Questions tagged [wild-camping]

Questions related to camping or staying overnight in the wilderness.

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6 votes
3 answers
273 views

Will listening to a podcast at moderate volume decrease the likelihood of a bear approaching my tent?

I am on a long trek in the Balkans and am sometimes camping when there is no cheap accommodation available. I am not yet very experienced in camping, and at this stage I am normally camping near ...
novice's user avatar
  • 261
2 votes
4 answers
518 views

How to defend from animals while camping (golden jackals, boars, foxes)?

I want to go camping somewhere (I am from Eastern Europe) but the zone is full of golden jackals/foxes. They are a bit larger than a fox, but they stay in packs. I have a husky dog that wouldn't be ...
Bogdan Floareș's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
483 views

For multi-day trips on a road bike - What is the most efficient bike pack set up?

I'm going for a 3-4 day bike trip in the Trossachs (Scotland) at the start of June, and as I have never done a multi day cycle trip before, I am looking for some guidance on the best type of bike bag(...
megsryder's user avatar
  • 290
6 votes
0 answers
103 views

How can I remove a tick I cannot reach and no one is around to help? [duplicate]

How can you remove a tick on your back if you cannot reach it with your hand and you have no one to assist you?
Russ Potak's user avatar
9 votes
7 answers
2k views

Logic of Bivvy Bag for the U.K?

Is it worth having a Bivvy bag in the U.K? Currently I own a moderately lightweight (2.8 kg) 2-man tent, but I've been considering buying a bivvy for minimalistic camping/hiking in the summer months ...
megsryder's user avatar
  • 290
0 votes
3 answers
417 views

Fear of wild animals on a Island while I am sleeping in tent alone at night

I have been camping solo at various places(Hills, riverside) for 3 years of my life. I have also seen various techniques online to survive alone on the Island. I often wonder how do you deal with wild ...
user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
572 views

Can I sleep overnight in a lean-to in Germany?

In Germany, wild camping is prohibited in most places, including all forests. The situation is less clear for sleeping in the wild without a tent, which is usually not explicitly prohibited on public ...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 27.1k
4 votes
2 answers
340 views

Are black bears attracted to trace amounts of food?

For the purpose of this question I am interested in black bears in an area with relatively low human pressure, plenty of natural habitat and presumably natural food sources. The scenario I'm ...
Cameron Roberts's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Best places in Europe to practice wilderness camping skills without much tourism?

What would be the most suitable places in Europe where I could venture with some friends on a backpacking trip where we could sleep in tents for about a week and practice camping skills, without much ...
Jan Stuller's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
363 views

Less impact to camp above or below the tree line?

What has less impact from an ecological point of view — camping below or above the tree line? US and Swiss organisations appear to contradict each other: From the American lnt.org comes the advise (...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 27.1k
9 votes
4 answers
400 views

How big a tarp for one person?

Based on this question: Best tarp setup for camping on the plains? I wonder how big a tarp I need to carry for one person, for emergency use only. I am hoping to do a multi day hike where I will ...
Willeke's user avatar
  • 4,029
5 votes
4 answers
411 views

How am I supposed to remember if I'm supposed to "play dead" or "make myself appear big" for various dangerous wild animals?

I've countless times heard things like this when they give tips for how to act when encountering a bear in the wild: Play dead! Lie down and don't move an inch! And (for all animals): Don't run! It ...
Aniv W.'s user avatar
  • 51
4 votes
3 answers
344 views

How to interpret forest from the map?

I basically like to bomb into forest and set up the tent. While doing this last time I ended in the forest with clay as ground, it had a lot smaller and bigger puddles and I was main meal at mosquito ...
greenoldman's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
318 views

How to prepare for a blizzard while trekking on a mountain pass?

This winter (not sure about the possibility) I'm planning a solo trek across a mountain pass. It's 3000 m (9800 ft) high and I'm pretty used to high altitudes. I've heard that about 30 ft of snow ...
Tim Crosby's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
267 views

Water sources: which are safe and which should be avoided? (UK)

I have been trying to find a list of water sources that should be avoided. I have checked online and looked at several water companies, e.g. Scottish Water. I haven't found any information on which ...
SweetJhoni's user avatar
19 votes
7 answers
12k views

How can I protect myself in case of a human attack like the murders of the hikers Jespersen and Ueland in Morocco?

I read about the murders of Louisa Vesterager Jespersen and Maren Ueland. What safety mistakes these girls did during their camping trip? What could have been done to avoid this situation? How can I ...
Pie's user avatar
  • 327
2 votes
1 answer
169 views

Looking for information about the large circles free of snow that form in the spring around the trunks of large trees?

