Wild Camping Equipment Checklist

Unlike a campsite or a caravan park which is fully equipped with amenities to keep you comfortable, wild camping is best for those looking for a taste of the wilderness.

Exploration and freedom of choosing where to pitch up are the cardinal attractions of wild camping - explorers also have the benefit of privacy, spectacular views and switching off and getting back to nature.

However, there are a number of things you need to consider before wild camping. Fortunately, in this wild camping equipment guide, we reveal the fundamental wild camping rules, the must-have camping gear you need to bring along with you and an essential checklist for you to check off before your trip.

Ready for your adventure? Let’s begin…

What Equipment do I Need for Wild Camping?

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The equipment you need for wild camping differs slightly from other types of camping trips due to its undomesticated format. Finding yourself without an essential camping item can leave you uncomfortable, cold, hungry, or worse, it can pose a threat to your health. Even though the golden rule of wild camping is to pack light, it doesn’t mean you should scrimp on the camping gear that is going to keep you content and safe.

Comfort is also key when sleeping in the wilderness, so wild campers should ensure they have a full sleeping system to battle the low nighttime temperatures. From the shape of the sleeping bag, through to the right ‘warmth to weight ratio’, you can find out exactly how to choose the best sleeping bag for you in our Sleeping Bag Buying Guide.

Whilst a decent sleep set up is key when wild camping, there are a few other must-have items to add to your list.

The Must-Have Gear and Equipment for Wild Camping

When you’re packing a camping bag for the wild, some camping equipment takes priority over others. Every wild camping enthusiast should have an armour of essential gear - items that should never be left behind. This includes:

• Tent (footprint and pegs)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Camping pillows
• First aid kit
• Lighting (torch/headlights/camp lighting)
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Pocket Trowel or poop bags for burying/removing toilet waste
• 700g - 1kg food per person, per day
• Watercell Water Storage (each of which is filled before making final camp for the night)
• Camping stove and fuel

The Full Wild Camping Equipment Checklist

Now that we’ve covered off the must-haves, for a more comfortable stay you can expand on your wild camping checklist with the following items:

• Tent (footprint and pegs)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Camping pillows
• Lightweight Dry Sack
• First aid kit
• Air seats (lightweight alternative to camp chairs)
• Lighting (torch/headlights/camp lighting)
• Weather appropriate clothing
• Camping stove and fuel
• Pots and pans
• Compact Bowl
• Compact Mug
• Transport Kettle
• 700g - 1kg food per person, per day
• Compact Sink
• Wilderness Wash
• LED Headlamp & Batteries
• Watercell Water Storage (each of which is filled before making final camp for the night)
• Pocket Trowel or poop bags for burying/removing toilet waste
• Trek and Travel Hand Sanitiser
• Technical walking socks to minimise blisters
• Woolly hat

The Wild Camping Luxuries Checklist

If you’re planning to park near to where you are camping, or have the capacity to carry more weight in your backpack, then there are some items that will upgrade your wild camping experience. Although they aren’t necessarily essential, the below checklist can make your wild camping trip a little more comfortable. These include:

• Notebook & Pen
• A book
• A kindle
• Deck of Cards
• Light Laptop/Tablet & Flashdrive
• Portable Speaker
• Baseball Cap
• Personal Wash and Hygiene Kit
• Camera & Case
• Hot water bottle

Make Sure You Know the Rules When Wild Camping

The number one rule of wild camping is you should leave no trace, be conscious of the environment and wildlife and avoid buildings, roads and natural structures. Being too noisy, damaging an ecosystem or abandoning any waste are the worst things you can do as a wild camper.

It’s so important to be aware of you set up camp too. The punishment for wild camping in the UK can be anything from a fine, to being reported and worse, you could be charged with trespassing. In many cases though, you may just be asked to move along or pay for any damage that has been caused to the land from littering or campfires.

For everything else you need to know about wild camping, read our Expert Guide to Wild Camping in the UK which outlines the laws on wild camping, the areas in the UK where it is permitted and tips on getting the most from your wild camping experience.

Preparing for your wild camping experience…

Whether you’re exploring the peaks of Snowdonia or searching for local wildlife in the New Forest, it’s important to have the right gear for your wild camping adventure.

Browse the Sea To Summit collection to browse our collection of premium camping gear including lightweight tents, sleeping bags and a wide range of camp kitchen essentials.

Don’t forget to tag #seatosummituk in your social media posts when you’re out exploring so we can share your experience and see how your camping trip went.