So how do you get ready for your wild camping? Read on… and if you’d like to find out more about it, try the introduction or find about the best free camping locations in the world at; Extreme Environmental Experiences in the UK, Short Wilderness Breaks, Suntastic Sensations, Bivouacking Basics and Boondocking Biggies will be followed by articles on how to go about it. Read on to learn more….
Equipment and preparation should match where you’re going. Consider tools for digging waste holes, the use of hammocks or self-inflating matresses for damp or uneven ground and take care not to light fires in exceptionally dry areas. Snow requires yet more consideration and effort, sunscreens can be necessary and consider polite ways to deal with inquisitive insects with a poor grasp of the boundaries of your personal space. Treat each different type of terrain as a different project, worthy of its own research.
British bluebells in Epping Forest
You’ll be better prepared with experience, but bear in mind the following;
- popular free camping locations tend to be overused and this damages the environment
- if in doubt about a location or wild camping habit find out what is right, don’t guess
- smaller groups mean less environmental impact
- people’s livelihood depends on the land, don’t muck it up for them
- leave the smallest footprint you can
- take care of your own noise pollution, it can disturb wildlife as well as humans and the wildlife has no way of letting you know
What you don’t take is almost as important as what you do. Forget the spare pair of shoes or the extra moisturiser. In fact find one lightweight moisturiser is most likely going to have too do. The hard-core free campers; especially hard core aficionados, will limit weight by bringing specially shortened toothbrushes, triangular teabags and will only consider lightweight food and equipment. I find that my small lightweight rucksack limits the worst of my excesses and a more pragmatic approach would be to just ask yourself, “Do I really really need this?” when you pack the first time, then pack again while bearing in mind you’re going to have to carry the lot… for miles…
Beautiful Northern Tenerife
Of course some things are too important to leave; a backpacker’s tent if the weather’s variable, a warm sleeping bag and spare clothes (include something waterproof and make sure there’s no way that rain can get to what isn’t). The rest is really up to you, but consider:
· A Swiss Army knife or equivalent. One piece of kit like this that does as much as possible can get you out of no end of trouble.
· A torch. Ideally something you don’t have to carry, so head torches or their equivalents are great.
· Lightweight cooking equipment. Don’t forget things to eat in, eat with and with which to light your fire.
· Food. It’s best not to be ambitious and to concentrate on things that are light and cook quickly
· A two-litre water bottle. Personally I don’t like the ordinary plastic ones, but if you do they’re less expensive.
· Water purifying tablets and mosquito repellent if the areas you’re visiting need them.
. Toilet paper or equivalent.
· A map, compass, navigation aids, depending on where you’re going.
