Beginner

"Nature wears the colors of the spirit"

Beginner

Introduction Here is a list of bullet points in no particular order. They come from decades of experience of hiking & backpacking. They are mainly aimed at the beginner backpacker. Also check out the 'hints & tips' section, there's some great information there 👍

Basic Backpacking List from Mick Fitzpatrick

Shelter
Sleeping bag/quilt
Sleeping Mat
Cooking Kit
Warm Clothing
Waterproof Clothing
Hygiene Kit
Food
Water

Budget from Mick Fitzpatrick

You can spend a fortune on kit/equipment and you probably will over the years 😇 However, you don't need to to enjoy the outdoors. Good 'technical' kit is almost always expensive. That's because it has been thoroughly tested over a few years and usually made of top materials. So keep an eye out for the sales, secondhand or cheaper alteratives. What I have learnt over the years is that if I bought cheap I've bought twice!! But that's not always the case, I've bought merino base layers from Aldi and Lidl that are superb

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Camp fire? from Mick Fitzpatrick

Unless it is in a designated area where fires are allowed. DO NOT have one. It is that simple.

First Aid from Mick Fitzpatrick

Have a FA kit and learn how to use it.

Food from Mick Fitzpatrick

Do not make a science of it! Take what you enjoy

General Advice from National Parks UK from Mick Fitzpatrick

While wild camping is part of the experience of visiting National Parks, it should be done responsibly. Always check local regulations, camp out of sight, and follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Learn navigation from Mick Fitzpatrick

GPS are excellent kit, but they can fail and/or run out of power!! Try and learn to use a map and compass, they will never fail you

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Let someone know from Mick Fitzpatrick

Let people know where you are going. The more savvy will leave a route card. The minimal information you should leave with family or friends is:
1. Where you are parking.
2. The route you intend to take.
3. Where you are going to pitch/camp

Pen & Paper from Mick Fitzpatrick

Make notes of anything and everything that has an impact on your backpacking trip. Examples:
1. Kit not used or surplus.
2. Good kit.
3. Kit you need.
etc

Practice from Mick Fitzpatrick

I once saw a bloke in the Lake District who didn't know how to put his tent up. He also didn't have enough tent pegs, luckily we had spares. We also helped him with his tent. So my advice is to 'practice practice practice!'. Once you have all your kit assembled do your first camp in the garden or close to home

Research from Mick Fitzpatrick

There's a LOT of good advise out there. Places like Facebook Groups and Youtube are superb, especially for kit/equipment reviews

Scotland from Mick Fitzpatrick

Wild Camping is legal in Scotland!

Unwritten Rules! from Mick Fitzpatrick

Do this and you will have few problems:
1. Arrive late
2. Leave early
3. Stay clear of paths, roads and buildings
3. Leave no trace

Water from Mick Fitzpatrick

A subject that has many varaiables. So try and camp near a water source and/or top up as you hike. If you can not do either then you will need 1.5 to 2 litres for an overnight stay. Possibly more if it is very warm!

Weather from Mick Fitzpatrick

Become a weather geek! A good accurate forecast can make all the difference.

What is the most important thing? from Mick Fitzpatrick

Enjoy it

Where is it legal in England from Mick Fitzpatrick

The only place it is legal without permission in England is some areas in Dartmoor.