Wild Camping Equipment

Wild camping, snowholing and bivvying all involve spending the night hours outdoors in remote places.

Wild camping kit list

Four categories to think through before you go. Pick one option from each and you're covered.

• Shelter: a tent or bivvy bag, plus a tarp if you want extra weather protection or a dry spot to cook.
• Sleep system: a sleeping bag rated for the season, and a sleeping mat for insulation from the ground as much as comfort.
• Cooking: a lightweight stove and cookware for hot food and a brew.
• Extras: a head torch for the walk in and camp chores after dark, and dry bags to keep spare layers and electronics dry.

Is wild camping legal?

All land is owned by someone. So unless you have landowner permission to camp you may be asked to move on. Scotland and Dartmoor are rare examples in the UK where local laws mean it is perfectly legal to camp.

Many landowners including National Parks view that wild camping on unenclosed fell land, remote from the roads, is generally accepted if undertaken responsibly by small numbers of people.

So set up camp late and leave early staying well out of peoples' way whilst causing the minimum disturbance.

Eat well, sleep well and enjoy dusk till dawn resting your weary head hopefully under a star-filled sky.

Further reading: the ultimate guide to wild camping, bivvy bag essentials, how to use a tarp. Inspiration: bikepacking the Argyll Trail, Schiehallion winter camp and Cycling Iceland - Cycling in Europe.