The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Wild Camping
Everything you need to know about camping off-grid and away from traditional camping sites
Welcome to the Great Outdoor Guides Ultimate Beginners Guide to Wild Camping!
In this guide, we will take you through all you need to know to start wild camping. What gear you will need, safety tips and other guides to make sure you get the most out of the wonderful landscape the UK has to offer.
What is Wild Camping?
Wild camping is a term used to describe pretty much any camping that is done outside of the boundaries of a normal campsite. This can include camping in forests, on top of mountains, near beautiful lakes or on rugged moorland.
Wild camping is a wonderful way to get “off-grid” and escape the lights, sounds and stress of modern life.
Before you grab your tent and head to the nearest beauty spot, it is important that you understand the rules applicable in the different parts of the UK, what you need to remain safe when wild camping, and the other practicalities that will make sure you enjoy your wild camping experience.
Is Wild Camping Dangerous?
Wild camping in the UK is a fun, safe pastime, with very few dangers to worry about. In fact, you are only likely to encounter any trouble if you don’t prepare for your adventure properly and don’t use common sense when choosing where to camp.
There are very few dangerous animals in the UK. Surprisingly, the most dangerous animals in the UK are cows and deer, who can become aggressive when trying to protect their young. Choosing a wild camping spot away from grazing cows is a good way to mitigate any risk of being trampled by cows. To avoid deer, just look out for deer signs where you are walking and try to camp somewhere unlikely to disturb them.
One other creature to watch out for when wild camping is the tick, which is prevalent in the forests of the UK. These small insects can bite and, if left untreated, can cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be very serious, so make sure you learn how to remove them if you get bitten.
Make sure you choose somewhere safe to camp when pitching your tent. Look for natural routes where water is likely to flow and try to avoid these as heavy rain could easily turn your camping spot into a river.
It is also important that you are aware of the local area and what the land is used for. Some farmers will allow shooting on their land and parts of Dartmoor are designated firing ranges for the armed forces. Do your research before you go to ensure your intended camping spot is safe.
If you are going to have a campfire, make sure you do so in a controlled way and don’t leave it unattended at any point. Building your fire inside of a circle of large stones is one way to ensure that your fire doesn’t spread out of control.
Planning Your Wild Camping Adventure
Before you head out on your next wild camping trip, you should make sure you are prepared for any potential situation that might arise. Even the most experienced wild campers have been caught out by the likes of changing weather conditions because they didn’t plan ahead.
Whist the idea of being dropped off in the middle of nowhere and finding a place to pitch your tent might sound like a really wild camping trip, it’s probably ill-advised, unless you’re Bear Grylls. You should plan ahead for where you are going to go, having at least a rough route of where you will walk/hike and pitch your tent.
Make sure you let someone know where you are going, both your general route and where you expect to camp for the night. If the weather turns on you whilst you are out, knowing that someone can alert the authorities as to where you are will provide you with some relief. For added reassurance, if you can share your location with an app like what3words, they will be able to locate you within a 3-metre square area.
One of the final things to plan is what gear you are going to take with you for the conditions you are likely to face. A summer sleeping bag is likely to be lighter than a winter one, but it is less likely to keep you warm. Make sure you pack the appropriate equipment, clothing and make sure you have adequate provisions. One piece of guidance that I always follow is to take a bit more food than I think I will need. In case of an emergency or getting lost, you will know that you have the right provisions with you.
The simple rule is fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
Where to go Wild Camping in the UK
The UK is home to some fantastic scenery. Scotland with its beautiful lochs and tall mountains, Wales and its expansive national park landscapes and England with rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the fabulous Lake District. You are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing views.
The rules in the UK differ from country to country, with no two countries being the same.
England
In nearly all parts of England, wild camping is illegal without the permission of the landowner. The only exception to this rule is parts of the Dartmoor National Park, where wild camping is allowed.
Scotland
In Scotland, wild camping is generally accepted, as long as you are a responsible camper. There are very few areas where you can’t wild camp or where there are certain restrictions in place that you should be aware of.
Wales
Wild camping is illegal in Wales without seeking permission from the landowner first. Whilst some people do wild camp without permission, there is always the risk that you will be asked to leave by the landowner, which can ruin a good nights camping.
