Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Top 5 tips for wild camping

Wild camping is the art of camping without a campsite - and not a bed tv show of campers on spring break. 
That means no toilets, no power and probably no other person for miles around.
Wild camping is hard work but a very rewarding thing to do. It's get back to nature reality and the best way to find a little peace in an all too hectic world. 
It isn't without risk though so be careful, be a boyscout, be prepared.


5. Research
4. Equipment
3. Food and Water
2. Location
1. Direction


5. Research
So, you want to wild camp, but where can you do it? The easiest way to find out is to visit one of the many useful websites out there - a quick Google search will enable you to find one for your location. 
 Make sure you find out about the laws relating to wild camping for your area and abide by them. 


4. Equipment
You will need a tent (or bivvy if you're hardcore!) a good backpack (preferably with rain cover), sturdy water-proof boots, possibly with gaiters to stop your trousers getting wet, a change of clothes, trowel or small shovel, pocket knife, 2m of string and a torch. 


3. Food and Water
Ample food is important and the meal in a bag variety that you get from camping shops is perfect for the job (which is probably why camping shops sell them!).
 Energy bars or beef jerky style products are ideal for snacking on during the long days of hiking so take plenty - and don't eat them all at once! 
 Water is most important. Don't rely on there being water where you go even if you know the area as things sometimes change. Take more than you think you'll need and make sure any companions do the same - thinking you have enough and then having to share with others is demoralising.


4. Location
It's wise , for your first few trips at least, to chose a path someone has trodden before. Find information for a route from the internet and if possible pick a 2 or 3 day maximum route. Make sure you have the relevant maps with contour detailing and go over your route carefully. 


1. Direction
Take a GPS, some may feel it's cheating but it really isn't and is a godsend in an emergency. Make sure you take spare batteries. Take a compass too, and know how to use it. It's no use knowing where north is if you can't work out where you are.

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