Smart Gear Investment
When considering upgrades, the maxim “buy cheap, buy twice” often holds true. Investing in decent quality, affordable gear initially can prove more cost-effective in the long run, as it tends to last longer and perform more reliably. For those unsure about committing, borrowing or purchasing second-hand gear presents an excellent low-risk option. Quality second-hand gear often retains its value, allowing for resale without significant loss if the hobby doesn’t stick.
Research is key; a £1000 four-season Hilleberg tent, while exceptional, is overkill for summer camping. Gear should be chosen specifically for the type of camping planned, optimizing for conditions and not just brand prestige or price tag. It is also worth noting that expensive does not always equate to good, nor does cheap always mean bad.
Navigating the Hype Cycle
The outdoor gear market, much like other consumer electronics industries, frequently employs incremental upgrades and sophisticated marketing to encourage constant purchasing. This can lead to unnecessary expenditure and accumulation of gear. It is often more beneficial to upgrade key items every few years, allowing for more substantial performance differences to be truly appreciated, rather than chasing every minor release.
Impulse buying, fueled by marketing hype, can quickly lead to an overloaded backpack. Instead of focusing on acquiring the “latest and greatest,” the emphasis should be on practical necessity. Carrying multiple redundant items, such as extra stoves or excessive clothing, based on hypothetical mishaps, significantly increases pack weight without commensurate benefit.
Organization and Preparedness: Key to a Smooth Trip
1. Effective organization of gear, both for storage at home and packing in your backpack, is paramount. At home, grouping similar items can highlight redundancies (e.g., owning 30 stoves). More importantly, strategic packing ensures quick access to critical items when needed most.
2. For instance, essential medication or a first aid kit should never be buried at the bottom of a pack. Similarly, if rain is forecast, your shelter should be easily accessible, ideally near the top or even attached externally, allowing for quick deployment and the creation of a dry space for unpacking. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so water and a filter/purifier should be easily reachable. Snacks, providing quick energy boosts, are best kept in hip belt pockets or a small bum bag for immediate access.
3. Always checking the weather forecast is fundamental for wild camping in the UK, where conditions are notoriously unpredictable. Multiple apps, such as Windy, Met Office, and Mountain Weather Forecast, often provide conflicting information. Therefore, a cautious approach involves packing for the worst-case scenario. Mountain weather, especially in areas like Kinder Scout or the Lake District, can differ drastically from valley forecasts, experiencing its own microclimates.
Despite careful preparation, getting wet is an almost inevitable part of regular outdoor activity. Even “waterproof and breathable” garments often struggle to expel body vapor effectively during sustained rain. Thus, carrying a complete change of dry clothes, especially in colder weather, is non-negotiable. Being able to change into dry layers can prevent significant discomfort and reduce the risk of hypothermia or pneumonia.
4. Having a backup plan is critical for mitigating unexpected challenges. This could range from having alternative pitching locations scouted on a map if your primary spot is occupied, to knowing escape routes off the mountain in adverse weather. Injuries, gear failure (like a broken tent pole), or sudden severe storms (such as lightning, as experienced in the Cairngorms) demand pre-considered responses.
Carrying a satellite SOS communicator or a phone with emergency calling capabilities is a vital safety measure. Informing someone reliable of your parking location, intended route, and estimated camping spot allows rescue services a starting point if contact is lost.
5. Navigation skills, though seemingly archaic in the age of GPS-enabled smartphones and smartwatches, remain indispensable. Technology can fail due to battery drain, lack of signal, or adverse weather like dense “clag” (fog). The ability to read a physical map and use a compass, especially in the dark or when navigating unfamiliar footpaths not marked on digital maps, is invaluable. A head torch is, of course, a critical component of any night navigation kit.
Embracing the Wild Camping Experience
6. Wild camping is a deeply personal experience, offering a unique opportunity for solitude and connection with nature. For those new to wild camping, choosing a period with a favorable weather forecast (despite the general unpredictability) can significantly enhance the initial enjoyment. This time in the wild allows for mental decluttering, recharging, and reflection. It is also an excellent chance to learn about the environment, perhaps by photographing unfamiliar plants or geological features for later research.
