5 Wild Camping Mistakes EXPERIENCED Wild Campers Make!

Here is my video about 5 wild camping mistakes EXPERIENCED wild campers make! Ironically, I see less wild camping mistakes from novice wild campers than experienced ones. I'm sure it's because the more experienced you are at wild camping the more short-cuts you take.
Setting up a wild camp isn't rocket science. It does however, require a few simple things. No.1 is a backpacking gear list. This will have all your hiking gear and camping gear you need to take. No.2 is understanding how to use your camping gear properly, this means reading the instructions! No.3 is preparation such as using the correct sites to get the best weather forecast for your wild camping uk location.
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[@graemer3657]

As always, great and practical advice.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 🙏

[@davidjackson8829]

Great advice. The Hilleberg Soulo crowd make me laugh. After a 20 min walk in with their Hilleberg plus 6 cans of “craft beer” they go on about “brutal” conditions. I don’t know why they don’t sleep in their cars and drink their beers

[@stevenvitali7404]

I think the whole wildcamping experience has got lost with a lot of people, where it started off with a love for the outdoors, then became all about the equipment being used, especially with a lot of KZbinrs who are making videos

[@BackpackingUK]

True, and I’m at fault as well. As much as I want to show people new gear, I also want people to remember what’s it’s truly about. This will be a theme more and more this year.

[@stevenvitali7404]

@@BackpackingUK To be fair you help a lot of people finding the right equipment and do great reviews

[@McCaff62]

You get the impression now that the latest batch of youtubers and i mean a lot { ie over the last 5-6 years } would turn around and drive a 100 miles back home if they forgot their camera equipment but would walk with flimsy trainers as long as they get that video made !!, its all gone a bit daft they just don't seem genuine wildcampers its all about making a video. .

[@stevenvitali7404]

@@McCaff62 agree 100%, when I go wildcamping it’s all about getting away from technology and about experiencing everything all around me, if I was making a video then it would just interfere with the whole experience

[@TheRedline161]

Such a great comment. I don't want to point fingers, but it's tough watching UK wild camps where the vlogger is in a black label hilleberg solo, Xtherm sleeping pad, jetboil and all the other highest end of gear. Just to wildcamp in the spring, in the cotswolds. It's become less about the great wildcamp experience, and more about being seen in overkill gear. Not talking about you Andy, you're right on point in your videos. And I mean that 👍

[@B.Zerkovic-lk1ck]

The common sense and sound advice is much appreciated. Having found myself on the edge of comfort during a long Highlands walk (excellent 3 (not 4) season tent), comfort trumps light gear mania any day imo.

[@oscartravis5740]

Brilliant advice, especially the list one. My last 3 camps I've gone away and forgotten some essential pieces of kit, then it's a faff around trying to source a nearby town that might have shops that stock the items, which eats into the whole trip. Another balls up happened before the very first lockdown. I was due to camp near Hadrian's Wall but had to cancel the trip, so after Covid I decided to test it in the garden before another planned camp, turned out what I thought I'd bought as an ultralight tent was in fact a gear store 😂

[@Mickoutdoors]

Great advice Andy, I think a lot of people get caught up with the "keeping up with the joneses" when the gear they have is and has been more than adequate 👍😉

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, and there’s loads of budget gear out there that can give you 99% the experience as expensive gear.

[@Kev.B.4311]

Great points & advice again Andy...👍 I've been camping 40+years in one form or another & is just so easy to keep buying kit, whatever type of camping people do, large or small, there's always something else in the Sales, that could be useful, better or just because U like it...!😄 I've been going wild camping with my dog for a year now & having now gone through all of the seasons & all weathers, I've bought various things over the months, usually one season behind, but now feel confident with the various kit I have, for any occasion, going forward... The problem is always - "Wot I can fit into the Rucksack?", be it weight or bulk, & just when I think that I've cracked it, the weather changes...!😄🤬🙄🤔 The kit list is like a never ending puzzle...!!!🤣 Start with absolute essentials, life savers, then move onto options I'd like to take, test the weight & then consider where & how far I gotta walk with it...👍🥵 A spare head torch is also worth bunging in ya pocket, init...!✔️😄💯👍...

