/r/WildCampingAndHiking

Photograph via snooOG

r/WildCamping is a community to discuss all aspects of wild camping away from established campsites, whether you are someone who practices Bushcraft and likes to spend a few nights in a natural setting after a long days walk or a hiker who needs to pitch up in the hills.

What unites this sub is the desire for a more natural experience and an appreciation of the "wild" outdoors.

Wiki Section

Leave No Trace Principles

Europe Wild Camping Summary

 

Scope:

  • What unites this sub is the love of a more natural experience, a love of being outdoors (both natural or urban environments) and a love for doing things a bit differently - whether that's camping away from campsites, sleeping on a park bench or taking a route between locations which may not have been traversed for a very long time.

  • This subreddit is a community to discuss all aspects of being outdoors including trip reports, gear reviews, stealth tactics and general principles as well as suggested or interesting routes.

  • This community is mostly aimed at the Europeans to meet the needs of Europeans, although we will never turn away our non-European brothers and sisters!

  • Do not use this subreddit to suggest good camping locations to other users – such comments will be removed as per the rules. It is better to teach people the principles and provide them with the knowledge so that they can discover perfect locations for themselves.

 

Link Flair

Filter visible posts using the following flairs:

Gear Review

Gear Vouch

Trip Report

Route

Question

Discussion

Information

Misc

/r/WildCampingAndHiking

5,589 Subscribers

4

I (M/48/noob) would like to start occassionally wild camping here in Finland.

I'm a complete noob and none of my friends/family are into camping. (Part of the appeal!) Sometimes, I'd just like to get away by myself for a night in the nature.

I've checked out some semi-wild places, i.e. no charge for camping, no facilities apart from a fire pit, but close to other campers and hikers. I plan on testing the waters and building up my confidence that I can be self-sufficient.

I'm thinking before I spend a ton on gear, I'd buy a pop-up tent (I'm not very "handy"), and go in late spring and throughout summer a few times.

Does this sound like a good plan to build up to full-on hiking and wild camping?

13 Comments
2024/04/08
20:56 UTC

0

How do you find the courage to sleep outside even in winters and practically everywhere like USA, Canada, France…?

So I got a full equipment backpack, I have the North Face Inferno -40 degres, I have a summer sleeping bag, the lanshan 1 pro 4 seasons tent and more…

I recently travelled from Montreal to magdelen island in Quebec with train, bus, taxis and ferry. I recently had a work there and a temporary room for 3 months. The problem is that I would like to live outside, to have some more money and I want to travel around the world with my backpack, but I don’t find the courage to sleep outside and here we have in April approximately -5 degres each day. Also how possible it is to sleep outside in another countries, which one are safer to begin.

my biggest fear in this, is that I’m scared of not being able to sleep I know it’s kinda weird, but it’s really my fear. . .

2 Comments
2024/04/08
10:58 UTC

0

Shred my Wildcamping website

I’ve recently built a website and company designed to provide wildcamping experiences

May target market is people that are looking to try wild camping but lack the skills and experience. To introduce new comers to the wonderful world of wild camping

My website is new, I am really keen on getting the thoughts and feedback of wild camper

Does it appeal to the target audience? Does it give you confidence in the experience? What’s missing? What’s good? What’s bad?

Feel free to rip me a new one.

The website is escapewildcamping.co.uk

Thanks

16 Comments
2024/03/30
20:39 UTC

1

Favourite Hiking Trails In Scotland?

That time of the year again. I'm planning my trails for the summer. I'm 40 years old. Atheritis in my right foot, still think I'd manage munros with a struggle, I'm thinking other options for 2024! Any ideas people?

3 Comments
2024/03/24
15:19 UTC

1

My most recent adventure Backpacking 600m up with my vango banshee and camping out thru a yellow forecast

0 Comments
2024/03/17
17:17 UTC

1

Camping gear with non-synthetic materials?

I'm looking for an outdoor gear brand (sleeping bags, camping tools and accessories, etc) that uses natural materials such a canvas, wood, wool/cotton, etc. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I really can't stand all the nylon and polyester and plastic that seem to dominate outdoor gear. I'm not super concerned with the weight that this would add. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

5 Comments
2024/03/14
20:37 UTC

2

1person vs 2person tents

Looking to upgrade my tent setup and think have settled on the vango f10 helium but can't decide on 1p or 2p version. Currently have a oex bancoot 2 which is a tank of a tent (3.2kg) Mostly going to be camping on own wildcamping with a hike into the spot. Edit 5ft10 40-50ltr backpack depending on weather conditions for insulated clothes

4 Comments
2024/03/05
22:41 UTC

6

First time!!

