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.

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🏕️ Shelter and Sleep System

Vango Orion 200 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.

My Updated Tent – Vango F10 Nexus

After a few blustery nights in the hills with a flappy tent and some questionable sleep, I knew it was time for an upgrade. Enter the Vango F10 Nexus 200 – my new wild camping home from home.

This tent has already been out on a few adventures, and I can confidently say it’s made a noticeable difference to both comfort and confidence. The low-profile design is built to handle wind far better than my previous setup, and it’s definitely proved itself already. It feels secure, stable and quiet even in gusty conditions — no more noisy flysheet flapping keeping me (and the dogs) awake.

The Nexus is classed as a 2-person tent, but for me and the boys, it’s a perfect size. It has just enough room for me to sleep comfortably with space for the dogs to curl up, plus space at the sides for our gear. The porch area is small but usable, and it gives just enough room to boil up a brew while staying sheltered.

Set-up is quick and intuitive, which is always welcome after a long day hiking or when the rain is rolling in. The inner goes up with the outer, which is a huge bonus in bad weather, keeping everything dry inside.

One of my favourite parts? The overall pack size and weight. It’s light enough to carry without compromising on durability – something that matters when you're carrying it for miles across bog and boulder.

This tent has already helped rebuild my confidence after a rough night or two, and I can honestly say I’m excited to keep testing it on more wild camps in the months to come.

OEX Drift 1000 Sleeping Bag
A dependable 2 (not 3)season bag that has kept me warm and dry through cold, damp nights. Packs down reasonably small for its warmth and weight. I'd say it's really a summer sleeping bag as I used it in April and it wasn't really sufficient.

Hiipeak Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Light, compact, and surprisingly supportive. Easy to inflate with the built-in pump and adds essential comfort after a long hike.

I recently swapped out my old sleep mat for the Kilos Gear Standard, and it’s been a serious upgrade in comfort. It’s lightweight, packs down small, and offers just the right balance of cushioning and support after a long day on the trail. The design feels stable and keeps me from sliding around, even on uneven ground. It’s noticeably quieter than others I’ve used too — no constant crinkling every time I move. While I’m still keeping an eye on the R-value for colder nights, so far it’s held up well in mixed conditions. Paired with a good sleeping bag, it’s made a big difference to how well I rest out there.

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.

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🍳 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.

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🧰 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.

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🧦 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  

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💬 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.