7. Respect for the environment is a non-negotiable aspect of wild camping, encapsulated by the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. This means ensuring that your chosen spot is left as you found it, or ideally, even cleaner. Packing out all rubbish, including any litter found at your site, is a fundamental responsibility. As temporary guests on this planet, each individual bears a part in protecting natural spaces for future generations.
8. A basic first aid kit is an essential item, tailored to address common minor ailments encountered in the wild. While comprehensive kits for major trauma might be excessive for most, a personal kit containing items like Leukotape for blisters, plasters, a small bandage, tick tweezers, and pain relief like ibuprofen can prove incredibly useful for everyday scrapes and strains. For anything more serious, professional medical attention or mountain rescue would likely be required.
9. Fire and stove safety demand extreme vigilance. Dry grass, in particular, poses a significant fire hazard. When using alcohol or gas stoves, ensure a stable, non-flammable surface, and never leave a flame unattended. Cooking inside a tent, if necessary, requires excellent ventilation to prevent gas build-up and careful positioning to keep flames away from flammable tent fabric. Using dehydrated meals can also prevent grease and oil splatters that might damage gear, such as an expensive tent.
10. Awareness of local wildlife is crucial. Researching the area for nesting birds or other sensitive wildlife habitats helps avoid disturbance. Always check your pitch area for existing animal trails or nests, such as ant nests, to prevent unwelcome nocturnal intrusions. In the UK, the infamous midge is a significant nuisance; a head net is a simple yet indispensable item, as forgetting it can lead to a profoundly uncomfortable experience.
11. Sometimes, despite the best intentions, a wild camping trip simply doesn’t go as planned. If conditions become genuinely unpleasant—relentless wind, driving rain, or sheer discomfort—there is absolutely no shame in ‘abandoning ship.’ The goal of wild camping should be enjoyment and connection with nature, not an endurance test. Packing up and heading home, or finding alternative accommodation, is a sensible decision that prioritizes safety and well-being over a misguided sense of obligation to ‘tough it out.’ There is always another day to enjoy the beauty of the wild, perhaps under more favorable conditions.
Unpacking More Wild Camping Wisdom: Your Q&A
Is wild camping allowed everywhere in the UK?
In England and Wales, wild camping is generally considered trespassing on private land, though prosecution is rare. It is largely permitted in Scotland under specific laws and in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park.
How should I choose a safe place to set up my camp?
Look for sheltered areas like dips or behind hills to protect from wind. Make sure the ground is level and clear of rocks for a comfortable and stable night’s sleep.
What are the most important items I need for my first wild camping trip?
You’ll need a reliable shelter (tent, bivy, or tarp), an insulated sleeping pad, a sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures, and waterproof outer layers.
How can I prepare for bad weather when wild camping in the UK?
Always check multiple weather forecasts and pack for the worst-case scenario. It’s crucial to carry a complete change of dry clothes to prevent discomfort and reduce health risks from getting wet.
What is ‘Leave No Trace’ camping?
‘Leave No Trace’ means you should leave your campsite exactly as you found it, or even cleaner. This includes packing out all your rubbish and minimizing your impact on the natural environment.
Starting with the Essentials
A basic wild camping setup should always include core items: a reliable shelter (tent, bivy, tarp), an insulated sleeping pad to protect against ground cold, a sleeping bag appropriate for the expected temperatures, and waterproof outer layers. While stoves add comfort, a packed cold lunch is a viable alternative for shorter trips. Crucially, all gear must be rated for the conditions anticipated; attempting to push the limits of a sleeping bag in unexpected cold can lead to a profoundly uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous, night.
Smart Gear Investment
When considering upgrades, the maxim “buy cheap, buy twice” often holds true. Investing in decent quality, affordable gear initially can prove more cost-effective in the long run, as it tends to last longer and perform more reliably. For those unsure about committing, borrowing or purchasing second-hand gear presents an excellent low-risk option. Quality second-hand gear often retains its value, allowing for resale without significant loss if the hobby doesn’t stick.
Research is key; a £1000 four-season Hilleberg tent, while exceptional, is overkill for summer camping. Gear should be chosen specifically for the type of camping planned, optimizing for conditions and not just brand prestige or price tag. It is also worth noting that expensive does not always equate to good, nor does cheap always mean bad.
