Wild Camping Kit List

At the top of the kit list, you’ll find the compulsory items—these are essential for your safety and must be with you to start your activity with us.

These items are carefully selected to ensure both your safety and the safety of the group, which is our top priority at Large Outdoors. Your guide or activity leader will make the final call on whether you're ready to take part, and they may ask you to sit out if they feel it’s not safe for you or the group.

Beneath the compulsory items, you’ll find a list of recommended kit. While these aren’t required, they’ll help make your adventure more comfortable and enjoyable.

If you have any questions about the kit, or if you’re wondering whether your fitness level is right for the experience you’ve booked, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help!

👉 Refer to the Acknowledgement of Risk and Fitness/Equipment section in our Terms & Conditions for more details.

COMPULSORY

Tent - You will need a suitable tent, which should be lightweight and compact enough that you can carry it comfortably in your rucksack.

Sleep Mat & Sleeping Bag - Please make sure your sleeping bag is suitable for the time of year you are planning to join us. Please check your sleep mat and sleeping bag fit into your rucksack when compressed and that they are not too heavy.

For Eating & Cooking - You will need a mug and fork/spoon (or spork). And a suitable pan or stove-top pot for heating water or cooking. Depending on your food choices you may also need/wish to bring a bowl.

Food - We DO NOT provide food on our wild camping experiences. You can pick up suitable wild camp meals in most outdoor stores and don’t forget to pack any lightweight snacks (nuts, flapjack and sweets are our firm favourites) you’d enjoy. Food must be non-perishable (so leave the bacon at home!), lightweight (no tins), and fast-cooking so you don’t need to carry a lot of fuel. We have secured a special 10% discount for our participants from Basecamp Foods. Please check your booking confirmation email for the discount code.

Stove & Fuel - Your stove must be lightweight and have a built-in windshield - if it doesn’t, you’ll need to bring one too.

Refillable Water Bottle & Water Treatment - Please start your trip with 2-3 litres of water. As you’ll need more water than most people can comfortably carry for the duration of your wild camping experience, please ensure you have a refillable water bottle/bladder and suitable water filter or water purification tablets (for topping up from suitable streams/rivers).

Toilet Paper & Shovel - Let’s talk about wild poos! You’ll need a small shovel for digging a suitable hole and toilet paper should be carried in a waterproof ziplock bag (with a spare for carrying used paper out). Don’t forget your hand sanitiser!

Waterproof Jacket & Trousers - These can range from very cheap to very expensive but when shopping, make sure you buy items that are ‘waterproof’ rather than ‘water-resistant’ - there’s a big difference in a downpour! Walking Trousers - if you are packing separate waterproof over-trousers to carry in your rucksack, make sure the trousers you are walking in are light-weight and flexible. Please do not walk in jeans as these soak up a lot of water and are stifling on a hot day.

Walking Boots & Socks - A good pair of walking boots which you’ve tested out in advance - ensure they fit you well and are comfortable. Proper walking socks have more padding or reenforcement where needed and are designed to wick away sweat. Again, it’s a good idea to have tried them out in advance and a fresh pair of socks each day can make all the difference to comfort levels without adding much weight to your rucksack. Check out our blog with tips on buying walking boots. Bringing crocs or similarly lightweight shoes in addition are a good idea for crossing rivers, meaning your boots can remain dry.

Rucksack / Backpack - To carry your tent, sleeping bag and map, spare clothing, food, water and other items. 50-60 litres capacity is a good bet for most people, but the size of your bag will be determined by the amount you personally need and wish to carry. Visit your local outdoor shop for advice and to try different brands and sizes. Dry Bags - we recommend a waterproof backpack cover, or use of dry bags to keep your kit dry - these come in different sizes and can be used for everything, e.g. cameras, clothing and food. Top tip: if you use different coloured dry bags or label them, then items are going to be easier to find in your rucksack.

Warm Clothes (layers advised) - A t-shirt or technical baselayer to wear next to your skin, under your other layers (see below). We advise against cotton as it soaks up water, often rubs, and doesn’t dry easily. A synthetic option is a good idea, or if you get cold easily you may want to try wool. Fleece/Jumper - a couple more layers to keep you warm. You may want both thick and thin options if it’s a cold day, or you’re doing a high-level walk.
Top tip: it’s a good idea to have a set of thermals / clothing for tent wear, something you can keep in a dry bag and only use at night. Meaning if you get wet in the day at least in the tent you always have a dry set of clothes.

Hat & Gloves (waterproof advised) - You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm - a hat paired with a buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal. These items are still essential in the summer months, see FAQs below.

Survival Bag & Whistle - We hope you’ll never need these - but they are essential for your safety. Check out our blog on how to use a survival bag and whistle and see the FAQs below.

Personal First Aid Kit - Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers (hopefully not needed!). All of our walk leaders/guides are first-aid trained.

Head Torch - An essential piece of kit for wild camping. Please also bring spare batteries (or a back-up if your head torch doesn’t use replaceable batteries). This must be a head torch, not the torch on your mobile phone! Note: If you are coming on one of our Wild Camping trips, your head torch will be checked by your guide at the start of the trip. If you do not have a working head torch, you will not be allowed to take part.

Mobile Phone - If you need to leave the group for any reason, we ask that you contact your guide by text message when you have returned to the meeting point or alternative agreed location safely, as a courtesy. Plus, it’s always good practice to have your mobile phone with you when exploring the outdoors, in case of emergency.

Money (mix of card and cash advised) - If for any reason you need to leave the group (e.g. in case of injury or emergency) you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to the meeting location/to your accommodation/for onward travel. Plus, you’ll be grateful to have some pennies with you if we pass a tempting pub, tearoom, or souvenir stop! It’s useful to have both cash and a credit/debit card with you.

RECOMMENDED

Wash Bag / Toiletries - Pack what you personally need, but choose carefully so you don’t add unnecessary weight to your rucksack. If you plan to bring soap/shampoo then please consider the environment and choose naturally biodegradable options.

Towel - Some people find a lightweight and quick-drying (microfibre or similar) towel useful.

Ear Plugs - These might be useful if you’re a light sleeper.

Walking Poles - Many people find these useful for spreading the effort required to go uphill and reduce joint impact going downhill. They can also be useful when carrying heavier rucksacks, which tends to be the case for wild camping adventures. It’s a good idea to test these out before your Large Outdoors experience though - some people find they take a bit of getting used to!

Sun Cream - The Great British weather can be changeable and sunburn can occur even on cloudy days - especially at higher altitudes and on/near the sea.

Midge Spray - A bottle in your rucksack can save a walk from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up! See the FAQs below.

Gaiters - These close the gap between your boots and trousers, help keep your feet dry and keep dirt out of your boots. You can find out more in our blog on how to use gaiters.

Sit Mat - A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break.

FAQs