[@BackpackingUK]

A spare head torch is on my list from now on! 😆

[@mountainmantararua8824]

When I was young, I was the 'ragamuffin' of the mountains. I had a nasty cheap sleeping bag, cheap boots, an old bright yellow vinyl raincoat etc. Then, as the kids got older and left home, I had more money in my pocket to indulge in camping and tramping. Now I have everything that 'opens and shuts' to do with camping. Now I ask myself "do I really need it" I was happier with the small amount of gear that I used to have and a much lighter pack. I think that I am just compensating for the lack of gear that I didn't have in my youth. But the bottom line is, I'm still out there and still buying gear that I don't need. 🤣🤣Enjoyed the video ATB Cheers from the mountings of NZ 😀😀

[@Dug_Out]

I recently went out on a scout for a new spot intending to have a woodland brew or two. Took my folding travel chair, cook-set, portable windbreaker, etc. Walked a couple of miles, found a spot, got set up & sat down......no water!🙈🤣

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂

[@Marksnowden1]

Spot on andy, comfort first with me and plan my route, when I decide where I want to camp, usually I’ll go and do a hike up there and check the pros and cons of the route, nowt worse than going up a mountain with a big backpack on and thinking this is horrible and I didn’t think it would be this steep

[@BackpackingUK]

We’ve all been there!

[@MrDavidh37]

I think the quality has also gone with the scarp tents. My mate and I had one first day in the garden the pole went through the end of the pole slot. Never ever happened before and my mate did the same. Also everyone forgets something sometimes it’s human nature. Just lately though a lot of bloggers are going out in horrendous weather for views not good examples for the less experienced. Just my view of course glad you have pointed a few more out atb Dave 😊

[@BackpackingUK]

The main pole sleeve on the Scarp is very, very thin and it’s an accident waiting to happen. Regarding bad weather camps, they get huge clicks hence why more and more people are doing them. It appears that’s what everyone wants to watch.

[@dufresneorama]

Got to agree, so many KZbin videos over the few months with titles like 'stormy wild camp' or 'scarp 1 50mph winds and snow'. Then they just walk up a hill to spend a miserable night camping to walk back to the car in the morning. It can't be fun! I would never choose to go out in those sort of conditions. Fair enough if you have a route planned, the weather changes and you've got no choice.

[@MattinLapland]

About tents - there’s a reason why we don’t use the over-hyped Durston much here in Finland (you see them for sale lots) it’s not for our climate or conditions…….in fact a few pine needles will put holes in it. Even Vango have gone too light in their materials these days……I’m now on OEX tents as they are at least affordably robust enough.

[@BackpackingUK]

Tents are a bit of an anomaly. Expensive tents are often much weaker (albeit often lighter) than cheaper tents. Buy cheap, buy twice doesn't really apply to tents, it can often be the other way round!

[@charleshindley-lange-pw2sw]

Love it 😍

[@kpj5]

Super sense! ❤

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@grahamscothern4319]

Nice one Andy. Wish I didn’t keep looking at gear and tents that I don’t really need. Is there a tablet you can take 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers Graham

[@BackpackingUK]

I think a ‘Camping Gear Addiction’ Hotline should be set up! 😂

[@grahamscothern4319]

@@BackpackingUK Perfect 👏👏

[@shabingly]

About the list thing, I just have a Google keep note for backpacking gear I tick off as I'm packing my bag on t-1. Sure there's summat available for the fruit-based users out there. I kind of agree with the ultra light thing, but I think part of the problem is thinking a) a 4 season tent = solid inner and that's it, b) 4 season = all seasons, c) 4th season is the same everywhere, d) you've always got to push it to enjoy yourself. We're all to blame to some extent, manufacturers & retailers want to sell gear, v/bloggers want watches and views, us proles want an experience. We all forget you can just drop yer pack and mince back up if you want and then drop back down.

[@BackpackingUK]

Agree!

[@craigelliott4338]

I'm not silly, I got my budget setup to make sure I just wanted to go back out. I do. I've used it all a few times, and now I'm about to pull the trigger on a new tent and bed set up. Yes it's flipping very very expensive, however, I've done my due diligence, I know what I want, and I'm pretty confident I won't need anything else until something breaks. I also try to buy things with lifetime guarantees... I'm too poor to buy cheap stuff.

[@BackpackingUK]

That's the best way to do it, there's no point buying expensive everything only to find out you won't use it regularly.

[@craigelliott4338]

@BackpackingUK or that it doesn't actually tick all your boxes. I reserch the crap out of everything I buy, including using yourself and other KZbinrs to see your reviews and opinions. Nothing worse than buying something that don't improve your kit.

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

3 weekends ago i went to camp out locally. Dinner at home, short drive, short walk. Got to my spot, pulled out my lanshan 1... No trecking poles!

[@BackpackingUK]

Gutted!!!