For more details on the rules in each of these countries, please see our in depth guides below.
Wild Camping in England
Wild Camping in Scotland
Wild Camping in Wales
How to be a Responsible Wild Camper
When you go wild camping, you should make sure you are respectful for the environment and apply common sense where you are camping.
How to choose a wild camping spot
When deciding where to wild camp, here are the general pointers you should follow:
- Camp well away from towns, villages and lakeshores
- Where applicable, camp above the highest fell wall to remain out of sight and unobtrusive
- Try to camp away from the main path
- Choose a pitch where you don’t have to remove any of the natural features, such as plants
Other ways to be a responsible wild camper
In order to be a responsible wild camper, you should adhere to the following “rules”:
- Leave no trace of your campsite
- Take all rubbish with you
- Don’t light fires unless you have been given permission to do so
- Stay for only one night where possible to minimise the impact on other land users
- Pitch up late and leave early
- Perform any toilet duties at least 30 metres from watercourses. Dig a hole and bury solid waste. Take any toilet paper or sanitary products with you
- Remember that the landowners have a legal right to move you on at any time. If you are asked to leave, please do so without any arguments.
What Should I Take Wild Camping?
Below is a list of the items that are essential for your wild camping trip, as well as some nice to have camping gear as well:
Essential Wild Camping Gear:
- Tent or Camping Shelter
- Rucksack
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Mat
- Camping Stove + Fuel
- Lighter/Matches
- Cooking Pot
- Water + Water Bottle
- First Aid Kit
- Torch
- Mini Shovel
- Toiletries
- Compass
Essential Clothing:
- Waterproof Jacket
- Walking Socks
- Walking Boots
- Hat and Gloves
- Walking/Waterproof Trousers
- Base Layers
Luxury Gear:
- Water Filter
- Purification Tablets
- Dry Bags
- Frying Pan
- Sit Mat/Camping Chair
- Swiss Army Knife/Multitool
- Pillow
- Air Pump
- Power Bank
What is the Best Tent or Shelter for Wild Camping?
Having somewhere to rest your head out of the elements is essential when wild camping. Whether you are a fan of tents, a basic tarp shelter, bivvy or even a hammock, there are plenty of options when you are out in the wild.
It really boils down to personal preference as to what type of shelter you choose. If you are buying a tent, there are a few factors you should consider when making your choice:
- Weight – This is the packed weight of the tent. Lighter tents are great for wild camping and trekking, where you will be carrying your kit with you to find a place to camp. Anything over 2.5kg might be a little too heavy for a long hike
- Berth – This is the number of people that the tent is designed to accommodate. You may find this number will result in a fairly “snug” sleeping arrangement for the number it claims
- Bedroom Space – This is the amount of space designed for sleeping in. This is usually the main inner tent
- Outer Tent Space – The outer tent space is the total amount of space the tent will take up. This is usually the size of your flysheet and will include the storage space inside the tent
- Tent Style – This is the shape of the tent. Styles include Tunnel, Dome and Ridge, as well as many others
- Waterproofing – This is measured by Hydrostatic Head, which is how large a column of water your tent could resist
- Storage – This is the area in your tent where you can store your kit, that isn’t your sleeping area
- Seasons – This is the number of seasons that the tent is designed to be used in. A 3 season tent will be designed for spring, summer and autumn. A 4 or all-season tent will be warmer and include the winter.
Here are some recommendations for camping shelters for your next camping trip:
1 Man Tent – Terra Nova Competition 1
A good size tent made from some of the best materials available. This premium tent comes with a decent hydrostatic head rating and packs down fairly small.
2 Man Tent – Vango F10 Xenon UL 2+
This all-season tent offers a great balance between space and weight.
3 Man Tent – Vango Scafell 300+
This tent packs down small and has a very large storage area. You also get great weather protection and decent sleeping space as well.
Bivvy Bag – Sierra Designs Backcountry
Spacious, easy to access and with great ventilation, this is a great all-round bivvy bag.
Tarp Shelter – RAB Lightweight SilTarp
A Simple, lightweight shelter made from a highly waterproof fabric.
