Wild camping doesn’t have to cost a fortune. One of the reasons so many hikers and backpackers choose gear from Decathlon is the balance between affordable prices, reliable build quality, and practical designs.
In this guide we’ve put together a complete wild camping setup using Decathlon gear. Whether you’re planning your first overnight hike or building a budget-friendly trekking kit, this list covers everything you need — from shelter and sleeping systems to cooking gear and essential accessories.
This setup works well for UK wild camping, overnight hikes, and beginner backpacking trips.
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🎒 Backpack
A good backpack is the foundation of your entire setup. For most overnight hikes, around 50 litres is the ideal size.
Men’s 50L Trekking Backpack – MT100 Easyfit
A comfortable trekking backpack designed for multi-day hikes. The Easyfit adjustment system allows quick adjustment of the shoulder straps and back length for a secure fit.
Women’s Trekking 50L Backpack – MT100 Easyfit
The women’s version of the Easyfit backpack uses the same adjustment system but is shaped differently to improve comfort and support.
⛺ Shelter
Your shelter choice depends on whether you prefer extra comfort, lighter weight, or a minimalist setup.
MT500 2-Person Trekking Tent
A great all-round trekking tent that balances weight, durability and space. Ideal for solo campers wanting extra room or two people sharing.
MT900 1-Person Trekking Tent
A lightweight solo tent designed for hikers who want to reduce pack weight while still having a fully enclosed shelter.
MT900 Ultralight Tarp Tent
A minimalist shelter designed for experienced wild campers looking to keep their pack weight as low as possible.
🛏 Sleeping System
A comfortable sleeping system makes a huge difference after a long day of hiking.
Sleeping Pad
MT500 Inflatable Trekking Mattress
An inflatable sleeping pad designed to provide comfort and insulation while still packing down small.
Insulated MT500 Inflatable Mattress
A higher insulated version of the MT500 mattress designed for colder weather.
Sleeping Bag
MT500 5°C Trekking Sleeping Bag
A reliable three-season sleeping bag suitable for most spring, summer and early autumn camping trips.
MT500 0°C Trekking Sleeping Bag
A warmer option designed for colder nights and more exposed camping locations.
MT500 –5°C Trekking Sleeping Bag
Designed for colder conditions or for hikers who tend to feel the cold when sleeping outdoors.
Pillow
Camping Pillow Comfort
A soft camping pillow designed to improve sleeping comfort when camping or backpacking.
MT500 Inflatable Trekking Pillow
A lightweight inflatable pillow that packs down small and is ideal for backpackers.
🍳 Cooking Setup
A simple cooking setup is perfect for boiling water, making hot drinks and preparing easy trail meals.
MT500 Stainless Steel Cookset – 1 Person
A compact cookset designed for solo hikers and lightweight backpacking trips.
MT500 Stainless Steel Cookset – 2 Person
A larger cookset designed for two people or hikers who want more cooking capacity.
MT100 Gas Stove with Lighter
A compact gas stove that packs small but provides enough power for boiling water and cooking simple meals.
MT500 Stove Windscreen
A lightweight windscreen that helps protect the stove flame and improves cooking efficiency.
Camping Cup
A lightweight camping cup ideal for tea, coffee or simple trail meals.
Flint & Steel Fire Starter
A simple and reliable fire starter that works even in wet conditions.
🪑 Camp Comfort
A few small comfort items can make evenings at camp far more enjoyable.
Foam Seat Pad
A lightweight foam pad that keeps you dry and comfortable when sitting on the ground.
Ultra-Compact Folding Camping Chair
A compact camping chair that packs down small but makes relaxing at camp far more comfortable.
🔦 Navigation & Safety
Even on short trips, it’s important to carry basic safety gear.
80 Lumen Head Torch
A simple headlamp ideal for setting up camp, cooking and moving around after dark.
Highlander Deluxe Hiking Compass
A traditional compass that works alongside a map for reliable navigation.
First Aid Kit – 41 Pieces
A compact first aid kit containing essential items for treating minor injuries while hiking or camping.
💧 Water & Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential during any hiking trip.
Nalgene 1L Wide Mouth Bottle
A durable and reliable water bottle widely used by hikers around the world.
MT500 2L Water Bladder
A hydration bladder designed to fit inside trekking backpacks and allow easy drinking while walking.
LifeStraw Peak Solo Water Filter
A compact water filter that allows you to safely drink water from natural water sources.
🥾 Trekking Accessories
MT500 Hiking Pole
An adjustable trekking pole designed to improve stability and reduce strain during long hikes. These come as one but decathlon often does deals when buying 2.
Trekking Pole Caps
Rubber caps that protect trekking pole tips and reduce noise on hard surfaces.
🧻 Extra Essentials
Ultralight Camping Trowel
A lightweight trowel used for responsible wild camping and following Leave No Trace principles.
Microfibre Camping Towel
A compact quick-drying towel ideal for camping and wiping down your tent.
Final Thoughts
Putting together a wild camping setup doesn’t need to cost thousands. With the wide range of affordable trekking gear available from Decathlon, it’s possible to build a reliable backpacking kit without spending a fortune.
This gear list covers the essentials for UK wild camping, overnight hikes and beginner backpacking trips. As you gain experience you may choose to upgrade certain items, but this setup provides a solid starting point for getting out on the trail.
