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How Do I Plan My First Wild Camping Adventure?

I know what it’s like to worry about what might happen on your first wild camping trip. My mid-twenties were dominated by acute anxieties. This didn’t bode very well for someone who wanted to experiment with wild camping. It was also these fears that helped bring about the confidence I have today. It’s also why I spend so much time encouraging others to get out and enjoy what the wild has to offer.

In this article, I talk about how to plan your first wild camping adventure. Also, why you should be mindful of any fears or reasons that might be stopping you.

Afraid to Take Your First Wild Camping Adventure?

We all have the same fears when it comes to wild camping. These are primal fears that can cause chaos for the limbic side of the brain. As you may know, this is the “chimp” part of the brain that likes to make decisions quick and fast. It’s also the side of the brain that causes all sorts of stress and anxiety. However, there are some points I would like to share about fear and the anxiety that can come before and during any wild camping trip.

– Fear is a good thing and will keep you safe on a wild camping trip.

– Most fears are irrational and highly unlikely to happen.

– Fear is something you can manage.

– Fear creates excitement and adds to the sense of adventure.

I know it might not feel this way for first-timers but fear or danger is often responsible for the sense of excitement we feel on an adventure. The truth is, I was very scared on my first few wild camping trips in Ireland. I was not only afraid of getting lost or stranded but also quite terrified of ax-murderers, angry farmers, and the banshee. This was the reason I camped right beside the infamous Hellfire Club in the Dublin mountains one night – to face my fear of the supernatural.

Anyway, you get my point, we all have certain thoughts that cause anxiety. This is certainly true when wild camping for the first time. You might want less of this fear but this will come naturally through experience. In my own opinion, these fears dissipate over time and you should be left with a comfortable sense of excitement.

How to Actually Plan Your First Wild Camping Adventure

1. Pick Out Some Potential Wild Camping Spots

It’s important to have a decent idea in terms of where you are going on your first wild camping adventure. This not only refers to the actual hiking trail but also the general area you’ll pitch your tent. But how can you know this area or spot?

I used to go out for day hikes and use these short trips to scout for potential wild camping spots. This was a great load off my mind when it came time to go out with the intention of camping. This didn’t mean I had to camp in that particular spot. But rather I now had a backup camp spot that I could use in the event of not finding another.

That being said, most of my wild camping spots are chosen without any “recon”. In these instances, I look at a GPS map and mark a few forested areas as my provisional camp spots. I don’t particularly enjoy camping in the forest but it’s often a dry hospitable place to wild camp. I might also mention that I always make sure to choose spots away from towns or civilization in general.

2. Make a Packing List and Prepare for the Unexpected

It should go without saying that making a wild camping packing list is super important. This list is responsible for keeping you safe and a fool-proof way to prepare for the unexpected. As a rule, it’s helpful not to carry too much but wise to carry more than you think you’ll need. For example, it’s okay to be “too warm” in the outdoors but never good to feel cold. So carrying sufficient warm gear for cold weather is most important such as Trespass Gear. Similarly, you should always carry rain gear and spare clothes in a dry bag.

On one of my very first wild camping trips, I ended up in a bad storm and all of my gear got wet due to my own stupidity. It was my tiny emergency blanket (space blanket) that saved the day and allowed me to sleep or stay safe that night. I will never take a trip without one and the same goes for my small first aid emergency kit. While I’ve only ever used the panadol in my first aid kit, I carry one in order to prepare for the unexpected.

Feel free to check out my wild camping packing list here.

3. Make Sure Electronics are Fully Charged and Carry a Powerbank

I like to use my outdoor adventures as a means of escaping the noise and busy nature of modern life. This includes technology which means my smartphone is only really used for navigation or taking photos. That’s why the smartphone is incredibly important, for your safety relies on it.

I always make sure everything is fully charged and my electronics are stored inside a reliable dry bag. This is also where I keep my charging cables and a decent power bank. I like the TP Link 15600amh or the Anker Powerbank. I cannot tell you how many times my smartphone has died unexpectedly and this power bank has saved the day. Yes, I can revert to paper maps but let’s be honest, having a fully charged phone is not only useful but also great peace of mind.

