Day Sessions
Please note that our instructors have the right to refuse you entry to the Forest if you do not have the correct equipment or clothing for the season.
Head wear – A warm hat (if cold weather) or sun hat (in hot weather)
Base layer – 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, drinks and snacks (Contact us if you need advice on this)
Water container for at least 1 litre of water (more in summer) or flask
Food for lunch and nibbles (Note: All Woodlife Staff 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!!
Weekend Sessions
All weekend courses are self catering unless otherwise stated.
Please bring the following compulsory items
** Emergency whistle **
** Emergency light (Cyalume stick or small torch) **
** Small Personal First Aid pack **
** Alcohol-based hand sanitiser **
** Face covering **
Carry
Rucksack – Between 45 – 70 litres
Try not to have lots of separate bags. We will convey your equipment into base-camp – but space is limited in our vehicle.
Sleep & Rest
Sleeping bag (for the season)
Sleep mat
Floding chair (for most courses we like to sit around the fire so feel free to bring along a folding chair for extra comfort.)
Shelter
Small tent, tarp or bivvi (basha) or hammock. Our basecamp area is usually dry and suitable for all types of camping.
Cooking
Billy or saucepan and / or frying pan – You only need one or two
Small camping stove either meths or gas eg Trangia Or Colemans
More often than not there will be an open fire to cook on – but please bring a small stove in any case
Spoon / fork
Plate or container for food
Drinking cup
Water bottle or flask (suggested about 1 litre) and a water container of at least 5 litres.
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 (toilet paper and hygiene gel)
Alcohol-based hand-sanitiser
Toilet facilities are available 10 – 15 minutes walk away from base-camp
Equipment
· Torch (head torch is best – preferably with red or green filter)
· Spare batteries
· Camera
· Notebook / pencil
If you have a knife bring it along. Please refer to our sharp tools policy in the Camfire admin area.
Emergency kit
· Emergency whistle (keep on your person at all times)
· Torch or cyalume stick (keep in on your person at all times)
· Small first aid kit (keep in on your person at all times)
Clothes (see also day sessions above)
· Base layer vest or T-shirt (as required)
· Mid-layer (shirt)
· Mid-layer warm fleece or wool pullover (as required)
· Top layer jacket (best fire resistant)
· Water-proof jacket
· Trousers (avoid jeans in winter.)
· Walking boots, stout shoes or army surplus boots (avoid wellies in winter – also avoid training shoes except in very dry weather)
· Hat (warm hat for winter or sun hat for summer)
· Spare socks / underwear
We recommend you take spare base-layer in case of wet weather
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; Look-What-We-Found brand)
· Pepperami or Salami (good winter warmers full of fat)
· Tea, coffee & sugar (3-in-one or 2 in one sachets are great)
· 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
· For extra comfort, feel free to bring along a folding chair for sitting around the fire
· Use small re-sealable food storage containers for coffee, tea and sugar or pre-prepared meals (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. 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!!
Advice
There are a few online communities that have varying opinions and advice about kit.
Don’t take the first piece of advice you are offered – 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.
** No axes please – unless specified in the course instructions **