The desire to wild camp usually starts with a search for silence. But for many solo hikers, the dream of a night under the stars is often stalled by a single question: “Is it safe to go alone?”

The truth is, most of the people you see on our expeditions started exactly where you are. They wanted to explore the Isle of Rum or Knoydart, but they didn’t have a partner with the same level of ambition. Solo wild camping isn’t just about being alone; it’s about the freedom to move at your own pace.

The Safety First Mindset

Safety as a solo hiker comes down to three things: Planning, Communication, and Competence. Before you head out, you need to know how to read the weather, how to navigate when the mist drops, and how to fix a gear failure far from the trailhead.

Gear for One: Lightweight & Reliable

When you camp solo, you can’t split the weight of a tent or a stove with a partner. Your kit needs to be optimized for one. This is why we emphasize high-quality, lightweight gear that doesn’t compromise on protection.

3 Tips for Your First Solo Adventure

• Leave a Route Card: Always tell a trusted contact exactly where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Master Your Nav: Don’t rely solely on a phone. Learn to use a map and compass—skills we teach on every single one of our courses.
• Start Small: Don’t head for Knoydart on your first night. Try a local fell or join us for a 2-day Lakes Taster to find your feet.

On a remote expedition, your stove is more than a convenience—it is your source of warmth, hydration, and morale.

In the heart of the Isle of Rum or the deep glens of Knoydart, you cannot simply find a tap or a cafe. Every drop of water must be sourced and treated, and every calorie must be carried. This guide covers the essentials of mountain nutrition and the hardware required to keep you moving.

The Stove: Speed vs. Stability

When wild camping, we prioritize efficiency. In the Scottish Highlands, wind is the enemy of a stove. We use integrated canister stoves (like Jetboils or MSR systems) because they are shielded from the wind and boil water in minutes. This saves precious fuel—and weight—over a multi-day journey.

Hydration: Sourcing Water Safely

While Scotland has plenty of water, it isn’t always “clean.” We teach our clients how to identify safe water sources and use filtration or purification methods to ensure you stay healthy. Carrying 1-2 liters at a time is usually sufficient, provided you know where the next “fill-up” point is on your route.

Mountain Nutrition: The 3,000 Calorie Rule

On a typical expedition day, you can easily burn 3,000 to 4,000 calories. We recommend a “wet-food” or dehydrated meal strategy that focuses on high energy-to-weight ratios.

• Breakfast: Slow-release energy (Oats/Porridge).
• On the move: “Grazing” on nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate to keep blood sugar stable.
• Dinner: High-protein dehydrated meals to aid muscle recovery overnight.

In the Scottish Highlands, a “good night’s sleep” isn’t just about comfort—it’s about recovery and safety.

When you are deep in Knoydart or on the Isle of Rum, your body needs to recover from the day’s exertion. If you spend the night fighting off the cold, you’ll start the next day fatigued. This guide explains the science of the “Sleep System” and why the mat is just as important as the bag.

The Sleeping Mat: Your Barrier from the Earth

Most people blame their sleeping bag when they feel cold, but the culprit is often the ground. Thermal conductivity means the earth will strip away your body heat much faster than the air will.

Look for the R-Value. For Scottish expeditions, you need a mat with an R-Value of 3.0 or higher. This measures the material’s thermal resistance; the higher the number, the better the insulation.

The Bag: Comfort vs. Limit Ratings

When choosing a bag, ignore the “Extreme” rating. You should only look at the Comfort Rating. In the Highlands, even in summer, temperatures can drop toward freezing at high camps. We recommend a 3-season bag with a comfort rating of 0°C to -5°C.

3 Tips for a Warmer Night

• Eat before bed: Your body needs fuel to generate heat. A high-calorie snack before zipping up acts like a heater.
• Keep your head warm: A significant amount of heat is lost through your head. Wear a dry beanie, even inside the hood.
• Don’t hold it in: If you need the toilet, go. Your body wastes energy keeping a full bladder warm.

Preparing for a multi-day journey through places like Knoydart or the Isle of Rum brings up one consistent question: “What do I actually need to carry?”

In the Scottish Highlands, your kit isn’t just luggage—it’s your life support system. Balancing weight against safety is a craft. This guide breaks down the essential “Big Three” (Pack, Tent, Sleep System) and explains how you can access professional-grade gear without the £1,000 price tag.

1. The Shelter: 3-Season vs. 4-Season

A “Highland storm” is a different beast than a breezy night in the fells. For our expeditions, we use tents with high-tensile poles and robust flysheets. They must be capable of shedding wind and rain for 48 hours straight.

2. The Sleep System: R-Values Matter

The ground in Scotland stays cold even in summer. Your sleeping bag rating is only half the story; your sleeping mat (R-Value) is what prevents the earth from stripping your body heat. We recommend a minimum R-Value of 3.0 for Scottish wild camping.

3. The Load: 65 Liters is the Sweet Spot

Between food, fuel, and extra layers, a 65L pack is usually the “Goldilocks” size. Anything smaller and you’re struggling to pack; anything larger and you’re tempted to bring “luxury items” that will weigh you down on a 15km day.

Summary Kit List

• Hardware: 65L Pack + Rain cover, Waterproof liners.
• Shelter: Professional mountain tent + Pegs.
• Sleep: 3-season bag + Insulated mat.
• Clothing: Layering system (Base, Mid, Shell) + Spare socks.
• Kitchen: Compact stove, fuel, and high-calorie lightweight meals.