10 things a wild camper needs for stress-free adventures.
Hi, I’m Sarah. I am a 40 something-year-old mother of two fantastic boys and three pawsome dogs Loki, Neo and Mojo. Additionally, I am a wife of 20 years to an awesome husband named Duncan (Dunk to family and friends).
I previously had worked as a speech therapy assistant but in July of 2016 took a voluntary redundancy and resigned. I made this choice so I would be able to look after my youngest son. My youngest son was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma.
So why am I starting my own business and why is this business all about camping?
Watching your child go through a cancer diagnosis, and treatment is one of those life-changing situations you don’t ever want to find yourself in. For us, as a family, we’ve always been very outdoors oriented. We love kayaking, hiking, and camping. We live at the foot of the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales. That whole backyard is our playground. It is full of mountains, rivers, reservoirs and hiking trails.
Being able to get back to nature is a massive source of mental health comfort.
It was from this that I decided to use the wonder of the wild to help others reconnect with nature and get back to basics.
Wild Camping is about getting back to nature with minimalist backpacking.
At a minimum, there are certain things that you need for stress-free camping.
There are also some optional items.
A friend.
There are times when Dunk likes to hike and camp alone to switch off and enjoy his own company. At other times all you need is your dog. Your ‘fur-end’ will follow you to the ends of the earth and back. They will never question loyalty. Your dog just wants to be with its master and enjoy whatever is happening.
A Plan
A flat route is the easiest route, especially if you are new to hiking. Look for a trail that is well laid out, well-marked, solid and flat. There are, of course, plenty of these around but if you are feeling a bit more adventurous go off-road. Just be sure that you have the right equipment, including a map, and see nature at her very best.
Shelter
Your shelter can be as luxurious as a motor home or as simple as a piece of tarpaulin. A true wild camper will go for the latter but we make no judgment over comfort. Be certain to
Bedding
If you’re in a motorhome you can go for the full pillows, quilts, and memory foam toppers. However, if you are backpacking, you don’t want the weight so good sleeping bags are best. The top range ones will be lightweight for Arctic warmth. You can expect a higher price tag on these. You can also look into good mid-range bags and get yourself a good thermal base layer to wear. A sleeping bag liner is another option.
Proper Shoes and Clothing
Waterproof trousers and jacket are good options. More pairs of socks than you think you will need and good hiking shoes.
Tip – Wear hiking shoes/boots to work or around the house for a week or two. This helps with avoiding blisters.
Water
Ideally, you want to be able to stay close to a good clean water source. If possible pick up well maintained natural footpaths that are near water. This will save you from carrying large quantities of water. Even the most hardened wild campers don’t like the extra weight that water can add.
Food and Cooking Options
Full Army ration packs which can be purchased online or Wayfayrer meals that can be bought in most large camping equipment shops are good options. For a camping stove, we use JETBOIL ZIP. It is lightweight, compact and so quick to boil.
Tip – Make a brew with the stove beforehand. Know your kit.
Bathroom Facility
A proper toilet is a luxury. I am not keen on having to dig a hole to let nature take its course. However, if you’re not camping too far from your car you can pack a simple camping toilet for your tent.
WildDunk Camping provides advice, accessories, training workshops, and overnight camps in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. Our WildDunk Club has a free resource library with navigation skills, leave no trace ethics, kit lists and more. https://www.wilddunkcamping.co.uk/wd-club
You can also find us on social media channels using the hashtag #WildDunk.
Note From Elise:
I sure do hope that you have enjoyed this post. I have been known to enjoy camping and do recommend it as a family activity. Now I need to go to South Wales and go on an adventure with Wild Dunk Camping 🙂
28 thoughts on “10 Things a Wild Camper Needs for Stress Free Adventures”
Thank you so much Dr Elise for allowing us to share our story. We are loving all the comments and wish you all great fun on your own adventures.
Sarah | WildDunk Camping
I absolutely loved having you share your story. Thank you.
Loved this! Daddy is always trying to convince me to wild camp and this might actually persuade me! X
That is awesome news to hear.
I’m definitely more into glamping than I am full-on no-luxury camping, but spending some time in nature is always fun! I especially like doing some mountain hikes this time of year since the weather is perfect! 🙂
We sound fairly even but my wild camping friends are definitely full on. 🙂
I feel like you can’t be too prepared when it comes to camping, unless you are backpacking and are limited in what you can carry. Water, food, weather gear, shelter, and snacks are all great basics.
I agree that you can never be too prepared. When it comes to backpacking preparation is still key. However, you can definitely have too much stuff.
I used to love camping with my brother and dad when I was little!! We would hike in a little and fish for our supper (dad always brought extra food ) it was such a wonderful memory and I still think nothing in this world tastes better than fresh caught trout cooked over a campfire!
The memories would make it extra delicious.
I love camping, but we’ve never gone “back pack style” through the woods. It seems a little daunting to me but these tips are great.
I have not personally done it backpack style either which is why I was so happy for you to hear from Wild Dunk Camping. My sons have both done backpack camping. 🙂
Great tips which makes for a great read!! My biggest camping trip was in Alaska a couple of years ago: the best tips I can give…make sure you’re knowledged up about the area (especially with bears) and if you’re sleeping in a tent, put a survival blanket on the floor of the tent before your mats/bed. It will stop the cold from the floor…just make sure you get it the right way up 😉
Great tips. I love getting feedback on different peoples experiences.
This really does not have to do with content but I love how easy it was to ready your blog. I’d like to first compliment how it is nicely laid out. The way bold lettering to each point made it very easy to read. Next, your tips were very clear and concise so it made for a good read. Lastly, the tips were very good. I rarely notice that si I wanted to call that out and thank you because I’d like to incorporate that in my own blog. I just noticed it in yours :). I use to go camping when I was a kid with my family but as an adult in Vegas,I’ll be honest, I need to be with electricity and AC. I know don’t hate me haha but great tips!
Wow. Thanks so much for that feedback. I try hard to make it as easy to read as possible. I am working on a few other things to try and make the website even easier to navigate.
I have not been camping before, and for the longest time I had no desire to! But lately, I’ve been really wanting to try it (and without all of the luxuries). This was such a helpful post!
Wow. I am impressed that you want to go from never having been camping to camping without the luxuries.
I personally do not like camping – but maybe it is because I never had good experiences camping with my family growing up. Now two of my kids are little bigger, I want them to go camping and enjoy the outdoors. These are great tips to get started camping and hiking…when you (ahem me) may not know where to start.
Camping when the kids are a bit older is much easier than when they are little tykes. When they are little there is so much to carry.
I know I am biased but truly believe your children will enjoy and create some great memories. Our website has lots of tips and advice for those looking to start their new adventures.
Sarah | WDC
confession, I have never been camping but is on my bucket list. your list is definitely very helpful for my first camping adventure 🙂
I hope that you will very much enjoy your first camping trip. Being prepared is certainly the most important.
i loved reading this! camping has always been one of my happy places and this reminded me how easy and fun it can be to do more of it!
I am excited to hear about the places you go.
Wonderful post and great tips! I will definitely wear my new hiking boots around the house a few weeks before going camping again! Thanks!
It truly is a great way to avoid blisters.
Great to hear Bryan. Do you have any top tips of your own?