4. Have a Plan for Cooking, Food, and Water

Cooking is one of my favourite things about wild camping. It’s not that I love cooking but the fact that nothing beats a warm meal in the wild. You also want to keep things simple. This is why I usually stick with simple ideas like these quick and easy meals by Wayfarer. For lunch, I sometimes carry bagels with cheese or a pot noodle. For snacks throughout the day, I bring a mix between biscuits, cereal bars, and pastries.

Try to take note of rivers and potential water sources on your route. Don’t depend on these sources but use them whenever available. Remember that staying hydrated will keep you healthy and fit. You can do this by drinking water as much as possible – especially upon waking up and anytime “you don’t really feel like it”.

Of course, you will also need a camping stove to boil water or cook meals and the MSR pocket rocket is a small and lightweight option that I like to carry on overnight trips.

– Dioralyte is great for staying hydrated and Berocca is good for a boost of energy.

– Cereal bars are healthier than chocolate bars.

– Always carry a lot of water and try to camp near a water source.

– Carry a lighter AND a box of matches.

– Oats/porridge is a nice hot meal that packs a lot of energy.

– Coffee is filled with energy and a great boost for the mood in the mornings.

Note – I carry at least one backup meal and a spare box of cereal bars for emergencies.

5. Tell Someone Where You Are Going

I used to feel like it was almost a bit childish to contact my brother before going out for a night in the wilderness. In fact, I often pretended there was another reason for these texts and left my destination plans at the end.

However, after spending so long in the hiking community, I’ve come to appreciate the very real reasons why you should always tell someone where you are going. There are lots of rescue stories and you only need to follow Mountaineering Ireland to see some of these. There are also many instances that don’t have a happy ending. I think the story of David O’Sullivan on the Pacific Crest Trail was the one that affected me the most. David, from Cork, is thought to have gotten lost on this trail in America. I’ve been sending out these text messages with destinations/maps ever since.

This brings me to the next point…

6. Use Paper Maps and GPS (and Maybe a SPOT Device)

I don’t really use paper maps anymore but you will usually find one in my backpack. It’s not that GPS is unreliable but rather that electronics are prone to error and failure. Whether it loses power or gets wet, a phone is always at risk in this sense. And yes, it might be unlikely but you should carry a paper map in case of the unexpected.

I carry these Ordinance Survey paper maps in my backpack.

As for GPS, there are several apps out there. Hiiker and AllTrails provide various features for trails in Ireland. Maps.Me is a simple alternative which I use a lot.

Quick Note – SPOT is a tracking device that uses a satellite network to facilitate GPS tracking and texts in hard-to-reach places. This means you can text a friend from almost anywhere in the world. You can even provide a map that uses this device to show your location. I normally recommend hikers invest in one of these for long-distance trips in the wild. It’s a good idea to have one regardless of where you go.

7. By All Means Plan Ahead but Most Importantly – START!

I announce the start date of my long-distance trips on social media for one reason – accountability. I know that by announcing this date, the trip is far more likely to happen. I’m not suggesting you announce your wild camping trip online but highlighting the fact that getting started is never easy. There’s just always a reason to wait or put off an adventure. It’s worth embracing whatever helps you take that first step. My advice is to set a day or date and commit to making a start.

A Final Word about Your First Wild Camping Adventure

I’d like to finish up this article by saying that you never regret the adventure. I’ve had some serious fails and miserable times on the trail but there was always something to learn. As a tip of the hat to Henry David Thoreau, let me say that I go wild camping because I wish to live deliberately and see what I might learn and not, “when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

Enjoy and remember that fear will always disappear in the face of confidence. This is why wild camping is an experience, not a competition.

Everything You Should Know About Hiking the Wicklow Way

The Wicklow Way is my favourite long distance trail in Ireland. It was first written about in the mid-1960s by J.B Malone who set out to develop a long distance walk in Ireland. It took many years for this idea to gain much interest. The Wicklow Way is now the best known hiking trail in the country and easily accessible from Dublin.

Stretching from Marley Park in Dublin to Clonegal in Carlow, the Wicklow Way is approx 125km and split into seven “stages”. Each stage is intersected by a small town. Most hikers take up to one week to complete the trail without having to rush. In between these towns, the trail can feel surprisingly remote. It snakes its way through a series of foothills and mountains that climb more than 3,500 metres in total.

