Sleeping in the great outdoors: that’s wild camping!

Wild camping refers to camping or spending the night in the wild outside of campgrounds or private property. It means staying overnight in a place that is not specifically set up for camping purposes. Wild camping involves finding a suitable place in nature, such as a remote forest, field or mountain, to pitch your tent and spend the night.

Close to nature & freedom to choose sleeping place

Wild camping offers a more intense nature experience and greater freedom in terms of site selection and activities compared to camping at organized campgrounds. It allows campers to choose their own campsite according to personal preferences and the needs of the trip. This opens the possibility of discovering remote places and experiencing new adventures in nature.

Rest & relaxation: recharge energy reserves

Wild camping allows you to be away from the crowded tourist areas and enjoy the beauty of nature in a secluded environment. It provides an escape from stressful everyday life and offers the opportunity to relax and recover from physical and mental stress. Spending time in nature, away from urban noise and distractions, creates space for inner peace and recharging energy reserves. It helps that you experience the wild camping, the animal and plant world up close.

Self-sufficiency, but inexpensive

When wild camping, people are often on their own and must provide their own equipment, food, and preparation. This fosters a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency as people learn to navigate the outdoors and be independent. Another advantage of wild camping is that it is a cost-effective alternative, as there are often no overnight fees. This allows travelers on a limited budget to experience and enjoy nature without the high cost of campgrounds.

That’s what wild camping is all about!

Quickly in the overview – that’s what’s special about wild camping:

• Camping in the great outdoors, away from campgrounds & private grounds.
• Freedom to choose where to sleep, such as remote forests, fields or mountain
• Intensive experience of nature & allows to discover remote places
• Rest, relaxation & recreation away from crowded tourist areas
• Promotes self-reliance, self-sufficiency & self-reliance in nature.
• Cost-effective alternative, as there are no overnight charges

Alternative to camping: Wild camping allowed!

When wild camping, it is important to note that in many countries and regions legal regulations apply or wild camping may even be completely prohibited. These rules are in place to protect nature, avoid danger, and prevent conflicts with landowners. To avoid fines or other legal consequences, you should inform yourself about the respective laws and regulations before wild camping.

Wild Camping in Germany: Allowed or forbidden?

In Germany, the following regulations apply:

In principle, wild camping is not allowed. However, briefly entering natural areas for recreation is allowed as long as you do not pitch a tent or give the impression of “living” there. It is allowed to sleep under the open sky, even with a tarp (also called a tarp). Except in Berlin, you are not allowed to do that. In Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein you are also not allowed to leave paths at night. It is also forbidden to camp in nature reserves, national parks or on private property without the owner’s consent.

When traveling by car, you are allowed to stop at the side of the road to “restore your fitness to drive.” This means you are allowed to rest briefly, but then you should continue driving. Again, you are not allowed to unpack your camping table and appear to be “living”. You should follow these rules to protect nature and avoid negative impact on the environment.

Alternative: trekking places in the open nature

However, there are also special trekking sites, which are smaller pitches for campers in the wild. Spending the night there is allowed. Usually these offer space for up to four tents, have a few simple seats and sparse sanitary facilities. However, you get closer to nature than in a conventional campsite. Surrounded by nature and the sounds of the forest, you can slowly drift off to sleep or cook under the open sky – with the cooking tips you are suitably prepared.

In Germany, wild camping is generally prohibited, but brief entry into natural areas for recreation is permitted. As an alternative, there are trekking sites that allow you to spend the night in the great outdoors and offer a more intense experience of nature.

Where to go? Travel tips!

In some countries, wild camping is even allowed, although there are certain rules and restrictions. It is of great importance to check the current information and regulations locally to make sure that you do not violate any laws or regulations. This article is for general information only and does not constitute binding legal advice.

Wild camping allowed: Estonia, Lithuania & Latvia

In these countries, wild camping is allowed as long as no noise is caused and no damage is done to nature. It is not allowed to camp in nature reserves and time and regional restrictions may apply. So please inform yourself thoroughly about the specific region you want to camp in.

