Most asked wild camping questions – ANSWERED

Most asked wild camping questions – ANSWERED

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In this video I attempt to answer the most asked wild camping questions on social media and the internet. Questions including What is wild camping, and how is it different from other types of camping? Is wild camping illegal, and what are the rules and regulations? What are the benefits of wild camping, and why do people choose to do it? How can I make the most of my wild camping experience, and what activities can I do? What equipment do I need for wild camping, and what should I bring with me? How do I find a suitable wild camping spot, and what should I look for? How can I minimize my impact on the environment when wild camping?

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50 Comments

  1. Jim Slade on June 9, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    I’d rather face a bear or pack of wolves than the dreaded midge.

  2. Bob Phillips on June 9, 2023 at 2:32 pm

    Hi Paul and Everyone. I agree, as usual, with everything said in this vid. With one exception – if you are walking anywhere in the UK above the tree line/400-500 m, I have never used a filter for water. Only twice in nearly five decades of backpacking (the universal term for, well, backpacking from the 60s till recently, when this silly term, ‘wild camping’ hit the screens. There isn’t any truly wild backpacking in the UK. And considering the backpacking term came from the States, land of rattlesnakes and Death Valley, I see no reason to use other, less accurate, terms for what we do. It’s only the purloining of bp-ing by gap year hopefuls, when touring the world by bus/train and staying in cheap ‘backpacking’ hostels that the term fell out of fashion. I became fed up trying to differentiate the two unrelated activities to naive numpties (-;). Now, I just say ‘I’m heading to the hills for a few days’. Just saying. Btw, if you don’t want anyone to know where you’re going, then don’t tell them! Once upon a time you were considered crazy to head to the hills in anything other than heavy boots, and to do so alone was heavily frowned on. Light purpose made shoes, solo, and ALWAYS with a map – leave yer fricking phone at home! I didn’t need one for 3 decades, and since they arrived, I still don’t need one!! How did we manage before…

  3. Sean Kirk on June 9, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    In a rush today Paul,.?👍

  4. Wood Nugget on June 9, 2023 at 2:36 pm

    If you really want to see wild camping and real skills I suggest to take a look at Rune Bertram Nielsen

  5. Robert Clarke on June 9, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    This must be the most concise videos about wild camping I have seen.
    Well done ! I am a veteran who needs to get away from the rat race .. Need to be with my own head .. Great advice on eveything I could think of to ask about.
    I have paper map, garmin 66i , OS maps.. This must be the best vid on you tube for the given subject.
    Cheers Paul .

  6. Dave H on June 9, 2023 at 2:38 pm

    One other suggestion I’d make about choosing a site to set up camp: check for dead trees or limbs overhead that might fall down on your tent during the night. They may seem like they’re solidly wedged in place, but if the trees they’re hanging from or leaning on start swaying in the wind they could come loose and fall.

  7. Dave Johnson on June 9, 2023 at 2:41 pm

    But also bear in mind that most wild camping in England and Wales isn’t allowed, just because you’ve ‘had no bother’ doesn’t make it OK. It’s someone else’s private land, and you’re their basically saying “so what, I’ll choose to camp on someone else’s property if I feel like it”

  8. Andrew Dunmore on June 9, 2023 at 2:42 pm

    Interesting video Paul! Thanks for all the tips! 🏕

  9. Cathy Gibbons on June 9, 2023 at 2:44 pm

    Wow Paul, you’ve packed a lifetime of advice into a few minutes! Legend, as usual. ❤❤❤

  10. Daniel Seaman on June 9, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    Great video Paul, I’ve always wondered about this questions for complete Novices who would like to try wild camping like me

  11. Boating, Sibbing and Wandering about on June 9, 2023 at 2:51 pm

    You forgot the main question…….Where do you have a crap….

  12. Guy Reilly on June 9, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    Nice video. And a nice walk down Rivelin too.