We have often used the large snow free circles that form in the spring around the trunks of large trees as camping spots. Even in an area blanketed with deep snow, there will be such bare, dry ground ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.9k
5 votes
5 answers
543 views

Camping alone in the wilderness in the USA

I want to go camping in the wilderness on my own, without anyone else around for miles. Is that even possible? I know a lot of national parks have designated areas, but surely they can't enforce that ...
GodAtum's user avatar
  • 159
11 votes
2 answers
739 views

How do you protect yourself against crocodiles when you have no option but to camp on the banks of a croc-infested river?

I am reading Escape Routes by David Roberts. This is a collection of 20 articles ranging from a winter ascent in Iceland to the first descent of a river in Ethiopia, the Tekeze, a major tributary of ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.9k
2 votes
4 answers
289 views

What are some tips to setting up a refuge if I am lost in the woods

I was recently watching something on Outdoor television about survival in the woods. The only reason I am asking, is because I am planning on an excursion out there equally as far. Someone went into ...
Dennis Gondola's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
180 views

What are the best camping sites in Western Massachusetts? [closed]

I'm seeking recommendations on the best places to camp in Western MA. Preferably not busy campgrounds, and with access to good hiking. Thanks!
Ian's user avatar
  • 193
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

How late/early should you pitch up/leave when wild camping in the UK/Europe?

When wild camping, the general advice I've heard is to pitch up late and leave early. However, what times are considered "late" and "early"? One thought is that sunrise and sunset would be sensible ...
exterrestris's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
212 views

Hiking in Lappland in August - what about animals?

I'm planning to hike/wildcamp in finnish Lappland in August, in Viipustunturit and maybe also in Muotkatunturit. Is there anything special that I should do about the local animals? E.g. in the ...
robaki's user avatar
  • 417
15 votes
2 answers
5k views

How to confirm/remove ticks in tough spots when alone?

When in tick country, tick checks are critical. Easier with a buddy who can look where the sun doesn't shine, but even alone, diligent inspection (especially with a mirror of some sort) can go a long ...
cr0's user avatar
  • 3,981
8 votes
2 answers
664 views

How to deal with diarrhea when using a cathole in the wilderness?

I was sitting and thinking last night... If you have gas and loose stool (diarrhea) and you are squatting over a cathole in the wilderness how do keep your pants and foot wear clean? Related ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
138 views

Is rustic camping available along any of Michigan's cyling trails?

Among all of the cycling friendly trails in Michigan, do any of them offer the opportunity for rustic or dispersed camping? Preferably, every 20 to 40 miles or so.
Nathan Hartley's user avatar
34 votes
9 answers
24k views

When back country camping, how do you avoid being attacked by a mountain lion in your sleep?

I'm looking to camp in SE Oregon. At minimum, my girlfriend and I will have sleeping bags. We're open to adding a tent, fire, and other stuff as recommended. Our goal is to be able to hike around ...
William Grobman's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
1k views

Multi-day hiking trip [California, early April]

I just learned that I am going to end up in San Francisco for 2 weeks in early April. I will be meeting a couple of relatives there who will travel from tropical places, so they won't have a lot of "...
Quentin Geissmann's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
941 views

How effective is sulfur for delousing my camp?

Sulfur has been used for centuries to get ride of nasty little bugs that infest the warm places we like to sleep. Assuming I have found natural sulfur sources can they be used to effectively and ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
46 votes
18 answers
17k views

Why do I always wake up freezing?

I like to go camping in the forest, mostly in summer, sometimes also when temperatures drop to about 0°C/32°F during the night. I have a three-season sleeping bag (T-comf: -2°C, T-lim: -8°C, ...
Vidar S. Ramdal's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
1k views

Can I use a quilt with a bivi bag?

Is it possible (read, can I spend a restful night sleeping?) By using a quilt, bivi bag and ground sheet? Quilt I'm looking at is here, the idea being that I can take an ultralight bivi bag and ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
7 votes
6 answers
6k views

Is there any reason that a wild boars would charge the tent?

So I have camped in France, in the Vosges region, in the locality called "Le bonhomme". Where there are many wild boars. It was in a dense forest, with a freezy weather. (-5°C) My camp was just a ...
Dipiks's user avatar
  • 335
10 votes
3 answers
1k views

How to keep away animals from my camp without setting a fire?

I'm new in Camping, and recently I have camped in France, in the Vosges region, in the locality called "Le bonhomme". Well it's not the pure wilderness but it was very unusual for me, as it was ...
Dipiks's user avatar
  • 335
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

What are the risks when encounter a wild animal when camping? [closed]

I'm new in Camping, and recently I have camped in France, in the Vosges region, in the locality called "Le bonhomme". Well it's not the pure wilderness but it was very unusual for me, as it was ...
Dipiks's user avatar
  • 335
9 votes
1 answer
244 views

What are some bare essentials camping spots for first-timers in England?