Hammock Set – Sea to Summit Ultralight
Extremely lightweight hammock which packs down very compact.
For more tent suggestions, why not check out one of the guides below, where you can find the best tents for wild camping.
What is the Best Rucksack for Wild Camping?
Knowing what you need to take is one thing, but carrying it all to your camp is another. A rucksack is, of course, an essential piece of kit. The size of the rucksack you need will depend on the amount of gear you take with you and the size of what you take with you.
Before making your final choice, you should consider the following factors:
- Weight – If you are aiming to pack as light as possible, choosing a lightweight material for your rucksack is important
- Ventilation – If you are wearing your rucksack for hiking to a nice camping spot, you don’t want to have a rucksack with poor ventilation, otherwise you are very much in the sweaty back territory
- Pockets – A large bag might sound appearing to store all of your gear, but pockets allow you to access items much easier. Choosing a bag with lots of pockets can make getting out something in an emergency much easier
- Waterproofing – Being able to keep your gear dry is important for an enjoyable wild camping experience. If your rucksack comes with a rain cover, this will be a major boon
- Comfort – Good, padded straps can mean the difference between a fun hike and a painful hike.
- Waist support strap – Whilst I didn’t care too much about my back and shoulders when I was younger, my older self would have been grateful for prioritising this a bit more. A rucksack with good waist support will transfer up to 80% of the weight from your shoulders to your hips.
The some recommended rucksacks for your next wild camping trip:
Forclaz Women’s Trek 100 Eastfit 50L Rucksack
Lightweight women’s rucksack packed with loads of storage space.
Osprey Rook 65L Men’s Rucksack
Fantastic quality, lightweight men’s rucksack that is built to last.
Forclaz 50L Unisex Trekking Rucksack
Great entry level rucksack for those just starting out on multi-day wild camping trips.
If you would like to find out more about what rucksack to take wild camping and see other options available for you, check out the following guide.
What is the Best Sleeping Bag for Wild Camping?
Whether sleeping in a tent, tarp, hammock or bivvy, you are going to need something to keep you warm at night. A sleeping bag is an absolutely essential piece of camping equipment.
When choosing a sleeping bag for wild camping, it’s not quite as simple as grabbing any sleeping bag from your nearest camping shop, there are a few factors you will need to consider first:
- Weight – The basic rule of thumb here is that the warmer the sleeping bag the heavier it is likely to be. You should consider the weight of the rest of your kit in case you need to save weight and could buy a lighter sleeping back, but make sure it is suitable to the conditions you will be wild camping in.
- Pack Size – This refers to the size the sleeping bag will be when rolled up or packed in your rucksack. If you are strapping your bag to the outside of your rucksack, then this might not be as much of an issue for you, however, if you will be packing in inside your rucksack, make sure you check the pack size is suitable for what you need.
- Insulation – Sleeping bags come with down insulation and synthetic insulation. Down insulated sleeping bags lighter and warmer than synthetic sleeping bags, however, they will cost more.
- Shape – There are a few different shapes that sleeping bags come in, mummy, square and pod. Mummy shapes are warmer than square as there is less cool air inside the sleeping bag. Square sleeping bags are more versatile as they can be used as a duvet. Pod style sleeping bags offer more space but are bulky.
- Season Rating – Season ratings indicate which season the sleeping bags should be used in. These are measures from 1 to 4, with 1 being the warmest months and 4 being the coldest.
- Temperature Rating – The temperature ratings are there to indicate how cold your sleeping bag can be used down to. Sleeping bag temperatures are rated at “Comfort”, meaning relaxed sleeping position, “Limit” meaning coldest temperature when in a fetal position and “Extreme” meaning temperature you could survive at in extreme weather conditions.
Here are some recommendations for the best sleeping bags for wild camping:
Vango Ultralight Pro 300
This sleeping bag strikes a great balance between price, weight, pack size and comfort temperature
Vango Ultralight Pro 300
Bargain sleeping bag for those camping in warmer weather
OEX Leviathan EV 900
A 4 season sleeping bag with a comfort rating down to -9°C
For more sleeping bag suggestions, check out our guide below.
What is the Best Sleeping Mat for Wild Camping?
