Camping Newbie Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Embrace the Adventure, But Sidestep the Slip-ups
As a camping newbie, I was equal parts excited and overwhelmed when my friends invited me to join them on our first outdoor adventure. While the thought of sleeping under the stars and connecting with nature thrilled me, I also couldn’t help but worry about making some major blunders along the way. After all, the great outdoors can be a bit of a mystery if you’ve never pitched a tent or packed a rucksack before.
Luckily, I did my research and learned from the mistakes of seasoned campers before me. By the time we set off for our inaugural weekend in the Scottish Highlands, I felt as prepared as I could be. And you know what? Our trip was a roaring success – no major disasters, just lots of laughter, stunning views, and a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.
If you’re a camping newbie like I was, I’m here to share the common mistakes I learned to avoid, as well as some hard-earned tips to help make your first (or next) outdoor adventure a truly memorable one. So grab your compass, pack your waterproofs, and get ready to embrace the adventure – just be sure to sidestep those rookie slip-ups along the way.
Mistake #1: Packing the Wrong Gear (and Not Testing It First)
When it came to gearing up for our Highlands trip, I learned a valuable lesson the hard way: never assume your equipment is in tip-top shape, even if it’s brand new. My friends and I each laid out our camping essentials – tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, the works – only to discover that one of our tents had a nasty rip in the mesh and another’s camping stove was woefully out of fuel.
Woodland Woman shared a similar cautionary tale, noting that it’s crucial to “test new equipment before a trip” to avoid any unpleasant surprises. I couldn’t agree more – before your next camping trip, make sure to do a full gear check and run a practice setup of your tent in the backyard. That way, you can troubleshoot any issues ahead of time and pack with total confidence.
And when it comes to clothing, heed the wise words of the Woodland Woman: “‘Cotton kills,’ so the outdoor saying goes. Cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away like wool or synthetic fabrics. In cold weather, getting wet while wearing cotton can increase your risk of hypothermia.” Pack smart, moisture-wicking layers that will keep you warm and dry no matter the weather.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Essentials (and Packing Too Much Stuff)
As a camping newbie, it’s all too easy to get carried away in the excitement of planning your trip and end up stuffing your bags to the brim. But trust me, the last thing you want is to be lugging around a heavy, overstuffed backpack when you’re trying to hike from one campsite to the next.
The Reddit community shared a great tip: “Keep your pack light makes travelling in the backcountry easier and more enjoyable.” It’s so true – the less weight you have to carry, the more energy you’ll have to explore and truly soak in your surroundings.
But lightening your load doesn’t mean skimping on the essentials. In fact, Woodland Woman recommends always packing the “10 essentials” – things like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and navigation tools. And don’t forget to create a comprehensive packing checklist to ensure you’ve got all your bases covered, from your camp stove to your sunscreen.
Mistake #3: Underestimating Mother Nature (and Not Planning Ahead)
When you’re new to camping, it’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security by those perfectly curated Instagram shots of pristine campsites and glowing campfires. But the reality is, the great outdoors can be incredibly unpredictable – and if you don’t plan ahead, you could find yourself in some less-than-ideal situations.
One of the biggest mistakes I almost made was choosing a campsite too close to the edge of a cliff. As Woodland Woman warns, “Setting a tent up at cliff side makes for Instagrammable photos, but is very dangerous. Wind gusts, bad weather, or a late night pee could send you or your gear over the edge.” Yikes – no thanks! Instead, I opted for a more sheltered spot tucked away from any cliffs or steep drop-offs.
And speaking of weather, don’t underestimate the power of Mother Nature, even in the seemingly mild Scottish Highlands. As the video suggests, “Rainy weather shouldn’t mean you are stuck inside a tent all day.” Be sure to pack plenty of waterproof gear and have a plan B in case the skies open up.
Finally, never forget to let someone you trust know your camping itinerary, as advised by Woodland Woman. That way, if anything goes wrong, they’ll know where to send the search party.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Wildlife Warnings (and Forgetting Bug Spray)
When I first started planning our Highlands trip, I admittedly didn’t give much thought to the local wildlife. I mean, how bad could it be, right? As it turns out, I was in for a rude awakening – or rather, a rude awakening in the middle of the night.
As Woodland Woman wisely points out, “If you are camping in bear territory, you’ll want to ensure all food items and scented toiletries are stored at least 300 feet from your tent. Make food inaccessible by hanging it from a tree or placing it in a bear canister.” Needless to say, I made sure to follow those guidelines to the letter – the last thing I wanted was a curious (and hungry) bear paying us a midnight visit.
And then there were the bugs. Oh, the bugs. I had no idea just how relentless the Scottish midges and mosquitoes could be until I found myself being devoured alive. As the Woodland Woman notes, “If it’s in your budget, consider a bug shelter. Mosquitoes, black flies, horseflies, and deer flies all respond differently to your attempts to ward them off.” Lesson learned – next time, I’ll be packing plenty of bug spray and protective clothing.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Your Sleep Setup (and Underestimating the Importance of Comfort)
When it comes to camping, one of the most crucial elements is often overlooked: your sleep setup. And trust me, skimping on this can make for a long, miserable night (or several).
My first backcountry trip, I made the classic rookie mistake of forgetting a sleeping pad, as Woodland Woman describes. “At night, the cold ground pulled all the warmth from my body. I was cold and barely slept at all.” Yikes – not exactly the restful, restorative sleep I had in mind.
But a good night’s sleep isn’t just about keeping warm. As the Reddit community pointed out, comfort is key – and that means investing in a quality sleeping pad with the right R-value to suit the conditions. Trust me, your body (and your mood) will thank you.
And don’t forget about your sleeping bag, either. As the video suggests, “If you’ve never set up a tarp before, a little practice at home will help avoid frustration.” The same goes for testing out your sleeping bag before your trip. The last thing you want is to be shivering all night because your bag isn’t up to the task.
Embracing the Adventure, Avoiding the Mishaps
When it comes to camping, there’s no doubt that the great outdoors can be full of surprises – both the good and the not-so-good. But by learning from the mistakes of seasoned campers before you and arming yourself with the right knowledge and gear, you can sidestep those rookie slip-ups and embrace the adventure with confidence.
So as you plan your next camping trip to the stunning Scottish Highlands (or any other outdoor destination), keep these key lessons in mind: pack smart, plan ahead, and prioritize your comfort. And don’t forget to check out the Loch Ness Shores website for all the insider tips and camping know-how you’ll need to make your adventure a roaring success.
