Kit List - Wild Camping

It's essential you come with the right kit for your particular type of activity when you join a Trekking Tom Experiences event - whether we're just having the pleasure of your company for a day, or a week long adventure. Your safety is the most important thing to us and your comfort and enjoyment are certainly our concern too - all of those things start with the right kit.

The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us. Each participant should be carrying the items listed. Your guide or activity leader makes the final decision in regard to your suitability to complete the activity and can refuse to let you participate if they feel your safety (or the safety of the group) is being put at risk.

COMPULSARY:

Tent - You will need a suitable tent, which should be lightweight and compact enough that you can carry it comfortably in your rucksack.

Sleep Mat & Sleeping Bag - Please make sure your sleeping bag is suitable for the time of year you are planning to join us. Please check your sleep mat and sleeping bag fit into your rucksack when compressed and that they are not too heavy.

Eating & Cooking - You will need a mug and fork/spoon (or spork). And a suitable pan or stove-top pot for heating water or cooking. Depending on your food choices you may also need/wish to bring a bowl. Food - We DO NOT provide food on our wild camping experiences. You can pick up suitable wild camp meals in most outdoor stores and don't forget to pack any lightweight snacks (nuts, flapjack and sweets are our firm favourites).

Stove & Fuel - Your stove must be lightweight and have a built-in windshield - if it doesn't, you'll need to bring one too.

Refillable Water Bottle & Water Treatment - Please start your trip with 2-3 litres of water. As you'll need more water than most people can comfortably carry for the duration of your wild camping experience, please ensure you have a refillable water bottle/bladder and suitable water filter or water purification tablets (for topping up from suitable streams/rivers).

Toilet Paper & Shovel - You'll need a small shovel for digging a suitable hole and toilet paper should be carried in a waterproof ziplock bag (with a spare for carrying used paper out). Don't forget your hand sanitiser!

Waterproof Jacket & Trousers - These can range from very cheap to very expensive but when shopping, make sure you buy items that are 'waterproof' rather than 'water-resistant' - there's a big difference in a downpour!

Walking Trousers - if you are packing separate waterproof over-trousers to carry in your rucksack, make sure the trousers you are walking in are light-weight and flexible. Please do not walk in jeans as these soak up a lot of water and are stifling on a hot day.

Walking Boots & Socks - A good pair of walking boots which you've tested out in advance - ensure they fit you well and are comfortable. Proper walking socks have more padding or reinforcement where needed and are designed to wick away sweat. Again, it's a good idea to have tried them out in advance and a fresh pair of socks each day can make all the difference to comfort levels without adding much weight to your rucksack. Check out our blog with tips on buying walking boots. Bringing crocs or similarly lightweight shoes in addition are a good idea for crossing rivers, meaning your boots can remain dry.

Rucksack / Backpack - To carry your tent, sleeping bag and map, spare clothing, food, water and other items. 50-60 litres capacity is a good bet for most people, but the size of your bag will be determined by the amount you personally need and wish to carry. Visit your local outdoor shop for advice and to try different brands and sizes. Dry Bags - we recommend a waterproof backpack cover, or use of dry bags to keep your kit dry - these come in different sizes and can be used for everything, e.g. cameras, clothing and food. Top tip: if you use different coloured dry bags or label them, then items are going to be easier to find in your rucksack.

Warm Clothes (layers advised) - A t-shirt or technical baselayer to wear next to your skin, under your other layers (see below). We advise against cotton as it soaks up water, often rubs, and doesn't dry easily. A synthetic option is a good idea, or if you get cold easily you may want to try wool.

Fleece/Jumper - a couple more layers to keep you warm. You may want both thick and thin options if it's a cold day, or you're doing a high-level walk. Top tip: it's a good idea to have a set of thermals / clothing for tent wear, something you can keep in a dry bag and only use at night. Meaning if you get wet in the day at least in the tent you always have a dry set of clothes.

Hat & Gloves (waterproof advised) - You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm - a hat paired with a buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal. These items are still essential in the summer months.

Personal First Aid Kit - Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers (hopefully not needed!). All of our walk leaders/guides are first-aid trained. Head Torch - An essential piece of kit for wild camping. Please also bring spare batteries (or a back-up if your head torch doesn't use replaceable batteries). This must be a head torch, not the torch on your mobile phone! Note: If you are coming on one of our Wild Camping trips, your head torch will be checked by your guide at the start of the trip. If you do not have a working head torch, you will not be allowed to take part.

Mobile Phone - If you need to leave the group for any reason, we ask that you contact your guide by text message when you have returned to the meeting point or alternative agreed location safely, as a courtesy. Plus, it's always good practice to have your mobile phone with you when exploring the outdoors, in case of emergency.

RECOMMENDED:

Wash Bag / Toiletries - Pack what you personally need, but choose carefully so you don't add unnecessary weight to your rucksack. If you plan to bring soap/shampoo then please consider the environment and choose naturally biodegradable options. Towel - Some people find a lightweight and quick-drying (microfibre or similar) towel useful.

Ear Plugs - These might be useful if you're a light sleeper.

Walking Poles - Many people find these useful for spreading the effort required to go uphill and reduce joint impact going downhill.

Sun Cream - The Great British weather can be changeable and sunburn can occur even on cloudy days - especially at higher altitudes and on/near the sea.

Midge Spray - A bottle in your rucksack can save a walk from turning into a buzzing nightmare!

Gaiters - These close the gap between your boots and trousers, help keep your feet dry and keep dirt out of your boots. You can find out more in our blog on how to use gaiters.

Sit Mat - A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break.