I am aiming to build a plastic free wild camping setup for use in UK upland areas. So slightly different to most bushcraft use cases which are optimised for wooded areas and use of fires (I do love a bit of bushcraft too!). The broader background to this is covered here.
I am taking a modular approach to this for all season use, adding elements/ layers as appropriate. As I complete each item/ source each item, I will add a specific post on the choices and link. As well as testing each setup to fine tune the requirements to the forecast and real life use.
The concept is fairly simple and based on the layering approach familiar to outdoor clothing systems. I have made plenty of bivvied nights under the stars over the years, and also hunkered down in a tent in wind sub zero temperatures. The idea is that components of this system will provide suitable warmth and comfort from a simple warm night under the stars bivvying out, to cold, wet and nasty nights where a more serious approach is required.
Additionally I am working on the basis of using the sleep system components with a wax cotton/ oilcloth tarp system and groundsheet for all but those under the stars bivvys.
Whilst a plastic free approach does go hand in hand with sustainability on a long term basis, the initial focus is the plastic free aim. The truth on sustainability is that using my existing synthetic gear, repairing as necessary, is the most sustainable solution in the immediate sense. My objective is really to understand whether natural fabrics can compete with the performance of synthetics for wild camping in UK wild spaces in all seasons.
Components
Starting from the ground up the system choices I have made are:
Sleeping mat – STATUS: Built. Wax canvas balloon bed. Inspired by the excellent mountain marathon lightweight staple but based on natural fabrics rather than synthetic. This should work well for single or double nights out but is less viable for longer trips with 8 balloons required per night. Additionally whilst natural latex balloons tick the natural and biodegradable fabrics box, single use disposable items are of course not ideal.
Over bag/ Bivvy bag – STATUS: Built– Mid weight wax cotton/ oilskin wind and water resistant bag. I will be interested to see how this goes for comfort. A few people document having created these and being super warm and comfortable, others worry that, like a plastic based bivvy bag, they could be sweaty. The proof is in the pudding.
Insulation Layer – option 1: Army Wool blanket. STATUS: Owned. A n off the shelf Army surplus thick wool blanket. This is super heavy 1.7kg and something that I would not aim to bring on every trip, but is a versatile component for specific circumstances. As I develop other lighter layering options I would hopefully be able to drop this. I have run some insulation tests on this and am confident it is suitable as basic insulation for 2 season use.
Insulation Layer – option 2: Wool blanket sleeping bag. STATUS: Under Construction. A trimmed down and sewn wool blanket reducing the weight and easing use. Preferably from a lighter and fluffier wool than the army wool blanket.
Insulation Layer – option 3: Silk/Down duvet. STATUS: Under Construction. I am using a spare wide old silk liner and some down sourced from some old bedding to experiment here.
Sleeping Liner – Silk sleeping bag liner. STATUS: Owned. I have a few of these standard silk sleeping bag style liners. They are reputed to add warmth and am currently running some tests on this. Link to follow
Wild camping scenarios
My gut feel on choice and will update as try each option in real world condition looks as below:
| Scenario | Temp Range | Item Choice |
| Warm weather | 15+ C (59F) | Silk liner + Wool Blanket/Bag |
| Mild Weather | 10-15 C (50-59F) | Silk liner + Wool Blanket/Bag + Bivvy Bag |
| Cool | 5-10 C (41-50 F) | Silk liner + Down Quilt + Bivvy Bag |
| Cold | -5 – 5 C ( | Wool Liner + Down Quilt + Wool Blanket/Bag + Bivvy Bag |
Pingback: Wool vs. Synthetic fleece blanket test - Insulation face off - Big Skies