons - spring to autumn
4 seasons - winter and colder climates
For us, the things we look for in a tent are somewhere I can sit up and store my kit, as well as being reasonably light and packing down to a small size.
Sleeping bag
The way to think of this is, it's your duvet. When looking for your first sleeping bag, you might come across some terms like synthetic and down. Here are 2 pros and cons for both:
Down: Pro: Lightweight, and smaller pack size. Con: Once wet, they are no use and are generally expensive.
Synthetic: Pro: Still works when wet, generally less expensive. Con: Bulkier, heavier than down.
Once you have picked the type, you now need to consider how warm you require it, measured in seasons. Here is a quick intro:
2 seasons - generally summer 3 seasons - spring to autumn 4 seasons - winter and colder climates
As an individual, you know how you sleep, whether you run warm or cold.
We generally use synthetic in the UK as our weather is a bit more unpredictable.
Roll mat.
There is a misconception that sleeping pads are primarily for a comfortable night's sleep, although they do provide that. Their main purpose is to insulate you from the ground. If you don't believe me, try sitting on a stone bench for a minute and feel how cold it gets. Then try it with a jacket under your bum and notice the difference.
Sleeping pads come in many shapes and sizes. Unlike sleeping bags, they are measured by R-value, indicating how well they insulate you from the ground. The higher the R-value, the more insulation they provide.
Cooking system.
Although cooking over a fire is enjoyable, please refrain from doing so as it can damage the environment and leave a mess, which goes against the "Leave No Trace" principle. Most systems now use gas canisters. Personally, we use the Jetboil style due to its integrated cup, which makes food preparation easier. Alternatively, you can buy a gas burner, which is great, but I would recommend a wind shield for it and also a pan or metal mug to cook in. If you'd like to cook a meal from scratch, a Trangia is great. It's worth noting to take a couple of lighters just in case one breaks.
Food
This will all depend on what you want to eat, and there are excellent choices in expedition meals. These come freeze-dried, or wet, but they can be quite expensive. Alternatively, you can bring a normal meal pasta is always a good option. Just remember, you need to consider how you're going to cook it with what you have. I would avoid carrying any glass items as they might break in your bag. Also, remember that meats and poultry, depending on the weather, might spoil in your bag.
Knife/fork/spoon
This is self explanatory, generally I just carry a long spoon as this does everything I require.
Spare clothes
I generally just take one set of spare clothes so I can change into something dry in the evening if I got wet during the day. Although it's not a pleasant feeling to put on wet clothes in the morning, you soon get used to it. This is a personal choice.
Head torch
You may arrive at camp at night, so a torch is needed to set up your tent. It's also useful if you need to use the toilet at night; you don't want to lose your tent.
A bag
Now that you have all this kit, you need something to carry it in. Depending on which kit you have bought, it determines the type of bag you require, which are typically measured in liters. The more liters, the more stuff you can fit inside. So, depending on your kit, you'll need a suitable bag.
Personally, I never carry anything on the outside of the bag, as you may lose it, and all this kit being essential, it's not ideal. The exception to this is the bigger roll mats. Everything inside the bag is waterproofed with dry bags or bin liners. This is crucial to keep your items as dry as possible.
Hygenie
Toothbrush/paste
Baby wipes
Toilet roll
Poo troll/poo bags
I also carry the same as I do on a day which can be found here.
Here are few items what aren't essential but we do carry ourselves
Blow up pillow
Cup
Roll on deodorant
For me, all the kit I take serves a purpose, and it has taken me years to realize that there are certain things I don't actually need in my bag. It all comes with more experience, but the key thing to remember is that you have to carry it, so keep it light. It will make the experience more enjoyable.
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