Hiking the Wicklow Way: What Should You Expect?

Most of the trail travels through Wicklow which mostly consists of mountains and hills. You will also hike stretches of paved road from time to time. These are usually quiet country roads and lanes with little-to-no traffic. It’s relatively easy to find a water source on most days (but not guaranteed). The accommodation at the end of each stage is reasonably affordable and cheerful. If you wish to wild camp, this is also possible – but more on this in a moment.

Overall, I’m always surprised with how remote it can feel on the Wicklow Way because you are always within walking distance of civilization. While the hill climbs come and go by the hour, they are rarely too steep and are accompanied by stunning views. The Wicklow Way is also well-marked and with a paper map and GPS, I believe most hikers will feel comfortable in terms of navigation. With these stunning views and favourable logistics, I think it’s an ideal long distance trail for a first-timer.

But maybe you don’t want to (or cannot) hike the full Wicklow Way?

Hiking the Wicklow Way in Stages

It’s also possible to hike the Wicklow Way in stages. This makes the trail suitable for every fitness level. Some stages are much shorter than others so hikers can also pick out a specific stage, with which they feel comfortable. I’ve done this myself when short on time and if you live in Dublin, County Wicklow never feels like “a long way to go” for a hike.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Hike the Wicklow Way?

May to September is the most reliable time to hike the Wicklow Way. I would advise the less experienced not to attempt this trail close to the Winter months. Most of the accommodation (and many restaurants) are also not open outside of the Summer months. The weather is very unpredictable which is the main reason to avoid these months. In fact, I prefer to hike this trail in the shoulder months of May or September. There are less people on the trail and various attractions in between are less busy.

In case you might be asking yourself, I refer to places like Powerscourt Waterfall and Glendalough which are both highlights of hiking the Wicklow Way.

Where to Start and Finish the Wicklow Way

I should also say that you can choose to hike north to south or south to north. The main difference between each starting point is the ease of transport. That is to say, it’s easy to get to/from Marlay Park in Dublin but slightly more tricky to reach Clonegal.

There’s also the fact that starting in Clonegal will help ease you into the hike. Less climbs near the beginning when you hike south to north. While the last day presents stunning views of Dublin and the coastline.

Note: The number 16 bus travels from Dublin city centre to Marlay Park. Meanwhile, Bus Eireann stops in Kildavin which is less than 3km from Clonegal.

Wild Camping Vs. B&B – Where to Stay in the Wicklow Way

As for where to stay, there are B&B’s at the end of each stage on the Wicklow Way and a handful more in between. There is a nice little hostel in Knockree and another at Glendalough and three Adirondack Shelters on the trail. These shelters are small huts that were built so that hikers could take shelter from the elements. I’ve come across people wild camping beside these shelters and sleeping inside with a bivvy bag. With one or two exceptions I’ve found multiple spots to wild camp on the Wicklow Way.

You should know that wild camping is not permitted in Glendalough Valley. Hikers should always expect to either camp earlier than planned or to hike further when searching for a suitable spot. I say this because sometimes you happen across a suitable spot for a wild camp but it might be earlier than you expected to stop hiking. Likewise, it’s often necessary to keep hiking until you find a nice place to wild camp.

Food and Water on the Wicklow Way

It’s important to carry enough food for each stage of the Wicklow Way because towns are few and far apart. There is no alternative to these towns in terms of buying food. As for water, there are many sources along the trail. There are also times when you might not come across one when needed. You should have at least two or three litres of water at all times. Remember that due to wildlife, farming and forestry, the water en-route is not always potable. With this in mind, it’s really important to pick up a water filter like the Trailshot Microilter by MSR.

For my own hikes, I always had at least one backup meal in dried food for each time of day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also pack many cereal bars and snacks in the case of an emergency (running out of food).

Following the Trail Signs and Navigation on the Wicklow Way

The Wicklow Way is sign-posted really well with a variety of markers that feature a “yellow man”. You will most often find them at junctions and then every half-kilometre for the long straight sections on the trail. There are also information boards from time to time but it’s best to have your own GPS, maps and apps to consult for navigation.

