by Nathan Rogers

Created on: July 28, 2009

By human nature we are not perfect. We forget things and we make mistakes. In all my times camping, I cannot recall a single instance where everything went flawlessly. There is so many things that need to be just so that it is inevitable that something will go wrong. Just because we are on vacation does not mean that Murphy and his laws are.

One common mistake is forgetting to bring something. I find its best to sit down and make a detailed list of everything I think I am going to need. I then make sure to include everything on the list. I generally make the list on my computer then print it off then go through and check off the items as I pack them. While camping I then make a list of everything that I could have used but hadn't had on my list then update the list when I get home again. After a few times camping your list should cover just about all you will need.

Another big mistake is believing the person count on a tent. I am convinced that whoever made up the number on the tents was using thinking of small children when they pulled that seemingly random number out of whatever black hole they managed to find. I have found that a two man tent is just about right for just me. A good four to six man tent is sufficient for my wife and I. The only tents I have found with reasonable space for families or groups are tents with multiple rooms. Technically it is possible to fit more people in the tents I have mentioned but you had better be on REALLY good terms with your neighbors.

The positioning of your tent is also a common mistake. You need to take things like wind, water, and lay of the ground into account when placing your tent. Certain tents can handle strong winds from one direction quite well but if that same wind hits from a different angle it reeks havoc. It is also important to stake your tent down even if you don't think there is going to be any wind. It is always embarrassing coming back to camp to find your tent upside down in your neighbor's space. Positioning your tent for proper runoff of water can also be important. Make sure that you position your tent so the water runs away from you. It is also best to make sure you check the lay of the ground where you are setting your tent to avoid dips where water may accumulate. I once got hit with a major thunderstorm while camping on a hilltop. To my chagrin I found I had set my tent up in the only low spot on the entire hilltop and halfway through the night had over an inch of standing water inside my tent.

Most of the common mistakes while camping are the direct result of simply not paying attention to the details. Give the little details the attention they deserve and you should be fine.

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