7 Common Mistakes that Beginner Campers Make and How To Avoid
Camping does not need to be too problematic. Yet for the beginners, it can be confusing as it is the first time they reach out of their comfort zone. Beginners usually hang on deciding what should be prepared and what should be left out.
Thus, this complete guide of 7 common mistakes that beginner campers make and how to avoid them will definitely help you out. It is time to have a proper preparation for your very first upcoming camping trips.
1. Lack Of Research
A book on the area may not be enough. It is ideal to have a research about the campsite before you go. Specifically, you should research its location, weather condition, and facilities available at the campsite.
Camping is meant to be relaxing and fun. But with the lack of knowledge about where you are going, the experience can be an exhaustion and vicious circle of finding the ways and struggling with the weather.
You do not need hours for the research. Yet a quick look at the website, a phone call or an email to the site will help a lot.
2. Not Testing The Equipment Before Your Trip
It is important to check your equipment in advanced.
First, you need to make sure they are still well functioning. Second, you should get familiar with them and know how they work. Third, knowing how to use them properly prevents you from looking like a complete beginner.
Some things you should be thinking of are setting your tent in your backyard, check the light, and learn how to use the mini stove.
3. Not Paying Attention To Choosing Tent Location
Once you get to the campsite, take a few minutes to look around to choose a good location to set up your tent. And a good location should be one with flat and dry surroundings.
Notice the direction where the water drains and avoid where water collects. Also, you may not want to set up your tent under the trees as the storm or strong wind can tear it apart.
Check the ground where you will lay your sleeping bag on. Beware of the rocks as they will cause discomfort when sleeping on them.
4. Buying Cheap Camping Gears Without Considering Their Quality
It is always a good idea to buy high-quality items during sale time. But it is never worth your money buying the cheap items. Even if you do not camp so often, never compromise your comfort with the cheap price when buying the camping gears.
For example, when it comes to buying a sleeping bag, it is better to read reviews and articles comparing different brands, materials, and designs. A common wonder of many campers is the comparison of down vs synthetic sleeping bag.
5. Putting Food and Garbage Accessible
Nocturnal visitors are common in most campsites. So don’t put your food and garbage accessible or you will visit them to join the meal at night.
And if the bears smell something they can eat near your place, the situation is even worse. Besides bears, other smaller animals such as foxes, mice, and squirrels will also be very annoying.
So if there is any leftover, make sure they are sealed or deposed in the food trash. Keeping your area clean will also make a good impression on other campers nearby.
6. Not Arriving At The Campsite On Time
If you arrive late, there are so many things that will put you off from enjoying your trip. You will get a bad location, bad lighting, and bad first impression.
Also, it will be very stressful to find a place in the darkness, set up the tent, and then feed people.
Always come early, especially in peak seasons. Some campsite also provides a certain area for camping, so if you arrive late, the site is full and you will need to head off to somewhere else.
7. Not Enjoying The Trip
The most important thing above all is to remember to have fun during your trip. Your tent is never comparable to your home, your kids may become so playful, and the sleeping bag is never as comfortable as your bed.
But camping is supposed to be that way, and you are supposed to enjoy the outdoors and treasure your experience with your companions or on your own.
One last thing, it may get boring when the dark comes and there no nature to contemplate. You may need your phone, laptop, tablet, and lighting sources. Bringing a solar charger for backpacking is then a good idea to always have enough light and fun during your trip.
The Bottom Line
Above are 7 common mistakes that beginner campers make and how to avoid them. In a nutshell, with proper preparation, your camping trip will always be as enjoyable as it should be. Thank you for reading this piece of writing and I hope it is helpful for turning you into a pro in camping prep work.
Author Bio:
Luna is a camping and hiking enthusiast from Phoenix, Az. She loves outdoors and she wants to show people the endless possibilities of this world and open your mind to experience over possession. You can visit her blog HikerTrack to find out.
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