Are you planning a wild camping trip to the UK and wondering what to pack? Packing for a camping trip, especially one in a remote location, can be daunting. Make sure you’re prepared for whatever nature throws at you by following this comprehensive wild camping packing list including all the must-have items for a successful camping experience. We’ll cover everything from basic gear to essential clothing to the little items that often get overlooked. With this packing list, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the British hills, mountains, moors and valleys without worrying about having forgotten something.
From the Scottish Highlands to the Costwolds there are so many places where you can go wild camping in the UK. But what to pack for wild camping? If that question is keeping you awake at night as the big trip is approaching, then this article is your go-to guide. Head to the bottom of the page to download your wild camping packing list for free.
Let’s get to it!
What is Wild Camping
Wild camping, also known as free camping, is an exciting form of camping away from designated camping and glamping sites, where you can enjoy the simple joys of nature without all the rules, restrictions and regulations of commercial campsites.
But before you can fall in love with the raw, magical beauty of the outdoors and gain a deeper understanding of nature, there are a few rules you need to know how wild camping.
Check before you Go
The nature and wilderness might sound appealing but you would be surprised to know that the land you are walking on belongs to someone. Therefore, you need authorisation from the landowner for you to be able to wild camp on their property.
Moreover, some sites may allow wild camping but with some restrictions or rules that apply. Make sure you do your research before to avoid bad surprises.
Stay Close to a Source of Water
You technically cannot carry water for a multi-day trek into the wilderness; it would simply be too heavy. Therefore, you should ensure that you have enough water for the day, whichever hydration system you are using, and then re-fill it once at camp for the following day. Moreover, you would need water to cook (I mean rehydrate your dehydrated meal).
Thus, pitch your tent near a source of water, so that you don’t run dry. Prefer running water to stagnant water as it is safer to drink. Check upstream to ensure there are no animal remains or trash which could contaminate the water. Always use a water filter to purify the water before drinking it. You can also boil the filtered water and let it cool off to be safer.
Respect the Environment
You are on a wild camping trip to enjoy nature, not to destroy it. So here are a couple of things you can do to limit your impact on the environment when camping in the great outdoors.
Staying 1 night at the same place is the rule of thumb when wild camping. You may be allowed to camp for a couple of nights by the landowner, but it is preferable to keep moving and changing spots every day.
Travel in small groups. The smaller the group, the less noise and disturbance on the wildlife you will get. Moreover, you will generate less rubbish when travelling with fewer people, so it will make breaking camp easier, faster and cleaner in the morning.
Arrive late and leave early, they say. This way you can pitch when other walkers are long gone and pack your tent before passers-by get there. A little bit of privacy even in the outdoors can go a long way.
Finally, ensure you have the right gear!
Wild Camping Packing List: Gear
Tent
This is obviously the most essential piece of gear that you need to take with you when wild camping. For a one-person tent, the 3 seasons Terra Nova Laser Compact is ideal. Compact (30 cm x 40 cm) and lightweight (0.86kg), this tent offers durability and weather protection thanks to the silicone-sealed seams. Effortless to pack and easy on your back, it is all you need for a multi-day wild camping trip.
Sleeping Bag
Of course, to sleep in a tent, you need a sleeping bag! To avoid accumulating sleeping bags, opt for a 4 season one so you can take it anywhere all year long. And for that, I have the ideal sleeping bag for you: Deuter Exosphere. The Exosphere comes with different temperature-proof ratings such as 0 degree, -6 degrees and even -10 degrees. The -6 degrees is a good in-between for those who like to go on an adventure all year round and those who feel cold at night even when it is 20 degrees outside. With a foot warmer, a dry zone at both extremities and an insulated collar you know you will be toasty all night. Moreover, the elastic fabric allows freedom of movement so you won’t look like a mummy in a sarcophagus when sleeping.
Sleeping Pad
Keep yourself off the cold and wet ground when sleeping with a sleeping pad. For a night of comfort, opt for the Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping pad. Packable and lightweight, this sleeping bag comes in 6 different sizes (we are not all the same) and 4 different colours (we don’t all have the same taste). The plus: it inflates by breathing into a bag, sealing it and pushing the air into the pad. It might not make sense when I write it, but it is a genius way to blow your sleeping pad. By not breathing directly into the pad, you avoid the spread of mould which with time, grow and damage your sleeping pad. This way your pad lives longer!
