All-Weather Camping: Our Essential Picks to Master the Elements!
Know your elements.
The greatest philosophers of the ancient world understood their environment in terms of the basic building blocks of nature. The classical elements of earth, wind (or air), fire and water enabled our ancestors to make sense of the world around them, and while modern science has evolved considerably in the intervening millennia, twenty first century outdoor lovers still learn to respect the elements!
Tackling different weather conditions is par for the course while camping, and weatherproofing and insulating your van is a great place to start – get in touch with the team to plan a conversion that is ideally suited to your needs! The Custom Shop have selected our favourite gear to help you master your environment and make the elements your friend, whether you are brewing up at the top of a mountain, or setting up camp in a gale. Always remember to plan for any eventuality on a trip, and don’t underestimate the restorative powers of a hot cup of coffee!
Earth: get stuck in
Step one when pitching your tent or erecting a shelter is ensuring you can remain securely anchored to the ground! It’s always a good idea to have a quick look at the area where you plan to set up camp and check for rocky or uneven ground, exposed roots or anything else that is going to get in the way of a good night’s sleep. When you have found the perfect spot, we recommend using a dedicated outdoor hammer, such as this multipurpose model from Robens, to make sure you get properly stuck in. The aluminium construction of this hammer means it is superlight, and it has a handy hook feature for removing pegs when it’s time to move on.
The team at The Custom Shop love making the most of the radically different environments of the UK, from the rolling chalk landscapes of Wiltshire to the stunning and dramatic volcanic rock of the Lake District. Wherever you’re headed, make sure to enjoy the unique wildlife and natural diversity of the region, and pack the right gear to handle the conditions!
Wind: batten down the hatches!
It can be all too easy to forget the awesome power of gales and storms until you find yourself in the middle of one, usually in a remote location and with plenty of miles to cover before you reach the end of your hike! Packing the right clothing for the weather conditions is essential, and it’s always a good idea to minimise bulk to avoid your rucksack acting as a sail. The intrepid explorers in The Custom Shop crew like to be ready for anything, and adding our favourite lightweight trekking poles from Ultimate Equipment to the pack list means you can climb with confidence in the toughest conditions. Ideal for windy conditions and loose terrain, trekking poles double your points of contact, giving you a better chance of keeping your balance and staying upright!
Some of the most beautiful and remote places in the UK are also prone to dramatic weather conditions, with the magical Scottish islands of Shetland and Orkney holding the crown for windiest in the UK. The coastal regions of the UK have also recorded freak storms with wind speeds above one hundred miles per hour, so as always it’s a good idea to check weather conditions before you head out, and don’t take any unnecessary risks when adventuring into the elements.
Fire: cook with confidence, whatever the weather
Nothing beats the rush of excitement that comes from walking, riding, climbing and experiencing the great outdoors. Nonetheless, we have all had moments after getting back to camp when all we want to do is put our feet up with a hot meal and enjoy some home comforts. The Custom Shop crew see the van life as the ideal way to operate at one hundred per cent on your adventures, by combining comfort and practicality on the road. We know that you don’t always have access to a fully-fitted camper kitchen, especially at the top of a mountain or foot of a crag, and therefore being able to prepare a meal on the go is essential. Our favourite SOTO stove, the Amicus offers incredible functionality in challenging weather, and is crafted from superlight aluminium. When it comes to packability, weight and functionality, the SOTO is a truly superior stove that is tried and tested in the harshest situations – don’t let anything get in the way of a hot meal!
Of course, it is really important to respect the local laws and guidance around starting fires wherever you travel - in England and Wales it is usually limited to certain campsites, and in Scotland all campfires must be managed safely and carefully. Small cooking stoves are a great way of cooking out in the wilds without causing damage to the natural environment, but remember to use your equipment safely and never leave a child around a burner or open flame without supervision.
Water: you and your brew.
Staying hydrated and staying dry are essential to a successful expedition or hike, and it’s a good idea to always know where your nearest drinking water sources are at all times. Ideally you will have a plentiful supply of fresh water securely stored in your camper, or in a large water carrier at your campsite – and make sure every member of your group has their own water bottle when heading into the wilds. A hot drink is a huge comfort and morale booster during a long day, and The Custom Shop team always like to have be able to brew up at a moment’s notice! Our friends at RidgeMonkey designed this awesome square kettle, which can draw heat from any element (a camping stove is ideal) and with its unique design is extremely packable. A short caffeine stop is an ideal way to put the spring back in your step!
We love sourcing our coffee from local roasters, and there are loads of great independent companies looking to put a bit of local flavour into their grind. Check out this awesome list from Muddy Stilletos to get you started on your coffee tour of the UK!
Respect and Enjoy!
As passionate outdoors enthusiasts, we can’t emphasise enough the need to respect the powerful elements at play in the natural world. For your own safety and to protect the spaces we love, it is essential to plan, prepare, and behave respectfully in the beautiful wild spaces we are privileged to have access to. Whichever element you are venturing into, embrace the unknown, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footsteps - and don’t forget to let us know how you get on out there!
