The standard packing list for a weekend away does not apply here. Off-grid means no corner shop, no phone signal to check if you can order something, and no mains power to charge what you did not charge before you left. Pack for that, not for a comfortable rural cottage.
This is the list. It assumes a two-night stay at any Otium site. Adapt for longer trips and winter conditions.
Before You Leave
Charge everything. Phone, camera, headtorch, any USB devices. The solar system at each site provides USB charging but it is not fast and depends on weather. Arrive with full batteries.
Download offline maps. Google Maps offline or OS Maps downloaded for the relevant area. The postcode gets you to the forest gate. After that, you are following GPS coordinates we send 48 hours before arrival.
Fill the fuel tank. Not for the drive to the site — for the drive back out. If you get a puncture on the track, you want options.
Clothing
- Base layers — merino wool if you have it, synthetic if not. Not cotton.
- Mid layer — fleece or down jacket. Even in summer, evenings at 380m drop fast.
- Waterproof outer — proper waterproof, not water resistant. The Brecon and Kielder sites get horizontal rain.
- Hat and gloves — any season except peak summer.
- Boots — waterproof, ankle support. You will walk in the forest. The ground is not dry.
- One change of everything. Two if you plan to get properly wet.
Food and Kitchen
Each site has a basic kitchen area. No cooking equipment is provided — bring what you plan to use. The wood burner can be used for basic cooking. A gas camping stove is the practical choice for anything requiring control.
- Camp stove and fuel canister
- One pot, one pan
- Utensils — knife, spatula, spoon
- Plates, cups, cutlery
- Food for all meals plus one emergency meal
- Coffee — the important one
- Water — sites have no running water supply. Bring 10L per person per day minimum. More in summer.
Warmth and Light
Firewood is provided at every site. There is enough to keep the fire going through two nights of normal use. If you are burning it very hard in cold weather, you may want to bring a backup bundle from a petrol station on the way.
- Lighter or matches — two sources. Firelighters are also useful.
- Headtorch — essential. The tracks are unlit. The clearing is unlit. You will need it.
- Spare batteries for the headtorch
- Candles — optional, but the atmosphere justifies them
Navigation and Safety
- Offline maps downloaded before departure
- Printed copy of the GPS coordinates (send the confirmation email to your printer)
- Basic first aid kit
- Tow rope or recovery strap — useful in winter on the harder sites
- Emergency contact number — the Otium contact in your confirmation email
What You Do Not Need
Bluetooth speaker. The forest is better. Generator. You will not need more power than the solar provides. Smart home devices. They will not connect to anything. Anything with a plug that needs 240V.
A simple weekend. That is the point.