Mistakes... We've all been there, done that, and probably got the T-shirt as a souvenir! The hope with a mistake is to squeeze out every drop of wisdom and try our hardest not to faceplant over the same hurdle again. But let's be real, we're just humans, and sometimes we can't help but enjoy an encore of our most epic blunders. So, here's a highlight reel of our top-notch goof-ups to help you try to avoid our camping mistakes!
OVERPACKING
Packing just the essentials can feel pretty overwhelming. It's tempting to overpack, whether it's food, clothes, or things to keep you entertained. Think about how much energy you'll be using on your camping trip. You might notice you eat fewer meals and more snacks. Change your undergarments daily, but shirts and pants can last a bit longer. Also, try to bring items that can serve multiple purposes to cut down on what you need to pack.
TRYING OUT NEW GEAR
It's always exciting to open up new gear at home, and that's exactly where you should do it. Try not to figure out your new stuff when you're already out on the trail. You definitely don't want to find out something's missing, broken, or trickier to use than you thought. At home, you have the advantage of a controlled setting where you can sort out any unexpected problems, plus you can easily check out manuals or videos on how to use it. Not that I ever read an instruction manual before.
FAILED BOOKINGS OR ALTERNATE SITE CONSIDERATIONS
No matter if you're staying at campgrounds, campsites, hotels, or crown land, make sure to book your spot early. And if you're going for crown land, have some backup options ready in case your first pick is taken when you get there.
LEAVING SOMETHING BEHIND
We've all left stuff on a shelf, counter, or in the garage before. Try making an inventory list and set out your things the night before, or as much as you can. In the morning, if you're anything like me, you're not fully awake and might forget something. Make sure to chat with the group to confirm everyone grabbed their stuff, and double-check that inventory list before you leave.
BRING CLOTHING FOR THE WEATHER YOU GET AND NOT THE WEATHER YOU WANT
Weather can be unpredictable and switch up fast. If you're not used to the area you're heading to, make sure you've got some clothing options ready for anything. Even a little rain can mess with your night, or if it gets cooler at night, you'll want to be prepared.
FOOD UTILIZATION
We've talked about using coolers in a previous blog, and it's super important when it comes to making the most of your food. Be sure you know the meals you've planned and packed, so you can eat them in the right order and keep them fresh as long as possible. Start with the stuff that'll go bad first, and save those frozen steaks for a celebratory meal at the end of your trip! (Cooler Blog)
KEEP IT LEVELED
It's easy to overlook this one. Keeping both you and your vehicle on level ground not only gives you a better night's sleep but also helps your gear, like your fridge, work better and keeps liquids from pooling.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Traveling with the right people can make or break your trip, whether it's just for a night, a long weekend, or even longer. Make sure everyone’s on the same page and you’re aware of how each person usually reacts to things. If something comes up, you’ll want folks who stay cool and help solve problems instead of making things worse.
We hope these tips and ideas help you get the most out of your next trip out and if you have further suggestions of your own, please add a comment down below to share with the community!
The if you make a mistake, just go with it adventure!
*This is not a sponsored post.
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