Over the decades that I have enjoyed camping, the most important thing I’ve learned is that camping is a continuous learning process. For example, it will take a novice some time before they are even able to master the basics of learning different types of tents for different camping areas, climates, etc., not to mention pitching a tent correctly or how about building a campfire. In all my years of camping off grid, I often run across folks that have camped for many years and still have difficulty cooking over an open campfire.
Some common mistakes easily avoided by being prudent
RESEARCH:
Make sure to do as much research as you can on the area you choose to camp in. This is especially true if you choose to boondock camp, away from basic necessities. What’s the weather conditions like? What’s the terrain conditions? Are you planning on camping during a heavy holiday season? If you have a dog and plan to take it, are pets allowed where you plan on camping? You don’t want to go to all the effort and expense of camping in a certain place and arrive to find out your dog is not welcome. If your chosen area takes reservations, have you made a reservation? Again, you don’t want to have your heart set on a certain area and arrive to find out it’s a holiday and there are no spaces for rent. If it’s a boondocking situation, that may not be an issue.
CHECKLIST:
A checklist is very important. You don’t want to get all your camping items together and then drive to your chosen location and set up camp and realize you have not brought items that will be necessary. This is where your checklist comes in to insure essential items such as a first aid kit and any meds you take are included. If you are boondocking, make sure to bring more water than you think you will need.
QUALITY CAMP GEAR:
Do yourself a favor and do not skimp on gear. You may want to justify buying a cheap tent, thinking you’re only going to use it once or twice. That would be a mistake. Quality camping gear will serve you better and last longer. I can’t emphasize enough that a quality tent and other gear is a real necessity when camping in the wild, not only that, but gear such as this can be used for other events as well.
TEST YOUR GEAR BEFORE HEADING OUT:
A camping trip, whether with family, friends or solo is an exciting time and event. Now that you’re about ready to head out for that big adventure, do yourself another favor and “test your gear” to make sure you are indeed ready. You’d be surprised at the novice campers that just pack up everything and head out without checking their gear first. What if that tent is more difficult to erect than you thought? Set up your tent in your yard first to insure you can set it up in a hurry should the weather turn nasty. Have you tried out that new portable cook stove? Did you forget to include propane or butane for your stove? Don’t forget to check your lighting too. How long are you going to boondock? Have you made arrangements for showering? Did you remember to buy a portable shower?
So as not to make this article too lengthy, I’ll cover portable showers in my next article… so stay tuned, I have a recommendation for a really neat portable shower.
When it comes to camping and enjoying our great outdoors, avoid these common mistakes and you’ll have a wonderful experience.
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Until next time…