Two days in one place: Finland, Sweden & Norway

Wild camping is also generally allowed in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Norway, as long as you stay away from agricultural land. You are expected to take your trash with you, and camping is usually allowed for a maximum of two days in one place.

You can find more vacation tips for the two countries here:

• Camping in Sweden
• Camping in Norway

Wild camping far from private land: Scotland

Wild camping is also allowed in Scotland as long as no pollution is left behind and no remains of tents and fires are left behind. However, there are regional restrictions and seasonal wild camping may not be allowed in some areas. Stick to the limit of three days in one place and camp only with a small group of people. In addition, stay away from farms, pastures, fields, private property and homes.

Preparation: Gather info & pack equipment beforehand

Before you set out on your wild camping adventure, it’s important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations in your destination to avoid fines and legal consequences. Always think about your safety, learn about potential hazards and take a first aid kit and a communication device, such as a cell phone. Create an emergency plan and share your travel plans with someone for assistance if needed.

Wild camping holds the unique opportunity to experience nature intensively and enjoy greater freedom in site selection and activities. Respect nature, be responsible and don’t leave trash behind. By preparing yourself, respecting the environment and paying attention to safety, you can have an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors while ensuring that future campers can enjoy the beauty of nature.

You should pay attention to this before you set out:

• Find out about legal requirements & regulations
• Think about your safety & inform yourself about dangers
• First aid kit & care for functioning communication
• Create a contingency plan & share your travel plans with someone
• Respect nature & be responsible (no trash)

Equipment: Exciting days & cold nights

When you’re getting ready to go wild camping, keep these things in mind.

Maps or navigation aids and a headlamp are important so you can find your way without reception or light. A power bank is also helpful, as there are no outlets outside and you should keep your phone functional for emergencies. Remember to bring trash bags to make sure you don’t leave any trash or dirt in the environment. Also, warm clothing is crucial as it can get cold quickly at night and in bad weather.

In addition to these essential items, you should also have standard camping gear, such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cooking utensils. A suitable sleeping accommodation is also important, especially if you want to park anywhere but still want comfort. In this case, as before, it makes sense to take a roof tent. The roof tent you can quickly and easily unfold anywhere you want to camp and yet it takes up less space on the roof of your car than a caravan.

You can get help with setting up here: Sleeping & Living while camping!

With this packing list you are suitably prepared:

• Map or navigation aid
• Forehead or flashlight
• Mobile Phone & Powerbank
• Garbage bags
• Warm & weatherproof clothing
• Sleeping bags, camping mats & cooking utensils

If you want to read about it in more detail, you can read on here: Camping Packing List.

When to retrofit a solar system and when not to?

The most important answer first: Retrofitting a solar system to existing buildings is possible at any time. Even if the effort for the realization seems to be very high, photovoltaic retrofitting has become a standard procedure that solar experts deal with on a daily basis. The actual procedure works, as far as planning and installation are concerned, in a similar way as for a new building.

The decisive factor for retrofitting a solar system is the possible electricity yield. The retrofit is only worthwhile if the installed system receives sufficient sunlight over the course of the year. The basis for such a consideration is a demand calculation. This takes into account the previous electricity consumption in kilowatt hours and serves to determine how large the photovoltaic system on the roof must be dimensioned.

If the building roof is shaded for large parts of the day due to an unfavorable location between buildings or trees, retrofitting a PV system is not worthwhile. This also applies if the roof surfaces are unfavorably oriented or too steep. Since slope and orientation are locally very individual, the analysis of a solar professional is essential. However, the following information can provide initial indications.

Retrofit criteria

Here are the criteria for when you can retrofit your roof with a solar system without any problems, in brief:

• Feasible with standard procedures by experts
• Works similar to new construction
• Worthwhile when there is enough sunlight
• Carry out requirements calculation

What requirements should my roof have?

