4 Common Mistakes That Can Ruin A Camping Trip
If you are busy man-about-town, sometimes you need to get away from the stresses of city life and head into the wilds of nature. However, in our haste to escape, it is likely that we forget something vitally important. In my latest article, I will share four camping mistakes that can upset your camping plans. Carry on reading for more.
When you venture into the great outdoors (especially after spending far too much time in the city), you will be full of high hopes and visually spectacular expectations. You will be able to enjoy fresh air, a vast sky filled with stars, and the chance to spot beautiful wildlife.
To achieve this outdoor dream, you need to make sure you have packed everything for all sorts of encounters. Forgetting one important item can totally derail the entire experience, ruining your break away from that hectic lifestyle.
In the following points, I will list the areas that can make or break a trip.
Avoid Overpacking
When they head out on a camping trip, most people are guilty of packing everything but the kitchen skink (endless extra clothes, tools and utensils) and more often than not, it will be surplus to requirements.
Additionally, would-be camping enthusiasts are likely to search online for ‘camping checklists’, leading you down this path of overpacking, fearmongering you into taking all of these extra items. Instead, focus on packing the absolute essentials (almost like you were a contender on a survival show). This practice will ensure you won’t spend half of the trip digging through your gear to find that one thing you need.
Keep it lean, and you will be able to enjoy the outdoors much more, including the campfire stories and marshmallows (rather than wrestle with tangled gear, mystery bags, and an abundance of hoodies and coats!).
Forgetting The Essentials
We often remember to pack the ‘fun’ items—the inflatable kayak, Bluetooth speakers, and other gadgets. Nevertheless, we consequently forget the essentials, such as the first aid kit, matches, or even food!
One of the most critical (yet highly important items) is batteries, which can be used for a number of different items when outdoors. However, at the top of that list are undoubtedly torches or a flashlight—this ultimate accessory is vital for when the night falls (which is less than useless without batteries). It helps you find your way in the dark, whether you are hunting for something in your backpack, taking a midnight stroll, or taking that bathroom break.
Choosing The Wrong Campsite At The Wrong Time
One of the most important things to consider is choosing to go camping at the ideal time. The last thing you want is to pitch the tent, set up camp, and then, by nightfall, be totally swarmed by every insect within a 10-mile radius.
Another risk factor is to choose that charming-looking slope with a gentle incline, which turns out to be much steeper! All night, you constantly roll around and into the wall of the tent (severely impacting your ability to sleep). You may even end up camping too close to unexpected noisy neighbours – then, without warning, you are seemingly booked in with front-row seats to someone’s late-night karaoke session!
Even a beautiful-looking lake area can have negative problems! The water could be stagnant, causing an atrocious odour (which will surely put you off your al fresco dining).
Take heed of these warnings, and remember to scout out a good location in advance (even check online reviews for like-minded campers’ experiences). This tip isn’t just for beginners; even veteran outdoorsmen must survey the area!
Ignoring The Weather Reports
Finally, it is critical to keep an eye on the weather forecast! The classic “it’s summer, it’ll be fine” line by campers who inevitably find themselves drenched in a rainstorm and sleeping on wet, muddy ground.
However, even checking the weather report in advance can only do so much (Mother Nature sure does love surprises!), so you must pack several waterproof clothing items (and even a thick jumper or two, in case the chill sets in).
Summary
Everyone needs a long-overdue break away from the city from time to time—but to make it an enjoyable and relaxing experience, be sure to take the advice in this guide on board. You will be fully armed with extra knowledge and the tools needed to enjoy your outdoor adventure to the max, recharged, and ready to head back into civilisation and hit the office with a newfound feeling of energy.
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