Camping is supposed to feel simple. Fresh air, crackling fire, and obviously a little dirt.
There are many items that make camping easier, but not everyone knows that some can also ruin it.
Here are ten things that sound smart at home, but are a huge mistake once you’re there and you wonder why you brought them.
Anything glass
Glass bottles. Glass jars. Glass anything.
It can break and hatter. It can be very dangerous if it falls on the ground and someone walks on it without noticing.
Campgrounds hate it, feet hate it, dogs hate it. Plus, a lot of parks straight up ban glass in certain areas for a reason.
Bring cans, metal bottles, or reusable plastic instead.
Foods that melt, leak, or explode in a cooler
A cooler is not a magic refrigerator. It’s a cold box with a ticking clock.
Things like chocolate bars, fish, ice cream, mayo-based salads, and basically anything soft and creamy won’t last long.
Stick to foods that handle temperature swings well. Hard cheeses, tortillas, hot dogs and chicken sausages, cured meats, pre-frozen meals.
Scented stuff
Other things you should never bring are strong-scented deodorant. Fruity body spray, vanilla lotion, or the super common coconut shampoos.
They all smell nice in a bathroom. In the woods, it’s basically an open invitation.
Bugs follow strong scents, and sometimes bigger visitors too, depending on where the campsite is.
Unscented things are the right move while camping. It can sound boring but it’s also the smart thing to do.
Big clunky fire starters
Those cheap petroleum fire logs or super chemical fire starters can make the fire smell weird and burn weird.
Some places don’t allow them either, especially during dry season restrictions.
A small bag of kindling, dryer lint with wax, or basic fire starters made for camping works better and doesn’t stink up the whole area.
Remember that the goal is a nice campfire, not a big uncontrolled bonfire.
Clothes that look cute but don’t do the job
Some clothes look nice, but in the end, they are not comfortable or suitable for camping.
Remember, this isn’t a fashion show. The most important thing when camping is to stay dry.
For example, cotton is comfortable but also becomes a wet, cold sponge the second it gets damp.
And it becomes dangerous when temperatures drop.
Go with wool or synthetics for base layers and socks. And don’t forget a pair of proper shoes and a good windproof jacket.
A giant speaker
Nature already has sound. Birds, wind, frogs, water, fire.
Bringing a massive speaker and turning it into a parking lot party is how friendships with other campers end.
If music is a must, keep it tiny, low, and personal. Better yet, skip it and enjoy the quiet for once. The quiet hits different.
Too much food
This sounds impossible. It’s not.
People pack like they’re feeding a scout troop, then end up with soggy bread and warm deli meat.
Also, more food means more trash, more smells, more animals sniffing around.
Plan a simple menu. Bring snacks that don’t need refrigeration. Never pack the entire kitchen pantry just in case.
Single-use everything
Some campers love single-use things. Disposable plates, forks, cups.
It definitely feels convenient until the trash bag overflows and the wind blows everything into the woods.
If you have a washing station, just bring a small kit. A real cup, a plate, a spork and tiny towel.
Brand new gear that’s never been tested
Many campers like to buy something new every year.
However, don’t forget to test things before packing them.
A brand new tent still in the box or a stove that’s never been lit, it’s never a good idea.
Test everything before the trip. Even just once.
Set the tent up. Light the stove. Make sure the headlamp actually turns on.
Camping is fun, but it’s not the place to gamble.