As a rule, if you don’t see a trail marker for more than one kilometre, it’s possible that you will need to turn around and at least check your map. I’ve mostly used offline maps (an app downloaded before hitting the trail) but in the case of my battery running out, I also have a powerbank and OS paper map of the Wicklow Way area.

What Gear to Pack for the Wicklow Way

I’ve put together this packing list for a long distance hike which you might want to check out. It’s crucial that you also do your own due-diligence. The gear you pack will always impact how comfortable and safe you feel on the Wicklow Way. Footwear with good outsoles and support is recommended. I always use trekking poles – the importance of which many hikers seem to ignore. I won’t go into the specifics in this post but I would like to mention a few things to remember about clothing:

Layering Up – The weather on the Wicklow Way can change in a second and you need to be prepared for cold or wet weather on a hike. While it may seem like a sensible idea to take the warmest, waterproof jacket with you – the better option is to layer up. If you have both lightweight gear and several layers for underneath, this will enable you to regulate your temperature and provide you with the best of both worlds.

Avoid Cotton – When the weather is hot, cotton can cause chaffing. When the weather is wet, cotton is difficult to dry. When you are cold, wet, and wearing cotton, you are a walking recipe for hypothermia. Choose a material like merino wool, polyester or nylon which dries quickly and keeps the moisture off your skin.

Keeping Clothing Dry – It always brings me confidence to know that there is something warm and dry to wear later that night. Also, if you wake up to the sound of rain in the morning and your hiking gear is wet, resist the temptation to hike in your dry clothes. Instead, pack them up, put on the wet gear and suck it up. You’ll likely need this warm and dry gear to sleep in again that same night.

Day by Day Itinerary for Hiking the Wicklow Way

Let’s take a quick look at the seven stages from north to south on the Wicklow Way:

Marley Park to Knockree – 21km – Approx 8 hours walking.

Knockree to Roundwood – 18km – Approx 7 hours walking.

Roundwood to Glendalough – 12km – Approx 4 hours walking.

Glendalough to Aughavannagh – 14km – Approx 5 hours walking.

Glendalough to Glenmalure – 14km – Approx 5 hours walking.

Glenmalure to Moyne – 21km – Approx 7 hours walking.

Moyne to Shillelagh – 21km – Approx 7 hours walking.

Shillelagh to Clonegal – 19km – Approx 6 hours walking.

Some Final Points for Hiking the Wicklow Way

Carrying Your Own Backpack – Believe it or not, you don’t even need to carry all your belongings in the summer months. It’s possible to ask most B&B’s or even a local transport company to take your backpack to the next town – for a fee of course.

Consult the Weather Forecast – The Wicklow mountains are very exposed in places and rather scary in extreme weather. The weather can also change very quickly so it’s important to have an idea of what to expect and plan and pack accordingly.

Bring a Powerbank – Try to make sure that both your phone and powerbank is full charged by the time you depart each morning. Charging these items is the first thing I try to do as soon as I stop hiking for the day.

Be Careful on the Roads – Although there is little traffic on the road sections, cars can drive fast on these sections for this same reason which poses an obvious danger.

Remember to Leave no Trace – Know the principles of “Leave No Trace” and always pack out everything that you take with you on the trail. It’s also really important to respect the wildlife and local landowners and avoid starting any campfires.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have a high level of fitness to hike the Wicklow Way but decent preparation will always keep you safe. Early starts will also help take the pressure off in terms of covering any distances in between. I also encourage friends or family to hike the Wicklow Way alone. Yes, you can share the cost of accommodation with friends but hiking alone is a very different experience and the Wicklow Way is the perfect opportunity to experience a stunning wilderness in the “Garden of Ireland”.

My 7 Favourite Wild Camping Spots from Walking Around Ireland

I went wild camping for more than one hundred nights in the year that I walked around Ireland. It was my first time to sleep in all of these spots with no directions or information. I was often camped in a random forest next to the road or on a hilltop above a farm. These spots were not always spectacular but always provided the sense of adventure and excitement I was hoping to find. Some wild camping spots really stand out in my memory. In this blog, I will share with you for the first time – my favourite wild camping spots in Ireland.

