10 Years Of Wild Camping Advice in 29 Minutes

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#wildcamping #camping #backpacking

[@PaulMessner]

WIN a 4 Season TENT raffall.com/paulmessner

[@Rob-el8ti]

ive not been camping since i was 16 thats 20 years ago comfort is defo the way to go even now i remember that tho hilleberg soulo bl would be my choice limited space or not that added peace of mind

[@jackmitchell8756]

Whatever you decide to do with your channel Paul you have made a difference to other people's lives. Well done mate.

[@ChrisJohnson-qm2qu]

Paul, you’ve been an inspiration to many! A great teacher too. I’m buying a new tent at age 70 because of you! Thank you.

[@asmith7876]

I have such a greater appreciation for living where I do with access to wilderness in the USA. Such restrictions smack of poaching the King's deer, it's tragic there are no public spaces available for people to get outside.

[@Beamish32]

Watching this in Edale after a long day at work. Don't have to start until 11.30 so plenty of time to pack up the tent and get back home. One of my favourite videos of yours Paul. Great advice. The only thing I'd add is make sure that there's a pub within 10 miles if you have to pack up quickly. You don't need to have a beer but a warm fire in the evening and a laugh with the locals makes it all worthwhile

[@frankexchangeofviews]

A little idea I had for alcohol stove safety - 2 small tent pegs, just 3-4" ones are fine, will lock it down and make it virtually impossible to knock over, for a weight cost of about 10g

[@dmytrochan7402]

Very good tips. I once heard the following phrase: "The main skill of a climber is the ability to turn back in time."

[@DamianBloodstone]

I have been watching for years. I'm never disappointed by the landscape views and reviews of gear. Thanks. Take Care and Stay Safe.

[@jasonjelf9334]

Don’t pack you fears is a classic, perfect advice for me

[@Majorroadworks]

You know what Paul, I’m now 60, over 40 years ago my friends & I used to wild camp in the Yorkshire dales. Our equipment was, by today’s standard, heavy & cumbersome, but I still look back on those days with such reverence. The landscapes, the sunrises, the natural beauty & not to mention the wildlife were all such an education to a teenager. Admittedly we had boundless energy, Hellvellen was a molehill, but watching your presentations has inspired me to buy another tent and stride out again. I’m fancying the Durston X-mid 2 as I now live in California & don’t really need a 4 season. What are your thoughts please?

[@bobbanks4277]

Mid autumn to mid spring, I take my wee kindle. Something to do when it is early dark, late light. I second the statement about not always needing to take a stove and pots for a single overnight. Sort a delicious sandwich, a pie of your choice etc., plenty water and you're sorted. Back in the cadet days around 1980, we had no fancy gear. A tin of bangers and beans and a tin of creamed rice, all eaten cold...magic days.

[@Beamish32]

Cold angel delight that was way to diluted is still a memory of mine when we were on a school camp and the snow came in at Langdale Pikes. We had to pitch quickly. I only realised that we'd pitched badly at 5am when I had cold, wet feet. We were on a slope and I'd slid down and the zip on the tent had failed 🤣

[@lotosana]

Wise advices :) I've been watching your vids for the last couple of years and gave me a lot of insight before I ventured out on my own first solo camp. And I haven't stopped since. What I learnt works very well for me, when I return I always prepare my camping gear for the future camp (stove, clothes, snacks, etc.) in a specific place so when ready camping - I just put all of of it it in a backpack and change something depending on the weather. so I never miss anything.

[@The-Yorkshire-Man]

Great vid Paul, I think you hit the nail on the head - as ex military- the 7 P’s principle is the key to success in most things and will help keep you safe. Clive.

[@KirstenBayes]

Think you really nailed it: great work. The thing I would always say is, this is something we do for fun. Sometimes the mountains and hills are the boss: no shame in being like, "not today".

[@MartinBrook1]

Great video. My first night wild camping I took ages to get to sleep because I was freaking out at every little noise from wild animals. That feeling of being alone and a bit "unsafe" takes some getting used to.

[@sloanbooks]

Hi Paul, Without a doubt, this is the very best presentation you have ever produced! Thank you and I apologise for any adverse comments posted earlier.

