Common Camping Mistakes Newbies Make & How To Avoid Them – What to Know

Camping is a fun outdoor activity for anyone looking to be in one with nature and practice their survival skills. But as much as it is an event where you can create lasting memories, it could also turn out to be a total disaster if you’re not prepared beforehand. This is especially prevalent with newbies who are exploring the great outdoors for the first time.

Many dangers lurk off the grid, and Mother Nature isn’t exactly the most cooperative. When you encounter trouble, you only have yourself and your companions to rely on. To make sure your first or subsequent camping trips turn out perfect, take note of these common camping mistakes and how to avoid them.

Setting up camp after dark

Putting off camping until late in the night is never a good idea. Pitching your tent, organizing your gear, and cooking food get exponentially harder at night when you don’t have a steady source of illumination, aka the sun. Your flashlight, unfortunately, won’t cut it, and you’ll only be left frustrated if you try. While it’s totally not impossible to set up at night, it’s not going to be pretty. You’ll likely make more mistakes than you anticipated, not to mention, you’ll be disturbing your camping neighbors who are probably already getting ready to head to bed. 

Packing too much stuff

As much as you want to be prepared by bringing all the essentials, you also don’t want to spoil your trip by being burdened with your unusually heavy and massive bag. When packing, make sure only to bring the items you know you will use. That includes your tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, toiletries, first aid kit, and necessary camping tools. It would be best to list down everything beforehand so you can have a guide while you pack. 

Not trying out equipment beforehand

The success of your camping trip hinges on the efficacy of your equipment, so it’s best to test them out at home before you head out. Make sure your tent can be pitched correctly and that you have the appropriate batteries for any electronic gear like pumps and flashlights. Remember, you won’t have access to stores when you’re in the middle of nowhere. It’s vital that every single one of your gear is in tiptop shape prior to leaving. 

Not packing away food properly

One of the most mistakes you can make as a camper is to leave food out after you’re finished with it. We all know that the great outdoors are beset with wildlife, and leaving food outside might attract fury fiends to your campsite. Bears, raccoons, or squirrels can wreak havoc to your site and spoil your trip altogether. Make sure to pack your food in plastic bags or in any containers that minimize smells so as not to attract animals and critters. And when you have trash, it’s best to dispose of them properly. 

In Conclusion

Going on camping trips can make for exciting and memorable adventures, but only if you’re well-prepared. If you need the proper gear, check out our massive collection or get in touch with us to see how we can help make your camping trips the best they can be.