Navigating the Hype Cycle
The outdoor gear market, much like other consumer electronics industries, frequently employs incremental upgrades and sophisticated marketing to encourage constant purchasing. This can lead to unnecessary expenditure and accumulation of gear. It is often more beneficial to upgrade key items every few years, allowing for more substantial performance differences to be truly appreciated, rather than chasing every minor release.
Impulse buying, fueled by marketing hype, can quickly lead to an overloaded backpack. Instead of focusing on acquiring the “latest and greatest,” the emphasis should be on practical necessity. Carrying multiple redundant items, such as extra stoves or excessive clothing, based on hypothetical mishaps, significantly increases pack weight without commensurate benefit.
Organization and Preparedness: Key to a Smooth Trip
1. Effective organization of gear, both for storage at home and packing in your backpack, is paramount. At home, grouping similar items can highlight redundancies (e.g., owning 30 stoves). More importantly, strategic packing ensures quick access to critical items when needed most.
2. For instance, essential medication or a first aid kit should never be buried at the bottom of a pack. Similarly, if rain is forecast, your shelter should be easily accessible, ideally near the top or even attached externally, allowing for quick deployment and the creation of a dry space for unpacking. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so water and a filter/purifier should be easily reachable. Snacks, providing quick energy boosts, are best kept in hip belt pockets or a small bum bag for immediate access.
3. Always checking the weather forecast is fundamental for wild camping in the UK, where conditions are notoriously unpredictable. Multiple apps, such as Windy, Met Office, and Mountain Weather Forecast, often provide conflicting information. Therefore, a cautious approach involves packing for the worst-case scenario. Mountain weather, especially in areas like Kinder Scout or the Lake District, can differ drastically from valley forecasts, experiencing its own microclimates.
Despite careful preparation, getting wet is an almost inevitable part of regular outdoor activity. Even “waterproof and breathable” garments often struggle to expel body vapor effectively during sustained rain. Thus, carrying a complete change of dry clothes, especially in colder weather, is non-negotiable. Being able to change into dry layers can prevent significant discomfort and reduce the risk of hypothermia or pneumonia.
4. Having a backup plan is critical for mitigating unexpected challenges. This could range from having alternative pitching locations scouted on a map if your primary spot is occupied, to knowing escape routes off the mountain in adverse weather. Injuries, gear failure (like a broken tent pole), or sudden severe storms (such as lightning, as experienced in the Cairngorms) demand pre-considered responses.
Carrying a satellite SOS communicator or a phone with emergency calling capabilities is a vital safety measure. Informing someone reliable of your parking location, intended route, and estimated camping spot allows rescue services a starting point if contact is lost.
5. Navigation skills, though seemingly archaic in the age of GPS-enabled smartphones and smartwatches, remain indispensable. Technology can fail due to battery drain, lack of signal, or adverse weather like dense “clag” (fog). The ability to read a physical map and use a compass, especially in the dark or when navigating unfamiliar footpaths not marked on digital maps, is invaluable. A head torch is, of course, a critical component of any night navigation kit.
Embracing the Wild Camping Experience
6. Wild camping is a deeply personal experience, offering a unique opportunity for solitude and connection with nature. For those new to wild camping, choosing a period with a favorable weather forecast (despite the general unpredictability) can significantly enhance the initial enjoyment. This time in the wild allows for mental decluttering, recharging, and reflection. It is also an excellent chance to learn about the environment, perhaps by photographing unfamiliar plants or geological features for later research.
7. Respect for the environment is a non-negotiable aspect of wild camping, encapsulated by the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. This means ensuring that your chosen spot is left as you found it, or ideally, even cleaner. Packing out all rubbish, including any litter found at your site, is a fundamental responsibility. As temporary guests on this planet, each individual bears a part in protecting natural spaces for future generations.
8. A basic first aid kit is an essential item, tailored to address common minor ailments encountered in the wild. While comprehensive kits for major trauma might be excessive for most, a personal kit containing items like Leukotape for blisters, plasters, a small bandage, tick tweezers, and pain relief like ibuprofen can prove incredibly useful for everyday scrapes and strains. For anything more serious, professional medical attention or mountain rescue would likely be required.