Backpack
What would be backpacking without a backpack? For a wild camping adventure, go for a 40L to a 50L backpack, depending on how long you intend to stay in the wilderness. The Californian brand Osprey is a safe bet in the hiking world. The Renn (for women) and Rook (for men) are the 50L versions of the day back Skimmer and Skarab. It has plenty of room in the main compartment, a separate sleeping bag zip pocket so you don’t have to empty the content of your bag to get to it, adjustable sleeping pad drawstrings, hip belt pockets and mesh side pockets for bottles and snacks, 3L reservoir sleeve and the option to attach a satellite pack at the front should you be the type of overpack. In a nutshell, this Osprey 50L pack has it all.
Cooking Stove
Nothing makes you more hungry than a day out walking in the wilderness. But snacking on trail mix is just a temporary solution to your long-term hunger. For a warm meal at camp at the end of the day, the Jetboil MiniMo stove comes in handy. Reaching the boiling point in 2 minutes, cooking a dehydrated meal, steaming a sauce or simply brewing your coffee has never been that easy (and fast). The Jetboil MiniMo has a metal handle and an insulated cover to keep your meal warm and allow you to eat right out of the cup. Once packed, it measures 12 cm x 14 cm, a small piece of gear that makes a huge difference.
The Jetboil MiniMo is powered by fuel and the canister is sold separately.
Headlamp
Ah… the nights in the wilderness … just you and nature! Whether you hang out by the fire camp telling stories, read a chapter of your book inside the tent or have the urge to pee in the middle of the night, you need a headlamp. The Biolight 330 Lumen has a 40 hours battery on low mode and 3 hours on high one and is rechargeable via USB cable, which is when carrying a power bank becomes necessary (see below). Made with a moisture-wicking fabric, it prevents the headlamp from slipping, so you can go for that nature calling in the middle of the night without fear of losing your head (lamp).
Trowel
When it is time for number 2, there are a few rules to observe:
- Dig a cathole of 15 cm deep at least 200 m away from the campsite, a source of water and the trail
- Cover it when finished
- Take toilet paper or wet wipes with you to dispose of later on when pack to civilization
How to dig a cathole? With a trowel of course. The Sea to Summit collapsible trowel measures only 14 cm x 7.5 cm when packed and weighs less than a gram so it is easy to carry. The length of the is exactly the cathole depth and the resident aluminium shovel helps you dig into hard soil. The plus: the handle has a toilet paper compartment!
Dry Bags
Get your backpack organised by using dry bags. One for the toiletry, one for the change of clothes, one for the food and one for the electronics and valuables. And this is just to give you some ideas.
With this selection of 6 dry bags coming in different sizes and colours, you are sure to keep all your gear safe, dry and systemised. No more loose keys, no more time wasted looking for your spoon, no more emptying the whole content of your pack just to find that ONE thing! Sounds like a dream? Well, it is within reach thanks to the dry bags.
Mug
Enamel mugs may be seen as the camper must-have, but in all fairness, they are bulky and not packable.
Prefer a collapsible mug for the ease of packing when not in use. The Stojo travel mug is perfect for a wild camping trip. The silicone-made leaks proof cup is designed to handle cold and hot drinks and comes with a sleeve so you don’t burn or freeze your fingers. It is dishwasher and microwave safe and even comes with a reusable straw for bigger sizes.
With a choice of 24 colours and 6 sizes, you would find your new adventure companion for sure!
Cutlery
Losing yourself in the wilderness does not mean that you have to eat with your fingers. Enjoy your morning porridge and rehydrated curry diner with this resistant cutlery set from Humangear. It comes in a hard box to protect the items but also to make it easier to find in your pack. When you are hungry, you don’t want to be wasting time looking for your spoon! The set also comes with a toothpick, so you can confidently smile for the rest of the day!
