This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Weekend Wild Camp Kit Guide — What to Pack for the UK
The Scenario
One night wild camping in the UK hills. Walk in Friday evening or Saturday morning, camp one night, walk out Sunday. Three-season conditions (April–October).
Complete Kit List
Weight Budget
| Category | Budget Weight | Ultralight Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | 2.5kg | 1.4kg |
| Sleep system | 2.0kg | 1.0kg |
| Cooking | 0.5kg | 0.3kg |
| Food + water (1 night) | 2.0kg | 1.5kg |
| Clothing (packed) | 1.5kg | 1.0kg |
| Navigation + safety | 0.8kg | 0.5kg |
| Pack | 1.5kg | 0.8kg |
| Total (without water) | ~10.8kg | ~6.5kg |
Wild Camping Etiquette
- Camp high, camp late, leave early
- Pitch after 7pm, leave by 9am
- Leave no trace — carry out everything you carry in
- No fires on open moorland or peat
- Bury human waste 30cm deep, 50m from water
- Be invisible — dark-coloured tents, no noise after 10pm
Key Product Recommendations
OEX Phoxx 1 V2
Amazon UK1.75kg
3,000mm
Pros
- +Genuinely backpackable
- +Waterproof
- +Good value
Cons
- −Tight for tall campers
- −Small porch
The best-value tent for weekend wild camping.
View dealAffiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
Alpkit Pipedream 400
Amazon UK850g
-3C
Pros
- +Three-season warmth under 1kg
- +Hydrophobic down
- +Good value
Cons
- −Duck down
- −Packs larger than goose
The sleeping bag sweet spot for weekend wild camps.
View dealAffiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
Sawyer Squeeze
Amazon UK85g
0.1 micron
Pros
- +85g negligible
- +Unlimited lifespan
- +Effective
Cons
- −Needs back-flushing
- −Pouches wear out
Lightweight water security from any stream.
View dealAffiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you
Weekend Wild Camp Planning
- Check the weather forecast (Mountain Weather Information Service for hills)
- Plan your route on OS Maps and download offline
- Tell someone your plans and expected return
- Identify water sources along your route
- Check access rights for your chosen area
- Pack for conditions 10C colder than forecast (mountains are colder and windier than valleys)
Leave No Trace
Wild camping is a privilege. Protect it by: pitching late, leaving early, camping on durable surfaces, carrying out all waste, not lighting fires on sensitive ground, keeping groups small, and leaving your pitch exactly as you found it. The next person should never know you were there.
Ready to gear up?
Use our kit builder to get a complete packout list tailored to your trip type, terrain, and budget — with prices and buy links.