[@stbmunky]

I had a mad plan to cross Dartmoor from North to South. One of my best mates moved down to the coast - that’s where I was heading. My first night was unfortunately the one night that week that the weather was rotten - very windy and torrential rain. I did stay the night because bailing out back to Okehampton in the dark would have been dodgy and there wouldn’t have been any more trains, and luckily I’d taken my Helm2, which held up great. No issues with that other than the noise. My boots were soaked though and the next day, there was a river crossing that was just way too high, with water pouring over the stepping stones. I bailed at that point because I was on my own with no phone signal and wouldn’t have been able to contact anyone if it had gone wrong. It just didn’t look safe. I have the means now and it was that that spurred me on to think about that, but at the time it was the right decision. I still enjoyed it though, and there’s always a “next time”.

[@PaulMessner]

It’s all part of the adventure and it hasn’t put you off there being a next time.

[@stbmunky]

@@PaulMessner Nope, not at all. Neither did the first time, when I “lost” my keys (under the sleeping mat…. idiot 😂). Am considering something a little closer to home (London) but my mate moving down that way gave me a good excuse to combine two things and got rid of the fear of getting caught. Just a brilliant sense of freedom down there.

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Many moons ago, as a neophyte wild camper, I purchased a budget tent on a whim. I second guessed myself and searched every search engine for a review on it. No luck. I tried KZbin and behold, the only reviewer was Paul Messner. He gave it a seal of approval, and I felt a bit better about it. Turned out to have worked fine. So I subscribed. Thanks to his channel, I've moved up in quality and have never been disappointed in anything he's used and gone over. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with gear.

[@Flowerpotmen]

Timely reminder, thanks, starting 2 weeks up in the lakes next week, checking and packing gear now, can’t wait 👍

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Good advice Paul. Dont let your OH see your gear cupboard. Have an explanation ready for the number of stoves you have. Comfort is more important than weight especially if older or have injuries. I need a good mat and pillow for the back. My mat weighs a lot but is comfortable. I can save weight elsewhere. My bag is for side sleepers but isnt ultralight. I started this lark 45 years ago and never used to need a water filter. I wouldnt go without one now. As you say, there is no shame in bugging out or changing plans. Stay safe. Dont rely only on electronic devices to navigate. Learn how to use a map and compass. Take a whistle and learn the sognal - 6 blasts for help per minute or 3 short and 3 long. A whistle is light and backs up your in reach or zoleo. Excellent video Paul. All great advice. Hopefully people listen, especially the LNT message.

[@CribGoch39]

I’m in the minority but I never take a stove. I just take already cooked meats like chicken, maybe a tin of tuna, bananas, cereal bars, nuts, crisps etc. I know cooking is a big part of wild camping for some people but it’s not a necessity for me. Great video Paul.

[@MartinBrook1]

I can live off cold food, but I can't go without being able to make a hot drink.

[@paulchandler6487]

Thanks Paul that’s a great overview. A few things that work well for me 1. Dental tape is great for sewing a repair. 2. Some repair tape wrapped around my trekking poles is always there if needed. 3. My Opinel 8 Outdoor knifes has a whistle but more useful is it has a serated edge. Great for cutting a square turf out for a cathole in combination with a dessert spoon. Turf replaced leaves no trace. 4. Swot up on the geology of the area we are walking through it opens up our eyes to what we see in the rocks and how they shape our landscape. Keep on loving it mate.

[@MAndrs-d5e]

Great tips there. We also pack extra dry bags to store wet kit, a power bank and military glowsticks, handy to provide some light without draining your head torch.

[@remlapwc]

Most useful thing I take if I think the weather may get wet or too sunny, (Ginger), is a large robust umbrella, great if its showery, and getting wet gear on and off is a faff and it can keep your backpack dry. Also gives extra shelter if trying to cook from a small tent. Well worth the extra weight. Oh yes just pop it open and cows back off.

[@colincottell4981]

Good solid advice. I’ve never been asked to move on except for once on the Welsh/English border when a drunken farmer attacked me with a shogun. Partly my own fault for poor planning and camping too close to a path. Pitch high and away from farms. And if you must camp on farmland or close to farms it’s best to ask.

[@miccamecca]

I throw myself down on the ground I have chosen before pitching, never fails !

[@firstname4337]

appreciate the explanation of the legalities -- always wondered about that -- also so surprised to learn all that land is privately owned -- sounds like it makes it all really inconvenient to have a multiday trip

[@garysmith7286]

What a brilliant video, well done Paul, kept my attention all the way through. Some great advice, tips and witty banter. A sprinkling of inspiration and motivation. Really enjoyed it.

