The 12 Fatal Mistakes When Camping (Expert Guide 2025) | Arknor
The 12 Fatal Mistakes When Camping
(And How to Avoid Them)
The 2025 expert guide based on 27 million hikers
📊 Bivouacs in France: Key Figures 2025
Bivouacking is fascinating. Sleeping under the stars, waking up to a mountain sunrise, experiencing an authentic nature experience... With 27 million hikers in France according to the French Hiking Federation, and a 14% increase in the practice since 2021, bivouacking has become a staple of outdoor adventures.
However, the reality on the ground is often less idyllic. Between complex regulations, unsuitable equipment, and rookie mistakes, many people turn their first night in a bivouac into a real ordeal. Worse still, some mistakes can put your safety at risk or earn you a hefty fine.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the 12 most common mistakes people make when bivouacking, with practical, field-tested solutions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and fully enjoy your experience.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Local Regulations
This is the most common and potentially costly mistake. Many hikers think that finding a beautiful, secluded spot is enough to legally camp. Big mistake.
Legal reality: In France, bivouacking is prohibited in many areas: classified forests, seaside, less than 200m from a drinking water point, less than 500m from a historic monument, heritage sites, and areas where the prefectures have issued specific orders.
Fines can be hefty: up to €1,500 in protected areas, and forest rangers/park wardens are becoming increasingly vigilant with the increase in visitor numbers.
Before each outing:
- Consult the website of the national/regional park concerned
- Contact the local tourist office for recent orders
- Favor areas near shelters where bivouacking is often tolerated
- Use apps like Park4Night or iOverlander that list authorized spots
- Ask the owners for permission if you are camping on private land.
A well-chosen bivouac location in an authorized area
Mistake #2: Underestimating Weather and Night Conditions
Many beginners drastically underestimate the drop in nighttime temperatures at altitude. An afternoon at 20°C in the mountains can easily become a night at 2°C, or even below zero above 2000m.
The consequences can be serious: mild hypothermia, sleepless nights, equipment damaged by frost, and in extreme cases, the need for emergency evacuation. In 2025, two poorly equipped hikers died in the Pyrenees at the Cagire peak, a reminder of the dangers of this error.
Choose your sleeping bag according to the reality on the ground:
| Arknor Model | Comfort Temperature | Weight | Optimal Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Cold Bag -10°C | -10°C to -18°C | 1.8 kg | Winter bivouac, high mountains | 139.90€ |
| 3 Seasons Bag | 0°C to -5°C | 1.2 kg | Spring/autumn, mid-mountain | 89.90€ |
| Ultralight Summer Bag | +5°C to 0°C | 650g | Summer, low altitude, fast trekking | 69.90€ |
Points of vigilance:
- Check the weather forecast up to the day before departure (Météo France Montagne)
- Always allow a margin of 5-10°C on the comfort temperature of your bag
- Bring extra layers (down jacket, hat, gloves) for sleeping if necessary
- Test your equipment in real conditions BEFORE your trek
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Location
The location of your bivouac can make all the difference between a restful night and a nightmare. Yet, many choose their spot based on the view rather than practicality and safety.
Classic pitfalls to avoid:
- Valley bottoms: accumulation of cold air, maximum humidity, risk of condensation
- The edge of torrents: constant noise, risk of flash flooding in the event of a storm
- Exposed peaks: strong wind, risk of lightning, lower temperature
- Depressions and basins: accumulation of water in the event of rain
- Under isolated trees: risk of falling branches, attraction of lightning
The 7 criteria for an ideal location:
- Flat or slightly sloping ground (head upwards if slope required)
- Well-drained soil (no soil that is too compact or hollow)
- Halfway up rather than at the bottom of the valley (avoids cold and humidity)
- Natural protection against the wind (rocks, groves, relief)
- Access to water (but not too close: 50m minimum from watercourses)
- East or South-East exposure to enjoy the morning sun
- Low vegetation (facilitates anchoring and prevents insects)
Mistake #4: Neglecting Floor Insulation
This is a counterintuitive misconception: you lose more heat through the ground than through the surrounding air. A great sleeping bag won't save you if you don't have proper ground insulation. Thermal conduction from the cold ground can negate all your insulation efforts.