[@thewiltshirewomble]

Great video Andy… another one to add buddy… a spare torch and batteries. Lol 😜 Cheers bud Mark

[@BackpackingUK]

💯% spare head torch 😆

[@thewiltshirewomble]

I couldn’t resist bud from your last vid… cheers Andy…. You have a great week.. Mark 👍

[@neilgirling1798]

Well said Andy, i always carry a spare head torch just in case 😂😂

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes 😆

[@TonyHobbs]

Hello The chap with scarp probably wasn't that experienced but can't say for sure I totally disagree regarding frameless backpack. Mine is frameless and I'll wager it against yours any day within 14kg load out and winter kit to minus 5 for one night or zero c for three nights UL is excellent if done properly. Mine adds up due to food and power packs . But no issues frameless 14kg odd.

[@BackpackingUK]

If that’s what works for you, crack on 👍

[@TonyHobbs]

@Backpacking UK absolutely does :) and for many years on KZbin for all to see too

[@frosty9156]

I walked 16km to pitch a tent and realized that I left gas canister in the car. Cold food not an option because I brought my wife to her first wild camping, I ran back to the car. After about 3-4 km into the run (luckily not too far) I realized again that car key is in the backpack. Rough day. Guess I was focusing too much on my wife's pack.

[@TimmyBobinson]

Sounds like you were telling yourself about buying / taking too much gear. ☺️

[@BackpackingUK]

You’re not wrong! 🤣

[@WestieWestie]

I have fallen foul at various times of forgetting pegs, poles and sleeping bag. Hey ho! I live, learn and make another list.🤣

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve nearly forgotten things lots of times, especially pegs and food in the fridge!

[@jessicapayne8622]

Just remember the food!

[@BackpackingUK]

🙌

[@stevenvitali7404]

I know the two people you’re on about, the one who’s scarp ripped and the one who left his hiking boots behind

[@BackpackingUK]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TonyHobbs]

Think I know boot man 👞 p... but tbf anyone could do that. I have logical system where everything close yo hand to almost impossible to forget something but pretty sure I have once or twice luckily nothing important lol

[@AndyWragg]

I think the biggest mistake comes down to hubris, and overconfidence in ones skills and gear and not knowing when to stay home. Mother nature is a harsh school mistress.

[@BackpackingUK]

Many people see sub-1000m mountains are easy. Places like the Lakes and Snowdonia can really bite back. Sometimes fatally.

[@clactonmassive]

If I buy anymore gear, my wife is going to leave me..................I'm off to Go Outdoors in a minute 🥴

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂

[@patrickelliott5858]

Same as.

[@nickforsyth2153]

Are you talking about Paul Messner forgetting his hiking boots and having to wear borrowed seal socks with trainers.

[@BackpackingUK]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TonyHobbs]

Who is the z packs person ? Yes sleep system is the important part Where was the z packs gap? You don't know much about lightweight experience and enjoyment most those not mistakes

[@BackpackingUK]

It’s not fair to mention names but I don’t know what the person was thinking 🤯

[@TonyHobbs]

@Backpacking UK yup but depends on experience and kit and where the gap is ie like a trailstar the gap is at front so ok but I'll definitely say generally z packs not ideal for UK weather which is why it's not taken off here

[@AndyWardle]

Lower your trekking pole to allow for conditions. Lower pole no gap. Raise in summer. Nice gap.

[@BackpackingUK]

Very true Andy. The only issue is the inner sags a bit on single skins (door sides) or a lot of twin walls.

[@TonyHobbs]

@Backpacking UK if you tie guy or bungee cord around top of a pyramid inner that kinda makes it lower attach that new height to inner of shelter and good to go

[@simonward4520]

Let's face it, the wife has lots more shoes than she needs.....we buy more camping gear than we need......that said just going into go outdoors to buy more gear I don't really need.

[@BackpackingUK]

My problem is I’m a sucker for a sale (and a bit of marketing hype too!).

[@simonward4520]

@Backpacking UK cheap one today, 2 100gram gas canisters, 2 wayfarer meals and 2 500mlt Ali bottles. No tent 😢

[@Theorangeman.]

Aslong as your dry/warm an well fed then its all good. The only hobby when you pay a fortune to live homeless

[@BackpackingUK]

You’re not wrong 😂

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

I fell foul of forgetting the tent pegs, didn’t realise until I’d reached the summit 🤣 harsh lesson learnt. Another mistake people make.. always keep a tin of De-icer in the car if you’re Winter Camping.. not that I got caught out with that one either 🫣

[@BackpackingUK]

😂😂😂