5 WORST/DANGEROUS mistakes you can make when camping

[-Wildfire-_]

Welcome to my first My Take!

Spring is almost here! which means lots of camping! I LOVE camping, thankfully I have some experience with camping, but that still doesn't mean I dont make mistakes.

1. Being unprepared for the weather

This is a mistake that many people make while camping, which is sad, because dressing unprepared for the weather will most likely completely RUIN your experience. and In some cases, your situation can turn life THREATENING if you don't dress correctly. Don't make the simple mistake of dressing unprepared! Unlike a lot of unfortunate camping situations, this is a problem that can easily be avoided if you just check the weather before hand.

2. Not testing out your new equipment before hand

This is also a huge problem. driving out into the middle of nowhere and realizing your new compass doesn't work, or your new electric fire starter doesn't work is another problem that sadly, can easily be avoided by some forethought. Take the time to practice setting up a new tent in the backyard before hand, so that you don't end up spending the whole day in frustration at your campsite because your new tent is more complicated to set up then you anticipated.

3. Not packing a repair kit

I felt like this is a important thing to keep in mind, because I can remember back to a camping experience where our tent broke, and we could have easily repaired it if we had a sewing kit but we ended up having to end our camping experience early.

here's what I've found helpful to bring along camping (just in case)

- extra rope

- metal pole sleeves to reinforce bent tent poles

- sewing kit to patch up rips and tears

- role of duct tape

- extra pair of shoelaces (in case your first pair breaks)

- some way to contact help in the case of a emergency

4. Not packing enough food

You may not ever worry about this, but taking just enough food for the duration of your trip could leave you in a tight spot if something goes wrong. For example, let’s say you’re going on a hiking trip and someone twists their ankle. You could have to stay an extra day. You should also have a plan B in case someone accidentally burns the pancakes or drops the wieners in the fire.

5. Packing disorganized, or keeping a messy camp site

If you just shove everything into a backpack, or just throw everything into the back you your car, you will have trouble finding things, and leaving food and trash around your campsite can attract unwanted visitors and ruin the experience. Also, make sure to NEVER feed wildlife or accidentally leave food out, it could also be a problem for future campers because animals can become habituated to getting food at the campsite.

Thanks for reading! If anyones planning on camping, good luck!

[NearlyNapping]

Good points.

As a winter camper, I tend to be fully prepared for bad winter. The middle of the summer isn't too bad either. It's the in-between weather that can take you by surprise and be dangerous. People don't realize just how cold mid-temperatures can be until you are stuck all night in it.

#2 Not just new gear. Check any gear that's been packed away for the winter. Tents that have been folded or rolled all winter can get creases which can cause a weak spot. Tent stakes can be missing from last year and you forgot all about it. The bottle of propane is empty. The waterproof match container is out of matches. etc.

#3 I never carried repair kits. But I did a lot of backpacking when all those little things ass up So it was all an absolute bare minimum.

#4 That's always a problem for me, for the same reason as #3 - weight, food is heavy.

#5. That picture is... how can anyone camp like that?
Organization takes practice. I used to have a notebook with a list of travel and camping stuff. I'd check after each trip and add items I wish I'd had, and scratch off items I had but didn't use. After a while it should be a well tested list.

Last but not least. This should be obvious, but don't forget toilet paper. I got so I always kept a roll in my car, even around town. My fishing knapsack also had a small roll in it at all times - comes in handy even for two hour fishing trips away from the car.

One last one I thought of. Never set up a tent on a trail with the opening pointing uphill. Water runs down the trails straight into your tent. Sleeping in four inches of water all night isn't much fun.

[vishna]

Really interesting MyTake :) I've been asking friends and my boyfriend to go camping but they don't want to haha!

[JohnK123]

I would go haha

[hellionthesagereborn]

I can attest to number one, but for me it was ironically when I was not camping. I had so much survival training when I was a kid up until a teenager that I was overconfident, I liked trying to push my limits and was out when it was far to cold with only a sweat shirt. Ended up getting the beginning stages of hypothermia (the trembling followed by feeling warm, really warm even though its freezing out). Scared the hell out of me. The repair kit is a good idea as well. Also have some kind of training or knowledge for the weather or region will also help. Good take!

[zagor]

Yes, always check the weather. I started up a 12000 foot peak in nice weather, and without sufficient bad weather gear. I wasn't aware a cold drizzling front had moved in from the other side until I was close to the summit. I nearly got hypothermia, and was fortunate to run into someone who let me wrap up in their sleeping bag long enough to recover sufficiently to head down.

[musicbrain5]

Another thing I would add is not knowing basic knots. Knowing knots like the bowline and clove hitch are really useful, especially if your camping trip includes any hiking, climbing, or boating activities.

[HikerDude]

Lack of water is number 1. People often underestimate how much water they'll need when they're out hiking, and it bites them hard because they can't find a water source or don't have the means to purify it.

[Bluemax]

To this list I add:

Not packing a first aid kit
Not making sure you have the right shoes
Pancakes (they're difficult to clean up and they're not particularly nutritious)

[Goochbreaker]

fuk yer phone. Walkie talkies are where it's at for camping

[Bluemax]

@Goochbreaker
Ah yes, that too.

[MrMysteryMan]

Yeah an not knowing where the fuck you're camping at.

[pooper89]

First mistake: you went camping

by the way The last pic is totally a homeless encampment lol

[ryancg]

Also, you should probably watch out for this guy.

[Pink2000]

I’ve never been camping. I just hate going places especially places out in the boondocks where I’m the only black person around.

[JohnK123]

Make sure you are prepared for every circumstance
dont bring extra stuff you don’t need (toilet paper etc) for short trips
It will reduce weight

[Anonymous]

Should put in there to check tire pressure, propane and fuel for the generator. My 35 foot RV is the best way to go camping. lol

[rockrewls]

Good take, you forgot first aid kit, rain gear, waterproof matches/lighters and a defender shotgun w/ double 00 buck ammo for self defense, bears can be a bitch...

[Deukalion]

Camping is suck I try it 3 times , 2 times at beach like you say weather , very bad sleeping , dirt. 1 time in army it was only dirt and no sleeping.

[Revolver_]

6) not getting a charger and some data for your phone

[Pink2000]

Where are you gonna charge your phone?

[Revolver_]

@Pink2000 At home when you realise a few seconds after you leave the house that you don't want to camp anymore

[coolbreeze]

Great points and very informative.

[lime_rampljuset]

Tell us, are you watching ゆるキャン△ (Laid-Back Camp)?

[SilviaKelly]

dont forget to bring a towell

[JohnK123]

That’s always good

[BOUNTYGUY9]

DONT BE SO CAMP I LIKE CAMP COFFEE

[Anonymous]

6. Forgetting to draw an anti-sea-bear circle.

[Pink2000]

😂😂 lol

[just_tired]

Great take!