Having a bad nights sleep when on a wild camping trip can ruin what should be a really enjoyable experience. Whilst you might have a sleeping bag that will keep you warm, it doesn’t really provide you with the comfort you might need to get a good sleep. A good sleeping mat can mean the difference between the wild camping trip from heaven and the wild camping trip from hell.
Choosing a sleeping mat can be confusing as it is sometimes hard to distinguish between the different types of sleeping mat available. In general, there are three types of sleeping mat to choose from.
- Closed Cell Foam Mats – These are the tried and tested industry standard. Essentially it is a piece of foam to sleep on that have been rolled up for ease of carrying
- Inflatable Mats – These mats fold down very small and are inflated with air at your wild camping spot.
- Self Inflating Mats (SIMs) – A bit of a hybrid between foam and inflatable. A piece of foam inside the mat expands when you open the valve, sucking in air and providing an inflated surface to sleep on. These are very easy to set up.
Below is a comparison of the different types of camping mats :
Closed Cell Foam Mats
- Price = Low
- Weight = Light
- Pack Size = Large
- Comfort = Low
- Insulation rating – Low
Recommended Sleeping Mat:
Yellowstone Insulated Foam Mat
Basic Closed-Cell Foam sleeping mat for just £7.99
Inflatable
- Price = High
- Weight = Medium
- Pack Size = Small
- Comfort = High
- Insulation rating – High
Recommended Sleeping Mat:
Geediar Inflatable Sleeping Mat
Low cost, great all round inflatable sleeping mat
Self Inflating Mat
- Price = Medium
- Weight = Medium/Heavy
- Pack Size = Medium
- Comfort = Medium/High
- Insulation rating – Medium/High
Recommended Sleeping Mat:
Sea to Summit Ultralight SI
Light SIM with a good R-Value for 3 season camping
For more suggestions as to what sleeping mat you should buy, check out our comprehensive guide below.
What is the Best Camping Stove for Wild Camping?
Whether your rustling up a meal fit for a king, or simply boiling some water to rehydrate a meal, camping stoves are great for making sure you can get some much-needed energy into you after a long day of hiking.
When it comes to camp cooking, you have a few options available for the type of stove you choose:
- Solid Fuel – Real fire cooking using wood and other foraged materials
- Gas Fuel – These stoves use gas canisters for the fuel and are fast, efficient and lightweight
- Unpressurised Liquid Stoves (alcohol) – Very simple stoves that are great for those after a simple cooking experience
- Multi-Fuel – As the name suggests, these use various types of fuel, which can be a big plus. They tend to be a little fiddly to maintain
There are pro’s and cons to each type, which you can read about in our guide below:
Below are our favourite stoves for wild camping:
Biolite Campstove 2+
Great solid fuel stove which doubles as a power bank for your tech
OEX Kuju Micro Stove Set
Gas stove with a great balance between gas usage and boil time
MSR WhisperLite International
Multi-fuel stove from a tried and tested brand
What is the Best Cookware for Wild Camping?
Having a stove to cook your food on is part of the equation for making sure you will be well fed when out on the trail. The next part is having the right cookware to ensure you can cook your food and have something to eat it out of.
For most wild camping trips, all you will need is a pot to boil water, a spork to eat with and a cup for a hot drink. Of course, this is based on eating very simple meals and if you want to eat something more substantial, you may wish to opt for some additional cookware.
What you need to take with you will depend on a few different factors:
- What types of meal will you be cooking? If cooking simple “just add water” meals, you may only need a cooking pot. If you want a camp fry-up, you may need a frying pan. You might also need something to eat out of and some cutlery to eat with, depending on how much you want to “rough it”.
- Are you trying to pack as light as possible? If you are, you might want to try and get ONE POT TO RULE THEM ALL!!! Alternatively, you might be happy to carry an extra bit of weight if it means a better cooking experience.
- How much space do you have in your rucksack? If you have a pretty full rucksack already you may wish to opt for just one pan or attach something to the outside of your bag. Plenty of space, no worries.
In terms of the type of cookware you should get, there are several types for you to choose from.
- Cooking Pot – The name says it all, this is a pot for boiling water and cooking in. It can double as a cup for drinking from depending on the size you choose.
