Woodlife

Day Sessions

Hat -A warm hat (if cold weather) or sun hat (in hot weather)

Undershirt or vest (if cold)

Shirt (recommended long-sleeves even in summer)

Waterproof or over jacket

Scarf or warm neck cover (cold weather)

Gloves (cold weather)

Long trousers (even in summer)

Waterproof over-trousers (but they may be too noisy. Be prepared to take them off)

Gaiters (if you want)

Wellies/Walking boots (Training shoes are okay in summer – Avoid wellies for weekend courses)

Clothing for kids – Make sure the kids will be warm. They are more prone to the cold especially the feet.

Small rucksack or shoulder bag to put in water proofs drink and food (Contact us if you need advice on this)

At least 1 litre of water (more in summer) or something to drink in water container / flask

Food for lunch and nibbles (Note: All Woodlife Trails Guides like chocolate!)

It may be an idea to bring some dry clothes and leave them in your car to change into for the journey home.

Please note: we reserve the right to refuse to take participants if they are inproperly dressed. Please ask for advice.

Don’t bring too much: Remember you’ve got to carry it!!

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Weekend Sessions

All weekend courses are self catering unless otherwise stated.

** Emergency whistle (Compulsory) **

** Emergency light (Cyalume stick or small torch) (Compulsory)**

** Small Personal First Aid pack – (Compulsory) *

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Carry

· Rucksack – Between 45 – 70 litres

(Try not to have lots of separate bags – Base camp is about 600 meters from the car park)

Sleep

· Sleeping bag (for the season)

· Sleep mat (rubber or inflatable)

Shelter/Rest

· Small tent, tarp or bivvi (basha) or hammock

Cooking

· Billy or saucepan and / or frying pan – You only need one or two

· Small camping stove (meths or gas stove)

(More often than not there will be an open fire to cook on – but please bring a small stove in any case)

· Spoon and fork

· Plate or container for food

· Drinking cup

· Water bottle (suggested 1 litre) Fresh drinking water will be supplied

Hygiene

· Wash kit

· Small flannel (or small towel)

· Hygiene liquid

· Personal medication

· Small First Aid kit to include plasters, antiseptic wipes. (We have a more comprehensive First Aid kit at base camp)

· Toilet kit (soft toilet paper; hygiene gel is supplied but you may want to bring your own.)

Equipment

· Torch (head torch is best)

· Spare batteries

· Camera

· Notebook / pencil

If you have a knife (not a pen-knife) bring it along, but you can borrow one of ours.

Emergency kit

· Emergency whistle (keep around your neck at all times)

· Torch or cyalume stick (keep in your pocket at all times)

Clothes

· Base layer vest or T-shirt

· Mid-layer shirt

· Mid-layer warm fleece or (better) wool pullover

· Top layer jacket (best fire resistant)

· Water proof jacket

· Trousers (avoid jeans in winter.)

· Walking boots, stout shoes or army surplus boots (avoid trainers especially in winter also avoid welly boots.)

· Spare socks / underwear

· Hat (warm hat for winter or sun hat for summer)

Food

Some suggestions:

· Instant porridge mix

· Bacon, sausages, tortillas (we call them edible plates!!)

· Packets of instant soup

· Pre-prepared stew, chilli or curry to reheat

· Boil-in-a-bag meals (like instant rice)

· Tea, coffee & sugar

· Cereal bars

· Mini bars chocolate (we like chocolate!)

· Mixed nuts & raisons

· We may have game (rabbits, squirrel, pheasant and venison) for you to prep and eat depending on the course – but please bring some food in case this is not available.

Tips

· Line your rucksack with a bin liner to keep water out

· Bring a bin liner for rubbish

· Use small re-sealable food storage containers for coffee, tea and sugar (You can also buy resealable plastic bags which will pack down smaller)

· Try not to have lots of separate bags to carry.

· If you have a knife, bring it along, but you can borrow one of ours. No axes please.

· Bring spare socks and a change of base-layer for the night. Nothing worse (or dangerous) than sleeping in wet or sweaty kit.

· If you strap your sleeping bag on the outside of your rucksack, make sure it’s in a waterproof bag.

· Avoid tins – they are heavy. Don’t leave food out in camp. It attracts unwelcome visitors.

Sources of kit

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on kit especially if you are just starting out. Army surplus stores will usually stock everything you need. Online surplus shops also stock kit. In the long run, buy the best you can afford, but if you are starting out – buy basic!!

Here are just a few shops that we use:

http://www.tamarackgroup.co.uk/

http://www.greenmanbushcraft.co.uk

Advice

There are a few online communities that have varying opinions and advice about kit.

Don’t take the first piece of advice – many people are armchair enthusiasts and you may get poor advice. If you are in any doubt about what kit to get, now or in the future, please contact us.

info@woodlife.co.uk

** No axes please – unless specified in the course instructions **

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Download Suggested Kit List (pdf)

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