Preparation • Safety • Comfort
The 10 Most Common Camping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Camping is a rewarding adventure, but simple mistakes can ruin the experience. Discover the **10 most common mistakes** and our **practical solutions** for a peaceful and controlled bivouac.
1) Not checking the weather
Never leave without checking the 48-hour forecast: rain, storms, minimum temperature. A reliable forecast guides your choice of equipment (tent, sleeping bag, underwear, etc.) and your evacuation plan.
2) Choosing a bad location
- Unstable or sloping ground → uncomfortable night or risk of falling.
- At the bottom of a bowl → accumulation of water or freezing cold.
- Proximity to a stream → risk of rising water or significant humidity.
3) Neglecting floor insulation
Body heat is lost very quickly through a thin mattress or poor insulation. Even moderate temperatures become icy as soon as the wind blows.
4) Underestimating the wind
- Bad orientation of the tent → constant icy breath, poor fit.
- Unstable trees above → brittle branches.
Good marking and solid fixing (stakes, guy lines) save the night.
5) Carrying too much or too little
Being overweight is tiring, but insufficient equipment compromises safety and comfort.
6) Poor water management
- Not enough water → dehydration, fatigue.
- Container not leakproof → leak everywhere.
- Unpurified source → health risk.
7) Ignoring hygiene
Not washing hands before eating, not managing waste = rapid contamination.
8) Dangerous improvised fire
Making a fire without a safe area, nearby flammable materials, or without complete extinguishment = fire.
9) Inadequate lighting
- Weakly charged lamp or weak bulb = dim light, risk of falls.
- No emergency light (separate front light) = complicated night in the event of a breakdown.
10) Lack of a backup plan
No GPS signal, no nearby help, no plan B = risky bivouac in case of injury or politically unfavorable weather.
Emergency Checklist
Bivouac FAQ
What floor covering?
A 10 mm foam mat is sufficient for comfort in summer; in winter or on cold floors, opt for an inflatable insulating mattress (R-value ≥ 3).
How much water should I plan for?
Minimum 1.5 L/person, better 2 L with reserve (normal consumption ~0.5 L/h in moderate activity).
How to manage the wind?
Set up the tent on the windward side, use guy lines, protect the entrance; orientate according to your meals or sleep.
Fire allowed?
Check local ordinances. If permitted, stay 5 m away from branches and monitor fire extinguishing.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that a successful bivouac requires planning in advance: anticipating common mistakes = avoiding discomfort or danger. Bivouacking is an intense experience, with complete peace of mind.
Want to go further? Discover our best-selling bivouacs, our complete guide , or our recommended equipment.
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