New to the camping lifestyle? Everyone has to start somewhere, before becoming an expert in the great outdoors. Although mistakes are often one of the best teachers, learning from the experiences of others can also help you to familiarise yourself with best practises quicker, and avoid unnecessary blips in the duration of your holiday. 

With that said, we’ve run through 5 of the most common camping mistakes to avoid if you want to ensure your next trip runs as safely and smoothly as possible: 

Mistake #1: Not Researching Your Campsite

Each campsite will offer a unique environment with differences in weather, terrain and facilities. To ensure you’re well-prepared for whatever you’re met with, it’s important to research your campsite before packing your luggage. This will give you a better insight into crafting your camping needs checklist (including what type of clothing you should bring, sleeping gear and other additional campsite accessories). 

Mistake #2: Picking the Wrong Tent

Your tent is one of the most important pieces of gear in your cargo. After all, this is what’s going to be responsible for keeping you warm and comfortable enough to enjoy a good night’s sleep; and we all know how important it is to make sure you’re well rested on camping trips. 

This ties in with our first point about making sure to research your campsite. Information about your campsite’s environment (as well as the weather conditions) will help you to determine whether you need a tent that is thick and water resistant for use in cold, wet conditions, or a more lightweight tent that can be used in mild and sunny conditions.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Your First-Aid Kit

You never know what you’re going to run into out in the bush; and for that reason, it’s important to be prepared for anything. One small injury can turn your experience upside down if it is not addressed and cared for appropriately. Without a first aid kit stocked with all the right essentials, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to all sorts of infections and other complications. Before heading off on your trip, make sure you’ve got a first aid kit stocked with all the basics. 

Mistake #4: Poor Meal Preparation

When it comes to camp-friendly food, it’s important to have a balance. You don’t want to be relying on junky and poor quality meals that provide little satisfaction and sustenance to fuel your energy levels. On the other hand, you don’t want to spend all your time and effort trying to come up with campfire recipes so elaborate that Gordon Ramsay would rate it; after all, you don’t want to spend precious time cooking when you could be exploring the great outdoors! What we’d recommend is having a few recipes up your sleeve that are based around non-perishable items. You may want to invest in camp cookware such as cast iron pans or a Dutch Oven, which can open you up to many more delicious meal opportunities. 

Mistake #5: Not Testing Gear & Equipment Beforehand

Just imagine; you’ve finally arrived at your campsite and have started setting things up, only to find that your LED lamps are faulty or that your tent has a big hole in it. It’s always worth checking your gear and equipment before packing up and setting off on your adventure. That way, you won’t leave yourself vulnerable to any nasty surprises when you rock up to your holiday destination! 

Preparing for your next camping trip? Don’t leave yourself without the essentials. Turn to Supex Products for high quality camping equipment you can trust to address your needs and make every trip as convenient as possible!