(that doesn’t require the most robust, expensive and typically heavy tent promoted by some YouTubers!)
If you follow even a handful of outdoor social media sites you will be familiar with the plethora of questionable wild camping locations that many people choose to share images of, perhaps primarily for the drama of the image and story, and with posting to social media the primary purpose of the camp. That is not to say that I haven’t on occasion chosen to camp in a less-than-ideal spot, purely to be able to lay in my sleeping bag and enjoy a cracking view – of course I have.
However, if you were viewing tent ‘reviews’ on YouTube with a view to purchasing a tent capable of surviving a night in the mountains, then you might easily find yourself spending more money than necessary by being led to believe that you need a tent that will stand up to gale force winds on an exposed summit. Many of my early tents were definitely somewhat less than capable of such a feat, and yet I’ve enjoyed many a happy mountain night under nylon, even in bad weather.
Site selection in these reviews seems to be much neglected topic in favour of kit comparison in the competition to find (and buy) the ‘best’ tent for wild camping in the worst conditions possible. For most people it just isn’t necessary. However, in claiming to have something to offer in terms of advice, I should also admit that while I have learned over the years from the company of many older and wiser (at the time) than me, I have also learned through experience (which is the more stylish way of saying, I’ve made a ton of foolish errors and had some cold, wet and uncomfortable nights too!) Indeed, I would encourage learning from mistakes as the ‘premier’ way to learn. Not only do the lessons tend to be remembered more effectively, but in the process, you can accumulate a significant amount of bragging rights for late night tales with like-minded folk, a favourite pastime in Scottish bothies.
There is another good reason to highlight this issue however – not everyone can afford the top kit, and no one should be denied the opportunity to experience the outdoors in all the glorious weather challenges that are typical in the UK, just because the prices of the best outdoor kit are now in the same league as Rolex watches and designer handbags (they are often seen in the same bars too, thanks to Gorpcore!)
Wild camping offers a rare sense of freedom and connection with nature, but you don’t have to sell the kids to be able to afford the experience. Where you choose to pitch your tent can make the difference between a great night outdoors in any adequate tent, vs a sleepless night in a very expensive tent – and possibly a damaged tent (that I hope you didn’t put on the credit card with the intent of returning it after the review).
Like with many things, lots of the factors to consider when choosing a great tent spot (and one that shouldn’t expose your tent to the full force of a mountain storm), are not obvious until you know them. So, in the hope that its useful to someone, I’ve set out my top ten things to consider for a good wild camp spot.
It is important to be aware that wild camping is not legal in most places but is generally tolerated if you leave no trace. Ideally you would pitch somewhere discreet just before dark and be gone as soon as it is light. That way no one should ever know you were there.
Always check the weather forecast regularly too. Knowing what to expect can be especially helpful in considering some of the points below.
1. Avoid Summits, Ridges and Tops
While tempting for the views, summits, ridges and open tops are particularly exposed to strong winds. When horizontal wind meets a slope, it accelerates as the air is forced into a narrower channel. This is the ‘ridge lift’ used by paragliders to take off. Don’t expose your tent to the risk of high winds if you want it to last. Drop below the ridge or top to find calmer, more stable conditions, on the lee side of the slope.
2. Prioritise Wind Shelter
Protection from the wind can also be found using the nature of the terrain such as shallow bowls, depressions, rock outcrops, or other such land features. However, be aware that wind turbulence can form behind large or steep crags, so these are best avoided. Further down a slope a stand of trees can slow and dissipate the wind, a dry-stone wall or even a sheep fold wall can be useful too. Pitch with the narrowest end of your tent (usually the rear) to the wind.
3. Check Drainage Carefully
Mountain weather changes fast and you should always assume overnight rain could happen. Avoid gullies and meltwater channels, that can turn into streams overnight. Will any water pool or drain in that shallow depression? Slightly raised, compacted ground drains far better. Watch out for a reddish coloured coarse grass – it tends to grow where water pools.
4. Avoid Cold-Air Sinks
Cold air sinks at night in mountains when the ground cools rapidly, particularly under clear, calm skies, chilling the air above it through conduction. This cold, dense air becomes heavier than the warmer air further up the slope, causing it to flow downhill (known as a katabatic wind) and pool in valleys, often creating a temperature inversion where the valley floor is colder than the mountain slopes above it. Camping a little higher up the slope can mean warmer temperatures and less condensation by morning.
5. Minimise Condensation from Water
You often hear that you should camp away from water, but this is usually to protect water sources. There is another good reason to do so. Condensation formation in your tent will be worse around moist air from water sources. Being even 50m away from a stream or lake can make a difference.
6. Minimise Condensation from Clear Skies
Tent reviewers would have you believe that vents are the only thing preventing condensation. However, even these will not prevent condensation forming in your tent under clear, cold skies. Finding a spot under the cover of trees, shrubs or even tucked close against a hedgerow will drastically reduce condensation. But of course, always check above to ensure there is no risk of branches, or anything else falling onto you.
7. Assess Rock and Slope Stability
Particularly important during freeze–thaw conditions. Look for loose scree, fractured rock, or signs of recent rockfall. Even small stones skipping down a slope can become a significant hazard.
8. Consider Snow and Seasonal Hazards
In winter mountains, ensure you are well away from avalanche paths, cornices, and steep snow-loaded slopes. Check recent weather and snow conditions and understand avalanche risk. Snow itself can insulate from colder winds, so digging down into snow to pitch your tent lower can protect from wind and cold. Just ensure that you also dig a channel from your tent downhill a small distance so that any cold air sinks away from your tent.
9. Consider Sun Orientation
A south or east-facing site can offer early morning warmth and quicker drying in cold conditions, however this is a lower priority than avoiding a pitch on the windward side of a slope.
10. Consider Retreat Options
Even with all the precautions above, weather can change and a night in a tent in the mountains can become uncomfortable. If you have the choice, try to pick a site that enables you a relatively safe descent if you decide that may be wiser than staying put. Bear in mind that you will be descending in the dark by headlamp (of course you have a headlamp), in bad weather, so avoiding crags, steep drops and loose scree is preferable.
