My Wild Camping Gear

Since I first embarked on my wild camping journey over two years ago, I have been fortunate enough to have camped in different environments and weather conditions (less fortunate for some of the weather conditions, I might add). These experiences have allowed me to learn from both my failures and my successes, and have aided me in selecting the most suitable gear to put in my rucksack depending on the season, weather, and style of trip planned, limited only by capacity and the number in my bank account. In this post I will list some pieces of gear which I have used for an extended period of time, and that I am particularly fond of.

DD Superlight Jungle Hammock

My first few wild camping trips took place in a two man compact backpacking tent (more on this below), until I received a spectacular present from my dad - a DD Superlight Jungle Hammock. As I'd taken to wild camping in the forest near home, this was absolutely ideal. The tent still comes out for any field/moorland camping trip, but in the woods, I cannot fault this bit of kit.

Lightweight and compact, it fits the bill for backpacking adventures, and when coupled up with a tarp shelter, there's space around the hammock for storing gear and cooking come rain or shine. The insect netting keeps pests out in the summer, and the waterproof cover keeps the rain from interrupting a good nights sleep. Sleeping in a hammock, as well as getting in and out of one, takes a little getting used to, but once you've got it, its very comfortable - no more roots and stones digging into your back. With additional items such as the under blanket, it can also be used all year round, even in the colder winter months. Shown below without the waterproof top cover.

Vango Banshee Pro 200

As mentioned above, this tent was my gateway into wild camping. Purchased initially to use on a tour of the Scottish north coast on my motorcycle (I'll get there one day NC500!) this compact tent became my backpacking/wild camping tent when I took it to the Peak District back in 2021. There are more lightweight tents on the market, and there are cheaper tents on the market, but as an all rounder that wasn't too expensive (approx. £100) it shows great build quality, is reasonably compact, and reasonably light weight (enough for my uses anyway).

It stands up to wind well due to its low profile, blends into the countryside with its green colouration, and the outer skin provides rain protection time and time again. I often think that out of my whole collection of tents, from 1 man to family sized 5 man, this tent is my favourite - any time it's used, it feels like proper, back-to-basics camping. I'm 5'11", and height/length wise, I've never had a problem with room in the Banshee, I also have a friend over 6" who favours a Banshee, and he too has no space issues. There's even a handy space on one side where you can leave your boots, walking poles, or even luggage, if you wanted more space inside.

Vango Sherpa 70:80 Rucksack

The rucksack may sometimes seem like an overlooked piece of kit, almost taken for granted, but for obvious reasons it's arguably one of the most important pieces of gear when it comes to wild camping. Last year when my first rucksack had started to show signs of wear and damage (due to cost and quality rather than age unfortunately) I started my search for something new. I wanted a good and reliable level of quality, whilst not breaking the bank. Browsing in the shops, it's plain to see how good well known branded products like Osprey are, feeling lightweight and comfortable, whilst showing a clear robustness - but the price tag is a little steep - for my current situation at least. So I started to look at other brands that I knew to be reliable, but that were also within my price range, and this led me to Vango. I have used Vango tents since I was 14, and like many, I recognise that the brand manufacture high quality goods, and don't charge the world for them - enter the Sherpa Rucksack.

The Sherpa is a 70 litre capacity bag, with an extra 10 litres that can be utilised in the lid. Whilst not being as light as some more expensive rucksacks, the adjustable straps make it very comfortable no matter the size of the user, and the aluminium supports make it a very sturdy and robust product. It has lots of different pockets/compartments to separate your gear, as well as webbing that can be attached to the front for bulkier items. The self-contained waterproof cover means that gear is kept dry in the worst of conditions, and is a welcome addition.

DD Jura 2 Sleeping Bag (Multicam)

The Jura 2 sleeping bag is specially designed for use in hammocks, featuring a central zip as opposed to the more common side zip, and a waterproof foot at the end, which means that it is perfect for getting into outside of your hammock, before sitting and swinging into the hammock. It's rated as comfortable down to -5 degrees, however the coldest temperature that I've ever experienced in mine was only around 2 degrees, which it coped very well with. I love the 'multicam' pattern and it has other useful features such as inside pockets for items like your phone and torch, and it comes with a compression sack to help reduce the amount of space that it takes up in your pack.