My 7 Favourite Wild Camping Spots from Walking Around Ireland

1. Dunree Beach on the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal

This area is best known for Dunree fort which sits on a rocky promontory on the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal. It was built during the Napoleonic Wars and really adds to the sense of mystique in the area. I was far more interested in the beautiful view that opens up as you approach the sandy and rather isolated stretch down below.

Dunree Beach feels like a sort of amphitheatre due to the shape of the bay. On more than a few occasions I’ve had this beach all to myself . The dunes provide enough shelter from the elements and privacy which is needed for a comfortable night of wild camping. I’ve also parked up the road and walked down to the beach with my gear in-hand.

2. Glenmacnass River Near Lough Tay in Wicklow

Glenmacnass Waterfall was used as a filming location in the movie “Braveheart”. The river preceding this spectacle leads up further into the Wicklow mountains and past a popular attraction known as the heart-shaped lake – Lough Ouler. I often camp right next to this river after visiting the lake or climbing nearby peak – Tonelagee.

While there is often a swarm of midges awaiting at dusk, I love the sense of wildness in this area. It’s common to see deer at sunrise or sunset. The silhouettes of the mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenes in Wicklow. When you first arrive at this river en route to Lough Ouler, it’s best to walk at least a few hundred metres up river. That way you are out of sight and not bothering any hikers that come that way.

I used to walk all the way to this spot from Glendalough via St Kevin’s Way and Tonelagee Mountain. I then return to Glendalough by either climbing over Scarr Mountain or walking the nearby road that runs down the valley and past Glenmacnass River. It’s a hike but a real adventure to take on for a weekend of wild camping!

3. Mountains or Lakes Between Killarney and Black Valley in Kerry

Want to see some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Ireland? Climb up above Torc Waterfall on the Kerry Way hiking trail. The trail is well-marked and there are many potential wild camping spots between here and “Black Valley”. I eventually settled for a majestic spot next to a lake. I happened across many more spots earlier that same day but it was too early to stop. There’s not much else around except silence and natural beauty so be sure to bring supplies. I have yet to hike this trail in full but this section put the Kerry Way at the top of my “to hike” list.

4. Lough Salt in the Hills of Donegal

I know that lots of people will be quick to recommend a visit to Glenveagh National Park. While I totally agree, I much prefer the lesser known spots for wild camping. Located approx halfway between Dunfanaghy and Letterkenny, Lough Salt is the perfect example of what I hope to find on a night out in the wild. The lake is used as a reservoir and especially interesting as it sits more than 450 metres above sea level. There’s very little traffic on this road (zero after dark). I camped close to the lake but on the other side of a hill that faced down into the mountains. Cue the most incredible night of reading under my headlamp and watching a dark mist descend on the mountains below.

5. Great Blasket Island Just Off the Coast of Kerry

I think this just might be my favourite place to visit in Ireland. Not to mention my favourite place to go wild camping. There’s a lot of history behind the ruined village and life on the Great Blasket Island. I recommend reading “Twenty Years a Growing” or “The Islandman” to know more about this history. I’m just as fascinated by the wildness and wildlife on the island. You can spend an entire morning or afternoon walking from end to end and the views are beyond special.

I camped next to the “Kings House” on the Great Blasket Island. It’s important to take great care in terms of the principles of Leave No Trace. There’s a tiny coffee shop on the island that allowed me to use the toilet by day. There is also a spring for water but you need to bring all of your own food.

Note – I get the feeling that wild camping might not always be welcomed/encouraged on the Great Blasket Island. I plan to return as soon as possible for this reason/suspicion!

6. The Mourne Mountains in County Down

I walked through a small portion of the Mourne Mountains on my walk around Ireland last year. This was one of the most beautiful sections of the entire walk and one that made me feel especially small! There were so many spots I wanted to camp for the couple of days I spent walking this area. Some of these spots were graced with spectacular views of the land below. Others were sandwiched in a valley between two towering peaks. Due to an injury, I was eager to reach the next town and kept walking past many of these potential wild camping spots.

I still managed to pitch up in a lovely spot, such is the beauty and remote nature of the mountains. I could see the lights of a town in the valley below and only silence surrounded my tent that night. I hope to seek out many wild camping spots in the Mourne Mountains in the future.

