The Way I Wild Camp – Quiet, Stealth and Low Impact

There are many different ways to wild camp, as there are with most things in life, and no one way is right or wrong. This is just how I do it.

My approach is simple. I keep things quiet, low profile and try to leave no trace or signs that I was ever there.

Keeping Things Simple

I don’t usually cook full meals when I’m out. I don’t light fires and I avoid open flames, especially in the warmer months. I am clumsy and accident prone, so the last thing I would ever want is to be responsible for starting a fire. Even a small flame or smoke can draw attention, and that’s just the way I have always done it.

Most of the time I take simple food like soup and sandwiches. It’s easy, quick to prepare and convenient as I can eat while on the move. The bonus being, that while I eat, my pack gets lighter. For me it keeps things simple and saves on carrying extra gear. I am partial to a coffee in the colder months, so that’s the exception.

Choosing Quiet and Hidden Locations

I don’t camp in obvious or popular places very often. You won’t find me on the tops of well-known mountains, because there aren’t any where I live. I don’t always chase a view. I’m just as happy to be tucked away in a bit of woodland, behind gorse or in a quiet field where I won’t be seen.

Stealth plays a huge part in how I camp. I don’t use bright gear or large and brightly coloured shelters. I prefer low-profile setups, which is exactly why I like bivvy camping so much, especially using my Nortent Skjul Bivvy. It’s simple, discreet and does exactly what I need it to do. Before that, I used a Dutch hooped bivvi and in bad weather or winter, I turn to the the OEX Phoxx 1 V2 Tent, which is also low profile and blends in well.

Respecting the Land

I am carefully when it comes to choosing locations, and the time of year matters too. I avoid popular areas when they’re likely to be busy. Living in Dorset means the coast is a no-go area for me during the summer months, so I stay away and camp elsewhere.

I don’t try to access places by climbing fences, digging holes or crossing obvious boundaries into private or restricted areas. I stick to areas that are open and accessible, where visitors are welcome during the day, but not to encouraged to stay overnight.

I don’t damage anything, and try to have as little impact on the environment that I stay the night in. I’m very conscious that I’m only there for a night, while others call the place home. I even like to avoid camping on bluebells in spring and I definitely stay away from areas where birds are nesting.

I also try to do a litter pick on every camp. It doesn’t always happen due to the weather, but if I can, I will.

It’s become a tradition of mine, and a way of giving something back and saying thank you to the places I use. My hope is the next person who comes along won’t notice anything at all, and that’s the goal.

I can’t take credit for the idea. I picked it up from the YouTuber Steve Wallis. I watched one of his videos years ago where he cleared up rubbish from a spot he was camping in. I thought it was a good idea, so I started doing the same and have stuck with it ever since.

I use the hashtag #oslitterpick with every litter pick. I’ve litter picked in the USA, Nepal and South Korea.

Safety and Awareness

I think a lot about my safety when I am out and when I am choosing a spot. This is because I am getting older, and I am also a husband and a dad. I prefer places that are tucked away, but also where I can make a quick exit if needed. I don’t camp in enclosed areas with limited access, and I avoid anywhere I could get trapped if something changes during the night. I’ve learned that the hard way over the years.

Using ear plugs is something I never do, and the reason being is because I want to hear what’s going on around me. Being aware of your surroundings is very important, especially when you’re alone in a secluded spot.

This may sound funny, and it may be something you do too. I have a routine with my family using a WhatsApp group chat. Before I leave, I send them a rough idea of where I’m heading, usually a screenshot of a map with the area circled. When I arrive, I let them know I’m there safely. Once I’ve made camp and settled in, I send my location using Google Maps, What3Words and GPS coordinates. These are also the three coordinate I use to mark my camps.

In the morning, I’ll message them again- usually something like “I’m alive”- along with where I am, that I’m heading home and an estimated time of arrival.

At night, as in the day, I keep a very low profile, and I don’t want to attract any attention to my location or camp – and that means no lights. I use my phone to read in silence, but never to watch a show or listen to music. I keep the screen dim and avoid pointing it in certain directions.

I avoid using a torch at all costs. The only times I’ve used one recently were to leave a flooded area at night and in the early hours when I needed to descend a hill in a storm.

Lights can be seen from a long distance, and they’re completely out of place in the countryside. They will give away your position immediately.

A Solo and Quiet Experience

I always camp alone. For me, it’s about quiet and having time to myself. I enjoy the exercise, the planning, finding a spot and figuring out how to get there and back.

I don’t carry a knife and I don’t do any bushcraft. I don’t use a pillow, and I don’t need the comfort of an inflatable mattress. For me, I like to keep things simple and practical.

I like bivvy camping because it suits this approach. When out using the Nortent Skjul Bivvy, being able to lie back with the top open and look up at the night sky is one of the best parts of being out.

Leaving No Trace

In the morning, I’m up early. I’m usually packed and ready to leave at first light, and I like to be gone before anyone else arrives, or packed up and look like I am just passing through. A big no-no for me is hanging around with the shelter up, where other visitors can see me and the shelter. I believe that if my actions start to annoy people or affect their enjoyment of the place, action will be taken to stop future wild campers, and in turn, spoil the enjoyment of the people that follow.

My aim is simple – no trace, no disturbance and no sign that I was ever there.

This is just my way of doing things. Others will do it differently, and that’s fine. Everyone has their own way of doing things and enjoying themselves. This is just the way I do it.

For me, it’s about keeping things simple, staying out of sight and enjoying a quiet night outdoors.

That’s just how I approach it.

A Gentle Encouragement

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch via social media or the contact page.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this, and I’d genuinely like to hear your thoughts – good or bad.

Thanks again,
Dan

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