9. Fire and stove safety demand extreme vigilance. Dry grass, in particular, poses a significant fire hazard. When using alcohol or gas stoves, ensure a stable, non-flammable surface, and never leave a flame unattended. Cooking inside a tent, if necessary, requires excellent ventilation to prevent gas build-up and careful positioning to keep flames away from flammable tent fabric. Using dehydrated meals can also prevent grease and oil splatters that might damage gear, such as an expensive tent.
10. Awareness of local wildlife is crucial. Researching the area for nesting birds or other sensitive wildlife habitats helps avoid disturbance. Always check your pitch area for existing animal trails or nests, such as ant nests, to prevent unwelcome nocturnal intrusions. In the UK, the infamous midge is a significant nuisance; a head net is a simple yet indispensable item, as forgetting it can lead to a profoundly uncomfortable experience.
11. Sometimes, despite the best intentions, a wild camping trip simply doesn’t go as planned. If conditions become genuinely unpleasant—relentless wind, driving rain, or sheer discomfort—there is absolutely no shame in ‘abandoning ship.’ The goal of wild camping should be enjoyment and connection with nature, not an endurance test. Packing up and heading home, or finding alternative accommodation, is a sensible decision that prioritizes safety and well-being over a misguided sense of obligation to ‘tough it out.’ There is always another day to enjoy the beauty of the wild, perhaps under more favorable conditions.
Unpacking More Wild Camping Wisdom: Your Q&A
Is wild camping allowed everywhere in the UK?
In England and Wales, wild camping is generally considered trespassing on private land, though prosecution is rare. It is largely permitted in Scotland under specific laws and in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park.
How should I choose a safe place to set up my camp?
Look for sheltered areas like dips or behind hills to protect from wind. Make sure the ground is level and clear of rocks for a comfortable and stable night’s sleep.
What are the most important items I need for my first wild camping trip?
You’ll need a reliable shelter (tent, bivy, or tarp), an insulated sleeping pad, a sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures, and waterproof outer layers.
How can I prepare for bad weather when wild camping in the UK?
Always check multiple weather forecasts and pack for the worst-case scenario. It’s crucial to carry a complete change of dry clothes to prevent discomfort and reduce health risks from getting wet.
What is ‘Leave No Trace’ camping?
‘Leave No Trace’ means you should leave your campsite exactly as you found it, or even cleaner. This includes packing out all your rubbish and minimizing your impact on the natural environment.
After a decade of pitching tents and bivvies in some of the UK’s most breathtaking wild locations, valuable insights into navigating the outdoors have been accumulated. The video above, offering 10 years of seasoned wild camping advice in under 30 minutes, covers a wealth of essential tips for both newcomers and experienced adventurers alike. From understanding the nuanced legalities of wild camping in England and Wales to mastering gear choices and embracing the unpredictable British weather, the following guide expands on these crucial points, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable, and environmentally responsible outdoor experience.
Understanding Wild Camping in the UK
Firstly, it is important to clarify the legal landscape surrounding wild camping, particularly within England and Wales. While often misunderstood, wild camping is generally considered a civil matter, not a criminal offense, meaning it is technically trespassing on private land without permission. However, prosecution for simple trespass is exceedingly rare; the typical outcome, if encountered by a landowner or gamekeeper, is simply being asked to move on.
Specific exceptions exist, such as large swathes of Scotland where wild camping is permitted under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, and certain areas within Dartmoor National Park. For the rest of England and Wales, discretion is paramount. A key piece of advice for ethical wild camping is to ‘pitch late and leave early,’ ensuring minimal impact and visibility.
Choosing Your Perfect Pitch Location
Selecting the right spot for your shelter is more than just finding an epic view. Safety and comfort must be prioritized. While the UK is free from large predatory animals like bears or wolves, smaller wildlife like adders, though rare to encounter, are a consideration. More immediate concerns include exposure to the elements and uneven ground.
It is recommended that sheltered areas, such as dips, behind hills, or large rock formations, are sought out. Such positions can significantly reduce the impact of gale-force winds, which can easily transform an otherwise picturesque spot into a night of relentless flapping and discomfort. Furthermore, a diligent search for a level pitch, free from hidden rocks or slopes, ensures a far better night’s sleep; an uneven surface often results in sleeping pads and gear sliding to one side.