- Frying Pan – This is a simple pan with a flat bottom for frying foods on. This is a good choice for those who are looking to cook more complex meals when wild camping
- Pot and Pan Sets – These are the combination of the two above, though the frying pans tend to be a little small for substantial cooking
- Cook Set – This is a combination of several things, including a pot, pan, plates, cutlery, etc.
The following sets are our recommendations for each of these types of set:
Evernew ECA267R Titanium Mug Pot
Ultralight, Titanium Cooking Pot which will last you pretty much for ever.
Quechua MH100 1.1L 1 Person Cook Set
Super cheap cook set, great for those who don’t want to break the bank on their first purchase
Toaks Titanium D115mm Frying Pan
Very light titanium frying pan, great for cooking over your stove
Vango Hard Anodised Cook Kit
Aluminium pot and pan set which folds down small and has space to store a small stove inside
Depending on which set you need to buy, you may still need to get yourself something to eat your food with. As a beginner, you could just stick a fork/spoon in your bag and away you go. If you would prefer to choose something specific for your trip, the Snow Peak Titanium Spork might just be the perfect product for you (and it’s just £9.00).
If you want to find out more about what cookware to take wild camping and other factors to consider when buying your cookware. Check out our guide below:
What Food Should I Take Wild Camping?
When wild camping, your likely to be hiking to find an amazing place to camp. The more hiking you do, the more calories you will burn. The best part of this is that you need to keep your energy going by eating lots of calorie-heavy food (yey!).
For a multi-day wild camping trip a typical meal plan might look like the following:
2 Night Wild Camping Meal Plan | Breakfast | Snack 1 | Lunch | Snack 2 | Dinner |
Day 1 | N/A | Beef Jerky + Kendal Mint Cake | Soup | Trail mix + Kendal Mint Cake | Couscous, chorizo and cheese |
Day 2 | Overnight oats with dark chocolate chunks | Beef Jerky + Kendal Mint Cake | Ham and Cheese Sandwiches | Trail mix + Kendal Mint Cake | Freeze-dried dinner |
Day 3 | Granola with powdered milk | Trail mix + Kendal Mint Cake | Pasta salad | N/A | N/A |
What food you decide to take with you will really depend on the amount of preparation and cooking you want to do at your camping spot, as well as the equipment you bring with you. Most wild campers try to pack light, so you don’t want to be planning too many elaborate meals, where you need to bring lots of equipment to prep it.
The following factors are the sort of this to consider when choosing what food to take with you:
- Weight – You don’t want to be carrying lots of heavy meals with you as these will weigh you down. Packing several flasks full of soup might save you prep time, but will make the walking quite heavy work
- Keeping food fresh – Unless you plan on carrying a fridge with you, it is unlikely that you will have a lot of room in your rucksack to keep food cool. Freezing some items to thaw out and keep other items cool can help you avoid too much compromise on what you take. Airtight containers can help keep other food fresh as well
- Calories – If you are planning on hiking up a mountain to a wild camp or any other long trekking, you are going to burn a lot of calories. Unless you are on a strict weight loss regime, it is important that you bring plenty of calorific foods with you to make sure you keep your energy levels up
- Taste – Just because you aren’t in the kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t pack yourself some flavourful foods. Items such as chorizo keep well when not chilled and are packed full of flavour. You can also get lots of different flavoured grains that are tasty as well
To find out more about what food you should take with you on your wild camping trip, see out guide below.
How to get Water When Wild Camping?
Depending on how many days you are wild camping, at some point, you are likely to need to get some water. Packing water to take with you is a must, however, water can be quite heavy, with 1 litre of water weighing 1kg. It is therefore important that you plan for how you intend on getting more water when you need it. This is particularly important in the hotter months when you are likely to need additional water to cool you down.
Whilst you might think that you’re not the sort of person who drinks much water, the average person will drink around 2 litres of water a day. If you’re out wild camping for a few days, that would mean up to 6kg of extra weight for water alone, which is too much.
Being able to find water is, therefore, a very useful skill. One way to do this as a beginner is to make sure you are never too far away from civilisation and can easily get water from somewhere locally. The Refill app is a great app for beginners to use as you can use it to find out where you can get free water from locally. This could just be a lifesaver if you haven’t planned ahead. Alternatively, you can ask the landowner if they can provide you with water.
