wild camping

Tent, any recommendations here for a good quality tent? The trouble with the cheap ones is that they are not water-proof (see some of the reviews on Amazon!), which is important particularly with reference to some of the deluges we have had recently!

t33 wrote: »

Though not sure quite why baby wipes? or a trowel ? (unless for making good the ground after use back to its original state).

If you're wild camping they'll be no showers, loos or washing facilities so you'll need a spade/trowel to bury what you "do" and wipes to clean face/hands etc.;) Be aware that the midges are particularly fond of areas that don't see the sun too often and watch out for nettles:rotfl:

Purple_kitten wrote: »

Avon skin so soft, is a brilliant midge repellent.

sadly they have apparently changed the formula and it doesn't work as well:mad: shame was really good at keeping the little blighters at bay:(

Ahh shame, it was a good 5 years ago now. Why do they have to change these things...

A Kelly Kettle.

It means you'll be able to get hot water quickly from a tiny amount of flammable stuff and you can cook over the top with the appropriate attachments. And you're significantly less likely to set fire to half the hillside in the process. They're expensive, but they really work, even in rain, wind and tempest. And three lighters in a waterproof bag.

I wouldn't use a gas powered stove - you then have a gas can to dispose of or you drive back to civilisation with a vague whiff of flammability in the car...


Other than that, warm socks, waterproof boots, waterproof trousers, waterproof jacket, waterproof ground sheet, water and sun proof hat, waterproof bag to store your bedding in every morning (if you don't have to dry it first, that is) - some cheapo fleece blankets are good because they're light and dry quickly and can be wrapped around you even in the rain - coffee, teabags, biscuits and mugs (enamel are perfect for a reason) in a waterproof container, an OS map of where you are going in a waterprrof bag, a compass (it's very easy to get lost in the dark), a headtorch each so you can find each other in the dark after a visit to the treeline with spare batteries in a waterproof bag, first aid kit including paracetamol and waterproof dressings, tick removers, antiseptic wipes, antihistamine cream, alcohol hand gel (which can be used in a pinch on cuts, but it stings like the Devil) - and maybe a bit of midge spray.


You also need to make sure somebody knows exactly where you are going/have got to, when you will be returning, a powerbank for keeping mobile phones charged will be useful in case of emergencies (check if you have signal, because if there's a choice of two places, choosing a place with signal is incredibly handy if one of you trips and breaks an ankle, for example).

Starting out in a more accessible area makes more sense than disappearing off into the back of beyond with no experience at all - the people who do it make it sound easy, but unless they are utter fools, they have already followed the learning curve. Make sure you can read a map properly - which means understanding all the symbols on it and can navigate from a starting point of not having a clue where you are - and how to give a precise grid reference for your position. You will not be able to rely upon Google Maps or a Sat Nav to tell you or anybody else where you are.


Other important things are knowing what's happening with wildlife/flora/fauna at the time of year - you don't want to set up camp in the middle of a capercaille lek as they're endangered or disturb nesting raptors, if it's in the middle of the rut, stags are more argumentative, you might stumble upon a shooting party (always a bad idea), some trees are more prone to branches snapping, there could be rare plants on the ground you're stamping on...and along with that, make sure you know how to read the weather and how it could affect your site; heavy rain on the top of a far off hill could mean the little stream you're camped by suddenly becomes very cold, very deep, very fast running and very wet in your camp, or the slight yellow tinge to the edge of those clouds could mean it's likely to snow overnight.

And your vehicle needs to be able to get out of wherever it is after 24 hours of solid rain. Pointing it halfway down a slope (especially if the tent is lower) is not the way to find out whether the car can cope with six inches of squish.


Other than that, it's simple. Have fun!

ETA: you didn't know about the need for a trowel or babywipes and you have no equipment. Are you sure you're ready for wild camping? There's no shame in going to sites for a few times before setting out *thataway*, just to get your bearings again.