Another practical consideration involves avoiding well-worn paths and game trails. While the desire for solitude is strong, human and animal thoroughfares can lead to unwanted nocturnal visitors or disturbances. Attention should also be paid to the type of ground when securing your tent. Longer pegs, approximately nine inches in length, are generally found to provide superior grip in most conditions, significantly improving a tent’s stability against strong winds. However, specific terrains like soft ground or loose sand may necessitate different peg designs, such as sand stakes or snow pegs.
Essential Wild Camping Gear: What Truly Matters
The journey into wild camping does not demand an immediate, substantial investment in high-end gear. Many seasoned campers begin with basic, often army surplus, equipment, gradually upgrading as their passion grows. The sentiment is often shared that the magic of a first wild camp is not enhanced by more expensive kit; the experience itself is the primary reward.
Starting with the Essentials
A basic wild camping setup should always include core items: a reliable shelter (tent, bivy, tarp), an insulated sleeping pad to protect against ground cold, a sleeping bag appropriate for the expected temperatures, and waterproof outer layers. While stoves add comfort, a packed cold lunch is a viable alternative for shorter trips. Crucially, all gear must be rated for the conditions anticipated; attempting to push the limits of a sleeping bag in unexpected cold can lead to a profoundly uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous, night.
Smart Gear Investment
When considering upgrades, the maxim “buy cheap, buy twice” often holds true. Investing in decent quality, affordable gear initially can prove more cost-effective in the long run, as it tends to last longer and perform more reliably. For those unsure about committing, borrowing or purchasing second-hand gear presents an excellent low-risk option. Quality second-hand gear often retains its value, allowing for resale without significant loss if the hobby doesn’t stick.
Research is key; a £1000 four-season Hilleberg tent, while exceptional, is overkill for summer camping. Gear should be chosen specifically for the type of camping planned, optimizing for conditions and not just brand prestige or price tag. It is also worth noting that expensive does not always equate to good, nor does cheap always mean bad.
Navigating the Hype Cycle
The outdoor gear market, much like other consumer electronics industries, frequently employs incremental upgrades and sophisticated marketing to encourage constant purchasing. This can lead to unnecessary expenditure and accumulation of gear. It is often more beneficial to upgrade key items every few years, allowing for more substantial performance differences to be truly appreciated, rather than chasing every minor release.
Impulse buying, fueled by marketing hype, can quickly lead to an overloaded backpack. Instead of focusing on acquiring the “latest and greatest,” the emphasis should be on practical necessity. Carrying multiple redundant items, such as extra stoves or excessive clothing, based on hypothetical mishaps, significantly increases pack weight without commensurate benefit.
Organization and Preparedness: Key to a Smooth Trip
1. Effective organization of gear, both for storage at home and packing in your backpack, is paramount. At home, grouping similar items can highlight redundancies (e.g., owning 30 stoves). More importantly, strategic packing ensures quick access to critical items when needed most.
2. For instance, essential medication or a first aid kit should never be buried at the bottom of a pack. Similarly, if rain is forecast, your shelter should be easily accessible, ideally near the top or even attached externally, allowing for quick deployment and the creation of a dry space for unpacking. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so water and a filter/purifier should be easily reachable. Snacks, providing quick energy boosts, are best kept in hip belt pockets or a small bum bag for immediate access.
3. Always checking the weather forecast is fundamental for wild camping in the UK, where conditions are notoriously unpredictable. Multiple apps, such as Windy, Met Office, and Mountain Weather Forecast, often provide conflicting information. Therefore, a cautious approach involves packing for the worst-case scenario. Mountain weather, especially in areas like Kinder Scout or the Lake District, can differ drastically from valley forecasts, experiencing its own microclimates.
Despite careful preparation, getting wet is an almost inevitable part of regular outdoor activity. Even “waterproof and breathable” garments often struggle to expel body vapor effectively during sustained rain. Thus, carrying a complete change of dry clothes, especially in colder weather, is non-negotiable. Being able to change into dry layers can prevent significant discomfort and reduce the risk of hypothermia or pneumonia.
4. Having a backup plan is critical for mitigating unexpected challenges. This could range from having alternative pitching locations scouted on a map if your primary spot is occupied, to knowing escape routes off the mountain in adverse weather. Injuries, gear failure (like a broken tent pole), or sudden severe storms (such as lightning, as experienced in the Cairngorms) demand pre-considered responses.
