Wild camping lets you spend a night away from busy campsites and wake up surrounded by nature. However, you must carry everything you need. Good preparation will help you stay warm, dry and safe without making your rucksack too heavy.
This wild camping packing list covers the main items needed for a simple overnight trip in the UK. You may need to adapt it for the route, season, weather and length of your trip. Always check the forecast and local access rules before leaving home.
Quick Wild Camping Packing List
Use this checklist as a starting point:
- Suitable rucksack and waterproof liner
- Lightweight tent, bivvy bag or tarp
- Tent pegs, poles and groundsheet if required
- Sleeping bag suited to the expected temperature
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers, spare socks, hat and gloves
- Walking boots or suitable trail shoes
- Food, snacks and cooking equipment
- Enough drinking water or a suitable treatment system
- Map, compass and phone with an offline map
- Headtorch and spare batteries
- Small first aid kit and personal medication
- Power bank and charging cable
- Toiletries, waste bags and toilet kit
- Emergency shelter and whistle
Choose the Right Rucksack
Your rucksack must be large enough for your equipment but comfortable when full. For a one-night summer trip, many campers use a pack of around 40 to 60 litres. Winter kit may require more space.
Fit matters more than the number on the label. Adjust the back length, hip belt and shoulder straps before your trip. Most of the weight should sit around your hips rather than pulling on your shoulders.
Use a waterproof liner to protect the whole load. Dry bags can separate your sleeping kit, clothes and electronics. A rucksack cover helps, but rain may still reach the back of the bag.
Shelter and Sleeping Equipment
Your shelter is your main defence against wind and rain. A lightweight tent is often the easiest choice for a first wild camp. Check that it is suitable for the expected conditions and practise pitching it at home. Make sure you pack every pole, peg and section of the tent.
A bivvy bag or tarp can reduce weight, but it offers less privacy and may require more skill in bad weather. Avoid testing new shelter equipment for the first time in a remote place.
You will also need:
- A sleeping bag: Choose a comfort rating suitable for the lowest expected temperature. Do not rely only on the season shown on the label.
- A sleeping mat: This gives you comfort and helps stop heat escaping into the ground. Check the mat’s insulation or R-value when planning colder trips.
- A pillow: An inflatable camping pillow is light, but a dry bag filled with spare clothes also works.
- A repair kit: Carry patches for an inflatable mat and a small amount of strong tape for temporary repairs.
Keep your sleeping bag and dry night clothes together in a waterproof bag. This gives you a warm, dry set of equipment even if the rest of your kit becomes wet.
Clothing for Wild Camping
UK weather can change quickly, especially on exposed ground. Pack layers that can be added or removed as needed.
Start with a breathable base layer, then add a warm mid-layer. Carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, even if the forecast looks dry. An insulated jacket provides warmth when you stop.
Pack a warm hat, gloves and spare walking socks. Keep one set of base layers dry for sleeping.
Avoid cotton where possible because it absorbs moisture and feels cold when wet. Choose quick-drying clothes and footwear that suits the ground and has already been broken in.
Food, Water and Cooking Kit
Take food that is filling, light and easy to prepare. Options include dehydrated meals, porridge, wraps, nuts and snack bars. Pack a little extra in case the trip takes longer than planned.
If you want hot food or drinks, pack:
- A small camping stove
- The correct fuel
- A lighter or matches in a waterproof container
- A pan or stove pot
- A mug and spoon
Never cook inside a closed tent. Stoves create a fire risk and can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Use yours outside on stable ground, away from dry grass and fabric.
Water is heavy, but you must carry enough. Do not assume streams will be flowing or safe to drink. Check reliable sources when planning. If collecting water, take a suitable treatment system and know how to use it.
Navigation, Lighting and Safety
Do not depend on phone signal or one device. Carry a detailed map and compass and know how to use them. Download digital maps before leaving and protect your phone from rain.
A headtorch keeps both hands free after dark. Test it before leaving and carry spare batteries or a backup light.
Your safety kit should include:
- A compact first aid kit
- Any personal medication
- Blister treatment
- A whistle
- An emergency survival bag or shelter
- Sun cream and insect repellent when needed
- A charged phone and power bank
Give someone your route, planned camping area and return time. In a hill emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the police, then Mountain Rescue.
Toiletries and Leaving No Trace
Wild camping should leave no sign that you stayed. Carry all waste home, including scraps and used toilet paper. Do not light fires, damage plants or move rocks to build a pitch.
Pack hand sanitiser, toilet paper, sealable waste bags and a lightweight trowel where its use is appropriate. Stay well away from water, paths, buildings and pitches. Check local guidance before your trip.
Choose a durable pitch and keep your group small. Arrive late, leave early and avoid disturbing livestock, wildlife or nearby residents. If asked to move by a landowner, do so politely.
Check the Rules Before You Camp
Wild camping access differs across the UK. In most of England and Wales, get the landowner’s permission. Responsible lightweight camping is allowed on most land in Scotland, although restrictions apply in some places. Backpack camping is permitted in parts of Dartmoor, but check the National Park’s current camping map before travelling.
Rules can change. Check local guidance and follow the Countryside Code or Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Final Checks Before Leaving
Lay out every item and work through your wild camping packing list. Check the forecast, confirm your route and charge your batteries. Test your stove, pitch your tent and inspect your mat for leaks.
Finally, weigh the complete rucksack. If it feels too heavy, remove duplicate or non-essential items without cutting safety equipment. It should stay manageable for the full walk.
Careful packing makes a first wild camp far more enjoyable. Start with a straightforward one-night route in mild conditions, use equipment you understand and build your experience gradually.