Lightweight Camping Gear for Hiking, Wild Camping & Outdoor Adventures
When you are carrying everything on your back, every item has to earn its place. A tent needs to provide reliable shelter without adding unnecessary weight, while a sleeping bag needs to keep you warm without taking up half your pack. The same applies to the smaller accessories that make a night outdoors easier and safer.
Camping gear is not only for traditional campsite trips. Lightweight shelters and sleeping systems are useful for wild camping, backpacking, hiking, mountain marathons, adventure racing, DofE expeditions and other trips where you carry your own overnight kit.
The main things to consider are weight, packed size, weather protection and the conditions you expect to encounter. A compact shelter may be ideal for a fast-moving overnight trip, while something more substantial can make sense when comfort and space matter more than keeping pack weight to a minimum.
Choosing Kit for Backpacking and Wild Camping
The way you travel should influence what you choose.
For backpacking and wild camping, weight and packed size become particularly important because you carry the shelter and sleeping system with you. A lightweight one-person tent or bivy can reduce the load considerably compared with a larger model. Packed size also matters when space in your rucksack is limited.
For mountain marathons and adventure races, your kit may need to meet event requirements as well as your own preferences. Check the list before choosing, particularly where minimum equipment, overnight shelter or temperature ratings are specified.
For DofE expeditions and other organised trips, the recommended items may be determined by the expedition leader or organisation. Lightweight gear can make a noticeable difference when young people are carrying their own food, clothing and overnight kit over several days.
Weather is another important consideration. Waterproof construction protects the sleeping area from rain, while ventilation helps reduce condensation inside. Stronger poles, secure guy lines and a suitable design become more important when pitching in exposed or windy locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for wild camping?
The basic overnight system consists of shelter, a sleeping bag and an insulated mat, together with whatever food, water, clothing, lighting and safety essentials your trip requires. For lightweight trips, the weight and packed size of each item become particularly important.
How do I choose a sleeping bag for UK conditions?
Start with the lowest night-time temperature you expect and compare it with the comfort rating. Also consider how you sleep, what mat you will use and how much weight and pack space you can afford. For colder nights, choose one with an appropriate lower comfort temperature rather than relying only on a summer, three-season or winter label.
What should I look for in a lightweight tent?
For backpacking and wild camping, weight and packed size are important because you carry it with you. Also consider waterproofing, ventilation, internal space, stability and how quickly it can be pitched. A one-person model or bivy can save considerable weight when you are travelling alone.
Shop our range below, including lightweight tents, sleeping bags and practical outdoor kit.