Ok guys so although I've done lots of camping and hiking over years Ive decided to give wild camping a go .. I've brought the essentials and followed advice off friends and I'm gonna start with just one night somewhere around Matlock area, any word of wisdom or further advice as I know not everyone is a natural and I'd like to get all your opinions.. Many thanks 👍

4 Comments
2024/02/22
22:10 UTC

0

16 years old-hiking to John o Groats from The Shard

My cousin and i do long walks, thats just our thing. We have walked to the Shard from many places, but the longest hike we've done is approx 30km. We have been wanting to walk somewhere insane for a long time, and whenever we meet up all we talk about is the hike to John O Groats. Obviously we understand training is a huge part, so we have many long walks and overnight camping booked, but have concerns about the final walk; getting food, water and a legal campsite whilst we are still in the UK. Its approx 900 miles too, so at a pace of 30 miles a day, should take 30 days. Any decent advice to help us out would be insanely appreciated.

4 Comments
2024/02/16
01:09 UTC

95

Good mountains in Europe where you can go hiking and wild camping.

Hello, I would like to go hiking with a mate of mine for 10 days through a beautiful mountain range and go wild camping in the evening. We are from Germany and are thinking of Switzerland, Austria or southern Poland. But it could also be somewhere else. Where is the best place to go wild camping and where are you more likely to be on your own? Do you have any tips? Thanks friends.

62 Comments
2024/02/09
10:06 UTC

2

Need help with gear

Hello,

I need help choosing my first tent. I’m on a very tight budget, and I know ultralight stuff can get very expensive, but I can’t do much about that. I plan on doing weekends and hiking alot.

I wanted to buy oex phoxx 1 v2, however I’m from Czech republic, and they don’t ship here.

Do you have any other recommendation? I care more about the space it takes then the weight itself.

Also some cheap bagpack recommendation would be great too. Tent price should be around 80-100€ maybe, and backpack the cheaper the better.

Thank you!

EDIT:

Also, one more question. Is it possible to get budget sleeping bag under 150€ with -5 degrees celsius rating which is UNDER 40x25cm? I have no idea how I can fit such a big bag in my backpack.

2 Comments
2024/02/07
10:23 UTC

19

Wild camping in sweden

Has anyone here tried wild camping in sweden? I'm looking for a remote area to go on a long wild camping trip in, any ideas would be appreciated

21 Comments
2024/02/02
14:59 UTC

0

Tent?

Hi all

Super tough to find info. But in short. I’m looking for a tent to hike Pyrenees mountain range. Prob 30 days, prob 80% camping.

I’ve been looking at weight as a main factor (and price) and hence been looking at 1 person tents. If the big idea is to go for 2 person tent. Happy to be persuaded as I’m new to backpacking camping. (I did more overlanding and those things in Africa). (Oh, and 3 season tent with some storms but spring camping).

So, my tents I’ve been looking at are:

  1. Wild Country Zephyros Compact 1

202 euro Weight 1633g

  1. Columbus ultra 1Xl

135 euro 1400g

  1. Columbus ultra 2 p lightweight

166 euro 1650g

  1. Rivens arrow head 1

186 euro 1800g

  1. Decathlon Forclaz Trek900

190 euro 1300 gram

I am 180cm, 95kg. Carrying a 55l backpack.

Which tent should I go for as I’ve got zero idea. :)

6 Comments
2024/02/01
16:55 UTC

0

Wild Camping/Bivouacking in Montserrat, Spain

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone’s ever tried bivouacking or wild camping in or around Montserrat in Spain, me and my friends are going to Barcelona and we’re looking for an easy place to get to from there via public transport to hike and camp in for a couple days. I saw a video (attached below) of someone doing it, and even though it’s illegal I think if we’re discreet and not near anyone plus leave no trace we should be okay. I specifically mean overnight bivouacking for the purpose of doing a multi-day hike. Thanks!

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGehA3otR/

4 Comments
2024/01/30
21:27 UTC

3

General Bivy setup questions

Hi guys, first post here. I'm a solo hiker who likes to go to mountain tops to pitch my sleeping gear. However, I'd like to ditch my tent for several reasons:

- In case of wind, it's been a real challenge (and hazard) to pitch the tent. A swift gust and it might be blown away forever in the distance, and you're left with nothing 2 days away from your car. Best case scenario you sometimes just can't mount the tent for a long while in the night and rain and cold until it gets calmer for a minute or two...

- Again, in case of unforeseen windy conditions during the night, most tents bend really badly and that makes them pretty scary/you can't really sleep

- Sleeping on ridges or bumpy areas is complicated because of the overall sqftage required by tent and guy lines. You need a big surface that has some soft spots for the stakes... I was forced many times to go to subpar locations to pitch, losing a considerable amount of time searching for a decent spot in the process. Notable: I'm 6'2, so small tents are not possible which worsen the issue.

...

So, I've started looking at modular bivy setups such as bivy+tarp. Now I have a few questions for anyone who had similar experience, hopeful that I could get some feedback ;)

  1. How's the bivy faring against wind and rain? Can you actually sleep in there? Assume good waterproof etc. (example of a bivy I'm looking at: the rab ridge raider) do you need the tarp 100% of the time in these conditions?
  2. To me, it looks like hooped bivies are useful because it's supposed to give you more volume inside and also sleep comfort, but then you are more exposed to wind, need more areas for guy lines so... is it really a good thing to have?
  3. Wouldn't I have the same problem with the tarp as I do with the tent when there's wind, e.g. hard to pitch + might kite away? [OP self-answer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kun2rz-js0Q seems it's designed to be assembled by one person. This video illustrates how easy it is even in the worse possible conditions]
  4. Any idea of a good modular setup for moderately wet/windy evenings when you want to eat your dinner sheltered from bad weather? Bivy is tight, you can't do nothing in there... So, besides the tarp, what do you recommend?