[@Insolesandlaces]

Some great advice Paul. Only take two items with a backup and that's a way to light a stove and a head torch. My advice to anyone is don't take too much stuff, the walk should be enjoyable. Having said that I would class myself as a hillwalker first and a wild camper second.

[@stuarthatton1973]

loved this video Paul , im new to wild camping and still to get out for my 1st one , so these videos are so important to newbies , keep them coming mate 👍

[@IvanDP1967]

Great video as always Paul, and very well explained. I fell into the trap of "must upgrade", but for my last couple of trips I have gone back to basics with some of my most budget gear. It's probably been the best camping experience I've had in years.

[@thepeakdistrictviking]

Brilliant advice and well put across. Thanks for sharing your wealth of experience. It's reassured me as an older camper that putting comfort first is the right thing to do 😂😂 that extra weight will keep me fitter too.

[@milesfrussell]

It is wild that you don't have the public lands like we do in the states. Granted we just have more land in general.

[@Terrylyon1979]

Top tip is when to call it and go home especially in bad weather

[@carlwoods4564]

Great tips. Thanks. 🙏

[@jamiejfowler]

Thanks for including tip #3: if new campers learned only from KZbin channels they could easily be scared off by the high cost of the gear being pushed by the big backpacking KZbinrs. Just take the gear you’ve got and get outside, start with easy trips and have fun!

[@lesliehayton2929]

Good idea also to try things out on a local campsite , it could be a shock to some ! Very good advise and well presented , congrats !

[@cabbagemechanic]

One of your best videos 👍

[@mrcpilling]

Nailed it Paul! Not sure you need to make any more videos after this one - you covered it all. Sage advice.

[@CameronVirrill]

Appreciate your videos, even here in the U.S. I have family in East Sussex and have seen much of the U.K., and your videos are straightforward in their advice and generous in their sharing of beautiful locations. Cheers.

[@ifell3]

Great advice here

[@billtbodger]

Enjoyed this one Paul, I don't wild camp at the moment because of health issues, I used to enjoy it, getting away from the modern world and all the stresses of (anti)social media, one of my favourite areas is around Hathersage and the crags around there, I also love my local area, the North Yorkshire Moors and did walk the area a lot. I love watchign the wildlife, especially the raptors so the wild areas are always special, big love

[@nrobinson973]

Absolutely brilliant Paul!

[@JudithMeester]

Thank you for all your videos with a lot of information! Maybe in future videos you can tell more of interesting trails where ever in the UK? I am living in the Netherlands and hiking again since a few years (I am a 58 yrs woman now..) I walked the WHW in Scotland last May and realised that ther must be more nice trails in the UK. It is not that fa travelling from the Netherlands. Wild camping is maybe a bit too challenging yet for me, but maybe one day...

[@francismccrossan1669]

Nice to see you again Paul nice doing abit of camping looked nice but a cold and bit windy but stay safe and stay healthy one life enjoy blessed be

[@stevetuttle9291]

Jolly good 👍!..I've enjoyed your videos for some time now and I think this video is one of your best...You have a fan way out here in the Sierra's of California...keep rockin!..

[@S.Y-a-ok]

First time watching your uploads. One of the most useful informational videos I've seen. Thanks 👍

[@totomesch1940]

Absolutely brilliant upload. Thank you Paul.

[@jeffprice2210]

Always good to watch As you’ve mentioned before a check list is a great help especially for packing for a trip Many thanks Regards Jeff

[@loudowning3393]

In regards to a check list of hiking/backpacking gear I've learned that no matter how many times you have prepped your pack you can't (or shouldn't) rely on memory. A written list for me assures that I will be at ease when far from the madding crowd knowing, not hoping, I brought a certain item. The list doesn't have to be extensive for overnight treks and can be adapted to varied situations/ terrains. Sometimes with age our overconfidence can be a detriment. I have learned to trust my written list more than my memory. Keeps a simple mind organized.

[@stkane102]

I spent my early life camping in the Northern Rocky Mountains and thought it must be the most beautiful place on earth, but watching these video's i might change my mind.

[@danielcollins1841]

Another great and informative video mate. Love those dehydrated sweet and sour chicken meals, the hopot one hey do is fab to. Doing the Edale skyline at the end of September and testing some new gear out, now on me 9th tent and shall be testing a new sleep pad which is apparently a 5.8R.

