March 1, 2012
Three Common Camping Mistakes
We all love camping and being in the outdoors, but nothing will ruin a trip so fast as forgetting to bring essential gear or not being prepared. To have the best camping trip possible it’s important we don’t make mistakes that will leave our tents flapping in the wind…literally!
There are three common camping mistakes that can lead to a lot of regret; missing tent poles and stakes, missing correct cooking gear and utensils, and being unprepared for rain. Each of these common camping mistakes can ruin a perfectly good camping trip in a hurry.
1. Missing Tent Poles/Stakes
There is nothing worse then getting off work early on Friday and driving as fast as you can to meet friends and family at your campsite, only to struggle to erect your camping tent in the dark and find out there are missing tent poles or stakes.
Missing tent poles can easily leave you shacking up with friends or sleeping in your car, not exactly the fun camping trip you had envisioned! It’s important to always check to make sure camping stakes and poles are in your car and with your tent before you leave home.
Having the correct number of camping tent stakes is critical. As you know, a camping tent is just not the same without them. The sides will often lean in and the structure of the tent in wind and rain is compromised without them. If you find yourself stuck without stakes or poles, remember to think outside of the box. You can use sturdy and thin pieces of wood or gear in a pinch.
A great way to make sure they are all present is to number them yourself. That way you can quickly count and check to see all tent poles and stakes are accounted for, before it’s too late.
2. Missing Correct Cooking Utensils
The second most important part of camping is often cooking and preparing the food. It’s tough enough to cook a big meal when you are in your own kitchen, but move the party to the campsite and you can be in for some trouble.
Missing the correct cooking gear and utensils is another big area of frustration for campers everywhere. Not finding something simple like a can opener can ruin a night of cooking and leave anyone without an idea of where to turn next.
Making your camping meal list up before hand and writing the corresponding cooking utensils down next to each meal will save you time and trouble. This idea of listing out each utensil needed to prepare and consume a camping meal will insure you have what you need. Then you won?t have to use a stick to stir that soup.
Another great idea to help with problem of forgetting the correct cooking utensils is to have a box or bag specifically for these items. Having a dedicated camping cooking set that includes all the items you may need will ensure you have what you need to get the job done right!
3. Unprepared For Rain
Who likes being cold and wet on a camping trip? Nothing will make you head home from a weekend camping trip quicker then getting soaked in a hard rain. Camping in the rain can be one of the most challenging things for anyone, so being prepared for wet weather is of the up-most importance. Bring the right rain gear includes everything from a good rain suit, a rain fly for your tent, to extra shoes and clothes.
Having a few tarps to cover gear and keep the bottom of your tent off the mud will always pay dividends when the rain starts falling. Extra clothes and towels will allow you to clean and dry up quickly when you are faced with a sudden rain shower. Preparation is key when it comes to staying dry!
The three most common camping mistakes are things that everyone can relate to. It could be frustration with missing tent poles or stakes, missing cooking supplies, or sudden rain showers that can put our camping trips in jeopardy. Being prepared and organized is the key to success!