If you are keen on finding water yourself, then you need to know how to identify what “safe” water is and then how to filter/purify the water.
In terms of choosing a water source, you should follow these general rules:
- Take water from a flowing stream rather than still water
- Avoid water sources that are obviously muddied or where there is a lot of livestock
- Don’t draw water from below where someone has been washing themselves or their equipment
Once you have your water, even if it looks clean you should still try and purify it. The following methods should help you achieve this:
- Boil the water to purify it – A rolling boil for at least 1 minute should make it safe to drink
- Use a water filter – Filtering will remove particulates from the water making it safe to drink
- Chemical disinfection – Purification tablets in the water can be used to kill off any nasties in the water. This can negatively affect the taste though
- UV treatment – This will kill off germs in the water without affecting the taste
If you would like some more information on this, check out our guide below:
Other Essential Wild Camping Gear
Now you know what you need to sleep, cook and carry your equipment to your wild camping spot, the last few pieces of essential gear (excluding clothing – we’ll come on to that) are as follows:
Storm Proof Matches/Lighter
This will be to light your stove or as a backup in case the lighter on your stove breaks.
First Aid Kit
This should include anything you might need to treat cuts and scrapes, some painkillers and something to remove ticks in case you get bitten. If you have any specific medical requirements you should include these as well.
Head Torch
If you are truly camping out in the wild, you’re likely to be incomplete darkness at night. A head torch will allow you to see around and inside your tent whilst keeping your hands free.
Mini Shovel
If you’re going truly wild, you’re probably going to need to go for a poop at some point. As you will need to bury your “waste” you will need something to dig a hole, so get yourself a trowel or mini shovel to do it.
Compass and Map
If you’re going off the beaten track, you should make sure you know where you’re going. Getting yourself a good map and a compass will help make sure you don’t get lost or at least can find your way back to civilisation if you do.
Toiletries
Unless you’re planning on becoming feral as a result of getting back to nature, you will need to pack your toiletries. You’ll need the usual toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste. Pro tip – take wet wipes to wipe your hands and keep yourself clean.
What is the Best Jacket for Wild Camping?
Enjoying the great outdoors has been shown to improve memory, fight depression and lower blood pressure. If this sounds like the perfect “cure-all” for you, then you should probably make sure you are prepared in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. I can’t even count the number of times I have gone out on what appears to be a glorious, blue sky day, only for the clouds to roll in and the rain to start.
To make sure you don’t have to set up your wild camping spot feeling (and looking) like a drowned rat, you’re going to want to make sure you have a good waterproof jacket. If you are heading out in the cooler months, you’re also going to want something that will keep you warm during the evenings once the sun has set and the temperature starts to drop.
When it comes to jackets, there are of course lots of choices out there. When it comes to jackets suitable for camping, the field is narrowed slightly, but not hugely. There are essentially four types of jacket to choose from:
- Waterproof – This type of jacket will keep you dry when it is raining or snowing. These types of jacket range from the simple water repellent kind to those that are impenetrable.
- Insulated – These are the “ribbed” style of jacket that people often wear in colder months. They will offer some protection from the rain, but their main purpose is to keep you warm. These keep you warm due to the insulation inside the baffles trapping the warm air from your body and keeping the cold air away from your body. Down insulated jackets are generally the warmest, however, synthetic insulated jackets are often more affordable.
- Softshell – A softshell jacket is a lighter jacket designed to keep you warm and protect you from the wind. On the whole, these jackets tend to be water repellent, but not waterproof, meaning they are only good for light rain showers. These are a good option for throwing on in the evenings when the temperature drops a bit.
- 3 in 1 – A 3 in 1 is actually two jackets that can be worn separately or together, giving you three different configurations. This is generally made up of a waterproof outer jacket, with a softshell jacket underneath. The jackets are great for switching up layers for when you get hot/cold when out wild camping.
The sort of jacket you go for really depends on the time of year you are wild camping. For those going in the summer months, you might want to go for a packable waterproof, which is there in case of emergency. Spring and Autumn, you can take a softshell jacket as well as your packable waterproof, or go for a 3 in 1. In the winter months, you should probably opt for a 3 in 1 or insulated jacket.
