Welcome to Beard in the Wild – Your Home for Wild Camping UK
Discover the real world of wild camping in the UK with Beard in the Wild. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced camper, you'll find practical advice, honest gear reviews, and raw, unfiltered camping adventures to inspire your next trip. From bivvy bag experiments in remote woodlands to lightweight backpacking through national parks, we explore the reality of off-grid camping across the British countryside. Join us as we hike, camp, test gear, and share everything we learn along the way—one wild night at a time.
Latest Camping Blog Posts
The UK Supreme Court ruled wild camping legal again on Dartmoor — but what does it mean for the rest of England?
Tried Pitchup.com for the first time and booked a remote clifftop pitch in Kent to test the OEX Phoxx 3. Here's how it felt like wild camping — legally.
A spontaneous wild camp in a forgotten woodland using the DD Frontline hammock. No tarp, just stars, birdsong, and a full mental reset.
My 9 must-have wild camping items — from a £12 billy can to my favourite down jacket. Affordable, reliable, and always packed.
I picked up a free kayak on Facebook and took it wild camping down the Medway Canoe Trail. Here’s how that 29km riverside journey unfolded.
I tried bivvy camping for the first time using an Integral Designs bivvy sack. Here’s how it went, what I learned, and if I'd do it again.
One of the best wild camps I’ve done—right beside the River Thames. Peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly remote. Here’s how it unfolded.
Latest Camping Gear Reviews
Wild camping with luxury: I tested the massive KingCamp Khan C 500 on the UK’s summer solstice. Here’s what went right — and wrong.
Comparing the British Military, Integral Designs South Col, and Snugpak Stratosphere bivvy bags — real talk on comfort, weight, and wild camping practicality.
I took the brand-new OEX Phoxx 3 tent wild camping at Spiders Castle Farm to test if it’s the best budget tent under £100. Here’s how it compared to the popular Phoxx 2 and what surprised me most.
I spent 48 hours wild camping in the woods testing the OneTigris Backwoods Bungalow. With a unique tarp-style shelter, lightweight build, and great livability, is this the best woodland shelter under £100? Here’s my full breakdown.
After six months of wild camping through storms, frost, and woodland, the OEX Phoxx 2 has proven itself. Lightweight, durable, and affordable, this tent could be one of the best budget shelters for UK wild campers.
Looking for a game-changing camping lantern? I tested the Kilos Gear Rover Light X over three weeks in wild conditions. With tripod legs, directional panels, power bank features, and multiple lighting modes—it’s more than just a lantern.
Is the Kilos Gear Grand Peak Chair the ultimate wild camping luxury? I tested this high-back seat and footrest in real woodland conditions to see if it’s worth the hype — here’s how it performed and who it’s best for.
Tested in freezing UK wild camping conditions, the Kilos Gear Aero Cloud Elite sleeping pad impressed with warmth, comfort, and a side-sleeper-friendly design. Here’s how it performed inside the Hilleberg Soulo during a real zero-degree overnight trip.
Latest Camping Videos
I test wild camping in stormy UK weather using the Phoxx 3 tent. Rain, midges, and tent cooking—was it worth it?
Is Wild Camping REALLY WORTH it in Bad Weather Conditions?
When the wind picks up and the rain starts hammering down, most people cancel their camping plans—but not me.
In this video, I take the OEX Phoxx 3 out in stormy UK weather to see what wild camping is really like in rough conditions. It’s raw, wet, and buzzing with midges, but it’s all part of the experience.
Here’s what I cover:
How the Phoxx 3 performs in high winds and rain
Cooking inside the tent (don’t try this without safety precautions)
Why mozzies can be a bigger pain than rain
The mental game of camping in miserable weather
My honest verdict: Was it worth it?
This is a must-watch for wild campers in the UK, especially those using budget tents in unpredictable weather.
If you’re thinking of braving the elements or just want to know how the Phoxx 3 holds up in real conditions, this is for you.
Carbon monoxide is the silent killer of camping. In this essential guide, I explain how to avoid deadly mistakes, stay safe in your tent, and why every wild camper needs to take CO poisoning seriously.
The Most Overlooked Deadly Risk in Camping!
It’s one of the most dangerous and silent threats in the wild camping world—and most people don’t think about it until it’s too late.
In this video, I tackle the real risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning—a deadly hazard that has claimed lives in tents, caravans, and campervans across the UK.
Whether you’re wild camping in winter, cooking in your shelter, or using a wood stove to stay warm, CO build-up can be lethal.