The sleeping bag myth: Even with a -10°C sleeping bag, without an insulating mattress, you'll be cold as soon as temperatures drop below 10°C. The R-value (thermal resistance) of your mattress is just as important as the comfort temperature of your duvet.
Mattress selection guide according to conditions:
- Summer/low altitude (>10°C): Light foam or inflatable mattress R-value 1-2 sufficient
- 3 seasons/mid-mountain (0-10°C): Mattress R-value 3-4 minimum
- Winter/high altitude (<0°C): R-value 5+ mattress or double layer (foam + inflatable)
At Arknor, we recommend our R-value 4.2 self-inflating mattresses for 3-4 season use. They are lightweight (850g), offer optimal comfort, and have proven thermal insulation down to -5°C.
Pro tip: In case of extreme cold, layer your air mattress with a simple foam floor mat. The cost is minimal (€10-15) and the difference in comfort is dramatic.
Organizing your equipment: the key to a successful bivouac
Mistake #5: Overloading Your Bag (Hiker's #1 Enemy)
The "you never know" syndrome hits beginners hard. The result: a 18-22kg pack that turns every climb into an ordeal, prematurely wears out your knees on the descent, and makes you hate hiking before you even reach the bivouac.
The professional rule: The total weight of your pack (including water and food) should never exceed 20-25% of your body weight. For a 70kg person, this means a maximum of 14-17kg, and ideally less than 12kg.
Base weight optimized for a 2-3 day bivouac:
- 40L Ultralight Backpack - 950g (€139.90)
- 2-person, 3-season tent - 1.8 kg
- Sleeping bag -5°C - 1.2kg
- Inflatable mattress - 500g
- Stove + cooking pot + gas - 600g
- Change of clothes - 800g
- Minimalist Toiletry Bag - 200g
- Headlamp + battery - 150g
- Food for 2 days - 1.5kg
- Water 2L at the start - 2kg
- Small equipment (knife, lighter, etc.) - 200g
The weight savings that really matter:
- Tent vs Tarp: Save 500g-1kg (tarp + tyvek)
- Gas stove vs alcohol: Save 100-200g
- Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bag: Save 300-500g
- Eliminate the "just in case": Average savings of 2-3kg (!)
Our expandable 40L backpack is specifically designed for this approach: without a rigid frame, it drops to 950g while offering 40L expandable up to 50L. Perfect for 2-5 day treks while keeping the weight down.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Water Hydration and Purification
The crystal-clear water of a mountain stream seems so pure... And yet, it can contain parasites, bacteria, and viruses that will turn your trek into a gastrointestinal nightmare. Giardiasis and cryptosporidia are common, even at high altitudes.
Beginner's mistake: Setting off with 3-4L of tap water (an extra 3-4kg) instead of taking a purification system and stocking up on the road.
The 4 purification methods compared:
- Pump filters (Katadyn, MSR type): Effective against bacteria and parasites, fast, but heavy (250-400g) and expensive (80-150€). Ideal for groups.
- Gravity filters (Sawyer type): Lightweight (50-150g), efficient, but slow flow. Perfect for filtering large volumes at camp. Price: €30-60.
- Purification tablets (Micropur, Aquatabs): Ultra-light (50g for 50L), economical (€15-20), but long action time (30min-2h) and unpleasant taste. Do not kill all parasites.
- Boiling : 100% effective, free, but requires fuel and time. 1 minute of full boiling is sufficient (<2000m), 3 minutes above 2000m.
Our recommendation: Sawyer Mini combined filter system (60g, €25) + backup tablets. At Arknor.com , we test all our purification equipment in real conditions for at least 100 hours of trekking.
