Wild camping, or camping in remote, isolated areas without the use of designated campsites or facilities, offers a truly immersive and rewarding outdoor experience. For someone who has never wild camped before, it can feel like a step into the unknown, but it’s also a chance to connect deeply with nature in a way that traditional camping doesn’t quite offer.
Wild camping offers a unique way to experience the outdoors, away from the crowds and closer to nature. For first-time wild campers, selecting the right gear can be a little overwhelming, especially with the vast array of equipment available. Don’t worry—this guide will help you pick the essential gear for your first wild camping experience, ensuring you stay comfortable, safe, and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Consider Your Camping Style
When selecting your gear, think about the kind of camping experience you want. If you’re planning on backpacking, for example, prioritise lightweight, space-saving equipment like a compact tent and a small stove. For car camping, where weight isn’t as much of an issue, you can opt for a larger tent with more space and extra comfort items like a thicker sleeping pad or a portable camping chair.
If you’re new to outdoor cooking, consider looking for a stove and cookware that are easy to use, with clear instructions for first-timers. A simple Jetboil stove is perfect for quickly heating water, while a MSR pocket rocket offers compact and reliable cooking for a wider range of meals.
Suggested Gear for Your first camping trip
When preparing for your first camping experience, it’s essential to have the right gear to stay comfortable and safe outdoors. Here’s a breakdown of some must-have items for your starter kit:
1. Choosing the right tent
When it comes to wild camping, a reliable tent is a must. For first-time wild campers, you’ll want to focus on a tent that’s lightweight, easy to set up, and weather-resistant.
- Type: Consider a 2-person tent for extra space, even if you’re camping solo. A tent that’s easy to pitch and has good ventilation is crucial, especially when camping in unpredictable conditions.
- Weight: Since wild camping often involves hiking to your campsite, a lightweight tent is essential. Look for one that’s easy to carry but still offers protection against wind and rain. If weight is paramount, a 1-person tent may be more suitable.
Recommended Wild Camping Tents
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Nortent Vern 1 - is a lightweight, single-person tent designed for year-round use, offering excellent weather protection with its durable, waterproof materials, compact design, and easy setup, making it ideal for solo campers.
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Sierra Designs High Side 3000 - is a multi-day backpacking tent designed for three-season use, featuring excellent ventilation, and durable construction to withstand various weather conditions. A great affordable option.
- MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person - is a 3-season tent designed for lightweight backpacking, offering a spacious interior, excellent ventilation, and reliable weather protection, making it perfect for a variety of outdoor conditions.
2. Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad
A comfortable and warm sleep setup is essential when wild camping. Even if the weather seems mild during the day, temperatures can drop significantly at night.
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Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag with the right temperature rating for the season and conditions. For wild camping in the UK, you’ll likely want a bag rated for temperatures around 0°C to 5°C in spring and autumn. In summer, a 3-season bag will work well, but make sure it’s not too bulky.
- Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad adds insulation from the cold ground and provides comfort. For wild camping, look for an inflating pad or foam pad that’s lightweight and easy to pack. A thick sleeping pad can also improve sleep quality by cushioning against hard or uneven ground.
Recommended Sleep System For 3-Season Use
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Big Agnes Rapide - is a lightweight, durable sleeping pad offering excellent comfort and insulation with its streamlined design and easy-to-use valve for quick inflation.
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Exped Dura 5R - is a robust, three-season inflatable sleeping mat that combines comfort and durability, featuring a thick insulation layer for warmth and a rugged construction
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Sierra Designs Woman's Cloud 800 - is a lightweight, high-performance sleeping bag designed specifically for women, featuring 800-fill-power down insulation
- Kathmandu Zenter -3 - is a durable, three-season sleeping bag designed for colder conditions, offering excellent warmth and comfort with its high-quality synthetic insulation.
3. Cooking Equipment
Cooking in the wild can be a fun and rewarding experience, but you’ll need the right gear to make it safe and efficient.
Stove: For first-time wild campers, a small, lightweight stove that’s easy to use is key. A gas stove or multi-fuel stove is great for boiling water quickly, cooking meals, and heating up food.
Cookware: Consider compact pots or pans, and utensils that are lightweight and durable. You don’t need much to cook simple meals, but a pot, spoon, and a knife should cover the basics.
Fuel: Make sure you have enough fuel for the entire trip. It's always a good idea to carry an extra fuel canister or backup option in case one runs out during longer trips.
Recommended Stoves
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SOTO Windmaster - is a compact, lightweight stove featuring a powerful 4Flex burner design that offers excellent performance in windy conditions.
