Is wild camping legal in the UK?

In Scotland, wild camping is a legal right under the Land Reform Act 2003 (with responsibilities). In England and Wales, wild camping is only legal on some Dartmoor areas and with landowner permission elsewhere. Always camp discreetly, arrive late, leave early, and leave no trace.

What is a good base weight for wild camping?

A comfortable base weight is 6-8kg. Ultralight campers aim for under 5kg. Beginners often carry 10-12kg base weight. Focus on the big three — shelter, sleeping bag and pad — for the biggest weight savings. These typically make up 50-60% of base weight.

How much food should I carry per day?

Plan for 600-800g of dehydrated and calorie-dense food per day, providing roughly 2,500-3,500 calories. In winter or on strenuous terrain, go higher. Avoid tins and fresh food as they are heavy. Nuts, oats, couscous and dehydrated meals are lightweight favourites.

How much water should I carry?

If you have a reliable water source and filter, carry 1 litre at a time and refill. Without water sources, carry 2-3 litres per day (2-3kg). In the UK hills, streams are usually plentiful in wet seasons but can dry up in summer.

CampCalcs

Wild Camping Checklist Calculator

Calculate gear weight and build an essentials checklist based on trip duration and conditions.

Trip Duration

Number of nights wild camping

Season

Time of year for your trip

Terrain

Type of terrain for your trip

Cooking on trip

Include stove, fuel and cooking gear

Natural water sources available

Streams or rivers for filtering water along route

How We Calculate This

Weight Calculation

Total weight = Base weight + Food + Water carried

Base weight includes all gear except consumables. Food is estimated at 650-800g per day depending on season. Water depends on whether you can filter from natural sources.

Checklist

The checklist adapts to your season, terrain and cooking preferences. Essential items are always included. Optional items are added based on conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Trip Budget Calculator

Calculate total trip costs including transport, accommodation, food and gear.

Campsite Cost Calculator

Calculate campsite costs per person per night with optional extras.

Mileage Calculator

Calculate driving distance fuel costs for getting to your campsite or trailhead.

Group Gear Splitter

Split shared group gear fairly based on individual pack weights and fitness.

First Aid Kit Calculator

Build a first aid kit checklist based on group size, trip length and remoteness.

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.