Wild Camping Kit List

Hiking boots that are waterproof and breathable keep your feet dry from rain and allow moisture to escape from the inside.

Pair your boots with some synthetic or natural wool socks that wick away sweat and are breathable - minimising the risk of blisters from wet feet.

Providing you with plenty of warmth, as a mid layer or as an outer layer, a fleece will keep you warm once you’ve stopped moving. The soft fabric is comforting next to your skin and a high collar or hood delivers extra insulation on particularly cold nights.

Trousers that are lightweight, breathable, comfortable and weather resistant will make them ideal for extended days hiking in remote areas. Most trousers come with a DWR coating but if they get wet then they are quick drying and are resistant to stains for easy care.

If it rains and you get wet it can be a difficult task to dry off and warm back up when wild camping. A decent waterproof will keep all but the worst of the weather off you till you reach your intended campsite and the sanctuary of your tent.

Similar to a waterproof jacket, waterproof pants are going to keep your legs from getting wet and cold while allowing excess hot air to escape through the breathable fabric. When walking, articulated patterning, gusseted crotches and elasticated waists allow for unhindered movement across technical terrain and deliver all-day-comfort.

Keeping you warm at night while cooking food or in your tent, a warm beanie is a must.

A pair of gloves will protect your extremities from cold temperatures and wind chill.

A well-fitted backpack that has been adjusted correctly for your size will spread the load across your body minimising fatigue and chaffing. Features such as a mesh back limit sweat build-up, reservoir pockets let you hydrate hands-free and a waterproof cover will protect your belongings.

A self-inflating mattress does not weigh a lot and packs down to a small size for easy transportation. These mattresses are extremely efficient at insulating – trapping air in between various layers of foam and the firmness can be customised for personal preference.

A mummy shape, down sleeping bag, minimises excess material and weight while providing you with the best insulation, gram for gram. After a solid night’s sleep, you can easily compress the down bag to a tiny package and load it up for another day of adventure. A helpful tip is to try and find out the nighttime temperature for where you are going to camp and select the appropriate sleeping bag season rating based on this information.

Your tent needs to be light enough to carry yet strong and durable enough to withstand areas that are exposed to the full force of the wind and rain. Sacrificing a porch for weight savings is one way to make your load a fair bit lighter and little changes such as aluminium rather than steel pegs soon add up. If you’re solo camping you can use a bivvy for protection against the elements while massively decreasing your pack size and load.

All-in-one systems such a Jetboil or MSR Windburner provide you with a quick and easy method to cook your food or make a hot drink. The gas canister, stove and cooking cup all connect to form one piece that efficiently heats the contents of the cup and protects the flame from the wind.

Dehydrated food is one of the lightest, quickest and easiest ways to make a substantial meal when wild camping. These high-calorie meals will help you replace lost nutrients and only require heat and water.

Wild camping gives you the chance to see amazing skyscapes. A by-product of no light pollution is that you will struggle to see much else. A head torch prevents you from tripping up when walking camp and lets you organise your gear for the next morning.

An essential for any camping trip is a well-stocked first aid kit. It will help you treat minor cuts and injuries or stabilise any bigger problems until help arrives.

A backpack reservoir system and a water bottle should keep you going throughout the day but it soon gets heavy if you try to carry all your water for meals or multi-day camps.

The first thing that should go into your bag or be on your person is a map and compass. The importance of knowing where you are and where you are heading is heightened in remote areas, where the nearest point of help may be far away.

A compass is an essential for finding your way when out in the wild. Letting someone know your intended route and a when you should be back to ‘on grid’ is essential for safeguarding your trip.

If you are planning on wild camping in Scotland in the summer, then you’re going to encounter a plethora of midges and other insects that all want to bite you. Modern bug spray is long lasting, easy to apply and comes in small and lightweight spray bottles for easy application.

Wild swimming is a fantastic way to exercise and explore nature. Find a full breakdown of all the equipment that you need in our Wild Swimming Kit List.

This kit list covers the essentials required for winter hill walking.

When planning a safari trip you'll have to prepare and pack with a little more thought than a regular holiday.

This kit list covers everything you’ll need from walking in from Imlil and spending the night at the Toubkal Refuge, to summitting at 4167m.