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MSR PocketRocket 2 - is a lightweight, compact camping stove that delivers fast boiling times and reliable performance.
- Jetboil Stash - is an ultralight, compact cooking system designed for backpackers, featuring a fast-boiling burner and integrated pot
4. Water Filtration System
Having access to clean drinking water is crucial when wild camping, especially if you plan to camp in remote areas.
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Water Filter or Purification Tablets: If you're camping near lakes or streams, a portable water filter is a must. Look for filters that can remove bacteria and parasites, or carry water purification tablets as an easy backup option.
- Water Bottles/Reservoir: Bring enough water storage for the duration of your trip. A hydration bladder is useful for easy access while hiking, and an extra water bottle for camp is a good backup.
Recommended Water Filters
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Katadyn BeFree Filter - efficient, lightweight, and easy-to-use filtration system with fast flow rate.
- Platypus Quickdraw - is a lightweight, fast-flowing water filter with a 0.1-micron hollow fibre filter, offering both squeeze and gravity filtration options.
5. Picking the right backpack
When it comes to wild camping, where you're off the beaten track and far from established campsites, choosing the right backpack becomes even more important. The gear you carry needs to be both practical and durable for unpredictable conditions, long hikes , and carrying everything you need for self-sufficiency.
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Size and Capacity: You don’t need a huge pack. Smaller packs help prevent overpacking, which means less weight and a more comfortable hike.
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Adjustable Torso Length: Ensure the rucksack is adjustable to fit your torso for better balance and comfort.
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Shoulder Straps: Look for comfortable, well-padded straps to support your load.
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Lightweight Design: For wild camping, you want a rucksack that’s light enough to carry but still strong enough to handle tough conditions.
- Padded Hip Belt: Helps transfer weight to your hips, reducing strain on your shoulders.
Recommended Rucksacks
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Exped Lightening 45 Women's - Lightweight and comfortable, perfect for reducing pack weight.
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Sierra Designs Flex 40-60L Rucksack - Excellent for carrying heavier loads comfortably with lots of adjustable features.
- Mountainsmith Zerk 40 - is a versatile, lightweight pack designed for fast and light adventures, featuring a sleek design, ample storage space
When heading out on a wild camp, there are a few items that may not immediately come to mind but can be incredibly useful in ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. Here are some notable items to consider.
- Sleeping Pad Repair Kit – While most people think about the comfort of their sleeping pad, it's easy to forget about what happens if it gets punctured. A small repair kit with a patch and adhesive can save your trip if you encounter a leak in the middle of the night.
- Portable Toilet Paper or Wet Wipes – While it’s common to pack toilet paper, the addition of wet wipes can be a game-changer, especially for cleaning up after meals or a quick freshen-up when you don’t have access to water.
- Pocket Multitool – A multitool with a variety of functions (such as opening packages, cutting rope, or preparing food) can be incredibly handy for tasks you might not anticipate.
- Spare Guy Lines and Tent Stakes – Extra guy lines and tent stakes can be lifesavers in windy conditions, where the original ones may break, get lost, or fail to secure your shelter properly.
- Headlamp with Red Light Mode – A headlamp is essential for night-time tasks, but one with a red light mode helps preserve your night vision and is less disruptive to others around you. Picking the right headlamp is crucial.
- Trekking Poles – While not everyone uses them, trekking poles can help with stability on rough terrain and reduce strain on your knees when carrying a heavy pack. Plus, they can double as tent poles if needed.
- Power bank – A small, portable power bank can be a great asset for keeping your phone, GPS, or other small electronics charged when you’re far from civilisation. It's an essential for navigation or emergency contact, especially if you rely on your phone in the wild.
- Dry Bags – For keeping clothes, electronics, and food safe from rain or accidental immersion in streams. A dry bag is an extra precaution that can save important items from getting soaked.
- Small First Aid Kit – While it's essential to have a basic first aid kit, consider adding some more specific items like blister pads, an emergency foil blanket, or an electrolyte tablet to ensure you’re prepared for a range of situations.
- Hiiker App for Maps – For navigation, the Hiiker app is an excellent tool. It allows you to download maps for offline use, helping you stay on track even without a mobile signal. It’s a simple yet effective way to navigate during your wild camp, ensuring you're always aware of your location on the trail. Taking a paper map is also highly recommended.
These items can make a significant difference to your comfort, safety, and the overall enjoyment of your wild camping experience, even though they might not be immediately obvious in the packing list!
