Wild Camping Kit for Beginners (Cheap, Simple and Enough for One Night)

If you’re thinking about trying wild camping, the biggest mistake you can make is spending a small fortune on gear.

You don’t need expensive kit, and you don’t need the perfect setup to experience a night outdoors.

I’ve used everything from basic budget tents to my OEX Phoxx 1 V2 setup, and honestly, simple gear is often more than enough for one night outdoors.

For a first night, you just need enough.

Most people overthink wild camping before they’ve even tried it. This guide is simply about getting outside for one night with basic gear and seeing if you actually enjoy it.

Part of the Getting Started with Wild Camping in England series.

Quick answer

Wild camping isn’t that difficult, so don’t overthink it.

For a first wild camp, you only need three main essentials, something to sleep in, something to sleep under and something to carry it all in.

That’s it. Simple.

Keep it simple

Make the first trip out in good weather and don’t go too far from where you live and from where you parked.

Don’t overdo it and keep it cheap and simple. Beg or borrow items to save money and use what you already have.

There’s no need to buy expensive gear just to try something once. And if things aren’t perfect – no big deal. A bit of discomfort won’t hurt, it’s just one night. You’ll be home before you know it.

Shelter

For a shelter, a small tent is the best option.

It gives you a nice space to sleep, helps you feel more secure and keeps the bugs out.

A basic one or two-person tent will be enough. It just needs to keep you dry for the night. Try to avoid bright colours. Some people love them, but it’s best to blend in with the environment.

Sleeping

You don’t need anything complicated.

Just a sleeping bag suited to the temperature and a sleeping mat for a little extra comfort.

Second-hand sleeping bags can be picked up online very cheaply. I’ve seen some listed for free before. A lot of people buy camping gear, use it once and then never touch it again.

Backpack

Once you’ve got your gear, you’ll need a way to carry it.

A backpack around 30–50 litres is enough for one night. It doesn’t need to be expensive. You just need to make sure it’s comfortable and big enough.

Food and water

This is another area where you can keep things simple.

Take water, and something easy to eat like sandwiches or snacks. Don’t complicate things further by cooking. It’s not necessary, and you’ll save time and weight by not doing it.

Cooking is an option later, but it’s not an essential for your first camp.

Small essentials & Optional extras

A few basics can make things more comfortable and a bit more enjoyable

A head torch, a book a battery pack and some toiletries.

But you don’t need much. Don’t overload your bag.

What people get wrong

Most beginners buy way too much gear for their needs. You’ll regret it when you have to carry it all. Don’t overthink everything.

You don’t need a perfect setup, and you’ll be surprised with how little you really need.

It’s just one night.

What matters more than gear

Of course the camping gear does help, but it’s not the only important part.

What matters just as much is where you camp, how you behave and how simple you keep things.

If you haven’t already, read Wild Camping in England: What It Is, Is It Legal, and What’s Expected of You.

Know your limits. Know where you are. Tell someone where you’re going. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

And if you’re wondering what it actually feels like to sleep outside alone for the first time, read:
What It’s Like at Night

Final thought

You don’t need perfect gear and you don’t need to spend a fortune just to try something once

You just need a simple setup, a bit of common sense and a willingness to try it.

Everything else comes with experience.