Bushcraft and Wild Camping: The Gear You Need to Travel Light and Stay Prepared

Back to Basics: The Call of Simplicity

Out in the wilderness- no noise, no rush, just you and your kit, surrounded by nature.
For many, it’s familiar territory. If you’ve spent time stalking, fishing, or simply walking the hills, you’ll already understand the rhythm, and bushcraft and wild camping often come as part of the package.

For me, that’s where the real appeal lies- stepping away from the chaos of day-to-day life and taking things back to basics. Everything feels simpler somehow, and Spring and summer are my favourite times to put my new bushcraft skills to the test, or spend a night out under the canopy without it becoming a battle.
That said, the difference between a good night out and a long one can still be a very fine balance, and I’ve found it often comes down to not how much you carry, but whether what you’ve got actually works.

So in this blog post, we’re thinking smarter, not heavier, as I help you prepare for your next venture out with the right gear from Serious Country Sports- from essential tools to dependable clothing that earns its place in your pack.

 

Bushcraft and Wild Camping in the UK: An Introduction

If we’re going by definition, then Bushcraft is generally coined as the ‘use and practice of skills to survive and thrive in a natural environment’.

Remember D of E back at school? Well, there’s your starting point.

It may have been all good fun at 16, being sent out to sleep in a tent and survive on spam for a week with your school mates, but in theory, this was for many the start of some very important bushcraft foundations: navigating with a map and compass, building and managing a fire, putting up shelter, and preparing food with what you’ve got to hand (admittedly at this point it was less wild game, more pot noodle).

But the point is, none of it needs to be complicated. It’s a skillset built up on experience and patience- with a bit of trial and error along the way. Anyone can make a start (no matter your D of E school status!)

Wild camping sits very much alongside it too, but it comes with its own set of considerations- particularly here in the UK. In Scotland, access rights allow for responsible wild camping in most areas, provided you follow the rules and respect the land. In England and Wales, it’s a bit more restricted, often requiring landowner permission, though low-impact “stealth” camping is still quietly practised by those who understand how to do it properly.

Wherever you are, the principle remains the same: leave no trace. The aim here is to take everything in, take everything out, and leave the ground as you found it, if not a little better.

And it’s no surprise more people are picking it up, either, with the past few years seeing a steady rise in bushcraft groups, online communities, and practical content- particularly post-lockdown, when more people started looking for ways to spend time outdoors with a bit more meaning behind it.

At the end of the day, bushcraft and wild camping isn’t about going off-grid for the sake of it. It’s about knowing you could, and having the skills, and the kit, to do it properly.

 

Packing Light: What You Really Need

For many in the country sports world, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. The same awareness you use when stalking for example, like reading wind, understanding ground, moving carefully and with purpose, all carry across. Bushcraft simply leans further into that self-reliance.

The kit can be awfully similar to, and a lot of what you have in your country sports wardrobe will probably do just nicely.

This said, one of the quickest lessons here is- anything you carry has to justify its place. Multi-use, lightweight, and dependable will always win over bulky and overcomplicated. If it can do two jobs, great, even better. Here are some of my must-haves:

Backpack

Obvious, but important to get right- start with something that works for you. I’d say a Jack Pyke Falcon Rucksack is about right for most day trips or a simple overnight, tough enough to take a knock, but not so big that you’re tempted to overpack.

Knife & Cutting Tools

A good knife is also a non-negotiable. Whether it’s a Whitby, Elk Ridge, or a solid fixed blade, it’ll cover everything from food prep to carving and general camp jobs.
Just remember – always carry responsibly and stay within UK knife laws.

 

Fire & Cooking Kit

Fire is comfort as much as it is function. A simple fire steel or stormproof matches are worth having, backed up with a compact stove when conditions aren’t playing ball.

Pair it with a Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle or Kleen Kanteen Insulated TK Canister  - something to keep your food and water warm and ready for a day on the move. 

 

Navigation Tools

Batteries fail. Signals drop. A Silva compass and a proper map won’t. If all else fails- keep it old school. Even if you’ve got a phone in your pocket, it’s worth knowing you can get yourself home the old-fashioned way!

 

First Aid & Safety

This is often the bit people overlook… until they need it. A compact Lifesystems first aid kit,  a whistle, and reliable head torch like the Led Lenser HF6R Core Rechargeable Head Torch should always be in your pack.
They don’t take up much room, but they can make all the difference if you do find yourself in trouble.

Dress for the Wild: Clothing Built for Bushcraft

Out here, your clothing does more than keep you warm, and the key, as always, is layering. Here are some of my top picks and tricks for getting that layering system right:

Jackets

A good outer layer needs to strike that balance between protection and movement. The Seeland Hawker Shell II Jacket is a solid example - breathable, quiet, and flexible.

For a more traditional approach, the Jack Pyke Galbraith Smock offers that classic bushcraft feel. It’s roomy, practical, and water-resistant enough for most conditions you’ll face.

Trousers

You’ll quickly find out if your trousers aren’t up to the job.

The Seeland Hawker Shell II Waterproof Trousers or Deerhunter Rogaland Contrast Stretch Trousers are built for exactly that. being tough, durable, and made to handle rough ground without fuss.

Base & Mid Layers

This is where comfort really comes from. A technical base layer will keep moisture off your skin, like a Hoggs of Fife Short Sleeve Crew Neck Base Layer, paired with a Percussion Scotland Fleece Gilet to add a layer of core warmth that can be just as easily slipped under a jacket in the evening. Easy to throw on, easy to pack away when you don’t need it.

Boots

Good boots are worth their weight in gold. The Harkila Reidmar Mid 2.0 GTX Leather Boots are made for performance, while the Jack Pyke Tundra Boots offer support and waterproofing at a more budget-friendly price. 

And, if you’re pushing through wet grass or rough cover, a pair of gaiters isn’t a bad addition either.

 

Bonus Kit: The Unsung Heroes of Wild Camps

It’s often the smaller bits of kit that get forgotten, but from Tarps to Tins, these extras are in with the essentials:

A tarp or bivvy bag keeps things light and simple compared to a full tent, while dry bags are a must for keeping spare kit protected when things get drizzly or you’re near water.

Then of course there are the old faithfuls (probably not changed much since D of E!) A metal flask or water bottle, a reliable multitool, and even a power bank if you’re out for longer.

Add in a folding saw, a bit of paracord, and a couple of carabiners, and you’ve got a setup that’s far more adaptable without adding much weight.

 

Conclusion: The Bushcraft Mindset

Spend enough time out there, and you start to see what really matters.

It’s the slower pace, the clearer head, and that connection to the land that’s harder to come by day to day. Bushcraft and wild camping have a way of bringing you back to that, but only when you’re properly prepared for it.

Because while it’s not about carrying everything, the right kit still makes all the difference.
If you’re looking to build or refine your kit, now’s a good time to get it right.
You can browse our full range of bushcraft-ready gear and country-ready clothing on our website.

Because with the right gear behind you, it’s far easier to enjoy everything that comes with being out there.