Dispersed camping, also known as backcountry or primitive camping, offers a more secluded and immersive experience than traditional campgrounds. It involves camping outside of designated campsites, typically on public lands, and often requires campers to be fully self-sufficient. This type of camping allows for a deeper connection to nature but also demands careful preparation, as you’re far from amenities or services.
When embarking on a dispersed camping trip, it’s crucial to have the right gear to ensure your safety, comfort, and ability to follow Leave No Trace principles. Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential equipment you’ll need for dispersed camping, including a description of why each item is necessary and some recommendations.
1. Shelter and Sleeping Gear
The first thing to consider for any camping trip is shelter. Dispersed camping typically means you’ll need to bring your own tent, tarp, or other protective structures to keep you safe from the elements.
Essential Items:
- Tent: A durable, lightweight tent is a must. Choose one that suits the conditions you expect (3-season or 4-season tents depending on weather). A 2-person tent is typically sufficient for solo or duo campers.
- Recommendation: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 or NEMO Dagger 2P are lightweight, durable options with good weather resistance.
- Sleeping Bag: Choose one that matches the temperature rating for the environment you’re heading into. For colder climates, go for a sleeping bag rated for a lower temperature than you anticipate.
- Recommendation: REI Co-op Magma 15 (for colder climates) or Sea to Summit Trek (for warmer temperatures).
- Sleeping Pad: Essential for insulation and comfort. It also prevents heat loss to the cold ground.
- Recommendation: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite or Nemo Tensor Insulated.
- Tarp or Groundsheet: Protect your tent’s floor from punctures and reduce wear. It also serves as extra shelter in rainy or windy conditions.
- Recommendation: MSR Universal Footprint or Sea to Summit Groundsheet.
2. Backpack
Dispersed camping often involves hiking to your camping location, so a high-quality, comfortable backpack is crucial. The pack should be large enough to carry all your gear, but not too heavy or cumbersome.
Essential Items:
- Backpack: A well-fitted backpack that distributes weight evenly is key for comfort, especially during long hikes. Look for one with adjustable straps, sufficient capacity (40–60L for multi-day trips), and adequate ventilation.
- Recommendation: Osprey Aether AG 70 (for larger loads) or Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest(for ultralight trips).
3. Cooking System
Cooking while dispersed camping is essential for keeping up energy and morale. Since you’re likely to be far from supplies, having a reliable stove and cookware is paramount.
Essential Items:
- Stove: A lightweight, reliable stove that can work in various weather conditions (wind, rain) is necessary. Options include liquid fuel stoves for versatility, or canister stoves for ease of use.
- Recommendation: MSR WhisperLite International (liquid fuel, versatile) or Jetboil Flash (fast boiling, compact).
- Cookware: Small pots or pans that nest into your backpack are great for saving space. A small cup or bowl can also be useful.
- Recommendation: Snow Peak Titanium Cookware Set or GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset.
- Utensils: A spork, knife, and possibly a small cutting board are important for meal preparation.
- Recommendation: Light My Fire Titanium Spork or MSR Alpine Kitchen Knife.
- Food and Storage: Lightweight, non-perishable food such as freeze-dried meals, energy bars, and dried fruit work well for extended trips. Ensure that you have airtight containers to keep food safe from wildlife.
- Recommendation: Backpacker’s Pantry freeze-dried meals or Mountain House for convenient, high-calorie food options.
4. Water Filtration System
Access to clean water can be one of the most challenging aspects of dispersed camping. Finding a reliable water source and ensuring it’s potable is crucial for staying hydrated and healthy.
Essential Items:
- Water Filter: A lightweight, easy-to-use filtration system is vital. You should have the ability to filter or purify water from lakes, rivers, or streams.
- Recommendation: Sawyer Squeeze (lightweight, versatile) or MSR Guardian (advanced filtration for contaminated water).
- Water Containers: A hydration reservoir (like a Camelbak) or water bottles will keep you hydrated throughout the day.
- Recommendation: Nalgene Wide-Mouth (durable and reliable) or Hydrapak Shape-Shift (for easy storage).
5. Clothing
Proper clothing ensures that you stay comfortable, warm, and dry in varying weather conditions. Layering is key, as it allows you to adjust for temperature changes.
Essential Items:
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking clothing is crucial to keep sweat off your skin and maintain warmth.
- Recommendation: Smartwool Merino Base Layers or Patagonia Capilene.
- Insulating Layer: A fleece or down jacket helps retain body heat during cold nights.
- Recommendation: Patagonia Down Sweater or Arc’teryx Cerium LT.
- Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against rain and wind.
- Recommendation: Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket or Outdoor Research Helium II.
- Pants and Shorts: Durable, moisture-wicking pants and shorts that offer comfort and flexibility.
- Recommendation: Columbia Silver Ridge Pants or Prana Brion Pants.
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes provide comfort and ankle support. Choose waterproof options for wetter conditions.
- Recommendation: La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX (hiking boots) or Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (trail shoes).
- Socks: Merino wool socks are great for preventing blisters and keeping your feet dry.
- Recommendation: Darn Tough Vermont or Smartwool PhD Outdoor.
6. Fire Making and Lighting
Having a reliable source of light is essential for both safety and comfort, while fire-making tools can help keep you warm and enable cooking.
Essential Items:
- Headlamp: A headlamp frees up your hands for tasks like cooking or setting up camp at night.
- Recommendation: Black Diamond Spot 400 or Petzl Actik Core.
- Firestarter: Waterproof matches, a lighter, or a firesteel can help you start a fire, especially in wet conditions.
- Recommendation: UCO Stormproof Matches or Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel.
7. Navigation and Safety
Since dispersed camping often takes place in remote locations, navigation tools and safety gear are critical for avoiding getting lost and managing potential emergencies.
Essential Items:
- Map and Compass: Even with modern GPS, having a paper map and a traditional compass is vital in case of technology failure.
- Recommendation: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps.
- GPS Device: If you’re traveling in an area without marked trails, a GPS device or app on your smartphone can help guide you.
- Recommendation: Garmin inReach Mini for GPS and emergency communication.
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit with essentials for treating cuts, blisters, burns, or other injuries.
- Recommendation: Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight or Pro Kit.
- Multi-Tool: A versatile tool with knife blades, screwdrivers, and pliers can come in handy for numerous tasks.
- Recommendation: Leatherman Wave or Victorinox Swiss Army Knife.
8. Waste Management
Proper waste disposal is crucial for minimizing your impact on the environment. When camping in remote areas, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and ensure all waste is packed out.
Essential Items:
- Waste Bags: Bring bags to pack out trash, including human waste. You may need a WAG bag or a similar system for human waste disposal in remote areas.
- Recommendation: The Cleanwaste Go Anywhere or REI Waste Bags.
- Toilet Paper: Pack biodegradable toilet paper and a small shovel or trowel for digging a cat hole, if necessary.
- Recommendation: REI Co-op Toilet Paper (biodegradable) and Deejo Folding Shovel.