Filter Water Bottle
Pitching your tent near a stream is a must to have a continuous supply of water. However, the water from the stream, as clear as it may look, is not suitable for consumption (yet). You can use purification tablets but they are not the safest and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Using a filer water bottle is a safer and healthier way to consume water from a stream. Water-to-Go water bottles come with a purifier filter to make water drinkable in seconds. They have a tag that you place into the rubber band at the bottom of the bottle which tells you when it is time to replace the filter. Replacement filters can be bought separately without having to buy another bottle and are even available on subscription for outdoor aficionados!
Power Bank
The last of our gear packing list for wild camping is the power bank. Disconnect from the outside world and nowadays technologies. But even if you won’t find Wifi in the forest, bringing a power bank with you is still required.
Most navigation apps work offline but still drain your battery. Taking photos and videos uses power. Your headlamp needs charging. With the Feeke solar charging power bank a flashlight and a built-in compass, you are in safe hands. Just a few reasons why a power bank is an essential item to add to your wild camping packing list!
Wild Camping Packing List: Clothing
Base Layer
The base layer is the piece of clothing that you wear the closest to your skin. The purpose of the base layer is to absorb the sweat so that you stay dry and warm. Therefore you need to opt for a moisture-wicking fabric. Avoid cotton at all costs! Even though cotton absorbs sweat it does not dry easily, leaving you cold and wet. Prefer Merino wool which has the property to dry quickly so you can stay dry. Icebreaker is the pioneer when it comes to Merino wool clothing so it is without surprise that the recommendation for the base layer is Icebreaker 200 long-sleeve thermal.
Snuggle in this half-zip top which allows you to protect your neck during cool adventures outdoors. Designed to stay close to the body, this 100% Merino wool layer is odour resistant and helps regulate the body temperature whilst walking.
Fleece
This is the layer you put on top of your base layer. Whilst the base layer aims to keep your skin dry, the fleece is made to trap the warmth so you feel toasty. However, the fleece is an additional layer and should be worn when you are going on an adventure when the temperatures are cold. If not, an insulated jacket will suffice (see below). Moreover, a fleece can become handy at camp to snuggle into by the campfire.
Mountain Warehouse has a great choice of fleeces from lightweight to thick ones. The Montana fleece is one of their popular designs. Made in polyester, this lightweight pullover has a half zip in the collar to protect the neck when it gets cold. Easily packed, you won’t feel the difference in your bag, but surely it will make a huge difference to your experience in the evening.
Insulated Jacket
Whether you opt for a fleece or not, you need an insulated jacket on top of your base layer. Same as explained above, the insulated jacket’s purpose is to trap the warmth and keep it near your body so that you don’t feel cold on the trail.
The Columbia Heavenly jacket might be lightweight but is a heavy player in the outdoor clothing realm. Thanks to its Omni-Heat technology, the jacket has a built-in layer of metallic dots pattern to retain the heat whilst dissipating the moisture. Fitted with cuffs with a thumb hole, you can easily fit your gloves on top to ensure the warmth won’t escape. It also comes with a fleece collar and hood for a comfy feeling!
Rain Jacket
This is your outer layer. When the heavens open, your insulated jacket, even the waterproof one, won’t be able to handle the downpour.
Reason: they are filled with down or synthetic down, which absorbs humidity but does not dry easily.
Consequence: you soon look like a wet goose.
To ensure that you stay dry, you need a rain jacket. The Mountain Warehouse Pakka is packable and comes with its own waterproof bag. Easy to carry and lightweight, this additional layer offers weather protection against rain and wind thanks to the taped seams so you can keep hiking with a smile on your face. And with 10 colours to choose from, you are sure to find what you are looking for!
Related Content: 6 Tips For Hiking In The Rain And Having Fun
Hiking Trousers/Leggings
Some prefer a pair of trousers others prefer the second skin feeling of a pair of leggings. Whatever you are into, well, you would need a hiking bottom to go wild camping. Your choice of hiking bottoms depends on the season, the temperatures and personal preferences. Think shorts during summer and insulated hiking trousers during winter.
