A camping trip is a sound idea to break free from city madness. Weekend camping or an extended trip can be enjoyable if you plan it well. Whether you are a beginner or a pro camper, you also need to think about safety before stepping out into the wilderness.

The unlocking phase is good news for the travel industry and trip explorers. In the hurry of things, you may end up making silly mistakes ahead of the camping call. Here is a round-up of camping mistakes to avoid minimizing their occurrence. 

1.Wrong And Inappropriate Camping Equipment.

A wrong tent size, thin sleeping bags are a few of the slip-ups that can happen while camping in cold winters. Temperatures drop to unbearable during nights and wintry seasons. Unexpected rainfall in rain-prone areas may spoil your camping spirit. Weather changes are sometimes unpredictable. Hence, a sturdy and reliable shelter is a must-have for every camper.

Carry insulation gear, like a thick sleeping bag and pillow. After assessing the campers’ count size, you may take along camping chairs and tables. Some items like running water, power, heating instruments, and repair shops are unavailable in the wild. If you are an inexperienced camper, consider buying outdoor survival monthly subscriptions wherein you receive well-curated camping products such as food, edibles, tools (knives, bottle openers), grooming products for your outdoor exploration. Your camping items’ check-list should comprise:

  • Sleeping Bag
  • Inflatable camp bed
  • Pillows
  • Paracord
  • Torchlight
  • Spare batteries
  • Sewing kit (for tent construction and repair) 
  • Camping chairs and table (optional)

Carry extra bags for your trash and emergency shelter.

2.Incorrect Food Choices.

The steaks, burgers, and other meats you eat at home may not survive in the wilderness. Also, the nearest superstore and eatery could be miles away from your camp. Most campers think that at-home-cooked food suits a camping trip. Non-perishable foods are ideal for camping days.

While selecting food items, think of their storage, nutrition, and freshness aspect. Carry foods that need no refrigeration or freezing. Avoid carrying easily perishable items like raw fruits and vegetables or cooked meat, eggs, chicken, and fish. Take along plenty of potable drinking water and water bottles to quench your thirst. Here are some kitchen essentials for your camping:

  • Stove
  • Cooking fuel, matchsticks, or lighter
  • Kettle
  • Pots and pans 
  • Chopping board
  • Mugs, plates, and bowls
  • Utensils (for cooking and eating)
  • Tin and bottle openers
  • Sponge dishcloths
  • Garbage bag 
  • Comfort food (cookies, popcorn)  

3. Unsuitable Clothing.

When you are going camping, you need rugged wear and not fashionable items like heels, transparent clothing, or evening gowns. The wrong choice of clothes can make your camping trip disastrous.

Invest in lightweight, weatherproof, and durable garments and accessories when going forest camping or mountain hiking. Waterproof jackets, sturdy boots, sunhats, woollen caps, gloves, spare socks and lingerie, sunglasses, and sun protection are some must-haves. Take extra bags along to keep your used and smelly clothes. Judge the terrain and climate of the camping place before packing your wardrobe essentials.  

4. Disrespecting Plants And Wildlife.

While stocking your SUV with one-time use commodities, think about how your garbage items can spoil precious plant and animal habitats. Throwing plastics and other harmful things in an open wild terrain can choke non-domesticated wildlife and wipe away their population.

Respect the environment of other living species when you are in a wilderness camp. Shoot them with your camera, not with your gun. Consider the health impact of your products and substances for your camping trip. Chemical sprays and toxic fuels can bring irreversible damage to the natural habitat and harm our wildlife. Although nature is vast and unimaginable, you can run into serious trouble when in contact with hidden poisonous plants. Check your campsite for potential health fears and hazards in toxic plants and animals. 

5. Last-Minute Camping Preparation.  

Most beginner campers may mistake a camping trip as easy-going and effortless. Leaving everything to the last minute may mess up things and jeopardize your trip management and joy.

When you decide on camping, start planning for at least two weeks. Once you decide on the camping destination, look into the following details:

  • Find out the weather forecast for the trip duration
  • Make your travel bookings on time
  • Get your travel insurance done
  • Find out contact details of the nearest veterinarian, in case of a pet as co-partner
  • Make a list of the camping equipment, food, and clothes  
  • Take stock of the toiletries, medication, first aid essentials to carry for the camping trip    

Research the camping area to know any environmental restrictions, seasonal guidelines, or new rules after COVID-19.   

Summing Up

The pandemic is a fear factor for outdoor tours of any kind. Enhance knowledge of your camping site to prepare yourself for camping. Look for support and help from locals ahead of the trip.

Also, start early for your camping. Have a dry run before you leave for the camping trail. Prepare as much as possible before leaving for the campsite.