6 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Camping Trip

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Camping Trip

Going on your first camping trip can be exciting, daunting and maybe a little stressful. Luckily, we know all about the common mistakes first-time campers make- and we also know how to address them. By familiarising yourself with these, you can ensure that your first camping experience is as fun and smooth-sailing as possible.

Here are 6 of the most common mistakes to avoid on your first camping trip:

1. Not Planning Beforehand

You might be in love with the thought of a go-with-the-flow type camping adventure. But if you’re totally inexperienced in the realm of the outdoors, proper planning is necessary. Get your fellow campers together and create an itinerary based on the sights you want to see or the activities you want to do. If you discover another exciting opportunity mid-way through your trip, you can always swap it into your itinerary. Most importantly of all, when it comes to packing for your first camping trip, make sure that you create a checklist of all the supplies, clothing and equipment you’ll need. Tick off the items one by one, and that way, you won’t have to stress about whether you’ve brought a certain item or not.

2. Overpacking

A lot of first-time campers make the mistake of overpacking for their first trip. But camping is about getting away from all the unnecessary clutter of daily life. Pack only what you need, making sure that it’s lightweight and versatile gear. Collapsible cookware and outdoor furniture are perfect for this exact reason. Also, forget about bringing electronic devices (unless they’re for photos), cosmetics and fancy clothes. After all, camping is all about getting down and dirty with nature and enjoying the minimalism of living outdoors.

3. Not Reserving Your Campsite

If you’re going camping during the busier periods of the year (like summer school holidays), then it’s worth choosing a campsite that you can reserve a spot at beforehand. Not every campsite allows for reservations. However, for the ones that do, it might be a requirement. This is why it’s integral for you to double check beforehand. You don’t want to drive all the way to your campsite, only to find out that it’s absolutely overflowing with people, and there’s no more room for you. If you want to visit a campsite that is running on a ‘first come first served’ policy, then try going during the slower periods of the year to avoid disappointment.

4. Leaving Too Late

You don’t want to waste an entire day travelling to your campsite. For that reason, it’s best to get an early night and then set off bright and early the next day. If you’re heading to a campsite that’s ‘first come, first served’, you’ll have a much better chance at securing a spot if you arrive at the campsite earlier. Aside from this, you’ll also have more time to set up your campsite and get things rocking and rolling for the remainder of your trip. You don’t want to be setting up your campsite (or worse, driving on rural roads) in the evening when there’s minimal light.

5. Wearing the Wrong Clothes

Unsurprisingly, white clothing isn’t a good idea when it comes to adventuring out in the bush- that is, unless you’re bringing old clothes that you really don’t care about getting dirty. But the type of clothes you’ll need will vary depending on the season, as well as the nature of your campsite. For instance, if you’re going camping in the summer, breathable t-shirts, leggings, shorts and pants are recommended. If you’re camping at the beach, you can also bring sandals. However, regardless of your campsite’s terrain, a good pair of sneakers is a total must-have for all outdoor activities. On the other hand, denim, vinyl, cotton and expensive clothing should be avoided.

6. Underestimating the Weather

If you’ve been living in Australia for quite some time now, then you’d be well aware of how erratic the weather conditions can be. The weather forecast is forever changing, so you have to be prepared for anything, including hot and sweaty days or cold and rainy days on your camping trip. That’s why it’s best to pack weatherproof clothing, gear and equipment. Being prepared for anything is the name of the game when it comes to camping.

First-Time Campers are Covered with Supex Products

Whether you’re a first-time camper or someone who’s been doing it for years, we have all your necessary gear and equipment here at Supex Products. Offering a wide range of campsite accessories, including campsite hardware, cookware, furniture, tents, bedding and more, we have everything you need to make your next outdoor adventure the most memorable one yet.

To browse our range of products, find your nearest Supex stockist today!