WildCamping Kit

If you're thinking of WildCamping for the first time, then we're sure that you're thinking about what you should take, so here we break down the basics.

Water, Shelter, Sleep System, Fire and Food are the basic essentials your need and here's what we'd pack in our kit for our first trip out, along with some options depending on your preference or situation. We'll assume you have a backpack or bergen already.

• Water or water container. We'd recommend a LifeStraw Go bottle to offer you complete versatility and a collapsible water container for your site, if you're planning on spending more than one day at site, or are with a group of friends.

• Hammock. If you're going in summer then we'd definitely recommend a hammock with a mosquito net or flysheet. If you spend a night without one then you'll know why. If you want the fastest, easiest and most versatile setup then we'd recommend tree huggers - they'll shrink your setup time dramatically, avoid damage to the trees and are the quickest way to amend your setup to re-hook to the height you want to be from the floor. These also double up as a place to hook your tarp and hang your bag and items with caribiners.

• Tarp. 3x3m as a minimum, but opt for a 3x4 or even a 4x4 if you're expecting bad weather. You can live without this with hot weather and clear skies (and it can be even more enjoyable without one, looking up at the stars) but having one set up and ready to anchor down in the rain will help keep you dry and sleep comfortably at night.

• Paracord. Look out for 550lb paracord and optional fishing line, cotton and fire cord inner strands. This will help hang your hammock, tarp and multiple other uses around camp.

• First Aid Kit. Never leave home without it. Keep topped up with plasters and blister plasters, as these will likely get the most use, but a decent array of items can end up being a lifesaver in an emergency situation.

• Sleep System. Weather depending, you'll likely need a sleep mat, regardless of the weather; and then look to add to your system depending on conditions. A roll mat, self inflating mat or air mat are great to reduce cold on your underside and if you're going in colder weather then an under-quilt/under-blanket can be the most effective way to keep warm. On the top then you may want a bivvy bag in heavy rain and a sleeping bag in colder weather. Try to consider sleep systems that are the most versatile, lightest weight and smallest pack size. Down can be a great material for this purpose, but once wet it can loose it's warming properties. If in doubt then take a down sleeping bag and bivvy bag to get the best of both worlds - you'll be a lot warmer than you think outdoors, so we usually end up in long johns by the end of the night (and remember that a hot water bottle is always a great addition to revolutionise your sleep system.

• Caribiners. Half a dozen will usually complete your kit. You want to choose ones that are lightweight and carry a load of 12kn. Two on either end of your hammock, two for your tarp and a couple of spare ones to hook your bag and your bottle to your tree huggers.

• Headlamp. Essential at night and saves you digging around to find your flashlight. Try to find one that's lightweight, has different light strength settings and different colour arrays. Our favorite is the Black Diamond Storm 375.

• Torch. We like a dim light hanging from the top of our hammock, but a flashlight can be crucial if you're getting up and moving during the night. Choose LED and look out for Cree lights. Don't be too trusting of the lumen ratings and choose one where you see a lot of positive reviews.

• Knife. Your most essential survival tool. You can spend a fortune here, but we'd recommend the Mora (or Morakniv) Companion Knife. It's a razor sharp edge out the box, it's light and we love the green coloured handle and sheath. It needs some care or it'll rust easily, but at £10-13 it's a no-brainer.

• Axe. If you're happy with the weight then an axe can be a worthwhile addition. Don't be fooled by folding, lightweight or smaller hatchet styles. A lighter weight and smaller axe will ultimately mean you need to work harder. Try to find one with a hefty head and strong handle, preferably with a flat head on the opposite end of the blade, to double as a hammer (useful for knocking in pegs).

• Saw. A folding saw can be the most useful tool in your bug-out bag. Lightweight and a much better alternative to wire saws, which can damage your hands and fingers and tend to be much harder to use than you think. We'd opt for Bahco or Heimwert, but there are plenty of good ones on offer.

• Cook System. Whether it's to boil water or cook food, you'll likely need a dependable cook system and a backup redundancy plan, just in case. Read our blog on lighting a fire, if you want to go caveman and cook over an open flame; and look out for our hobo stove demo to set up a stove from a tin of beans. We love the British Army Mess Tins and a gas can and adjustable stove top can be the most dependable setup and there are many on offer. Our favorites are the Campingaz Twister Plus and if you don't mind the weight, the Tegstove. Whatever you do, don't forget your Spork!

• Food. There's nothing more fun than catching your own, but if you can't do that then you want to look for MRE's, a tin of stew or pork and beans and a trail mix or peanut protein bar (we love the Grenade bars). This is really down to personal choice, so just make sure you have enough to last you the time you're planning to be away (and a few extra snacks just in case).

• Clothing. You'll be wearing this of course, but there's nothing worse than getting caught in poor weather and not having the waterproofs on hand, or a change of dry warm clothes. At the very least, pack a waterproof jacket and over-trousers (they should weigh very little) and have a change of socks and dry jumper/jacket just in case. If you're wearing layers then you might be wearing them already, but sticking a change of clothes in dry sacks can be a god send should the weather change. Our favorite brands are Rab, Berghaus and Fjallraven.

You may choose to add a survival kit, fishing rod and reel, beers, chocolate and a power bank (we do) but the rest is really down to personal choice. We find that finding the right kit is trial and error, to find a set that suits you the best and works in most conditions.

If you have something in your WildCamping kit bag that's not listed here, then post in the comments and let us know - we're only human, so there's always something we forget!