I cover:
Real-world risks and warning signs
How CO builds up in tents and enclosed shelters
Why ventilation is crucial—even in cold weather
How to choose and use a Carbon Monoxide Detector
My own wake-up call and what I do differently now
This is a must-watch for all wild campers, beginners or experienced. It’s not about fear—it’s about being prepared and staying alive.
For the summer solstice, I camped in a massive luxury bell tent deep in the woods, cooked steak on a woodstove, and embraced the mix of comfort and chaos. The KingCamp Khan C 500 delivered canvas luxury—until the spooky night sounds kicked in.
Summer Solstice Wild Camp in a Luxury Bell Tent
To mark the longest day of the year, I set off for a Summer Solstice wild camp in serious style—under canvas in the KingCamp Khan C 500 luxury bell tent.
Set deep in a remote UK woodland, this solo adventure brought together:
The spacious comfort of a full-sized canvas bell tent
A proper wild-cooked steak baguette on a woodstove
Unexpected cooking mishaps and laughs
Haunting late-night woodland sounds that brought the night to life
It’s not your average wild camp—this one’s a mix of glamping charm and bushcraft chaos.
Whether you’re here for the tent review, the food, or the vibes, this solstice camp has something a little wild for everyone.
I compare the Snugpak Stratosphere, British Army Bivvy, and Integral Designs South Col in a real-world wild camping test. Find out which bivvy bag offers the best protection, packability, and stealth for your next solo adventure.
Best Bivvy Bags for Wild Camping – Snugpak vs Army vs Integral Designs
In this bivvy bag comparison, I test three well-known shelters in real wild camping conditions:
Snugpak Stratosphere
British Army Issue Bivvy Bag
Integral Designs South Col
Each one brings something unique to the table — from compact, stealthy profiles to rugged protection and breathability. Whether you're new to bivvy camping or looking to upgrade your kit, this guide covers:
Size and pack weight
Condensation and airflow
Waterproofing and durability
Real-world comfort during the night
As always, this was filmed in the woods with no fluff — just honest, side-by-side testing. Perfect for stealth camping, solo hiking, and lightweight overnighters.
Which one would you take into the wild?
A peaceful solo wild camp in a forgotten woodland, with a DD hammock, Fray Bentos, and pure solitude.
In this solo wild camp, I head deep into a forgotten woodland for a peaceful night of hammock camping under the trees. Using the DD Frontline Hammock and tarp, I set up a simple, reliable shelter and embrace the stillness of a hidden spot that few ever see.
Alongside the calm and quiet, I test a classic Fray Bentos meal — perfect for low-effort outdoor cooking. This trip was about slowing down, disconnecting from the world, and reconnecting with nature in its purest form.
If you love solo camping, hammock setups, or escaping into quiet woodlands, this one’s for you.
I tested the OEX Phoxx 3 at Spider Castle Farm — here’s how it stacks up against the legendary Phoxx 2.
In this wild camp review, I take the OEX Phoxx 3 to Spider Castle Farm in Kent to see how it performs as an upgrade from the Phoxx 2.
I cover everything from pack size and ease of setup to interior space and weather protection — all tested under real conditions in the field. Whether you’re deciding between the Phoxx 2 and 3 or just looking for the best budget wild camping tent right now, this is the honest review you need.
Lightweight, affordable, and built for the UK outdoors — is the Phoxx 3 worth it? Let’s find out.
These 9 wild camping essentials go with me every trip — reliable, budget-friendly, and field-tested in the UK.
In this video, I break down the 9 essential pieces of gear I never camp without. These are the affordable, dependable items that have stood the test of time across dozens of wild camps — from stormy hilltops to peaceful woodlands.
You’ll see a mix of budget Amazon finds and outdoor staples like the DD tarp, Nalgene Sustain bottle, and Flextail Gear pump. Whether you're new to wild camping or just refining your kit, these recommendations are all about gear that performs without breaking the bank.
Simple, solid, and trusted in the field — these are the items I rely on every time I head out.
I spent 48 hours solo in the woods testing the OneTigris Backwoods Bungalow — peaceful, rugged, and fully off-grid.
In this two-day solo wild camp, I head deep into the woods to test the OneTigris Backwoods Bungalow — a single-wall shelter that’s as unique as it is practical.
Over 48 hours alone, I set up camp, cook over the fire, and take time to explore and reflect. This shelter offered comfort, space, and great views of the forest around me. I share how it performed in terms of condensation, airflow, weather resistance, and packability.
If you're into bushcraft camping, solo overnights, or curious about the Backwoods Bungalow for your next trip, this one gives you the full picture in real conditions.
Carbon monoxide is the most overlooked killer in camping. Here's how to avoid disaster and stay safe with real tips and tested gear.