7. Nephin Beg on the Bangor Trail in Mayo

There is a part of Nephin Beg which is said to be the most remote point in the country and 8km to the nearest road. I’m not sure of the exact coordinates but the entirety of “the Bangor Trail” felt like the most remote place in the country. It felt quite strange to be hiking and camping in such a dark landscape. The sights were reminiscent of the bleak times of history like the famine years. In spite of this rather dark atmosphere, it felt like a privilege to camp here.

It was absolute silence and stillness. However, there were a bazillion midges objecting to my wanting to camp or cook in the area. It’s also quite a tough hike (much harder in wet conditions). The trail is not well-marked but for experienced hikers/wild campers, a night in Nephin Beg is an exciting and unusual experience to say the very least!

Final Thoughts

In all my years of wild camping, I’ve often found the best camping spots in the most unlikely of places. Lough Salt and Dunree Beach are examples of this. While some spots stand out from others, I believe the same sense of excitement can be found just down the road as on an adventure on the other side of the country – or even the world, for that matter!

10 Wild Camping Tips for Beginners that You Should Know

I remember walking into a campsite in Kerry last year and feeling sorry for some of my neighbours. There were some fantastic setups but there were also a lot of people looking incredibly stressed and frustrated. In fact, one family was already arguing over the remote because yes, they had taken a television on their camping trip.

And each to their own, right? Of course.

But this also reminded me of why many people don’t enjoy their first spot of wild camping. Wild camping is far from being a science but it’s easy to spoil this experience by taking the wrong gear or failing to understand what makes it so enjoyable.

In this article, I talk about some wild camping tips for beginners and simple ideas that would have saved me a lot of hassles and discomfort when I started out.

10 Wild Camping Tips for Beginners that You Should Know

+ FREE Printable Wild Camping Checklist

1. Pack Light and Only Take What You Need

Carrying too much gear was my first mistake when it comes to wild camping. I think that because I was so afraid, I compensated for this fear by carrying more gear than necessary. This not only meant carrying too much clothing but also too much food and accessories. For instance, I had three different torches and spare batteries for each one! Because I took this approach to multiple items, I ended up carrying more weight than during my hike on the Pacific Crest Trail a few years ago. I believe experience teaches everyone the same lessons about wild camping but it’s sometimes better to learn from others’ mistakes, rather than your own!

I’ll be outlining a basic packing list at the end of this post.

2. Make Sure You Have a Warm Sleep System/Gear

You just won’t enjoy a night of wild camping if you have an insufficient sleeping bag, which is why I have a different sleeping bag for the warm and cold weather months. But here’s a few ways in which I suggest you can keep warm and comfortable each and every night:

Bring thermal leggings and socks that you can wear if needed.

– Invest in a lightweight sleeping bag liner – they can add an insane amount of warmth.

– Wear a down jacket/puffy jacket in your sleeping bag on especially cold nights.

– Place a rain jacket over the foot area of your sleeping bag.

– Wear a beanie hat to sleep so that you won’t wake up with a cold head.

– Take an emergency foil blanket as a backup.

In short, it’s better to be too warm or a cold night of wild camping is just not enjoyable!

3. Choose a Suitable Tent for Wild Camping

I sometimes use a bivvy bag for wild camping and really enjoy the immersive experience they offer. But a bivvy bag is not always suitable and this is especially true during wet and windy conditions. For this reason, I most often use a one or two-man tent for wild camping in Ireland.

But what else should you consider when choosing a tent?

If you want the best chance of remaining unseen and to avoid the risk of being asked to move, a green or brown tent is the most discreet for obvious reasons.

Pick a tent that performs well in especially wet and windy conditions. I find a low profile works best because they are much less likely to shake like crazy or make noise in general.

4. Pitch Your Tent Before You Go Wild Camping in Ireland

I went wild camping on Dunree beach some years ago with a Vango Banshee 200. It’s my favourite tent for wild camping in Ireland and incredibly easy to pitch. However, I made the mistake of assuming this would be really quick and easy to set up for the first time.

It was getting dark and raining hard at the time. Due to these conditions and the onset of frustration, I spent a good hour trying to figure out how to pitch the tent properly and the rest of the night trying to get dry and warm myself up again.

It’s true, the tent is extremely easy to pitch. However, every tent design is different and the Vango Banshee 200 required a different approach than my other tents. Moral of the story? I could have avoided this disaster by pitching the tent in my backyard beforehand.

