What Is Fly Camping

If you’re looking for a way to make your backpacking trips more adventurous, you might be asking, what is fly camping? It’s a simple but brilliant concept that adds a whole new layer of freedom to your wilderness experience. Think of it as a super-lightweight, minimalist side trip from your main camp.

Instead of carrying all your gear every single day, you set up a basecamp. From there, you take only the absolute essentials for a night or two and venture further out. You get to see remote areas without the burden of a full pack. It’s about covering more ground and finding those secret spots that most hikers never reach.

So, let’s break down the official definition. Fly camping is a lightweight, mobile camping technique used during a longer trek. You establish a primary campsite with most of your supplies. Then, you make short, agile journeys to satellite campsites with a drastically reduced kit. This kit often includes just a tarp or bivvy bag, a sleeping bag, some food, and water.

The term “fly” hints at this light, fast, and temporary nature. You’re not settling in for a long stay at the fly camp. You’re there to sleep and then move on, either back to base or further along your route. It’s perfect for summiting a distant peak, exploring a hidden canyon, or simply extending your range without moving your entire operation.

Why Go Fly Camping? The Major Benefits

This style isn’t just for hardcore adventurers. It offers real advantages for many hikers.

Access Remote Areas: A full backpack is heavy and slows you down. A fly camping kit lets you travel faster and farther into places that are otherwise a slog to reach in one day.
Maximize Your Trip: On a multi-day hike, you can cover a loop or a point-to-point trail without needing to carry all your food from the start. You can cache supplies at your basecamp.
Embrace Minimalism: It’s incredibly satisfying to survive a night with just a handful of items. It simplifies everything and connects you more directly with the environment.
Photography & Wildlife: For photographers, it means being at the perfect location for golden hour or sunrise without a pre-dawn hike. For wildlife enthusiasts, it increases your chances of quiet observation.
Test Your Skills: It’s a safe way to practice ultralight or survival-style camping close to your well-stocked basecamp, building confidence for bigger adventures.

The Essential Fly Camping Gear List

Packing light is the whole point. Every item must earn its place. Here’s what you typically need for a one-night fly camp.

Shelter & Sleep System

Ultralight Shelter: A small tarp, a bivvy bag (bivouac sack), or an emergency shelter. A minimalist one-person tent can work if it’s light enough.
Sleeping Bag: Choose a bag rated for the expected overnight lows. Down bags pack smaller but synthetic handles moisture better.
Sleeping Pad: A short or 3/4-length inflatable pad or a foam sit pad. Ground insulation is non-negotiable for warmth.

Food, Water & Cooking

Water: A single water bottle or a collapsible bladder, plus a purification method (tablets or a small filter).
Food: High-calorie, no-cook foods like trail mix, bars, jerky, and dried fruit. If you bring a stove, make it a tiny one with a single fuel canister.
Utensils: Just a single spork or your hands.

Clothing & Essentials

Layers: One extra insulating layer (fleece or puffy) and a rain jacket. Pack according to the weather forcast.
Headlamp: A small, reliable headlamp is crucial.
First-Aid Kit: A stripped-down version with blister care, antiseptic, and personal medications.
Navigation: Map, compass, and/or GPS device. You must know how to use them.
Emergency Items: Lighter, whistle, and a compact emergency blanket.

How to Plan Your First Fly Camping Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Good planning makes your fly camping safe and enjoyable. Don’t just head out without thinking it through.

Choose a Familiar Area: For your first time, pick a trail and landscape you know well. This isn’t the moment to explore a completely new region.
Establish a Solid Basecamp: Your main camp should be in a legal, durable location (like an established site). Make sure it’s secure for leaving your extra gear.
Plan Your Fly Camp Route: Study the map. Your goal should be 2-6 miles from basecamp. Identify a safe, legal spot to spend the night—look for flat ground, water sources, and natural wind protection.
Check Weather Relentlessly: Only go if the forcast is stable. Fly camping offers little protection from severe storms. Be prepared to cancel.
Pack Your Fly Kit: Use the list above. Lay everything out and remove at least two items. Ask, “Can I survive without this for 24 hours?”
Leave a Detailed Plan: Tell someone exactly where your basecamp is, your fly camping route, and when you’ll return. Stick to your plan.

Finding the Perfect Fly Camping Spot

Site selection is a critical skill. You’re looking for something different than a main campsite.

