How to AVOID making MISTAKES when buying Wild Camping Gear!

In this video I teach you how to avoid making mistakes buying wild camping gear. Buying camping gear is a minefield. Sometimes it's difficult for you to choose your backpacking kit but sometimes the information provided by backpacking gear supplies is just wrong!
I address the main complaints you have and nearly all of these come down to cost, comfort or quality.
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Sleeping bags is the first mistake. Companies often provide comfort limits far better than real life meaning their comfort limits are 3-5 degrees higher than stated.
Tents is the next mistake. Many companies quote 4 season tents when they are not. They also claim weights that do not included all the kit required to pitch you tent properly. Sizing of tents is vastly different so a two person tent may have a smaller pack size, and even weight, of a one person tent.
Sleeping mats in the next mistake. By trying to save space and weight many people choose a sleeping pad without insultation meaning they get very cold.
Going for a light backpack, or even worse, a frameless backpack, can be a big mistake especially if you are taking a lot of camping gear. A heavier duty backpack that weighs more will actually be more comfortable than a lighter backpack fully loaded.
Buying expensive hiking boots without proper merino wool hiking socks is a huge mistake. Often the hiking boot brands take the blame but it's actually the users wearing poor quality socks. I recommend using Darn Tough Socks or 1000 Mile Socks.
If you ever have any questions about what wild camping gear to buy just ask, I'm always happy to help.
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE ‪@BackpackingUK‬ .
#wildcamping #camping #backpacking

[@barrycaldwell3620]

Thought provoking video, thanks. I have kindcof reached the same conclusion about tents. I have a Vango Tempest 200 Pro tent and am keen to get a lighter tent with a smaller pack size for bikepacking. I just can't settle on one as the price is either too high or they use trekking poles and I don't want to carry these on the bike. Any suggestions?

[@BackpackingUK]

There’s a guy on eBay who makes custom carbon fibre poles for trekking pole tents. He’ll even make them in as many pieces as you like which is perfect for bikepacking. They’re fairly reasonable too. Alternatively something like a Naturehike Cloud Up 2 is a really nice size tent, it’s light, it’s compact and excellent value for money.

[@jasonmaddison6148]

oex phoxx 1v2.

[@DarkShadowAy]

Would love to see a definitive packlist of recommendation for budget and mid-budget options. I'd love to buy once knowing it'll have longevity!

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ll see what I can do 👍

[@BOBFATHER1986]

Great video! Does seem to be a theme lately, people being proud as punch that they have a tiny backpack yet everything is dangling off carabiners on the outside or strapped on somehow with webbing lol. I’d rather have a bigger pack and know that everything is secure and inside my bag. A motto I like is “Pack light, happy hike. Pack Heavy, happy night” I prefer to pack slightly heavier and have a good nights kip. 🤙

[@BackpackingUK]

Never heard that before, it's so true!

[@doodoodum10]

You have added so much wisdom in such a short time than most other vids. Well done. Have also chosen atmos backpack two years ago.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@dennisvandepol5938]

Thank you so much for all your fantastic videos, it helped me a lot!

[@sprokthered]

Brilliant as always mate

[@terrypatterson1481]

Great info Andy - Thank you

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks 👍

[@merlin8166]

Perfect timing for me, great content thanks.

[@BackpackingUK]

Great to hear!

[@nickboden1206]

Useful video and advice. I’m stuck at the pillow / bag and mat stage now but took your advice on the Phoxx IIv2.

[@BackpackingUK]

As for a pillow, I’d try and get one that is part inflatable / part sponge. I think Decathlon do one fairly cheaply. A cheap insulated mat is the Unigear Camfy (approx £40). Some big brands start costing big bucks so have a look around in the sales.

[@jasonlatham175]

Nice video Andy, I’ve fallen for a few of these already and switched out some gear. PS- LOVE the hoody! I bought the Rab capacitor after seeing it on your channel and feel like I might be making another purchase soon! Will you do a review on your Mountain Equipment one in this vid?

[@BackpackingUK]

The Capacitor is really nice isn't it. I'll review the Eclipse soon!

[@ad4mpoole]

Thanks for the tips

[@BackpackingUK]

No problem!

[@markperry222]

Another really useful vid thanks. Some additional things I found, having bought kit I no longer use or am planning to replace. Tents - I always look online, where I can, and check the volume of the packed tents, as you say they do vary. With 3 vs 4 season, when you look online you will see some tents offer a 3 and a 4 season version of the same tent. Usually it is only the inner that is different, the outer is the same, and so it is not a true 4 season. 4 season inners are less drafty, but be aware that means that in moist conditions (UK most of the year) you will get more condensation in the tent. Stoves - Jetboil is expensive. There are lots of clones out there now, including clones of Jetboil minimo type systems. If you want to cook food, as opposed to just adding boiling water to a ready meal, you may need a different type of stove. Jetboil does now do accessories to help normal cooking, these are great quality, and well designed, but not cheap. Choosing a stove if you want to cook foods is a whole different subject.

[@BackpackingUK]

Agreed, thanks for sharing 👍

[@jenny.barter]

great vid Andy

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks!