Water points to favor:
- Springs and resurgences (water coming out of the ground)
- Fast-flowing streams upstream of inhabited areas
- Melted snow (be careful to filter the particles)
To absolutely avoid:
- Stagnant waters (shallow lakes, ponds)
- Downstream from pastures or shelters
- Areas with visible animal presence
Mistake #7: Poor Waste Management (Environmental Impact)
With 27 million hikers in France and a 14% increase in the number of hikers, the cumulative impact of bivouacs is becoming critical. Every piece of waste left behind, even "biodegradable," disrupts the local ecosystem and degrades the experience of subsequent hikers.
Common mistakes: Burying organic waste (bad: animals dig it up), burning waste (prohibited and dangerous), leaving toilet paper "which will degrade", not managing grey water properly.
The Leave No Trace principle applied to bivouacking:
- What goes up, comes down : Take ALL your waste in a dedicated bag (including peelings, cigarette butts, etc.)
- Toilet Management: Dig a 15-20cm deep "cathode" hole, at least 50m from any water source. Burn toilet paper if permitted; otherwise, dispose of it in a designated plastic bag.
- Grey water: Dispose of it far from the campsite (50m) and water points. Use biodegradable soap, but in minimal quantities.
- Dishes: Scrape off food residue well, wash with a minimum of water, dry with a reusable microfiber towel.
- Fires: Prohibited in 90% of cases. Use only a stove. Arknor gas stoves weigh less than 100g and are sufficient for 10-15 meals.
Recommended zero waste kit:
- Dedicated waterproof garbage bag (external compartment of the bag)
- Small folding titanium shovel for cathodes (50g)
- Resealable zip bags for used toilet paper
- Biodegradable Multi-Purpose Soap (Dr. Bronner's)
- Ultra-compact microfiber towel
A sunrise in a bivouac: the reward for good preparation
Mistake #8: Not Testing Your Equipment Before Leaving
The nightmare scenario: You arrive at your bivouac spot after a 6-hour hike, you unpack your brand-new tent... and you realize it's missing its pegs. Or worse: you don't know how to pitch it and night falls in 30 minutes.
This mistake is incredibly common among beginners and can turn your first bivouac experience into a complete fiasco.
Home test checklist (1 week before departure):
-
Pitch your tent in the garden/living room
- Time yourself (target: <5min)
- Check that all parts are present
- Test all zippers and closures
- Waterproof seams if necessary
-
Sleep one night in your sleeping bag
- At the expected temperature (open windows if necessary)
- With your mattress to test the combo
- Identify if you sleep hot or cold
-
Test your stove and pot
- Boiling time of 500ml of water
- Gas/alcohol consumption
- Stability and practical use
-
Load your full bag and walk for 1 hour
- Adjustment of shoulder straps and waist belt
- Weight distribution
- Accessibility of essential items
-
Check your headlamps and batteries
- Fully charge all batteries
- Replacement batteries for the headlamp
- Lighting duration test
Arknor Tip: Create a paper checklist of your gear and check off each item as you pack it. Take a photo of this checklist to keep on your phone.
Mistake #9: Underestimating the Importance of Nutrition
Nutrition while bivouacking is often overlooked and considered secondary. This is a big mistake. Your body burns 3,000-4,000 calories per day while trekking, and poor nutrition results in premature fatigue, low morale, faster hypothermia, and insufficient recovery.
The trap of instant noodles: They're light and quick, but they provide almost exclusively simple carbohydrates, very little protein, and almost no fat. The result: a spike in blood sugar followed by a drop, and a feeling of hunger 2 hours later.
Optimized meal plan for 3 days of trekking:
Breakfast (700-900 kcal)
- Instant oat flakes (60g) + dried fruits (30g) + seeds (15g)
- Coffee/tea + powdered milk
- 2 cereal or honey bars (quick intake)
Lunch/snacks (1000-1200 kcal spread)
- Wholemeal sandwich bread + peanut butter/jam
- Hard cheese (Comté, Beaufort) 80g
- Dry sausage 60g
- Dried fruits and oilseeds (mix of almonds, walnuts, dried apricots)
- Protein or energy bars
- 70% dark chocolate
Dinner (900-1100 kcal)
- Option 1: Freeze-dried mountain (complete meal 600-800 kcal)
- Option 2: Rice/pasta (100g dry) + canned fish/meat (100g) + olive oil (20ml)
- Option 3: Instant mashed potatoes + powdered egg + cheese
- + Comforting herbal tea/hot chocolate
Nutritional essentials:
- Fat: 30% of your calories (thermal insulation, long-lasting satiety). Sources: oilseeds, olive oil, cheese.
