Testing out kit

[dangerman]

So that's me done at school - I've finished until I start second year and that means I've got a good chunk of time off. Yeeeey!

I'm planning on a couple of nights away in the trailer tent in a few weeks, so I can test out my big stuff then, like my family sized stuff for cooking and solar power etc. But mean time I am planning on a couple of nights on two separate camping trips - wild camping baby! This will put to test my 72hr (ish)/go bag and I'm hoping to avoid any mishaps. I just want to enjoy some countryside and familiarise myself with my equipment.

Has anyone got any wild camping experience? I'm going to stay fairly local for now while I'm solo and when I've got some friends to go with I'll head into the country. I don't want to take any chances at the moment because if something goes wrong I don't want to be too committed. So far my packing list is thus:

Sleeping bag (4 season)
Sleeping mat (closed cell)
Tent (Hi Gear Soloista)
Tarp 3x3m (from poundland)
Kelly kettle
Stove & extra gas (just in case I can't get fuel to light for kelly kettle)
Pan
Food and water (and some whiskey)
Bog roll
Folding shovel/spade
Microfiber towel
Small dry bag just in case
Some duct tape
Chlorine tablets
Radio
Basic first aid stuff
Candle lantern
torch&head torch
Water bottle
KFS
full tang knife
Matches/lighter
Solar phone charger
Some paracord

I have loads more bits and bobs in my bag, but I'm trying to compile a list of the essentials. The 'don't leave home without' kit.

Anything more I need?

[Hamradioop]

I would add a spare pair or two of socks in a zip-lock bag to keep them dry.

a set of thermal underwear for if the temperature drops which it can this time of year. again zip-lock bags to keep dry.

[dangerman]

Good O, I've got some there actually. Will bung em into my dry bag.

Ta bud.

[Hoipoloi]

Something to take pictures with so you can show us when you get back

[Brambles]

Done a fair bit of wild camping (still do) You will surprise yourself just how little you actually NEED to be comfy. My kit is:
1 man tent
sleeping bag
inflatable mat(more compact)
fleece blanket
a couple of emergency blankets(I use these as a footprint for the tent and to knock up a little shelter to sit under, just bin 'em when finished)
Trangia style spirit stove, meths and 3 tent pegs
mess tin
metal cup and cutlery
First Aid Kit
change of clothes
thermals(I use them as PJ's) (never sleep in your clothes if you don't have to and never sleep nekkid!)
mini lantern
headtorch
gloves and hat
Insect repellant
fire starting kit,
folding shovel
water carrier(full!)
water filter
travel wash kit
wet wipes
toilet tissue
pocket radio
book
food and drink stuff.
a couple of disposable ponchos
Walking poles
Bin bags
Knife(mine is a Mora Bushcraft jobbie)

Although I carry all that and it all fits in a medium ALICE pack with room to spare, I have never actually used all of it in one trip. A lot of it is 'just in case' as I hate being wet and bored.

Finally, have a great time and remember....arrive late, leave early and leave no trace.

[poppypiesdad]

Baby Wipes .
J

[Lintymantis]

Bit of a side note but what are the rules on where you can actually wild camp? Iam struggling to think of anywhere that isn't privately owned or where camping is prohibited.

[QUAID]

Dangerman,
just go out there and enjoy yourself. You will never learn all there is to know - it takes years of trial and testing.

Initial thoughts are that you'll be surprised how heavy your bergen can be.
Your Water bottles will drain quick.
Mozzies and midgies can defeat armies, so have a good head net and repellent.

Good luck.

[nickdutch]

Washing up equipment?

[Brambles]

Washing up equipment?

Boil some water in the dirty mess tin, rub round with a couple of wet wipes = nice clean mess tin.