Vango folding gas stove

Another bit of my gear from Scottish manufacturer Vango - there's a definite trend here! As I've previously stated with regards to the tents and rucksacks made by Vango, they are able to provide quality goods at a reasonable cost, and this stove is no different. When looking for compact camping stoves, it quickly becomes clear that you could end up spending hundreds of pounds for some of the top offerings. These high end items tend to earn their price tag with smart designs, use of exotic materials, and well known brand names attached. But what if you're not looking to spend hundreds of pounds? Then you end up sifting through all the cheaper stoves, carefully reading the reviews, and praying that whatever cost effective option that you purchase will not break upon the first use.

When I went with Vango, I was confident that I would have no issues, and nearly three years later my confidence seems to have been well placed. This compact stove is my go to for wild camping, and I have even taken it on regular camping holidays too, for when another cooker is needed alongside my larger camping stove. It's easy to use, lightweight, and packs into a handy plastic container, protecting it during travel.

Zebra Head Billy can - 12cm

I bought my Billy can when I decided that I'd like to cook over a fire on my camping trips as well as using my gas stove, and as there are no plastic handle components (other than the lid clips which can be removed) these cans fit the bill perfectly. I'd seen them used by multiple Bush-crafting Youtubers, and finally got myself one - I've never looked back for my wild camps!

The size makes it packable, and the Zebra can that I bought also included a bowl/plate that fits nicely inside the can. I use this to cook meals as well as boiling water for my coffee, and it's a high quality product that I would definitely recommend.

Fitness City Titanium spork

A spork is an item that very much "does what it says on the tin". Being made from Titanium it's lightweight, strong, and with the addition of a bottle opener on the other end, very useful. Is the use of Titanium for a spork a little overkill for the purpose? Yes, definitely. But it's perfect for making your morning coffee, or eating a packet meal.

Multi-tool survival shovel

This item can have multiple uses - from making shelters (notice the serrated saw edge), to digging fire pits. But we all know the main reason for bringing a shovel wild camping, and it's much less glamourous than the reasons mentioned above! I used to bring a military surplus folding shovel on my camps which worked extremely well for digging fire pits, clearing room for tents, and of course digging the, ahem, necessary holes of nature, but it was very bulky, and far too heavy for trips where a lot of walking would be involved. So I purchased the below 'survival' shovel. 

It's lightweight, comes with a storage pouch, and the handle is wrapped in paracord which could be unravelled and used if necessary. Being an item with the word 'survival' in it's title, it must of course have multiple functions, which it may or may not work for, but I can confirm that as simply a hole digging device, it works a treat. 

Gränsforbruk forest axe

An axe is a tool that I only bring with me on a camping trip when I know that there will be a fire (i.e. not on moorland or protected forest), otherwise there is just no reasonable excuse to add the weight to my pack. I have used small hatchets before, for the ease of packing and low weight, but when it comes to chopping decent sized firewood, they simply couldn't compare with my Gränsforbruk forest axe. Given to me as a gift (a very generous one, I might add!) I have used this axe on every forest camp since. The build quality is excellent, and it's an absolute pleasure to use. Upon arrival it already has a good edge and splits very effectively. It can even be used for some carving jobs, and I have used it for tarp poles before now. It comes with a leather sheath which both protects the head, and your rucksack from it's sharp edge. Although it isn't as light as smaller hatchets, it's one piece of kit that is definitely worth the extra weight.

Opinel No. 7 Knife

Although I have left it till last, a knife is arguably one of the most important pieces of kit that you can take on any camping trip. You can use it to prepare and eat food, help start a fire by carving small kindling and striking sparks from a ferro rod and lots of other more 'everyday' uses. The knife that you take with you will normally depend on what you have planned for your trip. If you intend to have a fire, then a knife capable of carving and 'batoning' may be right for that trip, however if you're not planning on activities that will require heavy knife use, you may choose something smaller, and more compact. I regularly take two knives, one larger and more robust to aid with fire making, and a smaller blade for general use, including eating. 

My go-to, compact knife of choice has been the Opinel No. 7 for a few years now. This knife was another gift to me and I've certainly gotten a fair amount of usage out of it. The knife is lightweight, and folds away neatly, with a small collar lock to prevent the knife folding in when in use, and folding out when stored.