Camping is a universal activity that most anyone can enjoy. Age, strength, even physical ability are not obstacles. All you need is a healthy love of the outdoors and a little know-how. If you’re new to the world of tents and canteens, prepare yourself mentally by avoiding these rookie camping mistakes.
1. Improper food storage
Bears aren’t the only threat to your foodstuffs when out in the wild — there are plenty of animals that can squeeze (or chew) their way into your pack and gobble up your snacks, leaving you with a damaged bag and an empty belly. Store everything in a bear box or up where it can’t be reached.
2. Broken laces
Carry a spare set of boot laces. Halfway through your hike, a broken lace will make getting back home a horrendous experience, and potentially dangerous if you are hiking in rough terrain. A loose shoe could cause a twisted ankle in a heartbeat.
3. Improper packing
Remember to balance the load in your pack. A pack is easier to balance with heavier items packed against your spine and lighter items equally distributed along the sides.
4. Forgetting a vital piece of equipment
You don’t want to arrive in camp only to discover you’ve left your coffee pot or your ground cover tarp at home. Make a checklist before you start packing to ensure you have everything you need. You’re not likely to find a convenience store out in the wilderness.
5. Putting gear away when wet
After you’ve made it home, always let your tent and other equipment dry out completely before packing it away. Otherwise, when you pull it out for the next trip, you’re going to be faced with a tough job cleaning up mildew and a lingering musty smell.
Wrapping up our article on rookie camping mistakes, we thought you might also like: Helpful Tips for Beginning Backpackers.
Featured Image from Brooks Rice/Unsplash
