Looking for the ultimate wild camping checklist? You've landed in the right spot. Wild camping promises a thrilling adventure, offering breath-taking, one-of-a-kind vistas that come with the territory of being away from civilisation. It offers a time to relax and rejuvenate amongst some of the most beautiful and peaceful scenery the UK has to offer. To fully relish the experience, keeping your backpack as light as possible and your spirits high is key. After all, who wants to lug around a backpack filled with stuff you won’t need or end up using, and end up with a sweaty back?
The golden rule? Invest in the things you need. While it's true that outfitting yourself with everything on this checklist could dent your wallet, fear not. Certain things will be an investment into quality and therefore will not need to be replaced. Other things can be obtained by pooling resources together with friends and family allowing you to gradually build up your gear stash. This way you'll sidestep any financial woes and reap the rewards in the long run. So, without further ado, here's the essential checklist:
- Somewhere to Sleep is obviously essential. Our recommendation is to opt for a durable design for easy setup in various terrains. There are many options out there so make sure to do your research! We do recommend our swags (though not for backpacking camping adventures) which are easily rolled out and up again, perfect for the first rule of wild camping which is arrive late, leave early and leave no trace! Additionally, with a roll mattress included in the swag, that is one less thing to think about.
- A Sleeping Bag. Choose a sleeping bag appropriate for the season and weather conditions, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the night. One great way to save money with this is pairing up with a friend (who you don’t tend to go camping at the same time as) and one of you purchase a winter sleeping bag whilst the other purchases a summer one. This means you can borrow from each other equally, having shared the costs.
- A Backpack. Invest in a sturdy, comfortable backpack with ample storage space for all your gear. Whilst this might end up being an expensive purchase, it is again an investment into quality gear that you can rely on for many more years to come. When purchasing, it is important for you to do your research and find one that fits your needs and desires from a backpack.
- Dry bags are a must-have for hiking, camping, or backpacking adventures. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, these lifesavers are designed to keep all your gear bone-dry no matter what.
- A Cooking Stove & Utensils. Portable camping stoves or backpacking stoves are essential for preparing meals and boiling water. In addition, packing some lightweight pots, pans, and utensils for cooking and eating meals outdoors is a must. We suggest the Primus Express Spider stove: compact, affordable, and featuring reliable grips to keep pans securely in place during cooking. Gas cartridges come in at a reasonable £5 to £10 range. Expect a 250g cartridge to comfortably fuel you through two evening meals, two breakfasts, and four steaming mugs of tea. Just bear in mind, cooler temperatures may necessitate a bit more gas to get your meals sizzling. Go for a non-stick cookset option as it makes washing up easier!
- A Swiss Army knife is the ultimate multitool for cutting, slicing, and tackling DIY tasks on the fly. Don't hit the trails or set up camp without one of these versatile tools by your side.
- Food and Snacks. Pack lightweight, non-perishable foods and snacks to sustain you throughout your adventure.
- Water Filtration System. This one isn't a must for your first adventures as you can just boil water to remove impurities however if you are looking for a new investment and ways to save time then this will ensure access to clean drinking water by carrying a water filter or if you want something even easier, purchase some purification tablets.
- Headlamp or Flashlight. Essential for navigating in the dark and performing tasks around the campsite. Additionally, remember to pack some extra batteries so you do not ever have to go without this essential tool.
- Navigation Tools. Maps, compass, or GPS device to help you navigate unfamiliar terrain and stay on course. An additional recommendation is to let someone know beforehand the rough area you are heading to and the path you intend to walk in order to get there in case of emergency.
- First Aid Kit. Be prepared for minor injuries and emergencies with a well-stocked first aid kit. This includes: any medications, plasters, Blister Plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, safety pins, Micropore Tape, Burn Gel Sachet.
- Clothing. Pack appropriate clothing layers for the expected weather conditions, including lighter layers for summer, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
- Footwear. Choose sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good traction for exploring various terrains.
- Hygiene Essentials. Include toiletries, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, and a trowel for digging a cat hole for human waste disposal.
- Portable Charger, potentially with multiple ports & charges.
Wild camping offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world. With the right gear and preparation, adventurers can embark on unforgettable journeys into the wilderness, where every sunrise brings a new adventure and every sunset paints the sky with hues of orange and gold. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and embark on a wild camping escapade to discover the hidden gems of the UK's great outdoors.
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