Welcome to My Gear Corner!

🎒 My Wild Camping Gear List and Considerations

Whether you are planning your first night out or refining your setup, here is a full breakdown of the gear I carry on solo wild camping trips. This list is based on real experience in the UK hills — everything from sun and blue skies to fog, wind, and sideways rain.

🎒 Backpack: Osprey Rook 65

The Osprey Rook 65 has been my go-to pack for wild camping. It’s spacious without being overwhelming and handles the weight of multi-day trips really well. The adjustable harness system is a big win — it’s easy to fine-tune the fit and keep the load comfortable across long distances.

It has all the features I need without unnecessary extras: a large main compartment, accessible side pockets, a built-in rain cover, and plenty of attachment points for mats, poles, or drying gear. The back panel allows for great airflow, which helps on warm days when the climbs get steep.

It’s not the lightest option out there, but what you gain in comfort, adjustability, and organisation makes it more than worth it for me. I have carried this pack in sun, rain, fog, and wind — and it’s never let me down.

🏕️ Shelter and Sleep System

Vango UL FX nexus Tent
Spacious for a solo camper, with enough room to sit up and organise gear comfortably. It pitches well in poor weather and gives me peace of mind in wind and rain. Th tension band system has been great in huge winds.

Naturehike sleeping bag
I’ve upgraded to the Naturehike CW700 down sleeping bag and it’s built for colder conditions. Spacious enough to move comfortably, with a hood and internal heat collar that properly seal in warmth, it feels secure on chilly nights. It weighs 1074 g in medium and 1314 g in long, compresses down small, and packs easily without sacrificing insulation.

Filled with 700 g of 85 percent duck down, it’s rated for comfort above minus 1.7 degrees with a lower limit of minus 26 degrees, making it suitable for year round UK use. The 20D nylon fabric is soft, water resistant, and finished with reliable YKK zips plus a bottom vent for warmer nights.

Paired with a good mat, this feels like a genuine four season setup.

Naturhike thermal inflatable mat
I’ve upgraded to the Naturehike thermal inflatable  mat with proper insulation, and it has transformed my sleep setup.

Lightweight and easy to pack, it inflates quickly and feels stable on uneven ground. More importantly, with insulation options up to R 5.8, 6.5 and 8.8, it actually blocks the cold from the ground rather than just adding comfort.

Paired with the CW700 sleeping bag, this now feels like a genuine cold weather system rather than hoping the kit will cope when temperatures drop.

Closed Cell Foam Mat
I lay this beneath the inflatable mat for extra insulation and also use it outside the tent as a clean space to sit or change boots.

Small inflatable Pillow
Light and worth every gram for a better night’s sleep. I do not compromise on comfort when it comes to sleeping well outdoors.

🍳 Cooking and Hydration

OEX Gas Stove
Compact, efficient, and reliable. Heats water quickly, even in wind. Easy to set up and packs into a small pot.

Folding Windscreen
Essential for cooking in exposed spots. It helps conserve fuel and keeps the flame going when the weather turns.

Titanium Pot and Lid
Strong, lightweight, and the perfect size for boiling water or heating up meals.

Collapsible Mug
Takes up no space in the pack and is great for hot drinks in the tent or during breakfast at camp.

Lightweight Cutlery
A simple spork or folding spoon does the job. Nothing fancy, but dependable.

Freeze Dried Meals and Snacks
Pre-packed into daily portions to save time and space. I bring enough for the trip plus one extra meal as backup.

MSR Trailshot Water Filter
Compact and easy to use on the go. It gives me access to clean water from streams and tarns without needing to carry too much in.

🧰 Tools and Safety

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
A versatile bit of kit. I use it for food prep, gear repairs, and general problem solving.

First Aid Kit
Always in the pack. Includes basics like plasters, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, bandage, tick remover, emergency blanket, and blister care.

Map, Compass, and GPS Backup
Paper map and compass never leave my bag, and I know how to use them. I also use a phone-based GPS but always carry a backup.

Headtorch with Spare Batteries
Reliable lighting is non-negotiable. I make sure it is fully charged and pack an extra set of batteries just in case.

🧦 Clothing and Extras

Base Layers and Spare Socks
Dry base layers make a huge difference at camp. Always packed in a dry bag to stay protected. I use merino wool thermals as pyjamas and always wear clean socks to bed (or your feet get cold).

Waterproof Jacket and Overtrousers
Even if the forecast looks clear, these always come along. The UK weather can turn fast. I have a berghaus for text jacket for cold and wet weather and a Brasher for something to pack down into ky bag. 

Lightweight Camp Shoes
A game changer for relaxing at camp and letting boots dry out overnight.

Walking Pole
I usually take one pole rather than two. It helps with stability on descents and doubles as support when crossing rough ground. Honestly I think my walking pole has saved me hundreds of broken ankles! 

Pack Liner or Dry Bags
I use a large internal liner and smaller dry bags for clothes, food, and sleep kit. Keeping things dry is top priority. Don't rely on the pack cover  

💬 Final Thoughts

This gear setup has been shaped by real trips, learning through trial and error. It is not the lightest kit in the world, but it works. It keeps me safe, warm, and comfortable without overloading the pack.

If you are starting out, focus on getting the basics right — sleep, shelter, and food. Test your setup in low-risk areas before heading into the wild, and build confidence from there.

Happy camping. And remember, no gear list replaces good judgement, a weather check, and the ability to adapt when things do not go to plan. Feel free to give me some suggestions below.