- Protein: 15-20% (muscle recovery). Sources: dried meat, cheese, powdered eggs, legumes.
- Carbohydrates: 50-55% (immediate and background energy). Sources: whole grains, dried fruits, slow sugars.
Total weight for 3 days: 2-2.5kg (or 700-850g/day), an excellent weight/calorie ratio.
Mistake #10: Neglecting Security and Communication
This is potentially the most serious mistake. Every year, dozens of hikers get lost, injured, or die in the mountains, often because they fail to follow basic safety rules.
The statistics are clear: In 2024, the High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon carried out more than 350 interventions in Haute-Savoie alone, 60% of which could have been avoided with better preparation.
Minimum security protocol:
-
Before departure:
- Leave detailed itinerary + map with a loved one
- Photo of your equipment and clothing worn
- Registered emergency numbers: 112 (Europe), 15 (SAMU), 18 (Fire Brigade)
- Smartphone application: iPhiGénie, IGNrando, Maps.me (offline maps)
-
Compact first aid kit (200g):
- Various dressings + sterile compresses
- Cohesive bandage (sprain)
- Disinfectant (small wounds)
- Anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrheal + antihistamine
- Survival blanket (essential, 50g)
- Whistle (3 blasts = universal SOS)
- Small tweezers (splinters, ticks)
-
On the ground:
- Check your GPS/map position regularly
- When in doubt, turn back.
- If you are lost: STOP, observe, think, don't panic
- In case of a thunderstorm: descend immediately, avoid peaks and isolated trees
Recommended navigation kit:
- Smartphone with external battery (10,000mAh minimum)
- Map application with downloaded maps
- IGN 1:25000 paper map + compass (essential backup)
- Hiking GPS for isolated areas (Garmin InReach = emergency satellite communication)
Mistake #11: Ignoring Weather Forecasts and Specific Conditions
Mountain weather has nothing to do with lowland weather. A forecast predicting good weather in Grenoble could perfectly correspond to a violent thunderstorm at an altitude of 2,500 meters, 40 kilometers away.
Underestimated dangers: High altitude thunderstorms (extreme violence, lightning), strong winds (tear tents), sudden fog (loss of visual references), late snowfalls (May-June at high altitude), torrential floods after thunderstorms.
Reliable weather sources for the mountains:
- Météo France Montagne (meteofrance.com/meteo-montagne): Detailed bulletins by mountain range, 0°C isotherm, avalanche risks
- Meteoblue (meteoblue.com): High altitude wind maps, hourly precipitation
- Mountain-forecast.com : Peak-by-peak forecasts with multiple elevations
- Windy.com : Visualization of air masses, excellent for anticipating changes
How to read a mountain bulletin:
- 0°C Isotherm: Altitude where the temperature reaches 0°C. Crucial for knowing if you will have snow.
- Wind at altitude: Above 40 km/h, bivouacking becomes difficult; above 60 km/h, dangerous.
- Weather window: Need at least 24 stable hours for a comfortable bivouac.
- Thunderstorm Risk: Even a 20-30% risk can mean a localized severe thunderstorm. Be very careful.
Golden rule: Check the weather forecast the night before AND the morning of your departure. In the mountains, NEVER hesitate to postpone or cancel if conditions deteriorate.
The weather can change drastically in a matter of hours
Mistake #12: Poor Humidity and Condensation Management
It's one of the most unpleasant experiences while bivouacking , and it's very common. Condensation inside your tent can turn a comfortable night into a damp, cold ordeal.