5. Consider Taking Cold or Pre Made Meals Instead of Cooking

After a long hike, I do enjoy a hot meal but I’m often too tired to cook. That’s why I always carry the option to have a cold meal in the mornings or evenings. Cooking is one of the most enjoyable things about wild camping but it’s also messy at times and not always ideal in especially bad weather. What’s more, I’ve often found a cold chicken tikka wrap to be just as enjoyable as a hot meal of any kind- especially if someone made the wrap for me!

6. Aim for a Wild Camping Spot Away from Built Up Areas

I find that picking a forest area can be especially reliable for wild camping. A forest is most often a sheltered and calm place to camp but also one in which you’ll be out of sight. In terms of choosing a spot, it’s also quite easy to pick out forested areas on any GPS or physical map.

You should also notice it’s harder to find a wild camping spot near a town or built up area. This means if you are hiking a long distance trail such as the Kerry Way or the Wicklow Way, it’s best to pick out some potential wild camping areas either long before or after such places.

7. Choose a Safe and Comfortable Spot (Near a Water Source)

Camping on a bed of pine needles is a beautiful thing and much better than a bed of stones or especially hard ground. That being said, none of this matters if it rains and you’re pitched in a ditch or depressed area that’s likely to flood or become waterlogged. It’s also important to stay clear of any dead trees or branches and avoid exposed areas when the weather is particularly wild. The last thing I would mention is the convenience of having a nearby water source. This will not only mean that you can use as much water as you like but a water source also makes washing dishes (and yourself) much easier. On the other hand, maybe it’s a spot known for midges? In which case, midges like water and this might be something to avoid.

8. Wait Until Nightfall to Pitch Your Tent

If you want to avoid getting moved on, it’s best to wait until nightfall to pitch your tent. I actually do this so that I won’t be thinking or worrying about having to relocate. It obviously won’t matter as much deep inside Wicklow National Park but it’s a decent rule of thumb.

For the sake of the wild camping community, I also suggest you pack up and leave at first light. It’s not about getting caught but rather about making every effort not to disturb locals and to help the wild camping community avoid any unwanted attention.

9. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Headlamp

I used to lead camping safaris in Africa. Before these trips, I would often pick up a few headlamps as my guests would often show up without one. You see, many of these guests had never gone camping before or tried to pitch a tent in the dark – without a headlamp. It might seem like a rather obvious or minor matter but you need both hands to pitch a tent which will inevitably make the process a little more than frustrating. The same goes for cooking in the dark, reading in the dark and going to the toilet in the dark – you get the idea!

10. Use Reusable Dry Bags (And not Plastic Bags)

I try not to use plastic bags wherever possible and dry bags are the ideal replacement. It’s important to use these bags to ensure your gear is fully protected from the elements. The truth is, backpacks can leak and a dry bag will ensure your backup gear is properly stored.

Just so you know, I use reusable Ziploc bags for food. However, I not only use a dry bag for my spare clothing but I also have a separate dry bag for my cooking equipment, sleeping bag and electronics. You can never be too careful but you should also find these precautions will serve you well on future trips.

Now, here’s a quick look at a basic packing list for wild camping. Please remember this is a basic outline and you will need more or less gear depending on various factors/conditions.

Basic Packing List for Wild Camping

Tent
Sleeping Bag (& Sleeping Bag Liner)
Sleeping Mattress
Down Jacket
Gloves
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants
Beanie Hat
Backpack Rain Cover
Dry Bags
Spare T-Shirt
Spare Socks
Warm Sweater
Thermal Top / Bottoms / Socks
Headlamp
Map / GPS
Water Filter
Stove / Gas
Pot
Spork
Lighter & Matches
Camping Knife
Phone
Powerbank
Charging Cable
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Toilet Paper
Credit Card / Cash
Plastic Bag for packing Trash / Waste

Download Printable Checklist

Final Thoughts

I think that most people often worry and think about the same things before they go wild camping for the first time. These “things” include getting lost, being attacked or not having the right gear. But most of these thoughts are either unlikely or irrational and having the right gear is a simple matter of careful research and packing.

End.

Either way, stay safe and whatever you do – enjoy your time in the wild!