[@IntotheMountains_]

Enjoyed this one Paul. Appreciate the time spent overlaying b roll etc. makes for a good watch and shows authenticity in what you are discussing. Some interesting insights and advice. ATB. Craig 👍🏼

[@flower7022]

Enjoyed listening to this

[@Theorangeman.]

Ever thought about using lard to cook, it’s actually healthier than that oil and takes up less space

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. Very nice chat Paul .... Try not to lose yourself and all you hobbies and interests to lifes' reality and responsibilities ....Wild camping is definitely good for the mind , body and soul ...

[@iantaylor5618]

lots of great advice thanks paul

[@TTLVID]

Great video Paul, just one thing though, that definitely wasn't a peregrine falcon, possibly a harrier but it's hard to say for sure from that clip.

[@allieandmaria]

My tip: Proper Preparation and Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. 💕

[@adm58]

Thanks Paul. I've only ever camped on sites or in fields so far but want to try some wilder locations. I went out yesterday to practice setting up a tarp shelter (for use with a bivi) on Bleaklow. I found it impossible to find any site that would be suitable for sleeping. It's all large clumps of grass with deep damp or wet peat holes between them. It was a nice day but, even then, the wind was quite strong. The pegs I had were almost useless in the grass and soft peat. No level, firm, ground at all. The least worst areas were, obviously enough, the ones where other people were. A useful experience though. I came to the conclusion that the bivi bag & tarp would be useful as dry shelters in an emergency but definitely not for camping out (on peat moors anyway). Great channel by the way, very informative and inspiring.

[@johnbennett348]

Excellent video mate. Full of very important information. Well done mate

[@timparry5028]

You are GOOD Paul. Cheers

[@AndrewFosterGB]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching/listening to this one, Paul. Perhaps it's because I’m off to the Lakes next week, perhaps it's because you sound very chilled, I’m not sure. Great advice as always, thank you for another top class upload.

[@Campingkayakride]

Hi Paul, I brought the terra nova Juniper bivy. Cost a bomb. And at first I thought I made a big mistake. But now I’ve used it many times, I like it. It’s certainly an experience and i love the way it can be all rolled up with all the sleep gear in a few seconds if needed. Better sleeping in it if it’s windy to stop condensation. Used it for nights out at work and all sorts now great bit of kit. light and packable.👍 great content subscribe to both of your channels now 👍

[@deanoboland]

Paul,great presentation 👍👍

[@markreed2937]

Another great video Paul, sage advice well delivered 👌

[@richardsracingmad]

Gorgeous sky backdrop on the vid🎉

[@glennfoster5431]

A great video full of experience! Valid points for anywhere around the world, even here in oz! Cheers!

[@AragornCZ]

Great "Podcast", wish would see this decade ago about rabbit the hole. Lovely chill down vid. Well done Paul. ❤

[@richardthomas3382]

sound advise, some is obvious but always good to have a reminder. cheers!!

[@walterberry8703]

Another cool video I'm learning all the time . Regarding navigation I remember been on Fairfield in the Lakes hill fog had swept in I'd done my homework but I heard a voice behind saying follow him he looks like he knows where he's going 😂

[@goldilocks913]

Excellent video sir! And to the owners of 9’’ pegs , l salute you 😂

[@kostistau]

This one is gonna do really well

[@PaulMessner]

That would be nice 👍🏻

[@kwameopoku5479]

Yes mate👊🏽👍🏾

[@odysseusreturns9133]

Maybe time for a video on beach camping? Did my first wild camp recently on the dunes behind a Norfolk beach under a clear starlit sky and a swim at daybreak. Bliss. Could barely sleep, not for fear or discomfort, but for the excitement.

[@philipgeorge2989]

Extremely sound advice Paul and well put together. Thank you.

[@Miles_Ahead547]

I tour on a bike, swear by my Dutch army tent, few kilos heavier than others but bombproof 🌧

[@Mr1toothy]

Good job Paul...

[@paulburke7138]

Fantastic video Paul. Watching it whilst wild camping on Kinder ⛺️👌

[@seamusdelaney9133]

Paul Here is an interesting idea for a future video. Getting lost in the mountain and demonstrate the right and wrong ways for handling the situation..

[@discoverydave8541]

Sound advice Paul...👍

[@OneReferralAway]

Great vid Paul

[@matthewmccooke7748]

I store my midge net is the valuables pocket of the sleeping bag. So if you packed your bag then you packed the net. Its a sort of end of day item anyway.

