Camping is one of the many great activities that people who love the outdoors can organize. You get to commune with nature while having the chance to bond with family and friends. In the morning, you can explore the wonders and beauty of Mother Earth. Walking, trekking, and hiking can also help strengthen your physical health. On top of that, you may learn survivalist skills.
While camping can be fun, there are many inconveniences that you need to deal with. However, these inconveniences and trivial problems get magnified when you have committed some blinders. Understand, though, that such setbacks can be part of the adventures, but as long as you can avoid it, then you should do so. If you want to have a great camping experience with your family and friends, you need to plan things carefully.
When planning, you need to avoid some mistakes and blunders that other campers have committed. Here are some of them:
Mistake #1: Packing a lot of things
It’s understandable that you’re excited about the camp, and you want to make things comfortable as much as possible. This particular goal may make you bring a lot of things, which may be necessary. Over packing can cause some problems down the line. First, your vehicle will have to carry additional weight. Second, you will find yourself rummaging through your items just to find what you need. Instead, learn how to pack light. Keep things to a minimum and only go for the ones that you will truly need.
Mistake #2: Not bringing a first aid kit
One of the major blunders that campers, especially the newbies, make is thinking that nothing will go wrong. However, you should stay away from this mindset, knowing anything can happen, especially if you’re outdoors and not staying within your comfort zone. You may cut yourself while peeling potatoes. Your friend may trip while walking up the hill. You need to be prepared for such situations, so bring with you a first aid kit.
Mistake #3: Not going for simple meals
Always remind yourself that it’s a camping spot that you will go to. You are not going on some glamorous kind of camping, meaning food will be simple and easy to prepare. Knowing this, keep yourself from making elaborate food, such as pasta and even mug cake. Before you leave home, plan your menu. Take into account convenience, so as much as possible, use non-perishables and canned goods. You can opt for jerky instead of raw meat, and you may want to bring canned tuna instead of fishing down the stream.
Mistake #4: Not reading the weather forecast
Before you leave home, be sure to check the weather forecast for your destination. Find out if the rains or snow are going to be strong. It’s important to check weather forecasts, so you will be able to make adjustments and accommodated additional items. Furthermore, being updated on weather forecasts will inform you of the imminent danger in the place that you will camp in, so you will be able to determine if you will all push through with the plan.
Mistake #5: Not wearing for the season
While the weather is being talked about, you should plan what you will need to wear. If it’s summer, make sure to wear light fabrics, such as linen or cotton (put on sunblock if you can). But if the weather is going to be cold, go for layering and wear the likes of Obermeyer ski pants.
Camping is one fun activity, but you have to acknowledge the fact that it can be quite inconvenient. Upgrade your camping adventure and experience by doing away with mistakes and some blunders.