Why it happens: Your breathing and perspiration produce about 1L of water vapor per night. If this moisture isn't properly evacuated, it condenses on the cold wall of the tent and falls back... directly onto you and your sleeping bag.
7 anti-condensation techniques:
-
Maximum ventilation
- Open all vents in the tent, even in cold weather
- Leave a space between the flysheet and the inner chamber
- Create a through airflow if possible
-
Avoid cooking in the tent
- Cooking water vapor drastically increases humidity
- Carbon monoxide danger (real, several deaths per year)
- Cook in the vestibule with maximum ventilation, or outside
-
Wipe away condensation when you wake up
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the walls before storing
- Shake the flysheet to remove any accumulated water
- Dry your tent as soon as possible (lunch break, arrival at the next bivouac)
-
Choose the right location
- Absolutely avoid valley bottoms (accumulation of humidity)
- Prefer slightly elevated locations with air circulation
- Never camp directly on the edge of a watercourse
-
Manage your wet clothes
- NEVER put them in the tent
- Store them in a separate waterproof bag
- Dry them outside as soon as possible
-
Use a suitable sleeping bag
- Down repels moisture better than synthetic (but loses insulation if wet)
- Use a silk bag sheet (70g) which absorbs body moisture
- Air your sleeping bag every morning for at least 30 minutes
-
Invest in a quality tent
- Double roof with good ventilation
- Breathable fabric (not non-breathable waterproof canvas)
- Sufficient space between the two canvases
Arknor tip for purists: A well-ventilated tarp + bivy bag almost completely eliminates the problem of condensation, but requires more technical mastery.
🎒 Gear up for the Field, Not the Instagram Photo
At Arknor, we only sell equipment that we would use ourselves in real-life conditions. Tried and tested, without compromise.
Discover the Bivouac Collection Our PhilosophyFAQ: Your Questions About Bivouacs
📚 Continue Reading:
🆚 Arknor vs. Competitors: 2025 Bivouac Equipment Comparison
| Criteria | Arknor | Nordic Adventure | Decathlon | At the Old Camper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Minimalist, field reliability, real tests | Great roaming, premium brands | Accessible sport, volume | Expert selection, multi-brand |
| 40L Trek Bag | €139.90 (950g without frame) | 180-250€ (brands Fjällräven, Lowe Alpine) | €79.99 (1.4kg, entry level) | 150-300€ (Osprey, Gregory) |
| Sleeping bag -5°C | 89.90€ (1.2kg synthetic) | 120-200€ (depending on brand) | €59.99 (1.6kg, less compact) | 150-250€ (goose down) |
| Delivery | 3-12 days France | 48-72h France | Store pickup or 3-5 days | 2-4 days France |
| Advice | Technical blog, detailed guides | Excellence, experienced team | General sellers | Passionate expert sellers |
| Sustainability | Durable, repairable design | Recognized sustainable brands | Variable depending on range | Strong emphasis on sustainability |
Our positioning: Arknor is positioned between Decathlon (entry-level, volume) and Au Vieux Campeur (multi-brand premium), with a focus on optimal value for money for intensive field use. We select each product based on criteria: lightness, reliability, durability, without paying the brand name. Our tests are carried out in real conditions, not in a laboratory.
Conclusion: Your Next Bivouac Will Be the Right One
Bivouacking is a transformative experience that reconnects you with what matters most: nature, silence, and yourself. But like any demanding outdoor activity, it requires preparation, humility, and respect.
These 12 mistakes are not isolated cases: they affect the majority of beginners , and even experienced hikers can make them through haste or overconfidence. The difference between a memorable bivouac and a total disaster often comes down to a few details: checking the regulations, testing your equipment, consulting the real mountain weather forecast, choosing the right location.
The secret? There isn't one. Just methodical preparation, common sense, and reliable equipment. Don't look for the lightest or most Instagrammable gear: look for the one that will get you home safely, with extraordinary memories.
Have a good trek, and may your bivouacs be starry! 🏔️⛺✨
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