Wild Camping UK: A Real Beginner's Guide (2025 Edition)
Finding My Feet in the Wild
Hey everyone, I'm Andy from Beard in the Wild, and if you're brand new to wild camping in the UK—or just curious about giving it a go—you’re in the right place. This post is all about making wild camping feel less intimidating, more doable, and, most importantly, incredibly rewarding.
Just six months ago, I was a complete beginner to wild camping myself. I’ve got a long background in the outdoors through my work with Challenger Troop, but wild camping? That was new territory. So I thought I’d take you through what I’ve learned, what gear I recommend, and how this journey has impacted my mindset and mental health.
Why I Started Wild Camping
In December 2024, I decided to take the plunge into wild camping—and not just the fair-weather kind. Storm Darragh was rolling in, and while it wasn’t exactly ideal weather, I wanted a challenge. Why? Because the mental reset that comes from being out in nature is second to none.
I also work with young people through Challenger Troop, and we teach them the value of time spent outdoors. That connection, that calm, that sense of resilience—I needed it for myself too.
Choosing the Right Shelter
Tent? Hammock? Bivvy?
One of the first hurdles is figuring out how you want to sleep. Here’s what I’ve tried:
Tent: Great for most people starting out. My go-to is the OEX Phoxx 2 V2—reliable and compact.
Hammock: Amazing in summer, trickier in storms. Needs strong trees and good positioning.
Bivvy Bag: Close to nature, super stealthy, but not always the comfiest.
For complete beginners, I’d suggest starting with a 2-man tent—even if you’re solo. You’ll appreciate the space.
The Gear I Recommend (on a budget)
Sleep System
Getting a good night’s sleep outdoors isn’t just about comfort—it’s safety, too. Here’s my tried-and-tested setup:
Sleeping Mat: OEX Flux 7R – R-value 7.2 for warmth. Around £60 from Go Outdoors.
Sleeping Bag: British Military Arctic Bag – Bulky, but unbeatable warmth.
Pillow: Blow-up pillow for space saving + soft backup pillow for comfort.
Night Clothes: Merino wool socks, British military long johns, and thermal top.
Cooking Setup
Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what I use:
BCB Crusader Cook Set – Military-grade mug and stove combo.
Trangia Spirit Burner – £12 well spent. Reliable and simple.
Flextail Pump/Light Combo – Dual-purpose gear is a win.
Collapsible Silicone Mug – £3 from Go Outdoors. Space saver!
I even managed to cook a steak on the Trangia stove. Yes, you read that right—a steak in the woods.
Common Beginner Mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Overpacking – We’ve all done it. Stick to what you actually need.
Wearing Too Many Layers While Hiking – You’ll sweat, then freeze. Learn to layer smartly.
Poor Shelter Positioning – Wind direction and overhead branches matter.
Underestimating Cold Feet – Always bring warm socks and consider a sit mat.
Relying on Cheap Sleeping Bags – They often aren’t rated honestly. Go military surplus or proven brands.
Where to Wild Camp (Safely)
I always recommend:
Starting close to home or in a place you know.
Avoiding dodgy trees in wind.
Setting up well before dark.
Using natural features for wind protection.
If you’re new and anxious, why not camp in your back garden first? It’s the best practice ground.
What Wild Camping Does for Your Mind
When you’re out here, every task takes longer:
Making a coffee
Cooking a meal
Getting washed and changed
And that’s the beauty of it—it forces you to slow down.
For me, wild camping has become a kind of moving meditation. It gives me headspace I didn’t know I needed, and when I come home, I’m a better version of myself.
Key Takeaways
Start simple: a 2-man tent, good mat, and proper sleeping bag.
Don’t overpack. Stick to the essentials.
Try wild camping somewhere familiar before venturing too far.
Learn to layer and dress for the weather.
Wild camping is as much for the mind as it is for the body.
Over to You: What’s Your First Camp Plan?
So if you’re thinking about trying wild camping in the UK—what’s stopping you? Do you have your gear sorted? Got a location in mind?
Let me know in the comments—I’ll happily help if I can.
Thanks for reading, and if you’ve found this post useful, feel free to share it or check out the YouTube video it’s based on.
Are you a complete beginner to wild camping? This video will make it easy for you with tips, advice, and hacks for a successful camping experience. I share some of the camping gear I use, some of the things that have, and haven't worked. If you need a little lesson in wild camping watch to see my top tips.
A spontaneous wild camp in a forgotten woodland using the DD Frontline hammock. No tarp, just stars, birdsong, and a full mental reset.