For leggings, avoid Yoga pants as they are not made in fabric strong enough to resist tears from branches or punctures from insects. This being said, CRZ which is a yoga clothes maker, has incredible fleece yoga pants ideal for hiking when the temperatures drop. They come with a side pocket to slide your phone in. No need to worry about your hip belt getting in the way of your jacket pockets: you can pull out your phone straight out of the legging pocket in seconds!
For trousers, CRZ also has what you need: UPF 50 and waterproof lightweight trousers! With a drawcord at the ankle, you can roll it up if the sun makes an appearance during the day. They have pockets on the side to statch a snack or two for easy access and they come with a belt (no need to buy one separately) to adjust it to your waist so that it does not fall whilst you are hiking.
Hiking Footwear
This is the piece of gear that can make or break your wild camping adventure. You need to opt for a good quality pair of hiking footwear. Depending on the season and the terrain you might want to opt for a pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes.
Hiking shoes are lighter and can be worn out of the box. They are not waterproof but breathable so the water evaporates rapidly leaving your feet dry. Hiking boots are sturdier. They come with a mid or high collar which provides ankle support. They are ideal for terrain with a lot of ascent and descent and for people with weak ankles or previous ankle injuries. Because they are made of stronger fabric, you need to break them in before you can hit the trails. They offer great resistance to water which makes them the perfect companion for crossing streams or hiking during wet weather. However, they are less breathable which means that once the water gets inside your boots, it won’t evaporate easily.
Find out which one is made for you: hiking boots or hiking shoes?
Thermals
Unless you are planning to sleep in your hiking outfit (no judgement here), pack a pair of thermals for the night. Even in summertime, the temperature drops at night so with a thermal set you make sure you stay warm and toasty all night long.
Smartwool merino wool underwear long sleeve t-shirt and bottom are a lightweight yet warm option for your nights in the wilderness. Snuggle in this next-to-the-skin top and bottom made with 100% Merino wool. Designed with comfort in mind, the seams are strategically placed to reduce chaffing when moving in your sleep. Don’t hide in your tent any more! They can also be worn outside for exercising or simply having your morning coffee whilst enjoying the vistas.
Gaiters
There are optional, depending on where you go wild camping and the seasons. But if you stay in the UK, British weather comes with … MUD! Rescue your boots and your trousers by adding a pair of Bluefield gaiters on top. It will not only protect your feet from getting wet but also give a chance for your boots and trousers to leave longer by not getting damaged by water and mud on a regular basis. Gaiters are a little investment which can go a long way!
Sandals
Let your feet breathe at camp after a long day walking in the great outdoors with a pair of sandals. Lightweight and packable, this little extra on your wild camping packing list can make the whole difference in the evening.
When it comes to campsite footwear, the Teva Original is the first that comes to mind. The easy loop-and-hoop closure is adjustable (your swollen feet will thank you) and the fabric dries quickly so you can also soak your feet in a stream at the end of the day without having to take off the sandals. All in one!
Headcover
Whether you need a beanie for the cold or a cap for the sun, you always need to carry a headcover (or two) with you.
A beanie is handy during the cold season to keep your head and ears warm. Alternatively, you can opt for a headband to just cover the ears. Our body loses its natural warmth through the extremities which include our feet and head. Thanks to a woollen beanie, problem solved! An additional benefit of a beanie is that you can also wear it at night to ensure you stay warm as the temperatures drop.
When the sun is out, get the cap or brim out! Hiking when the sun is shining might be lovely but the sun can cause a lot of damage to your skin. In order to protect it, you not only need to apply sunscreen (see below) but also wear a headcover to provide you with shade.
But what is the difference?
A cap only protects your face whilst the brim protects your neck as well. If you are hiking somewhere particularly hot a brim is more advisable as it offers more protection. Alternatively, you can also opt for a hand-free hiking umbrella to give you the best shield against UV.
Trekking Poles
Another piece of gear that can change your wild camping adventure when going in the rolling countryside hills or by the dramatic coastal cliffs. Trekking poles are helpful not only to alleviate the pressure on your knee during the ascent but also to help you find your balance when descending steep hills. Not to mention that you can also use them as a mud-puddle-depth gauge and avoid stepping where you should not!
