Wildcamping has become more common among people that really want to get away from the crowds and experience nature at her best.
If you are looking for the best tent for wildcamping then we have some great suggestions for you that will help you to get the most from your next wildcamping adventure.
Table of Contents
5 Great Wildcamping Tents
What is wildcamping?
You may have heard of wild camping and you may be a camper yourself but are wondering what the difference is.
Most people camp in organised parks, which is fine, they can provide amenities and entertainment facilities that are important and valuable for many people.
The wild camper likes to get away from all of that and seeks to enjoy the experience of the great outdoors in the silent wilderness, away from others.
For many this aspect of camping provides them with the connection with nature that they would find difficult to make in an organised camp site.
Is wild camping safe?
There are risks with any activity and the biggest risk with wild camping is that of injury or getting lost.
You should take the usual precautions before you set off wild camping:
Tell someone where you are going.
Take a charged mobile phone with you.
Make sure that all of your kit is in good condition.
Learn some basic first aid before you go.
Take a first aid kit with you.
Learn as much as you can about camping before you go wild camping alone.
How do I start wild camping?
Before you start off on a wild camping adventure there are a few things that you will need to consider:
Where will you camp? In most parts of the world you cannot simply turn up and camp without the permission of the landowner.
In some areas of Scotland you must have a permit before you can camp. So always check the rules before you go.
Safety. Wild camping takes you well away from the beaten track which is wonderful but it also can present risks if you get hurt.
Always tell someone where you are going and give them an indication of when you plan to return. Let them know when you get home safely. It may sound dramatic but it could be the difference between rescue or worse if you are injured.
Kit. Make sure that you have the right kit and that it all works. There is nothing worse than arriving at camp and finding out, for example, that your torch batteries are dead because you forgot to replace them.
Check things over before you leave and make sure that you have waterproofs, just in case.
Water. Find clean water and plan to camp near to a water source. Water is very heavy to carry and you will want to avoid taking it with you.
Running water is better than still water and, if in doubt, use a water purifier or boil it before drinking.
Tidy. Always tidy up before you leave camp. You should leave your camping area like you found it, or better. There should be no trace of you having been there. T
ake any litter home and, camp on your own or in very small groups so that you cause minimal disturbance.
What wild camping equipment do you need?
Here are some suggestions for basic equipment that you will need to go wild camping.
As you develop your camping skills and experience you will add to your kit, make changes and be more able to decide what you need to take and what is not needed.
A good strong tent that is easy to setup
There are many tents that are suitable for wild camping that come in a range of shapes and sizes.
You will need a tent that is strong yet lightweight and will sleep 1 to 2 people and which is easy to setup and take down.
Easy setup is important and you’ll appreciate this when you arrive at your camping area when the weather is bad and you are tired.
You don’t need to spend a fortune and many cheap tents are ideal for wildcamping.
These 3 tents from Coleman are ideal wild camping tents, being small, light and can be setup within minutes.
Sleeping and comfort
Even though you are wild camping that does not mean that you should not be comfortable.
You should have a sleeping mat that will create a barrier between you and the ground, this will help to keep you warm and will provide some protection from the ground.
Sleeping mats come as either foam mats or inflatable that are cheap and can be rolled up into easy to pack sizes such as the ones shown here.
You will also need a good sleeping bag. A decent bag is really needed to get a good night’s sleep, particularly if it gets cold.
This sleeping bag is an ideal choice for all weather camping year round.
Outdoor stove
Compact and powerful: Easy to use table cooker (2200 W) with Piezo ignition; the flame is individually adjustable; an easy-clean fixed enamelled pan support adds stability whilst cooking
Maximum safety: The enhanced cartridge safety locking system ensures safe and correct gas cartridge insertion – every time; sturdy plastic carry case included
Head Torch
A good head torch is a real necessity when wild camping. It is a convenient and easy to use tool which will allow you to keep your hands free while providing good illumination when needed.
There are a good number of head torches available.
Try the Energizer head torches here for good, reliable service.
Insect Repellent
Camping in any form generally means insects and in the UK this is often in the form of midges, which can bite you without you even realising, creating irritation.
Horse flies are another menace which can cause some serious infections if you get bitten by one.
Taking a good insect repellent with you on a camping trip is always a good idea, most are easy to apply and are odour and grease free.
The CidBest Natural Plant Based Repellent is a good option.
How do you poop while wild camping?
A frequent concern for the wild camping beginner is one of going to the toilet. Clearly there will be no facilities that you can use.
You will need to pick a spot that is at least 50m (150 feet) from any source of water and ideally a similar distance away from your camp.
Dig a hole at least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) deep – this will be your toilet. Cover the hole with the soil that you dug out when you have finished.
In terms of cleaning yourself, you can use your hand and clean water, or, if you choose to use toilet paper then you should bag the use paper up and dispose of it when you get home.
Final Words
Wildcamping can be great fun and you can get started with a few basics.
Having the best tent for wildcamping is vital for a pleasant and safe experience and you’ll also want to make it as convenient as possible too.
The Coleman range of tents offer good value for money, easy setup and are experienced manufacturers of camping gear.