A roof area that is as large as possible and faces south is ideal for retrofitting a PV system. However, roofs with an east-west orientation also have the potential to produce large amounts of electricity. However, solar experts like EWE-Solar can also plan systems in such a way that an effective power supply is possible through simultaneous occupancy in east-west as well as north orientation.

If possible, the roof surfaces should not be shaded or should not be exposed to shade for as much of the day as possible. An ideal electricity yield during the course of the day can be achieved with roofs that have an inclination between approx. 30 and 40 degrees.

Requirements of my roof

What should my roof optimally bring?

• Large roof area
• Optimal: orientation to the south
• All right: east-west orientation
• No shading
• Inclination between 30 and 40 degrees

What do I always have to consider when retrofitting?

Retrofitting a solar system is an investment that will only pay off in the medium or long term. Accordingly, it is important that you rely on solid financing for the project. It takes several years until the point is reached where the saved energy costs exceed the investment sum including interest. When it comes to retrofitting a PV system, false economy is also out of place. Do not make the mistake of planning too tightly and without reserves. A slightly larger sized system is always the better option. It ensures that the supply is covered even if the energy demand increases in the future.

What if you decide to buy a sauna or an electric vehicle? If the system is too small, you would once again be dependent on mains electricity. The same applies to making the most of low solar radiation, e.g. in autumn and winter. The larger the system, the more energy it can generate even in poor conditions.

Tip: Installing a home storage system (home battery) makes it possible to store electrical energy that is currently being generated but not consumed. This is then available, for example, at night or on dark days.

More tips for retrofitting solar systems

1. mounting system: Each roof and each location offer different conditions for the roof installation. Accordingly, ask your installer for advice on the ideal mounting system. This should be adapted to the weather and weather conditions (wind and snow load).

2. caution: scaffolding is required: solar systems are usually installed at heights of more than 1.5 meters above ground level. Please note that the law requires the erection of scaffolding in this case.

3. timing: You can certainly have a PV system retrofitted at any time. However, since the area around the house is at least temporarily transformed into a construction site, the ideal time is when the roof is due for renovation anyway. This way, the solar installer can also use the standing scaffolding.

4. use additional space: The solar modules do not necessarily all have to be mounted on the roof. If there is not enough space for the desired dimensions, additional solar modules can also be installed on garages, canopies, etc.

5. compare offers: Retrofitting a PV system is a very individual matter. Accordingly, it is advisable to seek advice from several specialist companies and to submit an offer. Often, not only the prices differ, but also the individual solutions.

Conclusion: Is retrofitting solar systems worth it?

Retrofitting a PV system is easily possible on most roofs. Even in the case of shading or unfavorable roof orientations, PV experts can make the most of the situation. This means that nothing stands in the way of the dream of low-cost electricity from one’s own roof, even for owners of existing properties. But that’s not all: depending on the type and dimensions of the PV system, attractive subsidies are available.

Fashion shows: About You and Partner Days

Esprit’s collections are also laid on the catwalk to admire, such as at About You Fashion Week. In 2019, Esprit, in collaboration with A&A Qualitainment GbmbH, has even organized its own fashion show.

Fashion Show: About You

This year’s About You fashion show is themed “Freedom of Identity” and shows modern clothing that does not conform to any stereotypical gender norms. The message behind the show is that everyone should wear whatever they want and what suits their personality. Esprit is one of many brands presenting their collection at the show. Check out the stunning show now, which will be opened by Heidi Klum’s model daughter Leni Klum.

Fashion show: Partner Days

The models are beaming as they walk down the catwalk, which is something you’re not used to seeing in a fashion show. It is also special that several models can be seen on the catwalk at the same time and sometimes make dance-like movements. This shows very well that Esprit stands for lightness. The concept of the fashion show may be atypical, but fits very well Spirit of Esprit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5eIcgkOWdw

Commercials: “Reimagine Life” and “Reconnect

Like many other fashion brands, Esprit wants to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. For example, 40% of its materials already come from sustainable sources, and Esprit also wants to be as climate-neutral as possible when sending pieces via its online store. The brand’s environmentally conscious spirit is also expressed in its latest commercials.

