Winter Wild Camping Gear Loadout: What I Pack for Sub-Zero Nights

If you’re wondering what to pack for an overnight wild camp in the UK winter, this post breaks down every item I take, based on real experience in cold weather. Here's my evolved kit list, tested and refined across months of wild camps.

Why the Osprey Rook 65 is My Go-To Backpack

Over time, I transitioned from a bulky military Bergen to a more practical Osprey Rook 65. Why? Lifetime guarantee, durability, and smarter design. With strategic packing, even a winter setup fits.

Full Gear Breakdown

Sleep System

• Sleeping Bag: Rab Ascent 900 (down-filled, comfort rating 0°C)

• Compression Sack: For compact packing

• Pillow: Comfort-focused, fluffy pillow

• Sleeping Mat: OEX Ultralight Flux 7R (R-value 7.2)

• Roll Mat: Extra insulation under the sleeping pad

Shelter

• Tent: OneTigris Stella four-season with footprint

• Tent Poles: Carried separately for space-saving

• Sit Mat: Adds insulation and comfort during breaks

Cooking and Food

• Cook System: OEX Takana Solo Stove Set

• Cookware: Frying pans, cutlery, cloth

• Meals: Steak, chorizo, dehydrated backup, dessert, breakfast

• Snacks and Coffee: Packed separately in side pouches

• Water: 3 litres total (2x Nalgene bottles + 1 extra litre)

Clothing

• Thermal Layers: Thermals and socks

• Down Jacket: Wearable or packable layer for added warmth

• Head Gaiter and Gloves: Easily accessible

Admin and Comfort

• Aluminium Table: Lightweight and foldable

• Black Bag: Leave no trace and pack out all rubbish

• Drone: DJI Mini for filming scenic shots

Organisation: Dry Bags

• Wash Kit (Blue Bag):

  • Cloth

  • Antibacterial gel

  • Wet wipes

  • Mirror

  • Toothbrush and paste

  • Sudocrem

• Utility Bag (Orange Bag):

  • Paracord, boot laces

  • Tent pegs, clips, ferro rod

  • Tick remover, hand warmers

  • Earplugs, lighter, thermometer

  • Head torch (Life Systems)

  • Power bank with cables

First Aid (Red Bag)

• Roll of plasters

• Antiseptic wipes

• Wound pad, gloves, scissors

• Germolene

Tech and Safety

• Tripod: For stable filming

• Microphone: For video audio

• FlexTail Pump & Light: Inflates mat, fans fire, built-in light

• Garmin InReach Mini 2: Satellite SOS and tracking

Packing Strategy

• Heaviest items near the spine

• Poles and table slide down the side

• Quick access items (gloves, gaiter, first aid) in hip pouches

• Tent and sit mat attached to pack bottom (not ideal, but works)

• Roll mat strapped under the lid

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need a 110L Bergen — smart packing is more effective

• Osprey Rook 65 fits a winter load if packed right

• Pack based on priorities: warmth, shelter, safety

• Keep gear accessible and grouped using color-coded dry bags

Final Thoughts

This is my cold-weather wild camping loadout, tested in 0°C and below. If you think I’ve missed anything or carry something better, drop a comment. I'm nearly at 1,000 subs — a like or subscribe would mean a lot.

What’s your winter wild camping must-have? Let me know!

Wild Camping Gear for Winter - My Full Kit Breakdown

Packing the right wild camping gear for winter can make all the difference when camping in freezing conditions. In this full kit breakdown, I lay out all the essential equipment I take on cold-weather camps, from my sleep system and cooking gear to safety essentials like the Garmin InReach Mini 2.

Suggested Reading

• Is the Hilleberg Soulo the Best Tent in the World?
  An honest review of the legendary Hilleberg Soulo — is it really worth the hype and the price?

• Kilos Gear Rover Light X Review: Best Camping Light?
  A compact, powerful lantern put to the test — find out if it earns a spot in your kit.

• Wild Camping UK with Night Vision Goggles and Wildlife
  Camping, foxes, badgers — and the tech that let me see it all after dark.

• 10 Wild Camping Tips for Beginners
  Start your wild camping journey the right way with these must-know practical tips.

• Wild Camping UK: A Real Beginner's Guide (2025 Edition)
  A full guide to wild camping in the UK — rules, kit, safety, and everything you need to know.

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