I guess that's enough for a start. Thanks for all your valuable feedback!

Cheers

edit: not sure if it's good practice, please admin do tell me if not. But while I gather fresh info I'm updating the post with some pieces of answers

6 Comments
2024/01/26
14:30 UTC

17

Planning a hiking trip/holiday to somewhere in Europe

Hi everyone. Me and 3 other friends want to go somewhere in Europe this summer for approximately 7 days to trek and camp along the way. We’re looking to complete a hike in about 3 days and 2 nights, pitching up two tents at night. I know that the law is generally that this is illegal across Europe, but I’m wondering whether the laws are referring to van camping or just pitching a tent. We’re looking for a country where we’d have easy access (transport-wise) to a trail, where we’d be able to camp without being fined and then to return to a city to go clubbing and stuff for the rest of the trip. Any suggestions? Scandinavian area looks good but is huge and would take ages to reach desired trails. Also thought Croatia but it seems it’s illegal there too, anyone have experience there? Also for reference we’re most likely going to be using public transport and then walking to our desired location, unlikely we’ll have a car.

Thanks!

Thanks

28 Comments
2024/01/23
20:28 UTC

4

Tips for hiking the Snowdonia Way

I am planning a three day trip in Snowdonia for this summer. I have been reading about the Snowdonia Way and am looking for tips on which portion of the way to hike. I am 67 and an experienced backpacker, though most of my time has been spent on trails. My daughters are 32 years old and very fit. I am pretty fit, but 67 so...... If anyone out there knows the Snowdonia Way, I would love to hear any suggestions you have. We want to be camp as opposed to staying in inns or hostels.

Thanks

0 Comments
2023/12/20
19:44 UTC

5

Black Forest, Germany, a good or bad idea?

I'm planning a trip to the black forest with a friend. Wild camping in Germany is illegal. But we would like to do it anyway to minimum the expenses and for the adventure!

Do you guys recommend it or not? And if so, do you have any tips?

Thanks!

9 Comments
2023/12/18
06:33 UTC

1

Wildcamping on GR20

0 Comments
2023/12/09
21:46 UTC

2

Black Esk Reservoir

Heading up to Dumfries and Galloway around the Black Esk Reservoir for a few days hiking and camping. Looking to stop over at Dryfe head bothy also during the trip. Any suggestions on where to park my car as I was thinking of leaving it at the Reservoir car park.

0 Comments
2023/12/06
12:08 UTC

0

I'm looking for organized camping/hiking groups. Any recs?

Hi all! I'm looking for outdoor activities/adventures, and as of now I only know about Outward Bound. Are there any other good organizations/groups/websites to recommend for group camping/backpacking trips? Thanks!

1 Comment
2023/11/28
17:44 UTC

0 Comments
2023/11/28
15:32 UTC

5

Tips/help for a complete beginner?

I'm planning on going wildcamping in Scandinavia in the summer of 2025 with a buddy, I have zero knowledge about how to prepare. Where do I start and do you guys have any tips/advice? Thanks!

11 Comments
2023/10/30
12:27 UTC

0

Yet another YouTuber

Hey guys, I just started a YouTube channel. Yep, adding to an already pretty full market but I figured I like filming and I like hiking so why not combine the two?

Anyway, just a little video up so far but I'd appreciate any support and critique.

https://youtu.be/FupGZnIRFdg?si=njk3fhp7NwQNqAbC

0 Comments
2023/10/23
18:54 UTC

3

Norway

People who are interested to join my trip to norway? Still planning this hike/wildcamping trip. (19yo)

3 Comments
2023/10/22
17:15 UTC

0

SOLO OVERNIGHT CAMPING IN MOUNTAIN FOREST 🏕 A WAY TO SOLITUDE AND HEALING SOUNDS OF NATURE ⛰ ASMR

0 Comments
2023/09/20
18:55 UTC

13

Recommendations for locations in the Peak District

I’m looking at getting away last minute to do some wild camping in the Peaks, however I need it to be relatively close to the main road and just a short walk to somewhere secluded but beautiful to camp for the night.
Any suggestions?
I’m new to the community so apologies if this request for advice comes off as repetitive but I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to this!
Thanks in advance!

1 Comment
2023/09/07
08:19 UTC

7

Peterhead, Scotland. Wild Camping. Any advice welcome, I don't know the area at all

I'll be in Peterhead this weekend. Looking for a nice wild camping spot, close to civilization, but far enough away to get some peace and quiet

0 Comments
2023/09/01
10:15 UTC

0

Okanagan British Columbia area

I’ll be in Kelowna for the next month or so. Are there any good spots I should try and check out. Don’t have a ton of info a lot of the smaller lakes in the area.

0 Comments
2023/08/28
20:48 UTC

Back To Top