Campaign: “For the joy of positive living”.

The stars are Spanish actor and model Andrés Velencoso and German model Anna Schürrle. Andrés Velencoso was in front of the camera together with singer Jennifer Lopez for a Louis Vuitton campaign in 2003. He and Anna Schürrle are shown in this video beaming and in a good mood on the beach while wearing the sustainable collection. “Appreciate everything that makes you feel good. From the clothes you wear to the way you live your life,” the video reads. A great statement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-sNao75cFM

“Reconnect”: “Let’s Reconnect & Feel The Nature”.

The fall collection is inspired by Esprit’s love of nature with the aim to combine innovation and comfort as well as sustainability and style. This is exactly what is expressed very well in this commercial. “Let’s find joy in the nature around us,” it says, and the models in the video deliver exactly that message. They enjoy the sun’s rays while lying in the meadow and the fresh autumn breeze while rocking. Esprit’s cozy collection also simply invites you to take a nice autumn walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot2iQANo7Bo

Sportswear: Esprit Sport

Esprit also designs great sportswear. The following commercial for the new Esprit Sport collection shows many young women of different skin colors and body types doing sports. They are just having fun together while trying different sports, including basketball and jumping rope. Esprit stands for freedom and feeling good that everyone can wear what they want. Esprit makes women from all over the world feel good.

Home accessories: Esprit Home

In addition to clothing and accessories, Esprit has its own “Home” line, which sells home textiles, furniture, lamps and wallpaper. So Esprit can cover all the important areas of life. You feel good all around in Esprit. You can check out the springtime Esprit Home campaign “Romantic Botanics” here. For the design of the featured wallpapers, pastel and delicate tones were used, for example white, pale blue and salmon pink. Just as delicate are the floral patterns, which were used to decorate the collection.

Collaboration: Esprit x OC

Esprit has already collaborated several times with the American brand “Opening Ceremony” and designed a collection. Just as Esprit pays attention to sustainability, Opening Ceremony deals with global problems. The collection shows the wild and young side of Esprit. Leopard prints and wild plaid patterns adorn each piece as if they were transported from the 80s and 90s to our time. “…This is Esprit by Opening Ceremony going off to college.” is how designer Humberto Leon describes the collaboration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhNTnr_0ZWs

Brands like Esprit: Calvin Klein & Guess

Here we have compiled some similar brands for you or you can take a look at our fashion brand list where you have all the big labels at a glance.

Calvin Klein Videos: Perfume, Jeans, Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber & Co.

The American brand Calvin Klein is probably best known for three things in the first place: Underwear, jeans and perfumes. At the latest since the jeans campaign from the 80s, for which the photographer Richard Avedon photographed the then underage Brooke Shields, Calvin Klein is a worldwide phenomenon. Already countless models and actors have worked with this brand. These include, among others, models and singers like Kate Moss, Mark Wahlberg, Justin Bieber, and Kendall Jenner. In this article you can get an overview of the most popular and famous commercials and videos and see clips from the backstage area of the shootings.

• Calvin Klein videos

Guess Videos: Jeans, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez & Co.

• Guess videos
• All about Guess

More fashion brands: XXL List

You are enthusiastic about Esprit and want to get to know more brands? Then check out our XXL Guide here and get to know the top fashion brands in the world.

The popular Burberry trench coat. The famous little black dress. The classic Chanel suit or the wicked slip dress by Calvin Klein. Who doesn’t know them? With their extravagant designs and innovative fabrics, the great fashion brands of the world make the hearts of many a fashion lover beat faster with every collection. You want to know who belongs to the biggest fashion labels in the world? Then you have come to the right place. We at FIV Magazine have listed the top fashion brands in the world – so you too can become the ultimate fashion expert.

• Fashion brands XXL