WILD CAMPING INTRODUCTION
“WILD CAMPING” is the practice of camping in locations that are not officially designated as campsites, such as at a beach or other undeveloped areas. There are many reasons why someone might want to wild camp; it can be an affordable form of accommodation while traveling, or simply for enjoyment. However there are also risks involved with this activity including legal issues and personal safety concerns. Which can all be mitigated by preparing adequately and putting some thought into what you’re doing before hand.
If you enjoy getting off the beaten track then wild camping is for you. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature and spend time away from your routine. But there are certain things that need to be considered before taking this “trip of a lifetime”. Wild camping is an amazing experience that you should try at least once in your lifetime. However, it can be intimidating to know where and how to go about planning for a wild camping trip. So there will be some tips on how to plan a successful wild camping trip!
CONSIDER THE WEATHER
Hosting a camping vacation with your family or friends? Be sure to consult the weather forecast before you go. The first thing every wild camper should be considering are weather forecasts, especially for areas that experience extreme shifts in weather as it can present danger and also make planning much more complicated. Whether precipitation is expected or not, prepare for rain by bringing proper clothing including jackets, boots, and umbrellas. Seek out campsites that provide some sort of cover from bad weather. I have witnessed individuals who have decided to set up camp right by a river and almost get washed away during the night! If it were not for a rescue team they might not be here.
If you do go on a rainy camping trip, be sure to bring an extra tarp and make sure that any electronics are fully waterproofed. Think about what temperature range you want for your camp site before setting up. Some people enjoy colder temperatures but others prefer warmer climates. Remember to find out if there is going to be snow nearby as well as how much precipitation is likely during the time of year that you’re visiting!
RESEARCH WILD CAMPING LOCATION
Wild camping is a fun experience for people who like the outdoors. However, it can also be dangerous and lead to you getting in trouble with the law. When you go wild camping, you need to research your location before hand so that you know what rules apply there. This will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly and safely. With more and more people getting into the wild camping scene it’s important to keep your personal safety in mind.
Wild camping is a great way for you to get back to nature but you do need to be aware of things like; where you are, what time of year it is (if there is likely to be snow) and whether or not there are going to be other people around. Wild camping in a beautiful and peaceful location is great. However, if you haven’t done your homework before hand then it can be stressful and almost impossible to find somewhere that’s suitable. Even have a quick look on google maps before you go.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or just starting out, there is no denying that one of the most difficult aspects of wild camping is choosing where to go and how best to get there. With so many factors at play (weather conditions, traffic levels etc.). It can be hard not to feel stressed when contemplating planning your next adventure. However, with proper preparation and using a route planner like RouteXL available online for free. You will save yourself both stress AND time! Wild camping will always be a way to get away from everything, but the only thing worse than being in nature is getting lost. Only camp at sites that you are confident you can find again on your own.
Planning your route is important, especially if you’re looking to avoid traffic. How much time are you willing to lose? What’s the least amount of time you can spend on a trip?
COOKING WHEN WILD CAMPING
You are going to be out of our element, so it’s important that we pay attention to what the environment provides for us. A good rule of thumb is: Pack food that will keep longer before spoiling like nuts or canned goods. If you want to be a hard core wild camper then explore your surroundings and see what you can find. Gather edible plants (if there are any), hunt for shellfish, mushrooms, fish or anything else that’s edible (take severe caution when picking mushrooms). Take plenty of water as well – you don’t want to end up getting too thirsty!
When you’re out in the wild, it’s important to remember that supplies are limited. This means that every decision must be made with careful consideration and planning. You need to cook up some of your own meals when camping instead of relying on ready-made food from a store or restaurant. Pack some of you’re favorite camping recipes to make into a list of cooking supplies. Bring what you love from home, find new inspiration for your next trip and explore tasty alternatives that don’t call for any fancy equipment. These ideas will get even the tough canoeing camper in kitchen mood when they see all the options presented.
Cooking while wild camping can be a great challenge. You are probably going to have no electricity so it is best to take some supplies with you. If you forget something, there is always the option of cooking over an open fire, but that may not be very practical in certain conditions since it requires a lot more work and also carries risks like forest fires. Here are some things that will make your life easier when wild camping:
- Jetboil stove
- Fire starting kit
- Energy snacks
- Additional pots & pans
- Foldable plastic cuttlery
WHAT ELSE TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR WILD CAMPING?
Camping is an excellent way to get back in touch with nature. There’s nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of birds and waking up with a beautiful view of the sunrise over a natural lake. But, if you’re going camping for the first time or want to take your experience on the road even more literally. Then there are some things you should know before leaving home. First off, make sure that you have all your gear together and ready beforehand because once you leave for your trip it will be difficult to go shopping at night when everything is closed!
There are many things to consider before you head out on a wild camping trip. Firstly, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment and clothing that will keep you warm during the night as well as some blankets and waterproofs incase of rain and wind. You should also take plenty of additional food (for you and any companions you’re bringing along on this expedition!) . Don’t forget your rubbish bag either! So that when it is time to go home, you can pack up your campsite together with any litter in one easy movement. Preventing leaving any trace of yourself left behind! – Pack a tent, sleeping bag, mat/pad, cooking utensils (e.g., stove), food supplies (e.g., dried fruit), water bottle(s) and other essentials depending on the length of time you plan to spend outdoors. Don’t forget your first aid kit.
You could make up an emergency kit too. This includes items such as matches, spare batteries for your headlamp, and medications if needed. It also includes items like a knife or compass in case of emergencies. If it’s too cold out for just clothes, then make sure to have thermal wear handy!
Here’s a list of the essentials you must have and links to them:
- Sleeping bag
- Stove & food
- Head Torch
- Water proof clothing
- Water
- Spare clothing
- Tent
- First aid kit
FINAL NOTE
I have always loved camping, its such a magical and liberating way to enjoy nature. Whenever you leave your campsite it is important to make sure that everything is tidy for next time. That’s what the Leave No Trace philosophy is all about. Make sure you pack up any litter left behind, take out the rubbish (including toilet paper), pick up any stones or sticks which could be used as kindling by someone else and put away anything which might give away where your site was.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I think everyone should go wild camping at least once in their life. It is a great experience that teaches you skills and memories that are very special to have.
THANK YOU FOR READING MY ARTICLE
Thank you very much for reading this article and I hope it helps you with selecting the right ones for you. Here at Jake’s Outdoors we are very passionate about our hunting, fishing and all things to do with outdoors. I believe our hunting and fishing community really is special and we experience things that others do not. I think its a very good thing if we can all share out experiences and connect with each other all over the world. This way our community is much stronger and we can better protect each other in this modern society. Where so many people have lost touch with the outdoors.
It’s our job to educate people on why we do what we do and try to keep our passions alive. Therefore, here at Jake’s Outdoors I wont just be reviewing equipment. I will also be creating/promoting ways as to how we can do this. So if you are wanting to join this journey with me. Then please do enter your email in the footer on my homepage and I will keep you up to date with all things to do with our passions.
Short & Long Term Goals:
My short term aim here is too help you fish and hunt better. I will do this by helping you choose the best equipment for you, whether it be clothing, hunting equipment or general advice. My long term goal is to start inspiring more people to take up hunting and fishing because both are in decline. It’s very important that we start educating this modern society and making them understand why hunting needs to take place. With your support I hope to be able to carry on doing this.
If you would like to learn even more about me and Jake’s outdoors then please read my about page here… Also if you would like to read on about more relatable topics then you can take a look at more of my articles here… And please continue reading to see some of my other articles that you may like to read!