Carrying a satellite SOS communicator or a phone with emergency calling capabilities is a vital safety measure. Informing someone reliable of your parking location, intended route, and estimated camping spot allows rescue services a starting point if contact is lost.
5. Navigation skills, though seemingly archaic in the age of GPS-enabled smartphones and smartwatches, remain indispensable. Technology can fail due to battery drain, lack of signal, or adverse weather like dense “clag” (fog). The ability to read a physical map and use a compass, especially in the dark or when navigating unfamiliar footpaths not marked on digital maps, is invaluable. A head torch is, of course, a critical component of any night navigation kit.
Embracing the Wild Camping Experience
6. Wild camping is a deeply personal experience, offering a unique opportunity for solitude and connection with nature. For those new to wild camping, choosing a period with a favorable weather forecast (despite the general unpredictability) can significantly enhance the initial enjoyment. This time in the wild allows for mental decluttering, recharging, and reflection. It is also an excellent chance to learn about the environment, perhaps by photographing unfamiliar plants or geological features for later research.
7. Respect for the environment is a non-negotiable aspect of wild camping, encapsulated by the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. This means ensuring that your chosen spot is left as you found it, or ideally, even cleaner. Packing out all rubbish, including any litter found at your site, is a fundamental responsibility. As temporary guests on this planet, each individual bears a part in protecting natural spaces for future generations.
8. A basic first aid kit is an essential item, tailored to address common minor ailments encountered in the wild. While comprehensive kits for major trauma might be excessive for most, a personal kit containing items like Leukotape for blisters, plasters, a small bandage, tick tweezers, and pain relief like ibuprofen can prove incredibly useful for everyday scrapes and strains. For anything more serious, professional medical attention or mountain rescue would likely be required.
9. Fire and stove safety demand extreme vigilance. Dry grass, in particular, poses a significant fire hazard. When using alcohol or gas stoves, ensure a stable, non-flammable surface, and never leave a flame unattended. Cooking inside a tent, if necessary, requires excellent ventilation to prevent gas build-up and careful positioning to keep flames away from flammable tent fabric. Using dehydrated meals can also prevent grease and oil splatters that might damage gear, such as an expensive tent.
10. Awareness of local wildlife is crucial. Researching the area for nesting birds or other sensitive wildlife habitats helps avoid disturbance. Always check your pitch area for existing animal trails or nests, such as ant nests, to prevent unwelcome nocturnal intrusions. In the UK, the infamous midge is a significant nuisance; a head net is a simple yet indispensable item, as forgetting it can lead to a profoundly uncomfortable experience.
11. Sometimes, despite the best intentions, a wild camping trip simply doesn’t go as planned. If conditions become genuinely unpleasant—relentless wind, driving rain, or sheer discomfort—there is absolutely no shame in ‘abandoning ship.’ The goal of wild camping should be enjoyment and connection with nature, not an endurance test. Packing up and heading home, or finding alternative accommodation, is a sensible decision that prioritizes safety and well-being over a misguided sense of obligation to ‘tough it out.’ There is always another day to enjoy the beauty of the wild, perhaps under more favorable conditions.
Unpacking More Wild Camping Wisdom: Your Q&A
Is wild camping allowed everywhere in the UK?
In England and Wales, wild camping is generally considered trespassing on private land, though prosecution is rare. It is largely permitted in Scotland under specific laws and in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park.
How should I choose a safe place to set up my camp?
Look for sheltered areas like dips or behind hills to protect from wind. Make sure the ground is level and clear of rocks for a comfortable and stable night’s sleep.
What are the most important items I need for my first wild camping trip?
You’ll need a reliable shelter (tent, bivy, or tarp), an insulated sleeping pad, a sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures, and waterproof outer layers.
How can I prepare for bad weather when wild camping in the UK?
Always check multiple weather forecasts and pack for the worst-case scenario. It’s crucial to carry a complete change of dry clothes to prevent discomfort and reduce health risks from getting wet.
What is ‘Leave No Trace’ camping?
‘Leave No Trace’ means you should leave your campsite exactly as you found it, or even cleaner. This includes packing out all your rubbish and minimizing your impact on the natural environment.