[@jpminor8783]

Hi Andy, great video as always. What was the good sleeping Mat you had in your right hand? (The good thicker sleeping mat)

[@BackpackingUK]

Mountain Equipment Aerostat Synthetic 7.0. It was approx £100 at the time. To be honest, as long as it’s insulated with a R-value of 4 or greater I wouldn’t be too bothered about the Brand. An R value of 6 plus is good for deep winter.

[@jpminor8783]

@@BackpackingUK thanks Andy! :)

[@Mark_-jq6wg]

Great video, thanks Andy. I prefer comfort over weight so always opt for slightly bigger than I think I need on everything. Never personally understood the need for ultralight everything but each to their own :D

[@BackpackingUK]

Totally agree. Everyone is different, but I think if you can take the weight you should go for comfort.

[@nickforsyth2153]

I was thinking of changing my boots because I kept getting blisters on my heels. But once I bought some bridgedale merino wool socks my hikes have been transformed. No more blisters and the comfort of my boots has dramatically improved. I wish I had bought some proper walking socks years ago.

[@soggz4246]

You should try wearing a really thin pair of bamboo socks under a slightly thicker pair.Been doing this for years for work and pleasure,winter and summer. Never had sweaty feet,never had blisters.👍🏾

[@BackpackingUK]

Yes, bamboo socks are great too! Socks are so, so important. Let’s be honest, there nothing worse than hiking with a red raw blister constantly rubbing.

[@soggz4246]

@@BackpackingUK Certainly takes your mind off of the enjoyment factor,Andy.

[@vvs3796]

good topic.. i recently got myself a hyped sierra designs flex capacitor pack which is american design..it is comfortable really and fits me well..but durability is questionable,when i see a shoulder strap attached with one lame seam to a thin foam.. i m wondering what the hell they were thinking?? but everyone seems to be very happy with it, although there are some reports of straps breaking apart. abt socks..i recently tried sock liners and i got blisters,which i dont remember happening when i wore just one sock. whats your take on sock liners?

[@BackpackingUK]

My feet tend to move around with 2 pairs of socks or liners. I decent, thick pair of socks has always been far better for me. Also, it depends how much room you have in your boot. You don't want too much otherwise your feet with move around and rub but likewise you don't want them too tight causing pressure points. It's just about trial and error and finding the perfect fitting boots with great socks (merino / bamboo).

[@traceyevans6412]

Really appreciated this! Am looking to buy rucksack. Borrowed one that is really uncomfortable but I am struggling with pack weight anyway. For a multi-day hike. First attempt: 17kg 🥵 Latest attempt: 14kg 😡. Goal of 8kg seems unachievable on my budget. Refuse to sacrifice my sleep system 😴and now considering ditching the Trangia… hot water is over-rated right?! 🤷

[@BackpackingUK]

I well padded, correct fitting backpack can be a real game changer. If you want to save weight go through your gear again and see what you really NEED. You might be able to save some weight simply but removing items you might not use or duplicates. There’s nothing wrong with taking prepared food too.

[@vvs3796]

there are always some ridiculous ways how to lighten a pack :)

[@benlomas1490]

Hello mate I'm just getting in to camping and im on a budget. I'm in the market for a sleeping bag but don't want to break the bank, I'm looking to start wild camping in the uk now the weather is picking up. anything you can suggest or recommend ?

[@BackpackingUK]

If you on a budget then you're likely to buy just the one bag. If so, DON'T get a skinny little bag. Get something like my OEX Fathom EV400 (supposed to be 4 season but more like 3+). You can get this from Go Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors often in the sale really reduced. It's a really good quality synthetic sleeping bag which strikes a good balance between weight, size and comfort.

[@craig3401]

Some good advice and I know you try giving tips on a lot of budget gear and over the years I've found quality does cost there's no getting round it as for sizes getting the right size is so important ie sock size a lot of socks come size 7 to 9 if you're a 7 the sock will slip and gather leading to hot spot and blisters.so research and then research more try the gear on add weight in the shop for the packs and don't be suckered into thinking oh that's cheap I will make it work because more often than not it won't.

[@BackpackingUK]

Unfortunately, in many cases quality does cost. Down jackets, down bags, insulated pads, 4 season tents, etc, etc. However, I look at them as an investment.

[@497derek]

Cloud Peak 2 is amazing tent great vfm

[@BackpackingUK]

100%!

[@mojaslovenija9903]

Fair tips and with the correlaton of my 30 years experince of beeing 200 day a year "out there". I woud add also a remark about nylon vs poliester tents... poliester tents are much better for wet European climate, it is no an coinsidence that top European tent brands with 100+ years of tent making tradition still prefere poliester... Sleeping bags... trust the producers who are also real users of their products...

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing that, really helpful 👍

[@craigdavies1747]

What's that M.E hoody mate? 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

It's the Mountain Equipment Eclipse Hooded Jacket (which is actually a technical fleece!)

[@camperp195]

My best buy is my down sleeping bag,up to -4 weighs 1kg,pricey at £250 but well worth it,my average pack weight all in is 14 kg,which is fine,as i know i will sleep well 👍

[@BackpackingUK]

The investment and weight are so worth it. Poor sleeping bags ruin the experience.

[@larsthorwald3338]

How can we possibly make a mistake when we have the benefit of so much sage wisdom from all these self-appointed "gear experts" on KZbin? hahahaha