This post was originally published on this site.
The Filter’s authority on camping and the outdoors, Sian Lewis, is now answering all your questions. Whether it’s about finding the perfect stove for baked beans or the best campsite ever, nothing is too detailed or too silly to ask
Sign in or sign up to post your question in the comments
scispi asks: Any advice for lone female campers?
Sian replies:
Firstly, camping alone as a woman is brilliant – once you get used to it. It can take a few camps to feel confident, and I’d recommend starting in a comfy campsite by yourself or even going for a solo glamping trip and seeing if you enjoy having some time alone under canvas. I’ve wild camped alone hundreds of times and always really enjoyed it. I’d suggest trying one night alone not far from your car – if you don’t like it you can always drive home and try another time.
If you fancy trying wild camping, firstly make sure you’re aware of where you can camp legally, and let someone know your plans and location. I like to take some creature comforts such as a good book or a podcast (not a true crime one, mind).. Remember that no-one knows who you are once you’re inside a tent. Pitch late and leave early and you’ll probably have your spot all to yourself.
Pack as little as possible! As well as avoiding weight, my main bugbear about bikepacking with all my camping kit is the faff and origami-level skills required to pack everything away each morning. If you’re planning a big adventure, you could do a weekend bikepacking trip first, then see what you don’t use for next time.
I’d pack a one-person ultralight tent or even a bivi sack, a good sleeping mat (Linda Geddes recommended Therm-a-Rest here, and I rate the brand too) and a sleeping bag suitable for the weather you’ll encounter – my own sleeping bags are from Rab and Decathlon and I think both are brilliant, depending on your budget.