I've always loved going camping, from the age of about 6. I've also always loved watching Bear Grylls' various TV shows from a similar age. Already you can probably see where this is going! I ...
David's user avatar
  • 193
2 votes
1 answer
472 views

Appropriate terms for activities like camping, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, wilderness survival? [closed]

Outdoor adventure activities seems like a mouthful, so I was wondering if there was a more appropriate term for such activities? Wikipedia suggests 'Outdoor Recreation' but that implies these to be ...
geoboy's user avatar
  • 129
4 votes
1 answer
94 views

Remaining impacts from the very low snow pack of 2014-2015 in the Western Sierra and extra precautions we should take to minimize our impact

The snow pack of 2014 - 2015 in the Sierra was an unprecedented low of 5% of normal. Thankfully, the snow pack of 2015-2016 was close to normal. We will be in the western Sierra in two weeks, and I ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.9k
6 votes
1 answer
224 views

How to store tinder on a hike?

What do people use to carry tinder whilst hiking? I was thinking of using a tobacco tin but on a multiday hike I'm not sure it will fit enough or if it will keep dry. Tinder I would be using would be ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
12 votes
3 answers
5k views

What is the best way to manage Scottish midges?

I have seen some posts that mention midges and midge spray. I am wild camping in Scotland in August. Should I be worried about them? Is there anything else a part from midge spray I can use to keep ...
Faorodia's user avatar
  • 311
9 votes
2 answers
4k views

Drinking water in Dartmoor

Is it safe to drink water from streams in Dartmoor using simple purification methods? I'm planning a trip and am looking to filter using a Millbank bag and then boil for four minutes to kill off any ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
9 votes
5 answers
3k views

Are there any areas in Southeast Asia where it would be safe to wild-camp with a tent in the mountains?

I am not interested in camping on a campsite among lots of other people, I want to pitch-up a tent where there is just me and nature around. Are there any areas in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (...
lowtoxin's user avatar
  • 484
19 votes
2 answers
2k views

Are there wild camping rules in Scotland?

I am planning a 7 day trip in Scotland. I am considering some possible cheap options for accommodation, and I have read wild camping is permitted. Are there any rules that need to be respected? Does ...
Faorodia's user avatar
  • 311
7 votes
1 answer
322 views

What's a good place for a beginner to go backcountry camping in Oregon and California?

I am a beginner hiker who is looking to spend a few days alone in the woods while not putting myself at risk before I am familiar yet. Criteria: easily accessible by a normal car sufficiently ...
meow's user avatar
  • 273
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is an emergency blanket effective as a ground sheet?

On a recent question that was closed as a duplicate (correctly) one of the comments was to use a foil blanket as a ground sheet instead of a tarpaulin in a bid to reduce the overall pack weight. Is ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
5 votes
1 answer
5k views

What is a realistic weight for a week long hike? [duplicate]

I'm looking to do some hiking and wild camping before the end of the British summer, I'm happy with the contents of my kit and the items I'm taking but I'm not sure how realistic it is to be carrying ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
10 votes
4 answers
6k views

Legal deep-woods campsites or forests that allow off-trail hiking and ad hoc camping in Maryland?

When I was in Boy Scouts every month we went camping places that seemed to be deep in the woods with no one else around within hiking distance. When I go to reserve a campsite as an adult they're all ...
Hack-R's user avatar
  • 285
10 votes
3 answers
1k views

How to join two pieces of rope in an adjustable tight loop?

I'm looking to use a piece of paracord as a ridge/sag line in my hammock setup, to do this I want to be able to tie the two ends together in a fashion that will allow me to alter the length of the ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
1 vote
0 answers
60 views

Review of Hammock setup sketch [duplicate]

I'm trying to visualise how to setup my first hammock and what kit I will need (excluding tarp and underlay) can you check my sketch below (excuse the simplistic style) and confirm that I have covered ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
18 votes
4 answers
10k views

How to stow backpack and boots whilst in a hammock?

I'm contemplating using a hammock for my next trip, usually I'd keep my backpack and boots with me inside when I sleep to keep them dry. Is there room in a hammock for a backpack and boots? Or is it ...
Chris J's user avatar
  • 1,778
12 votes
5 answers
1k views

What are the laws for backcountry ("dispersed") camping in the US?

I'm planning on taking a trip across the US and was planning on doing as much dispersed camping (a.k.a.backcountry camping) as possible. I wanted to educate myself on where it is legal to go off trail ...
Eliot G York's user avatar
  • 1,172