For me, a 3 in 1 offers a greater amount of flexibility overall compared to other jackets, but it is really down to personal taste.
If you want to find out more about jackets for wild camping, read our guide below:
Below are our wild camping jacket top picks for men and women:
Forclaz Travel 500 Men’s 3 in 1 Jacket
Great water protection from the outer jacket and a warm inner jacket as well.
Mountain Warehouse Bachill Men’s Waterproof Jacket
This jacket offers great protection from the rain and is great for spring/autumn weather.
Henry II Extreme Men’s Down Padded Jacket
Comfortable down to -30 °C, this jacket is a great choice for the cold winter months.
Mountain Warehouse Iona Men’s Softshell Jacket
A great jacket for the milder months, offering wind and water protection.
Forclaz Travel 500 RainWarm Women’s 3 in 1 Jacket
A high level of waterproofing and suitable down to -8°C. A great choice for the cooler weather wild camper.
Quechua NH550 Imper Women’s Waterproof Jacket
Good level of waterproofing and lightweight. Great for spring/autumn wild camps.
Mountain Warehouse Seasons Women’s Padded Jacket
Comfortable down to -30 °C, this jacket is a great choice for the cold winter months.
Forclaz Trek 500 Windwarm Women’s Softshell Jacket
Made by trekking enthusiasts for trekking enthusiasts, this softshell jacket is designed to cope with changing weather conditions.
Essential Clothes for Wild Camping
Having a good jacket for wild camping is going to keep you warm and dry, but you still need to think about the other layers you are going to wear and how they will also help you to stay warm and dry.
Let’s look at what other clothes you should take with you wild camping from top to bottom:
Hat or Cap
It really doesn’t matter what time of year you are out wild camping, a hat or car is a must. In the summer, having a cap to protect your head can prevent sunstroke and sunburn on your head. In addition to this, you will be surprised how cold it gets during the nights, so even in the summer, you might want to wear a hat to keep your head warm. Taking a cheap beanie hat will give you something to throw on should the temperature dip. This will also be useful in the winter months when the weather is cold in the daytime as well.
Snood or Tube Scarf
Having something to cover your neck is also a good idea. Buying a snood or tube scarf can be very handy as they can actually be used for multiple purposes, such as keeping your neck warm, pulled up to also cover your mouth and nose, and you can even use them as a beanie.
Base Layer T-Shirt
Wearing a decent base layer can help you stay warm in colder weather as well as keeping you cool when the weather is hot. A good wool base layer will help to wick away moisture from your body as well as being comfortable. Merino wool is also good at preventing bad odours, meaning you won’t need to take as many changes of clothes with you as well.
Gloves
A good pair of gloves can be a godsend when our walking and wild camping. If you have ever tried to put up a tent with freezing cold hands, you will know how much of a benefit gloves can be.
The type of gloves that you will need will depend on the weather conditions when you are outdoors. Fleece or wool gloves are great for the colder months. For all year round, choosing gloves that are windproof and waterproof will make a good choice.
Walking Trousers/Shorts
Comfort, breathability and a water repellent material are the top priorities when it comes to choosing trousers for wild camping.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, you will need something that won’t make you sweat and has some stretch for more technical walking sections. Being water repellent will mean you can stay dry should you be hit with a light rain shower.
Modular trousers are a great option for those walking in the warmer months. Being able to switch between trousers and shorts quickly (and without fully stripping off) will help you remain cool on a hot day.
As a backup, you should pack some waterproof trousers. Wearing these on top of your other trousers won’t help you stay cool, but it will help you remain dry.
Walking Socks
If you ever get hot feet when out walking the chances are you either have shoes or socks that aren’t breathable. When out wild camping, you’re probably going to be putting some miles in and the last thing you’re going to want is to get blisters near the start of your hike and being in pain for the rest of it.
A good pair of breathable socks, when paired with decent boots (more on those next) will improve your wild camping experience substantially.
Choosing a natural material will help keep your feet cool and dry. Wool socks are the best, but a good pair of cotton socks will also work.