Leave No Trace: This is paramount. Use durable surfaces like rock, sand, or dry grass. Never camp on fragile vegetation.
Water Source: Being near water is convenient, but camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect the shoreline.
Wind & Weather Protection: Look for natural windbreaks like a cluster of boulders or a small rise. Avoid ridge tops and open meadows if wind is expected.
Low Visibility: Part of the charm is seclusion. Choose a spot that’s out of sight from the main trail to preserve the wilderness feeling for others.
Safety: Check for dead trees or branches overhead (“widowmakers”) and avoid dry riverbeds in case of flash floods.

Common Fly Camping Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others errors is the best way to start. Here’s what often goes wrong.

Overpacking: Bringing too much stuff defeats the entire purpose. You back will thank you for keeping it light.
Underestimating the Cold: Temperatures drop significantly at night, especially at elevation. Bring a warmer sleeping bag than you think you need.
Poor Water Planning: Not knowing where your next water source is, or not bringing a way to purify it, is a serious risk.
Ignoring Leave No Trace: Because fly camps are temporary, some think the rules don’t apply. They absolutely do. Leave no trace of your visit.
No Contingency Plan: What if you twist an ankle? What if weather rolls in? Always have a bail-out option and know the fastest way back to safety.

Fly Camping vs. Bivouacking: What’s the Difference?

The terms are often used interchangably, but there’s a subtle distinction. Fly camping usually implies a planned, lightweight excursion from a basecamp. It’s a tactical choice for exploration.

Bivouacking (or “bivvying”) often refers to an improvised, emergency, or extremely minimalist overnight stay, frequently without a tent. A climber might bivvy on a ledge during a multi-day ascent. While the gear is similar, the intent is different. Fly camping is a strategy; bivouacking is often a necessity or an extreme form of minimalism.

Adapting Fly Camping for Different Environments

Your kit and approach will change based on where you are.

In the Desert

Water is your number one concern. Carry more than you think. A lightweight umbrella for sun shade can be a lifesaver. Sand can get everywhere, so a bivvy bag might be better than a tarp.

In the Mountains

Weather is unpredictable. Your insulating layers and sleeping bag rating are critical. Wind protection is a top priority when choosing a site. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.

In Wooded Areas

Finding a flat, clear spot is easier. A tarp setup works well here. Be extra vigilant about hanging food or using bear canisters if in bear country. Mosquito netting might be worth its weight.

Making it Comfortable: Small Luxuries

Just because it’s minimal doesn’t mean it has to be miserable. One or two tiny luxury items can boost your morale.

A small flask of a favorite hot drink.
An ultralight inflatable pillow.
A single sheet of paper and a mini pencil to jot down thoughts.
Extra pair of warm socks dedicated for sleeping.

Safety Considerations: The Non-Negotiables

Adventure should not mean recklessness. These rules keep you safe.

Always, always inform someone of your plan.
Carry a physical map and compass as a backup to electronics.
Know basic first aid, especially for sprains and hypothermia.
Check in with yourself. If you feel unsafe or overly anxious, there’s no shame in returning to basecamp.
Preserve your phone battery. Keep it on airplane mode and only use it for photos or emergencies.

FAQ Section

Is fly camping safe?
It can be very safe with proper planning. The key is choosing familiar terrain, checking weather, and having a solid bail-out plan. It’s safer than going on a full multi-day trek unprepared.

What’s the best shelter for fly camping?
It depends on conditions. A bivvy bag is simplest and lightest. A small tarp offers more livable space if rain is possible. Choose based on the expected weather and your need for space.

How do you handle food storage from animals?
Use the same methods as at your main camp. If in bear country, carry a bear canister or use a proper hang kit. For smaller critters, an odor-proof bag hung from a tree branch is a good minimum.

Can you have a campfire while fly camping?
Generally, no. Fires are often prohibited outside of established rings, and gathering wood in a pristine area damages the ecosystem. Use a stove if you need to cook, or stick with no-cook foods.

How far should you fly camp from your base?
A distance of 2 to 6 miles is a good range. It’s far enough to feel like a new adventure but close enough to retreat if needed. Your fitness and the terrain difficulty are the biggest factors.

Fly camping is a tool that opens up the wilderness in a new way. It teaches you what you truly need to survive and thrive outdoors for a night. It pushes you to hone your navigation, packing, and decision-making skills. By traveling light, you gain a profound sense of freedom and agility on the trail. Start with a simple overnight close to your base, learn from the experience, and soon you’ll be planning longer journeys to those breathtaking vistas that were once just a distant dream on the map.