  13. Vinnie Boombatz on June 9, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    Good to hear you Paul. Decent advice. I’ve developed loads of skills since starting out. One of the things I really like about getting out is the problem solving skills when tired and against the clock. I’ve only seen an adder once when I was a kid. It was coiled up basking in the sun on the north downs one summer on a field trip with the school. On what to take, it took me a year or so to know exactly what I like and system works for me. Obvs YouTube content has helped my learning but mostly from my own experiences.

  14. Victor Devonshire on June 9, 2023 at 2:57 pm

    Where ever I lay my hat. Same as you. Leave no trace. They know I’m there but they know that you respect the enviroment. Don’t bother yer. Luv Yer. 👍❤🙏

  15. Philip Jackson on June 9, 2023 at 2:58 pm

    How come you gave up your job but you seem to be camping less ?
    I’d of thought you would of been on 2/3 day trips all around the UK. If.youve no work you could go the peak or lakes and do a few days, wherever the wind takes you!
    This ain’t a dig, it’s just a question.

  16. Janine Powell on June 9, 2023 at 2:59 pm

    It’s so frustrating that hardly any wild camping / hiking YouTubers ever mention the obvious – where and how to go to the toilet during your trip. Why?? It’s so bizarre that nobody ever seems to wanna talk about it when it’s something that literally everyone is gonna need to know!!

  17. Mike Nash on June 9, 2023 at 2:59 pm

    Excellent overview! One of the best I’ve heard in just 13 minutes.

  18. Dee Kelley on June 9, 2023 at 3:01 pm

    I envy the lack of bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes and such. I love boondocking in the woods-but I always have be careful.

  19. John Filer on June 9, 2023 at 3:01 pm

    Really interesting video Paul with some great tips. Thank you and Stay Safe.

  20. Maurice Johnston on June 9, 2023 at 3:05 pm

    growing up in the west of Scotland I swam in rivers/lochs and the sea also camping around these areas… now it’s called (wild)… thanks for the videos Paul🏊

  21. Gary S on June 9, 2023 at 3:06 pm

    The filming style of this video is like the "that’s brilliant" character on the Fast Show!

  22. Dirtyfaces🌚 on June 9, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    👋

  23. The Walking Kev on June 9, 2023 at 3:07 pm

    I’m really hoping Welsh Government follows the lead of Scotland and introduces a proper right to roam and wild camp. Here in Wales we do have some pretty secluded areas, particularly in Mid Wales. Even in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons you can find plenty of peaceful spots to spend a night.

  24. Darren William Sweeney on June 9, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    In Australia 🇦🇺 it’s just camping 🏕 0

  25. Brows Man on June 9, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    Greetings from NorCal. This is one of the more interesting, informative and concise outdoor vids I have seen in a while. Paul has some skill and talent with the camera to keep things moving along. Thanks Paul, epic vid bro.

  26. Darren Leigh on June 9, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    Great video – thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom!

  27. Mark L on June 9, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    All bang on sense
    I run an outdoor canoe outfitter/Bikepacking company in SW France so I’ll answer (if Paul doesn’t mind) the most asked question here as well …
    Q: is wild camping legal in france ? Normally followed by “searches say no”
    A: as ever not one answer … but mostly one. Firstly, there is a distinction here between what the U.K. calls “wild camping” and the French call “bivouac”.
    Here, wild camping would be just pitching all day over a number of days and sort of holidaying there … NO not allowed
    Bivouac can be best understood as “camping dusk till dawn as part of a journey with not much else on offer” .. that’s not the same thing. As long as no trace is done, move in the morning, no damage and not close to amenities and peoples homes, it’s sort of ok really.
    Having said that, I could bivi on some rivers outside summer season with no issue because nothing is open like camp sites but I wouldn’t think of trying in the height of summer when they are. Not accepted.
    The other factor is as ever the locality. As Paul says here, the U.K. isn’t mostly that far off grid, but here we have a hell of a lot more nothing to play with so that makes it easier whenever. Fires however are a big issue so are pretty much not advised especially in hot months where it will lead to disasters when it is 40 degree plus for day after day
    Anyway, my 2p from here on it

  28. Mat A on June 9, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    Cowboy 🤠 camping 🏕 sounds like a sequal to broke back mountain ⛰

  29. Paul on June 9, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    Do you actually camp anymore? Or is it because it’s winter?

