A campsite weekend, a wild camp and a DofE expedition need different kit. The trick is to start with the trip, not the shopping list. Answer three questions and most of the choices make themselves.
Start with three questions
- How far will you carry it? Parking next to the pitch? Weight barely matters. Walking in for hours? Every kilo counts.
- How cold will the nights be? UK nights get cold, even in summer, and colder still on high ground. Check the forecast low for where you'll actually sleep, not the nearest town.
- How many of you are sharing? Share a tent and a stove and the load drops for everyone.
Kit by trip type
| Campsite weekend | Wild camp | DofE expedition | Spring or autumn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | Size up for space. Weight doesn't matter. | A light 1 or 2-person tent you can pitch fast. | 2-person tents shared in pairs. Check your centre's rules. | Stable in wind, ideally one that pitches fly-first in rain. |
| Sleeping mat | Comfort first. | Insulated, packs small. | Insulated and tough. | A higher R-value. The ground takes more heat than the air. |
| Sleeping bag | Comfort rating near the forecast low. | Comfort rating below the forecast low. | Comfort rating below the forecast low. | A warmer bag, or a liner. |
| Backpack | Not needed. | 40 to 60 litres. | 55 to 65 litres, fitted properly. | Room for extra layers. |
| Stove | Anything. | A small gas stove and one pot. | One stove per tent group. | Bring spare gas. Cold slows it down. |
Three mistakes to avoid
- Trusting the limit rating. A sleeping bag's limit rating is close to the survival number. Choose by the comfort rating.
- Forgetting the mat. A warm bag on a thin mat is still a cold night. Most of the heat you lose goes into the ground.
- Pitching for the first time on the hill. Have a practice run in the garden or the park first, in daylight and without wind.
The kit we'd hire for a first wild camp
A light 2-person tent like the Wild Country Helm Compact 2, an insulated sleeping mat, a three-season sleeping bag, a 40 to 60 litre backpack and a gas stove. Everything arrives together on day one of your hire, cleaned and checked.
Questions
What R-value do I need for UK camping?
For summer, a mat around R2 to R3 is usually fine. For spring and autumn, or anywhere high and exposed, go for R4 or more. Our guide to sleeping warm explains the numbers.
Is a 2-person tent big enough for two?
Yes, but snugly. Two adults fit side by side with their kit in the porch. If you want room to spread out, size up. Our tent size guide goes through it.
Can I hire kit for a DofE expedition?
Yes. See our DofE expedition kit list, or our schools and groups page if you're organising a whole cohort.
