COMMON MISTAKES FIRST-TIME CAMPERS MAKE

GEAR & PACKING ISSUES

– Not testing equipment before the trip (especially tents and stoves)

– Overpacking unnecessary items while forgetting essentials

– Bringing poor quality gear that fails in outdoor conditions

– Packing cotton clothing (retains moisture and loses insulation when wet)

– Inadequate sleeping gear for the expected temperatures

– Forgetting extra batteries for headlamps and devices

– Not bringing enough layers for temperature changes

– Relying on phone GPS without backup navigation tools

CAMPSITE SELECTION

– Setting up tent on uneven or rocky ground

– Camping too close to water sources (flood risk and environmental impact)

– Not checking for widow-makers (dead trees/branches) overhead

– Ignoring weather forecasts and site vulnerabilities

– Choosing exposed areas during high winds

– Setting up in low spots where water collects

FOOD & WATER MISTAKES

– Not bringing enough water or means to purify more

– Underestimating food needs (camping increases calorie requirements)

– Bringing food that’s difficult to prepare or requires refrigeration

– Poor food storage attracting wildlife

– Not having a backup cooking method if stove fails

– Forgetting essential cooking tools (can opener, pot handle, etc.)

FIRE SAFETY

– Building fires too large or too close to tents/trees

– Not properly extinguishing campfires- Failing to check local fire restrictions or bans

– Inadequate fire containment methods

– Collecting firewood from living trees instead of fallen branches

– Not clearing area around fire pit

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

– Leaving trash behind or improper waste disposal

– Using non-biodegradable soap in natural water sources

– Walking off established trails and damaging vegetation

– Not following Leave No Trace principles

– Disturbing wildlife or feeding animals

– Improper human waste disposal

PLANNING & PREPARATION

– Not researching the camping location beforehand

– Failing to inform someone of trip plans and expected return

– Underestimating hiking distances and difficulty

– Not checking weather forecasts or seasonal conditions

– Lacking knowledge of local hazards (wildlife, plants, terrain)

– No contingency plans for emergencies or bad weather

COMFORT & SAFETY OVERSIGHTS

– Inadequate first aid supplies for common camping injuries

– Not bringing insect repellent or sun protection

– Forgetting medications or personal necessities

– Wearing new hiking boots without breaking them in

– Not bringing appropriate footwear for camp

– Underestimating how cold nights get, even in summer

SKILL GAPS

– Not knowing how to properly set up their tent

– Lacking basic fire-starting skills

– Unfamiliarity with navigation tools

– Poor understanding of wildlife safety (food storage, etc.)

– Not knowing how to identify poisonous plants

– Insufficient knowledge of basic first aid