Wild Camping: A Dream Come True… If You're Prepared
Wild camping offers an unmatched adventure for outdoor lovers. The idea of setting off on a hiking trip, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, sounds like a dream. Picture yourself sleeping under the stars, surrounded by nature, and experiencing the true essence of the great outdoors. For many, it’s the perfect escape.
However, wild camping can quickly turn into a nightmare if you're not properly prepared. From sudden rainstorms to harsh winds, nature has a way of keeping you on your toes. That’s why the gear you bring is crucial, and your rucksack is the most important of them all. A high-quality, well-packed rucksack will keep your essentials secure and your mind at ease, no matter what challenges you face out there.
Why the Right Rucksack is Crucial for Wild Camping Success
When heading out for a wild camping adventure, having the right rucksack makes a world of difference. Whether you’re an experienced camper or just getting started, choosing the right pack for your needs can greatly affect your overall experience. Here’s what you should look for:
- Comfort: The rucksack should feel comfortable even when fully packed. Look for adjustable straps, a padded hip belt, and breathable back panels for extra comfort during long hikes.
- Capacity: For multi-day trips, aim for a rucksack with 50L to 70L capacity. For shorter trips, a 30L to 40L rucksack will do.
- Durability: Opt for packs made from water-resistant or waterproof materials to ensure your gear stays dry. Nobody like wet soggy clothing!
- Ease of Organisation: A good rucksack should offer plenty of compartments for easy access to your gear. This is especially important when you need to grab a snack or check your map quickly.
The Right Wild Camping Gear: What You Need and Why
Packing for wild camping involves more than just a good rucksack. A variety of essential items will ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. Let’s go over some of the must-have gear, with a particular focus on the importance of packing efficiently with the right rucksack.
1. Rucksack: Your Essential Companion
The rucksack is the foundation of any wild camping trip. To make the most of your adventure, ensure it can accommodate your sleeping gear, food, cooking equipment, and emergency supplies. For solo trips, aim for a lightweight pack with a good weight distribution system. Our Bridger Series, Radix or 2 Day Assault ranges offer the perfect blend of lightweight, capacity and ease of access and deemed some of the best rucksacks for wild camping.
2. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
Depending on your preferences, choose the shelter that fits your style:
- Tent: A one-person tent is lightweight and offers maximum protection from the elements. Choose a model with a quick set-up process to save time and energy.
- Bivvy Bag or Tarp: For minimalist campers, a bivvy bag offers the simplest and lightest solution, while a tarp gives you more flexibility for protection against rain or wind.
- Sleeping Bag and Mat: Make sure your sleeping bag matches the season and conditions. A sleeping mat will keep you insulated from the ground, ensuring a more comfortable sleep.
All of these items should fit easily into your rucksack, keeping your gear dry and well-organised.
3. Clothing and layers
When it comes to clothing for wild camping, more is better. Well, by this we mean more layers are better, allowing you to add or take off layers depending on the changeable conditions.
Clothing items to consider:
- Base layers: a good starting point which can keep essential warm close to your body. While wicking away sweat and perspiration.
- Jumpers and fleeces: excellent for adding a warm layer quickly when the weather changes suddenly.
- Waterproof layers and jackets: essential in the UK (even in the summer). As we all know the UK’s weather is very changeable, wet weather can roll in much quicker than anticipated, so a waterproof outer layer is essential. A lightweight option is optimal, allowing you to quickly pull on over secondary layers
- Accessories: don’t forget hats and gloves!
Don’t forget it gets cold at night, much colder than you might expect. So warm clothing is all but essential – even at summer in the UK.
4. Cooking Equipment for Wild Camping
Wild camping doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice hot meals. Here’s a quick rundown of cooking gear to pack:
- Portable Stove: A compact stove is perfect for cooking on the go. These can either be a portable gas stove or a ultra efficient wood burning stove.
- Cookware: A small pot and mug are all you need for cooking meals. For preparation, a small pocket knife is a useful addition for chopping. Portable cutlery is useful for hot meals.
- Dehydrated Meals: These are lightweight, compact, and easy to prepare in the wilderness. Bring some of your favourite snacks for extra energy on the trail.
Pack your stove and cookware in the easily accessible top compartment of your rucksack to make sure you can quickly get to it when hunger strikes.
5. Important Extras for Wild Camping
Packing light doesn’t mean leaving behind the essentials. Here’s a list of extra items you’ll need:
- Head Torch: Make sure you bring extra batteries to avoid being left in the dark.
- Map and Compass: Knowing how to navigate is crucial when hiking in unfamiliar areas.
- First Aid Kit: Always have a basic first aid kit packed in case of emergencies.
- Swiss Army Knife: This multi-tool can come in handy in a variety of situations. Be aware of UK knife laws.
- Water: Ensure you have a water bottle or hydration system that fits securely in your rucksack.
6. Efficient Packing for Wild Camping
When packing your rucksack, focus on efficiency. Use dry bags or ziplock bags to separate your clothing from your food and shelter. The lighter your pack, the easier your hike will be, so don’t overpack! Aim for an ideal base weight of around 9kg for a lightweight backpacking experience.
Best Locations for Wild Camping in the UK
If you’re new to wild camping, choosing a location is key. In the UK, wild camping is only permitted in certain areas, like Dartmoor National Park in England and certain parts of Scotland and Wales. If you’re planning on camping in other areas, it’s important to ask for permission or follow the “stealth camping” method, which involves camping discreetly in less populated spots.
How to Find the Perfect Wild Camping Spot
When choosing a camping spot, look for dry, level ground away from high traffic areas. If possible, try to camp in remote locations where you won’t disturb wildlife or the environment. OS maps can help you find the best spots and show land ownership details.
Safety First: Tips for Solo Wild Camping
While wild camping is exhilarating, safety should always come first. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Leave a Route Plan: Always tell someone your plans before heading out and set an expected return time. Ideally mark out your route on a map and leave with someone.
- Carry a First Aid Kit: In case of injury, a basic kit can help you handle minor injuries and stay prepared.
- Stay Alert: Whether you’re hiking alone or with a group, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when setting up camp in remote areas.
- Keep Your Mobile Phone Charged: In case of emergency, ensure your phone is charged and accessible. A portable battery for charging your phone is always a good idea, especially when modern smartphone batteries drain so quickly.
Wild Camping Gear to Enhance Your Experience
The right gear enhances your wild camping adventure. Choosing the perfect rucksack, shelter, cooking gear, and accessories ensures you’ll be ready for whatever nature throws at you.
Optimise Your Wild Camping Gear with the Right Rucksack
Your rucksack is the heart of your camping experience. Whether you're hiking solo, setting up a simple bivvy, or making a gourmet meal on a portable stove, the right rucksack helps you stay organized and prepared. Don’t let poor gear choices ruin your adventure—choose the right rucksack for a smooth, enjoyable wild camping experience.
