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Wild Camping Essentials

17 Wild Camping Essentials For Your Next Adventure

, by Ben Barnes, 7 min reading time

Discover all the wild camping essentials needed for you to camp for a few nights in the wilderness! From tents to cooking utensils - We've got your covered!

The best way to experience nature is to go camping. There are many different ways to camp, but the most freeing and immersive experience is wild camping.

When you go wild camping, you're taking everything you need with you to camp for a few nights in the wilderness.

This can be a daunting task for beginners, so we've put together a list of 17 wild camping essentials to help you get started. With these items, you'll be able to have a comfortable and safe experience while getting back to nature.

1. A Good Tent

One of the most important things on this list of wild camping essentials is a good tent. When you're looking for a tent, make sure that it's lightweight and easy to set up.

You should also make sure that it's made for the type of weather conditions you'll be encountering on your trip.

We recommend the Naturehike Cloud Peak 2-man Tent, made from lightweight material and perfect for all four seasons.

2. Sleeping Bag

A well-insulated sleeping bag is key for a comfortable night's sleep in the wilderness.

Look for a bag that's rated for below-freezing temperatures if you're planning on going camping in the winter months.

We recommend the 3FulGear Tyvek Bivvy Bag, which is made from breathable and waterproof fabric.

3. Sleeping Mattress

A sleeping mattress is another one of the necessary wild camping essentials that will help you get a good night's sleep.

Look for an inflatable mattress or a self-inflating mattress for the most comfort.

We recommend the BCB Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress, which comes with a stuff sack to easily and safely pack it away when you’re up and ready to get moving again.

4. Camping Stove

A camping stove is essential for cooking food while you're camping. Make sure to get one that uses fuel that's easy to find in the wilderness, like propane or white gas.

At Wood To Water, we stock a huge range of stoves, including gas, liquid and solid fuel stoves so you can find the perfect one for your camping needs.

We recommend the Soto Windmaster Stove - it’s even great for use in harsh and windy conditions.

A safety-first approach to using a stove is advised.

5. Cookware

You'll need some pots and pans if you want to cook while wild camping. If you're trying to save space, look for cookware that can serve multiple purposes, like a pot that can also be used as a frying pan.

We stock plenty of camping pots, pans and utensils so you can be fully prepared for your next adventure.

6. Food and Water

Of course, you'll need food and water for your wild camping trip! Pack enough food and water for each person in your party for the duration of your trip.

Remember; when packing food, try to avoid anything that will spoil quickly or attract animals. And don't forget a water filter or purifier if you're planning on drinking from natural water sources.

7. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is always essential when going into the wilderness.

Be sure to pack supplies for common or mild camping injuries, like blisters and insect bites, as well as more severe injuries, like broken bones and insect bites.

We recommend the Kombat UK First Aid Kit!, packed with all the first aid essentials.

8. Navigation Tools

Pack a map and compass (or GPS device) so that you can navigate your way through the wilderness.

You'll find this to be a huge help if you get lost or if you need to find your way back to camp after a day of exploring.

9. Sun Protection

The sun can be brutal even in cooler months, so make sure to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts. Make sure to read up about SPF index so you establish which sunscreen factor is right for you.

10. Bug Repellent

Bugs can make any camping trip miserable, so pack bug repellent with DEET to keep them at bay.

Check out our full range of insect repellents with everything from bug sprays to bug nets.

11. Torch or Headlamp

You'll need some form of light once the sun goes down, so either pack a torch or headlamp with extra batteries.

We recommend the UCO 9-hour Chandelier Lantern for a brilliant source of heat and light.

12. Fire Starters

Fire starters are essential for starting fires both for warmth and cooking. Be sure to pack matches that are waterproof, as well as lighters or flint stones.

We've got a great selection of fire making equipment online so you can get fully stocked for your next trip.

13. Knife

A knife is an incredibly versatile tool that everyone should have while on their wild camping trip.

They can be used for everything from preparing food to building a shelter.

We recommend the Buck Folding Selkirk Knife.

14.'Multi-purpose' Tool

In addition to a knife, packing a multi-tool with features like pliers and scissors can come in handy while wild camping.

You never know when you'll need a tool, so it's always best to be prepared!

15. Rope or Paracord

A rope or paracord can be used for everything from setting up campsites to repairing gear.

16. Clothesline

A clothesline is great for drying wet clothes or hanging up food out of reach of animals.

17. Litter Bags

Litter bags are essential for keeping your campsite clean and tidy and disposing of waste properly when there isn't anywhere to place your litter.

Wild Camping Essential Gear

Conclusion

Of course, this list of wild camping essentials isn't exhaustive; there are other items you may want or need depending on where you're going and what you'll be doing while wild camping.

However, these 17 items will give you a great foundation for your next adventure in nature! So what are you waiting for? Start packing and get out there!

FAQs

What is wild camping?

Wild camping is a form of camping that takes place in natural, undeveloped settings like forests, mountains, or deserts.

It differs from traditional camping in that you don't need to camp in designated areas or campgrounds; you can simply set up camp wherever you like!

Is wild camping legal?

The legality of wild camping varies. You should check the rules and regulations of the area you want to set up your campsite.

What do I need to pack for wild camping?

There are a few essentials you'll need to pack for wild camping, including food and water, a first-aid kit, navigation tools, sun protection, bug repellent, a torch or headlamp, fire starters, a knife, a multi-purpose tool, and rope or paracord.

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