A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camp Out
Posted by SwordsSwords on Oct 30th 2018
You must be liking the idea of packing your backpack and heading off the track for some peaceful days. You will see a lot of physical and psychological benefits to getting away from the busy routine to enjoying the simplicity and peacetime of sleeping in the wilds. Undeniably, wild camping is a wonderful experience but it could be daunting for first-timers. Are you aware of what to pack and how to travel light and have you thought about how will you cope with weather situations? Well, here you go.
Tents for Wild Camping
When it comes to choosing the tents, wild campers should look for a lightweight yet durable tents. You can select a one-man tent for yourself and two-man for two individuals. Wild camping is more of weight-saving instead of focusing on a lot of interior space. When you carry a tent, you need to set a maximum weight limit between 1.5kg to 2kg. Though if you are with a fellow wild camper, you are allowed to set the weight limit to 3kg. Generally, the more you pay, the lighter and well-designed the tent will be. This is primarily due to lightweight fabrics that are durable and therefore priced higher. Most backpacking tents are for one or two-man and come with a low-profile, inner and exterior pitched design, three color-coded foldable poles and a bag of lightweight pegs.Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag suitable for various seasons and conditions is important. Again you will prefer paying for lighter-weight bags. Though in all the warmest situations, a three-season sleeping bag is probably more of a belt-and-braces option to keep you warm during wild camping. The down bags offer great warmth as the synthetic fill is typically lighter and keeps you warm even in the damp conditions. You will find a wide range of hydrophobic down sleeping bags if you are willing to spend some good amount of money. A self-inflating mattress or foam roll helps in keeping the cold and damp from your sleeping bag and offer coziness on the hard ground. We suggest you opt for a mattress that instantly deflates and rolls up into a small bag for ease of transport. You can also create a pillow by stuffing the clothes you wear in a dry or stuff bag.Cooking Gear and Food
You can pack a lot of items but at the same time, it’s important to keep the minimum lightweight. Keeping a lightweight single burner stove, fire starter, pot, spork and mug for a hot drink are all essentials. To keep weight down, wild campers can choose to eat a one-pot meal from the pot and place their meal in the mug that can be used for coffee or tea.Wild Camping - MSR MicroRocket
You can take dehydrated camping food along and pack lightweight foodstuffs such a pasta or flavored rice which require just water for cooking with a readymade tomato-based sauce. Tuna and dried meats add up additional ingredients and calories to meals. For breakfasts and lunches, you can look for long-lasting food products such as cereal bars and oatcakes instead of using bread. Also, energy snacks are a good idea. Water is another important requirement but if you know you will be camping somewhere near water, you can carry less bottled water with you. Boiled water for cleanliness is vital for health reasons, though you can also carry a water purification device with you. For some added luxuries, you might carry a hip flask of whiskey and chocolate or crisps for nighttime hunger pangs.Backpack
There are few other essential things you need to consider when going for wild camping. If you intend to purchase a lightweight pack, more likely it will be pared down and so offer less comfort such as softened shoulder straps and waistband. Though we suggest you go for something moderate. Choose a high-quality hiking pack instead of running pack. A 45l or 55l pack is suitable to keep the kit weight to a minimum. On the other hand, if you are heading for a longer trip, take a 60+ pack.Added Extras for Wild Camping
Considering the added essentials, you will need a head torch in all circumstances. If you are moving towards a cold area, you must carry a lightweight insulated jack to sleep in and small hot water bottles to keep yourself warm and comfortable. Moreover, wearing a woolen or beanie hat at evening can be a real life-saver but make sure not to wear tight socks as these can cut off circulation. Also, it is crucial to opt for a method to deal with toileting. For this purpose, take a pocket trowel, dog poop bags, and similar products along. Other useful items include a washing gel or baby wipes as a shower substitute and a tick remover.Other wild camping tips:
- Make sure not to damage vegetation particularly at high altitudes where it can be vulnerable to human trampling.
- Remember not to light fires on top of peaty soils and dry grass as it can result in a rapid fire.
- Do not contaminate water courses. Never go to the toilet within the range of 30m of fresh or running water.
- Carry waste in a proper bin.
- In case it’s not possible for you to take toilet waste away then bury it at least 15cm below ground and cover it.
- Keep in mind to remove food and waste that might attract foragers and put animals at risk.