This kit list of my wild camping essentials is updated for 2026 with my latest ultralight gear recommendations learned from backpacking throughout the UK for over a decade. FYI: This post contains some affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the adventure!
What should you pack for a wild camping adventure? Your pack list will of course depend on your specific interests and level of minimalism / maximalism, but there are quite a few basics that everyone should take.
The list below is my baseline wild camping checklist that I use and adapt for different camps and conditions.
You can download the wild camping checklist as a PDF or WORD file (the latter of which may be useful if you want to customise a kit list for your own needs).
This list is tailored for a solo wild camp, but can easily be adapted if you’re travelling with a group. If you’re camping with a friend or partner, you’ll probably only need one camping stove, first aid kit, etc, so you’ll want to think about how to divide the load.
Download the Wild Camping Checklist here: 📄 PDF | 📝 Editable Word DOCX version
Planning food too? Grab my free Quick Guide to Dehydrated Backpacking Meals + 5 Easy Recipes.
Wild Camping Checklist
Pack
- Backpack/rucksack (I use an Osprey Ariel 65L pack – or a 55L if I’m being super minimal. The Fjalraven Kajka packs are also excellent)
Clothes on my body
- Hiking trousers (or shorts on rare occasions)
- Base layer top
- Wicking underwear
- Socks
- Boots
Extra Clothes / Layers
- Base layer bottom
- Midlayer / fleece
- Down jacket
- Hat
- Gloves (+spares in winter)
- Buff / snood
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
Camping gear
- Ultralight Tent + footprint & pegs (I’m a big fan of the Big Agnes Copper Spur, and the Hilleberg Unna for 4-season Scottish weather)
- Sleeping mattress (I used Thermarest NeoAir, but have since moved to a Big Agnes Rapide for its wider toebox area)
- Sleeping bag
Electronics
- Headlamp
- Tent lamp
- Mobile phone / camera
- Spare batteries
- USB charger
- Charging cable(s)
Camp Kitchen
- Camp stove – You can’t go wrong with a Jetboil but I also love my MSR Pocket Rocket.
- Gas for camp stove
- Spork
- Folding knife
- Cooking pot / bowl(s) – not necessarily needed if you’re using an integrated system like a Jetboil
- Mug
- Coffee making: Best for ultralight are the Jetboil French press, V60, or the GSI Javadrip. Learn more about making coffee in the wild.
- Lighter / matches
- Water filter / purification tablets
- Sponge or cleaning towel and a small container of dish soap
- Hydration bladder or water bottle
- Food (obviously) check out my posts on what to eat on a wild camping trip, how to make your own backpacking meals, and how to estimate your calorie needs while hiking
Navigation
- Map
- Compass
- Waterproof map case
Health and safety
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes and/or soap (I like the no-rinse body wash + compostable expandable compressed wipes from Pits & Bits)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Medication
- Shovel / Lightweight Trowel
- Sun block
- Emergency blanket / shelter
- First Aid Kit
- Personal medication
Optional Extras
- Walking poles – optional, but the science shows they have tons of benefits
- Journal + Pen
- Book / Kindle
- Binoculars
- Selfie Stick
- Quick dry towel
- Inflatable pillow
- FlexTail Air Pump
- Bug spray
- Frying pan for more luxurious meals
- Flask for hot food / drink
- Gaiters
You might also like…
- Wild Camping Food: What To Eat On a Wild Camping Trip – big overview of meal ideas, sample menus, and tips for choosing what to pack.
- Homemade Dehydrated Backpacking Meals: A No‑Nonsense Guide – step‑by‑step on making your own lightweight trail dinners at home.
- Wild Camping Food (recipe archive) – all your wild‑camping‑friendly recipes in one place.
- Best Ultralight Backpacks (Adventure Alan & Co)
Sweet Potato Brownies
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