If you’re out in colder weather, wool socks will give you the best balance between warmth and breathability.
Walking Shoes/Boots
Hiking to an amazing wild camping spot that is well off the beaten track is an amazingly therapeutic experience. Wearing the right shoes or boots is an absolute must if you want to make the most of the experience. You are likely to be tackling many different types of terrain as well and potentially going through wet and boggy sections.
Whether you go for shoes or boots is down to personal preference. If you prefer something with a sturdy ankle, go for boots. If you want something light, shoes will be a better option.
The best advice for anyone buying new walking boots or shoes is to wear them in a bit first. New footwear has a tendency to rub when not worn in and it is not a good feeling when your boots rub 1 mile into a 10-mile hike.
Wild Camping Luxury Items
Whilst all of the above items are essentials when it comes to wild camping, the following very much fall into the luxury category. Don’t be fooled into thinking that taking these turns your wild camping trip into a wild glamping trip, it is simply the case that these are not the basic essentials that you will need.
Water Filters and Purification Tablets
These items walk the line between essential and luxury, but for me just slip into the luxury section as they are not essential for every camping trip, unless you are going on a multi-day trip.
Water filters are great for removing particles and bacteria from water. Most filters are designed for use with smaller amounts of water, so as a solo camper looking for around 1 litre of water, these are a good option.
If you are in a group of wild campers, you might want to go down the route of using purification tablets instead. These can be used with larger amounts of water and are designed to kill the bacteria in it. The water itself might not look too clean, but it will be safe to drink.
The best combination with both of these methods is to filter/purify and then boil as this will make absolutely sure the water is safe to drink.
Dry Bags
Dry bags are an incredibly useful item to take with you on a wild camping trip, though not entirely necessary.
A dry bag is essentially a bag that you can use to store items that you want to make sure don’t get wet. As some rucksacks are not entirely waterproof, using dry sacks to store your clothes can be a lifesaver, particularly if the weather turns particularly nasty.
An incredibly useful luxury item.
Camping Chair/Sit Mat
Having somewhere comfortable and dry to sit down when you are out wild camping very much falls into the luxury section. You can park yourself in your tent of course, but if the weather is hot and the sun is shining, or even if you just want to take the load off your feet for a bit, having a nice seat is always a good feeling.
Most camping chairs are heavy and large, making them difficult for taking wild camping. There are some smaller and very comfortable chairs that you can take though, which pack down fairly small and don’t weigh too much.
Alternatively, you can opt for a simple sit mat, which is similar to a foam roll sleeping mat, only smaller. This has the benefit of packing down very small and being very light.
Swiss Army Knife/Multitool
Depending on your style of wild camping, taking some kind of multitool or swiss army knife can make things around camp a little easier.
Need to cut some small wood for your stove? No problem. Need to open a tin of food? Sure. Need to make some repairs to equipment? Your trust tool will help.
For one night, it might be a bit overkill, but for a multi-day wild camping trip, one of these might just come in very handy.
Pillow
There is no doubt that having a pillow with you when wild camping is a luxury. Getting a good nights sleep, particularly when on a multi-day wild camping trip can mean the difference between a good and great experience.
You’re not going to want to bring your pillow from home as it is too big and bulky, but you can get some pillows that pack down small or even inflatable pillow that pack down tiny.
Comfort is the name of the game here, so choose what you think will suit you best.
Air Pump
If you’re taking lots of items that need inflating, such as an airbed or pillow, then you might want to take a battery-powered air pump with you to make life easier for you.
Multi-day trips and multiple camping spots can take it out of you when it comes to inflating your gear. These handy pumps do all the hard work instead, so you can save your energy (and air) for other things.
Power Bank
Getting out in the wild normally mean taking a break from devices, however, for some this is not the case.
If you are the sort of person who relies on their phone for navigation or needs to charge batteries for cameras, you will probably want to take a power bank with you to keep your devices charged.
There are lots of choices for power banks on the market and how much power you will need really depends on the number of devices you need to charge. As a minimum, I would go for 20,000 mAh to ensure you have enough juice for a few days of camping.
Alternatively, you could go for something with a smaller capacity, such as a solar charger. The main thing is making sure you can keep your devices charged if/when you need them.
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