Autumn can be an amazing time to get out into the wilderness and go camping, as Gayle Ritchie discovers
We’ve passed the September 22 equinox and whether you want to hear it or not (and I don’t), summer is officially over.
But that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up indoors watching DVDs with a blanket wrapped round you and the heating on full blast as you chomp popcorn on the sofa.
Autumn can be a fantastic time to embrace the joys of being outdoors with a weekend away (or longer) camping in Scotland. Not that you need an excuse, of course.
With today’s camping gear more than equipped to deal with the elements, it doesn’t matter whether the sun is shining, the heavens have opened or there’s a nip in the air. As some say – there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing (or poor quality tents!)
So whether you’re a camper, glamper, or tramper, there’s a tent or camping pod right up your street. Oh, and there’s plenty of cool gear, too.
FOR THE CAMPER
Want to camp in style and comfort and still feel as though you’re at one with nature? Check out the 3 man OEX Coyote III, £179.99, www.gooutdoors.co.uk
The groundsheet is pre-attached, making pitching easy and keeping insects out, while the extended front porch gives you room to relax and space to store gear.
Doors on each side let you choose your entry point according to the prevailing wind, and can also be opened as vents when camping in warmer weather.
New for 2016 are the Yunan T6 tent poles which, with their Japanese grade Aluminium and bespoke Korean engineering, are made to perform in all conditions whilst maintaining their integrity over many years of use.
The durable poly flysheet won’t falter in arduous conditions and will give you years of service, being very waterproof (rated to 5000mm) and treated with a fire-retardant coating which will self-extinguish if exposed to flame.
FOR THE TRAMPER
What the heck is a tramper, you say? It’s a new minimalist form of camping growing in popularity, according to equipment specialists GO Outdoors.
Inspired by survivalists such as Bear Grylls and Ray Mears, many campers are opting for the ultra simple approach when it comes to outdoor holidays.
GO Outdoors has seen a doubling in sales of hi-tech survival gear such as waterproof sleeping bags, one man tents and bivouacs.
The trend is a reaction to luxury camping and the “over pampered” nature of modern life. The name tramping originated in New Zealand where it means backpacking on multi- day walks where you have to carry everything with you.
However in Britain it has been taken to an extreme with hikers and bikers taking the very minimum of kit. That means all the equipment has to be lightweight and reliable.
There is something very freeing about stripping away all the unnecessary rubbish and taking only the essentials. For some, it’s about going totally off grid, no texts, no calls, no emails – and no faffing with tents and equipment.
Try the OEX Phoxx 1 Man Backpacking Tent, £39.99, www.gooutdoors.co.uk
It’s a compact and lightweight tent with a very low profile and is ideal for expeditions, bike trips or wild camping.
It has pre-angled poles which easily run through the inner tent for a quick pitch and give the tent straighter sides, while the tough guy lines ensure you can get always get a secure hold in even the windiest conditions.
The durable poly flysheet won’t falter in arduous conditions, and if you prefer you can just peg down the inner on its own for an insect-free rest stop or when travelling in hot climates.
FOR THE GLAMPER
So you don’t fancy curling up under canvas? Fair enough! Why not opt for a camping pod, or a Nordic Kata? Check out the unique handmade Katas at Comrie Croft; www.comriecroft.com which are £85 a night and billed as “the ultimate wild camping experience without the hardship”.
Go to sleep to the sound of the deer and owls outside, or, in winter, the silence of snow falling! Four of the five katas are set in open birch woodland and the newest is next to the low meadow with its own private boardwalk and car parking space.
You can keep cosy in all weathers using the wood-burning stove in the centre of the tent. They are furnished with sheepskins, cushions and solar powered lighting, and all the camping essentials you need, including homemade furniture.
ALL ABOUT THE GEAR
There’s no point in going camping if you’re not going to take the right gear, so make sure you check the weather and go prepared. As the temperatures drop, you need to layer up and check your gear can deal with all that Autumn might deign to throw at it. Here’s some inspiration……
SLEEP TIGHT
DRINK UP
While you’re chilling out in front of the camp fire, or walking round in the sunshine, you’ll love the Eco Vessel Double Barrel Mug,£19.95, www.anatomfootwear.co.uk
These mugs are double insulated, so your hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold.
WALK THIS WAY
Camping and walking – what better combination? Embrace nature and treat yourself to some great walking gear.
Check out the Salomon Wayfarer Pant Softshell Trousers, £75 from www.salomon.com. Hike almost anywhere throughout all three seasons in these exceptionally lightweight, comfortable and water resistant gems. Stretch woven fabric breathes, moves with you, and remains durable mile after mile.
STAY DRY
And for one of the most waterproof jackets in the world, try the Columbia OutDry™ Ex Platinum Shell, £150 via blacks.co.uk
It’s the first ever waterproof and breathable fabric technology constructed with a waterproof layer on the outside and soft, wicking fabric inside. While traditional rain gear uses interior waterproof membranes which don’t allow for air flow, and water-repellent coating that degrades over time, OutDry™ Extreme’s rugged exterior is an incredibly water-tight membrane with millions of microscopic perforations that let water vapour escape through a wicking membrane directly fused to the shell.
Part of the Titanium line, this insanely waterproof shell is fully seam-sealed with bold, external seam tape and features a helmet-compatible hood, two-way underarm venting and articulated elbows. This shell also features high-tech Light Rail™ zippers on the chest and hand pockets and reflective detailing to keep you in sight at night.
I WOULD WALK 1000 MILES
Walkers need good socks and you can’t go far wrong with the 1000 Mile Two Season Walking Socks, £13.99 from 1000mile.co.uk which has been specifically designed for use in warm conditions.
The light COOLMAX® fabric wicks away moisture and enhances air flow to keep the feet cool whilst venting on the upper mid-foot area allows the foot to breathe.
The padded heel extends to cover the Achilles tendon with additional padded zones to cushion the ankle bone, toe box and upper mid-foot.
The flat toe seam minimises rubbing and arch bracing helps to provide a customised fit.
STREET STYLE FOR FEET
Heading to the country but want to retain a bit of street-smart style? The San Francisco GTX® Lo Surround™ from LOWA is a warm weather casual shoe that features the new GORE-TEX® Surround™ Technology. The innovative open sole construction allows air to circulate throughout the shoe to keep feet dry and comfortably cool in warm weather, yet is durably waterproof/breathable.
Combined with perforated nubuck leather uppers, this street-smart style is perfect for warm weather travel and daily wear. Pick them up for £125 from www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
WHAT TIME IS IT?
It’s a good idea to wear a hardwearing and outdoors-friendly watch when you’re camping or walking. The stunning – and extremely funky – ladies Casio Baby-g Flowers watch is made from stainless steel and resin and is powered by a chronograph quartz movement. It’s fitted with a multicolour rubber strap and has a LCD dial. It’s reduced from £140 to £105 at the moment at www.WatchShop.com
JUST BUMMIN’ AROUND
Thought bum bags were a thing of the past? Think again! They’re definitely in this season. What better way to carry round your phone, wallet, bottle of water and, if you’ve got a dog, some doggie treats? You can’t beat the Native Aztec Black Bu Bag by Spiral UK. Stylish and practical in equal measure, these are a year round style staple. £9.99. spiraluk.com
So what are you waiting for? Get out into the wilderness and enjoy while the weather is half decent!