Whether you're going hiking with
friends or planning a weekend in nature with the family, camping trips can
easily go wrong. If you're new to camping, you might be wondering how you can
avoid rookie errors and ensure a successful trip.
So what are the main camping
mistakes to be aware of? And how can you best prepare yourself before setting
off?
Keep reading for our list of the top
camping missteps and how you can avoid them.
1.
Invest in a Survival Kit
The first and perhaps easiest thing
you can do to avoid most camping mistakes is to buy a survival kit. This is
something that you should absolutely make room for in your camping equipment
budget.
Survival kits include essential
equipment such as water purification tablets, a compass, a whistle, first-aid
items, and much more. It's an assortment of must-need items to keep on you in
case of emergencies.
If you're looking to buy the best rated kit, make sure you do a comparison of how some of the top
brands compare.
2.
Wear the Right Clothing
The next thing to do is to make sure
you bring the correct clothes for camping. We'd always advise you not to bring
any expensive items that are ill-suited to the great outdoors!
Bringing multiple layers of clothing
is always a good idea, as the temperature in the tent can differ greatly during
the night. We'd also recommend that you bring sneakers and sandals for when you
are hanging out around the tent.
Of course, a waterproof jacket and
hiking boots are essential for those taking part in more strenuous activities.
3.
Prepare Food in Advance
A great way to make your camping
trip more enjoyable is to do some preparation in advance. The utensils at your
disposal while camping will surely be a step down from your kitchen, so do all
the food preparation that you can before setting off.
This includes making a pasta sauce
in advance, that just needs to be heated through and added to cooked pasta. You
should also stay away from meat that needs to be refrigerated.
4.
Don't Arrive Too Late
One of the most common mistakes that
new campers run into is arriving at the campsite after night has fallen. It
might be difficult to find a good spot to pitch your tent, and putting up the
tent can be particularly challenging in the dark.
Be sure to set off for your journey
in time to arrive while it's still light. Use a mapping service to plan your route, and give extra
time for unanticipated setbacks.
5.
Don't Forget Animal Repellent
The very first item you pack for
your camping trip should be an insect repellent. Mosquito bites can make the
difference between a great camping trip and an itchy nightmare!
Insect repellent should be sprayed
throughout the day if you're spending time near standing water, such as a lake.
You should also spray plenty at dawn and dusk which is when they are the most
prevalent.
Repellent for animals also exists.
If you're planning on camping in an area known for bears, make sure you invest
in some bear repellent spray.
6.
Be Ready to Build a Campfire
Starting a campfire and toasting
marshmallows is one of the very best parts of going camping. This is an
activity that will thrill both kids and adults alike!
Bring your own firewood, as you
shouldn't depend on it being available in the area you're camping. Recent
rainfall might mean the firewood you bring is essential.
You should also check out the rules
of the campsite you're staying at, to make sure if there is anything else you
need to be aware of.
7.
Only Bring the Essentials
Next, think carefully when packing
your bags for camping. Bringing unnecessary items with you serves only to make
your tent a cluttered and inhospitable space.
Each member coming on the trip
should bring just one bag. Going camping is far from a fashion show, so don't
be afraid to re-wear your most practical items.
Make sure you leave muddy shoes
outside the tent if you want to avoid a disaster!
8.
Make Sure Your Tent Is the Right Size
When choosing a tent, you should aim
for 30 square feet of space per person. A general rule is to bring a tent made
for one more than will be sleeping in each compartment.
For example, three people can sleep
in comfort in a four-man tent, while a tent with two compartments made for
three people in each will actually be a great choice for four people in total.
Practice putting up your tent in
advance. First, you can make sure how to complete this sometimes complicated
maneuver! But also, you can make sure everything is in good working condition
and no parts are missing.
9.
Check the Weather Forecast
Next, make sure you check out the
weather forecast. If there is torrential rain predicted for the weekend you're
planning, why not put it off until the following week.
You should also be prepared for
changeable conditions. Sunhats, sunscreen, waterproof coats, and extra layers
should all be in your bag.
10.
Be Aware of Surrounding Wildlife
Finally, it is important to be aware
of the flora and fauna around you. Use a plant identification guide to make
sure you're not accidentally rubbing up against a poisonous plant.
Campgrounds will often point out the
different animals that can be spotted in the area, so look out for these.
You should also make sure you
regularly dispose of all waste so you don't attract unwanted visitors. Make
sure you don't keep food in your tent and put it in your car instead.
Those
Are the Top Camping Mistakes to Avoid
We've now covered the major camping
mistakes that those new to this activity are likely to make. By following the
advice in this post, you can make your first camping trip a resounding success.
If you found this article helpful,
make sure you check out our other advice posts!
