Most common mistakes to avoid when going camping

Going camping requires thorough preparation, unless you want to turn your relaxing nature trip into a Survivor episode. With all the things you have to think about, to purchase and pack, it is only understandable if you forget something or make a mistake.

Here are the most common mistakes to look out for when going camping:

• You’re not doing enough research on the location where you want to go: when it comes to nature, being spontaneous is not really a quality. Nature can be harsh so it is better not to have surprises: make sure you get well informed ahead of time about available routes, the weather, available facilities and campsites, etc.
• You’re not inspecting and testing all your equipment before you leave. This includes your backpack, tent, sleeping bag, tools, and flashlights and so on. Make sure everything is in good condition, fully functional and that you know how to properly use everything in your camping kit
• You don’t appreciate how long it takes you to arrive to the campsite and you arrive there too late. Try to get there while it is still plenty of light outside, to have enough time to get organized, set up your tent, check out the surroundings, etc. If you have to fumble in the dark, it will be significantly harder to set your camp and get familiar with the place
• You don’t put your trash away after you eat and you don’t protect your food, which leads to uninvited guests stealing your provisions. It is important to put away leftovers and protect your food from wild animals by hanging it in a tree or putting in a bear box
• You forget to take you first-aid kit with you. This should be on top of your list whenever you’re packing to go anywhere
• You run out of food. It is very easy to underestimate how much food you need for a camping trip, especially if you’re backpacking and you know you have to carry it all on your back. That is when you tend to only take the minimum, to keep your backpack as light as possible. The best thing is to make a food plan before you leave: plan how many meals per day you’re going to have, how many people will there be and what exactly you’re going to eat
• You don’t have the proper clothing on you. It is very important to carefully check the weather up to the moment of your departure. Be prepared for the worst weather and make sure you always bring an extra layer, just in case
• You’re skimping on quality when you buy your camping gear. It is in our nature to try to bargain, make good deals, save money and get the most affordable things. But buying cheap things comes at another kind of high price: that cheap equipment will fall apart, break or function incorrectly just when you need it the most. We’re not saying you should break the bank to buy the most expensive gear out there, but at least go for something decent and reliable. Do your homework before you buy, read reviews and choose reputable brands which offer good service and a decent guarantee. If a company is willing to offer a good support or a generous guarantee, it means it stands behind its merchandise and knows it is high-quality