[@Peteablokeoutdoors]

Top tips Paul, great video mate🤙🏻👊🏻

[@mattastley7259]

Great video. Watched a few of yours and really want to get into wild camping. There's things I wouldn't even of thought about, that other KZbinrs don't mention, things like spare dry clothes, I wouldn't of even thought about that. So, how about a video with a list of EVERYTHING you need from nothing (even the ibuprofen in the first aid kit) Also how about all this for a budget. (200 maybe.....i think 100 would be too little.)

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

There is an access law in Scotland as you said. There needs to be a change in the law in England/Wales.

[@user-sj4bh4sp6b]

Travel light - freeze at night!

[@dcaudwell]

In 2024 that’s less true than it ever was! It’s totally possible to be comfortable in snow and -10C and still have a 10lb base weight.

[@Musclehustlerz]

That Raffle idea🎰👌🏽

[@paulwilson7234]

Brilliant 👌

[@CalmingAnxiety]

oh my.... I was at that first clip location 2 nights ago!! Whistle stop sleep over on the way to Hull. Back in November though.

[@PaulMessner]

How’s life on the road mate?

[@CalmingAnxiety]

​@@PaulMessner Absolutely brilliant 👌. Best decision ever . After 3 days near Hull I'm back in your patch for 2 to 3 days of exploring .

[@rogerhowis]

Fantastic video Paul. Loved it!!!

[@arthurlivesley]

Air your tent, clean pots up etc. when you get home- I've forgotten before and had to wash mildew off a tent. Not fun!

[@davidalderson7761]

I love wild camping and if anyone comes anywhere near me I move regardless. Luckily I never camp anywhere near where some one else will pop up, you never know if they will come Back later, other walkers no problem obviously. In England if anyone came along to move me I would be surprised. I do use a satellite tracker and I do let a few friends know where I am at all my stops. I would homily recommend a satellite tracker and the cost is well worth it. Look at all the explained kit people. It these days and they don’t have a tracker A tracker saves the feds time looking for you and maybe getting killed or seriously injured themselves in doing so. Yet many say it’s a waste of cash. Just look at the numbers of those now dead and not found for days or weeks.

[@kevjones2107]

Not all that wander are lost. Not all that are on the hill's know where they are going. Love that line 😂 (sorry in advance but I'm so nicking that saying ATB Kev

[@davidalderson7761]

Satellite communicator is fantastic. But don’t rely on a phone connected one it’s best to have an independently operated device. If your phone is flat and you can’t charge it does the communicator work at all ? THE KEY TAKEAWAY is the tracking feature, if you go missing someone ( the call centre for sure ) knows your last known location and this could be 2m or 2km from your actual location but it’s not “somewhere in the highlands “. There are some KZbin influencers that believe it’s pointless but actually it saves lives. If you’re unconscious you can’t hit the SOS button. Garmin and SPOT are the market leaders they work independently of a phone. UK has rubbish coverage where as Europe has excellent coverage but still some dead spots. Further a field and it’s anything goes. NZ ( I hear ) that everyone is told to take a satellite Tracker now. It’s saves rescuers lives too and makes your location exact so they know where to get to, to save your life. Somewhere in Scotland doesn’t help when your partner calls the feds.

[@lincolndave1966able]

Great advice Paul, can't fault any of it especially the part about the over hype given by certain manufacturers. I see some really poorly clothed and equipped campers when I am out on the hills. I guess they are just rocking into there local retailers and taking the label description of clothing and equipment at face value. It irks me that these company claims can potentially put people's welfare in danger if and when their products fail to deliver when pitched against the elements far far from home.

[@mrkgrav]

a yeti at 9:43 😮🤣

[@pullmeifinger]

In life, so I've been told, a longer peg is always better 😊

[@danhallsworth5290]

ROWAN BERRIES - Answer on a postcard 😊

[@SL-jj1ro]

Hey Paul great video, I curious if you would add the One Tigris Backwoods Bungalow to your test list. I find it to be a great tent but I would like to see how it performs in the UK.

[@nicksanto2315]

Textbook Messner 👍🏻 😊

[@Anndra-y8n]

100% correct re 'waterproofs'. They're waterproof OR breathable, never both! Marketing scam. Good vid as usual, sound advice. 👍🏻