When it comes to choosing the right hiking poles, Black Diamonds is the brand of reference. The Utah-based equipment manufacturer engineered the Distance FLZ trekking poles. Combining the Z pole technology to fold them with the Flicklock mechanism to adjust them, the Distance FLZ is excellent for hiking, hill walking and steep ascent, or simply to hold your tent porch in place!
Wild Camping Packing List: Toiletries
Sunscreen
It might not seem like it, but even the British sun can cause sunburn! Don’t turn into a lobster and make sure you pack a tube of sunscreen. Roll-on applicators or sticks are easier to apply and carry. No risk of a bottle of sunscreen emptying its content in your backpack!
Electrolyte
When you hike, you sweat. When you sweat you lose salt (sodium) and other minerals. So far you follow me, right? So, to replace the loss you need electrolytes. They contain sodium which helps balance the blood pressure and hydrate the body.
They come in tablets or powder. However, for us outdoor lovers, the powder is not the go-to choice as it can get messy when trying to make your drink on the go. Prefer the tablets which come in a case to keep them in one piece inside your pack and are much easier to use. Once dissolved in your drink, you are good to go for a sip of energy!
Wash Kit
You might think that wild camping means being one with nature, but some basic hygiene rules still remain. So for the avoidance of doubt, there is no shower in the great outdoors and you cannot wash with soap in a stream as you would contaminate the water with chemicals. And the water might be too cold anyway for a dip, let alone a shower!
This being said, to still feel like a human being and smell somewhat decent, wet wipes can go a long way. No need for water. A simple wipe of your body and you feel clean and refreshed, ready for the next day of adventure.
The same goes for brushing your teeth: opt for solid toothpaste tablets. They don’t require water as they turn to foam in contact with the saliva so you can brush your teeth without worrying about finding drinkable water.
First Aid Kit
From a blister to a bad fall, a lot can happen when venturing into the wilderness. So be prepared for the worst by carrying a first aid kit with you. You can find pre-packed first-aid kits or choose to make your own. Whatever you opt for, don’t forget these essentials and download the first-aid kit packing list for free when checking out my complete first-aid kit guide.
Wild Camping Packing List: Food
Snacks
Bring plenty of snacks with you to fill up your body with carbohydrates and the nutrients you need to avoid feeling depleted. Good snacks to carry with you are:
- Trail mix or Energy balls
- Nuts & seed
- Fresh fruits: opt for easy-to-peel fruits such as bananas or clementines
- Dried fruits
- Energy or Granola bars without added sugar
- Dried jerky
- Energy chew and gel
Tip: Always carry a mix of sweet and savoury snacks to bring variety through the day.
Dehydrated Meals
Dehydrated and tasty are not too words which go together in the same sentence. Bring a decent meal to the table with Wayfarer camping food – UK only (sorry US reader). Made with real food, you just need to place the pouch into boiling water or empty the content in a pan above the stove and stir gently. It takes less than 10 minutes for the meal to be ready.
Tip: Even with the best ingredients and all the love they put into creating these meals, camping food always tastes a bit bland. Bring a sachet with some spices or dry chilli flakes in it. Your taste bulbs will thank you.
If you are looking for an alternative, the brand Voyager has excellent camping meals. This French (no, I am not biased) brand might be difficult to find in the UK on the Highstreet, but you can order them on Mountain sports websites such as www.snowleader.co.uk or www.glisshop.co.uk.
Bon appetit!
Final Thoughts on the Wild Camping Packing List
The key to successful wild camping is being well prepared. Being smart about what to pack will help make your camping experience enjoyable and keep you safe. From shelter, bedding, and clothing to first aid, food, and cooking items, having the right items on your packing list will ensure that you have everything you need to survive and enjoy the great outdoors. So get out there and start exploring – just remember to pack wisely.
Never forget anything anymore by downloading it for free by clicking on the button below the image.
And you, what are the essentials on your wild Camping packing list? Let me know in the comments below.
Like this wild camping packing list? Pin it!
[…] Related Content: Wild Camping Packing List […]