Last reviewed and updated: March 2026
Wild camping in the UK is one of the best ways to experience the countryside. Whether you’re heading into the Lake District, the Peak District, or the Scottish Highlands, having the right gear is essential.
A good wild camping checklist helps ensure you stay warm, safe, and comfortable outdoors, especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather.
This checklist covers everything you need for a successful trip, from tents and sleeping bags to cooking equipment, safety items, and essential clothing.
If you’re new to camping in the hills, you might also enjoy reading about my first time wild camping at the Old Man of Coniston, where I learned some useful lessons from my first overnight trip.
What Do You Need for Wild Camping in the UK?
If you’re new to wild camping, the basic gear required is surprisingly simple.
At minimum, most campers need:
- a lightweight tent
- a sleeping bag
- a sleeping mat
- a backpack
- a stove
- food and water
- warm clothing
- a head torch
This checklist below covers all the essential gear for safe and comfortable wild camping in the UK.
Essential Wild Camping Gear
Shelter
Your shelter is the most important part of your wild camping setup. Lightweight tents designed for backpacking are ideal, as they pack down small and are easy to carry on longer hikes. A lightweight tent is one of the most important pieces of wild camping gear in the UK, as weather conditions can change quickly in the hills.
Good wild camping tents should be:
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Quick to pitch
- Durable in wind
👉 See our guide to the best lightweight tents for UK wild camping.
Sleeping Bag
Temperatures can drop quickly overnight in the UK countryside, even during summer. A good sleeping bag designed for 3-season use will keep you warm and comfortable.
Look for sleeping bags that are:
- Lightweight
- Packable
- Rated for around 0–5°C comfort
👉 See our guide to the best lightweight sleeping bags for UK wild camping.
Sleeping Mat
A sleeping mat provides insulation from the cold ground and greatly improves comfort.
Many new campers underestimate how important this piece of gear is. Without a mat, you’ll lose heat quickly through the ground.
👉 See our guide to the best sleeping mats for wild camping in the UK.
Backpack
A good backpack allows you to carry all your camping gear comfortably on longer hikes.
Most wild campers use backpacks between 40L and 60L depending on how much gear they carry.
👉 See our guide to the best wild camping backpacks for UK trips.
Cooking Equipment
Camping Stove
A lightweight stove allows you to cook simple meals or boil water for dehydrated food and tea.
Compact gas stoves are the most popular option for UK wild campers.
👉 See our guide to the best lightweight camping stoves in the UK.
Water Filter
Streams and lakes can be a useful water source during longer trips, but water should always be filtered before drinking.
👉 See our guide to the best water filters for wild camping in the UK.
Safety & Essentials
First Aid Kit
Even short hiking trips should include a small first aid kit.
These kits typically include:
- plasters
- antiseptic wipes
- bandages
- blister treatment
👉 See our guide to the best first aid kits for hiking and wild camping.
Head Torch
A reliable head torch is essential for navigating camp after dark.
Lightweight head torches are small enough to carry on every trip and are invaluable if you need to move around at night.
👉 See our guide to the best head torches for UK hiking and walking.
It’s also worth being prepared for worst-case scenarios — here’s what to do if you get lost while hiking.
Clothing
The UK weather can change quickly, so layered clothing is always recommended.
Typical wild camping clothing includes:
- waterproof jacket
- fleece layer
- walking trousers
- warm socks
- hat and gloves in colder seasons
While not technically clothing, some hikers also carry GPS watches to track their route and monitor elevation during longer trips. If you are considering one, see our guide to the best Garmin watch for hiking in the UK.
Simple Wild Camping Packing List
Shelter
- ✔ Tent
- ✔ Tent pegs
- ✔ Groundsheet
Sleep System
- ✔ Sleeping bag
- ✔ Sleeping mat
Cooking
- ✔ Camping stove
- ✔ Gas canister
- ✔ Mug or cooking pot
- ✔ Lighter
Safety
- ✔ First aid kit
- ✔ Head torch
- ✔ Power bank
- ✔ Map or GPS
Clothing
- ✔ Waterproof jacket
- ✔ Fleece layer
- ✔ Walking trousers
- ✔ Spare socks
FAQ
Is wild camping legal in the UK?
Wild camping is generally allowed in parts of Scotland and Dartmoor, but in most areas of England and Wales landowner permission is required.
What size backpack do you need for wild camping?
Most wild campers use backpacks between 40L and 60L, depending on how much gear they carry.
Do you need a water filter for wild camping?
A water filter is strongly recommended if you plan to drink from streams or lakes during your trip.
Can you wild camp anywhere in the UK?
Wild camping rules vary depending on location. It is generally allowed in Scotland and certain areas of Dartmoor, but in most parts of England and Wales permission from the landowner is technically required.
However, many experienced hikers practise discreet wild camping in remote areas, pitching late, leaving early, and staying well away from paths or farmland.
Most wild campers follow the simple principle of Leave No Trace — meaning they take all rubbish with them and avoid damaging the landscape.
Final Thoughts
Wild camping in the UK can be an incredible experience, but having the right gear makes the trip far more comfortable and safe.
By following this checklist and preparing properly, you’ll be able to enjoy quiet nights in the countryside without worrying about forgotten gear.
If you’re just getting started, our guide to day hiking essentials for UK countryside walks also covers useful gear for short outdoor trips.