  30. IPA ALES on June 9, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    As always paul bang on marra… a brilliant video and im sure a massive help to all mate….cheers and all the best 👍 😀 🏕⛰

  31. David Gaines on June 9, 2023 at 3:13 pm

    Is that Rivelin Paul? If it is I’ve driven past there a zillion times but never stopped

  32. Steve W on June 9, 2023 at 3:16 pm

    Thanks Paul, very good video. Paul, any chance you would do a beginners Map and compass tutorial please?

  33. Farang Travels on June 9, 2023 at 3:17 pm

    Only thing I need to know about wild camping is how do go for a number 2 ?

  34. william flaherty on June 9, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    I respect your practical, humble approach to sharing your knowledge and experience. Thank you for sharing the practical wisdom you have built following your passion. You are an inspiration to new and seasoned campers. Thank you

  35. LeChardon on June 9, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    Hi Paul, Are you participating with Saturday’s International Bivvy Bag Day?
    I did it last year up by Thriepmuir Reservoir in the Pentlands. I’ll be up at Loch Tay this year. 👍

  36. NelsonClick on June 9, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    Wild Camping = animals walk up to sniff your tent at night when you’re trying to sleep alarming you to grab your torch in a ready to attack position in case they enter inside the tent which they never do and instead amble off to smell the spot where you’ve been urinating.

  37. Ray Kinit on June 9, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    Well done. Loved it. So much in it. I think we all have to watch it 3 or 4 times to get it all. Thanks mate. Ray.

  38. Wood Nugget on June 9, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    I admire some of your skills map n compas s etc but I really do think you haven’t got it you seem to struggle all the time any more than a few miles whys that may be you could enlighten me. I don’t want to put me or anyone else in danger. This is NOT meant to be abusing in anyways I want to be safe thankyou

  39. Scott Plumer on June 9, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    I have a question: how do you get Jo to let you go?

  40. Outdoor AF on June 9, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    I’ll always do kitty kisses to wild animals as well…with similar results

  41. Paul L Smith on June 9, 2023 at 3:21 pm

    I’m proud to be one of the 279 visitors from the USA! Tennessee specifically. It would be very interesting to see you branch out beyond the UK someday. I have no idea of how that would actually work but the logistics of getting to trailheads and back country conditions in Europe would be very interesting to see!

  42. Diesel Bushcraft on June 9, 2023 at 3:23 pm

    Haha the angry badger, had that one at a campsite in Barber Booth.

  43. Steve Hands on June 9, 2023 at 3:23 pm

    Question from me is, say the landowner finds you and asks you to move say at 2am and it’s impractical to move what should you do? I know in the UK it’s a civil tresspass offence but the landowner could argue it’s aggravated and hence a criminal offence if you complain about moving.

  44. Yörük Kızı Geziyor on June 9, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    Very beautiful 👏☺🏕

  45. macaw 67 on June 9, 2023 at 3:28 pm

    hi, superb advice as usual paul. could i also recommend a portable blood pressure monitor?
    kind regards.

  46. Martin Mac on June 9, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    Wild Boar are becoming a bit of a problem in certain parts of the country like the New Forest. You don’t want to mess with one of those, especially if it has young, they can be vicious things.

  47. Victor Devonshire on June 9, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    Adders. Always check under anywhere you sit. I would expand on that but I don’t think I can spell it at the moment. Thats the beauty to learn to be invisible. 💪❤🤠🙏

  48. Neovo903 on June 9, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    On the clothing note, also bring suitable footwear (walking / hiking boots) and a spare pair of sock. Nothing is worse than wet socks squelching in your boots as you walk.

  49. kenShuttleworth on June 9, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    take a breath

  50. Jake May on June 9, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    Feel like Paul’s bottled answering what is surely actually the most asked question… 🚽😂

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