Camping in the wild is great fun. But it needs careful preparation – and above all reliable equipment.

I am not trying to teach the obvious to experienced campers. This article is aimed at less experienced campers who want to be well-prepared.

Here are a few of the basics you need to take, though what is ‘basic’ will depend upon where you are going

Starting with the most obvious, you need a good tent. Never be tempted to rough it without one. You need protection from bad weather and from wild animals or reptiles. get the best you can afford, make sure it really is waterproof and then practise putting it up several times at home before you leave.

Equally obviously, you need to cook so must bring a stove. Heating sausages on a fire sounds very romantic but it is not at all practical. A simple, light stove is ideal.

Slightly less obvious is the need for a first aid kit. You need to plan this well in advance. if the need arises and you don’t have one, you could be in serious trouble. These days, there are excellent kits available in camping stores.

Don’t rely on ‘living off the land’. Take food and water with you. Freeze dried food is the latest fashion but good old cans are probably still your best friend.

A stove and food is good but much better if you also have something to cook on Buy special pans that also serve as plates for eating. Saves on the washing up – and the weight on your back.

When setting up a tent, you will need a mallet to bash in the pegs, whatever the state of the ground. Conversely, when you are packing up, you will need a peg remover to get the pegs back out again.

It gets very dark in the wilderness. You will need a good source of light to see at night. Flashlights are the traditional solution but there are many other cheap and light solutions available in the specialist shops.

And for your washing up, you need to bring a kitchen sink. OK that is silly but many people do bring ridiculous items with them. Everything you take has to fit in your rucksack and be carried on your back. Unless you are sure you will need it, don’t take it.

Travel wise, travel light and travel prepared, that is the way to really enjoy yourself.