Wild Camping Tips

Kazakhstan

ARRIVE LATE, LEAVE EARLY AND LEAVE NO TRACE

a guide to my wild camping tips

Wild Camping Tips

Over the last couple of years, I have spent probably the best part of around three months Wild Camping. From Cycling across Europe in 2017 to Skiing to Afghanistan in 2018. Here are my wild camping tips.

Wild Camping can be in some of the most unique spots. The most important rule of Wild Camping is: Arrive late, leave early and leave no trace.

So what is Wild Camping?

Wild Camping pretty much refers to camping anywhere outside of a recognised campsite.

Why would you wild Camp?

You would wild camp to save money(it’s free), it is exciting to be sleeping in the wilderness and under the stars, and because of camping next to strangers in campsites is not that fun.

Is Wild Camping Legal?

Depends on where you are, so best to do a little research although I rarely do and rely on experience. If one does get caught by the authorities which have never happened, be friendly and say you are camping for one night and you will leave it as you found it.

Wild Camping in Le Chable, Switzerland

My 10 Wild Camping tips

The Tent

When travelling by car as we did in 2018 it is a little easier to get further away from people and find the remotest spots. However, this is a luxury that is rarely afforded to a cyclist. When the night is falling sometimes you have to settle for what you can find

So it is best to have a low lying, green tent that can blend a little easier into the natural surrounding rather than a bright yellow one.

Set up at Dusk

The best way to avoid getting caught is to set up at dusk when it is getting dark, and people are heading out of the natural areas and back home.

Be Quiet

I mean this one is obvious but playing loud music as you make your dinner is always going to attract unwanted attention.

If in doubt ask people where you can camp or ask the local farmer

I have done this a few times, you are looking for a place and struggling, you might be in a sprawling town, and it is getting dark. Knock on the door and explain what you are doing, rarely do they say no.

Research Areas to camp

I do this more now, I look on google earth and find forests or areas where there are no buildings, chances are these are your best spots.

With a car, it is easier to find very remote places where you don’t have to be as careful.

Hiding in the Woods

Don’t wild camp too near water

In 2018 we were camping near a lake in Kyrgyzstan. During the night, the lake rose by a few inches taking a load of our equipment, not fun.

Camp as unobtrusively as you can

That means away from roads, houses and other habitation.

Hide Food away

After you have finished your dinner, hide the food out of sight and reach of any local wildlife. Always more helpful not to have an unwelcome visitor in the night.

Gas stove

If you are hiding away from the locals best to avoid fires as they will attract attention and gas stove will cook most of your specialist dishes such as pasta and pesto!

Necessary Equipment

Touch on this with one but also a good mattress and sleeping bag that works for the climate you are sleeping.

The Iranian Mountains

As a bonus here is a list of what I have used or like for like that will get you through your first-night wild Camping. These are the items I use.

Tent for Cycling Click here
Tent for Camping Click here
Mattress Click here
Sleeping Bag Click here
Head torch Click here
Knife Click here
Camping Stove Click here
Bottle of Water Click here
Waterproof Bags Click here
Spork Click here
Food to cook that is up to you………

Kyrgyzstan

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