These 10 things may not be the end of the world, but they’re enough to bother even the most Zen, granola-crunching camper.
Bug Bites
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They're sometimes dangerous, but usually just annoying—bug bites are simply part of the territory when camping. Best solution? Pack mosquito repellent spray or wipes. Second best solution? The smoke from your campfire is a great (natural) bug deterrent.
Unexpected Weather
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As much as we'd like it to be the case, not all camping trips can be 80 degrees and sunny. Even if you're expecting clear skies and breezy temperatures, it's best to be prepared for all conditions—especially when backpacking. Packing a waterproof shell is light, inexpensive and can literally save your life.
Glampers
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Why leave the comforts of home when you can take your 40-foot rig out into the wilderness, complete with a big screen TV and air conditioning? We all have different comfort requirements when it comes to camping, but are hot showers and a queen-sized bed really necessary? We'll stick to our tent, please.
Pesky Wildlife
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We leave the confines of city life to experience nature and its wildlife, but sometimes a raccoon or deer can be a little too comfortable around humans. This usually entails missing trail mix, holes in your pack or tent or broken car windows. Best bet? Use a bear canister to store anything with a scent (and leave downwind) to keep critters from carrying your last Clif Bar away.
Unavailable Permits
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First come, first served camping permits should be banned. How are you supposed to organize a trip when you don't know if permits are available on a specific day? Nothing can be more deflating than showing up at the office and having to alter your plans. At least the bar down the street is accommodating.
Tent Bags that Are Too Small
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This has plagued campers since the dawn of time. How is it that a tent never seems to fit back into its bag without three people all pulling different ways for fifteen minutes? Apparently, physicists are working on a solution for this conundrum—just multiply its volume by its circumference by the angle of the moon, and you have your backcountry solution.
Sites Next to the Outhouse
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Need we say more? Usually the last available, the site next to the bathroom or outhouse is generally loud from all the foot traffic and smelly from the undisclosed contents. But hey, at least you're camping, right?
Dirt in Your Sleeping Bag
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Dirt and camping are as synonymous as, well, dirt and camping. But there's nothing more annoying than crawling into your sleeping bag after a long day, only to be greeted with dirt and sand from your last trip. Pro tip: Enforce a strict no-shoe rule in your tent to keep dirt and debris away from your sleeping area.
Rowdy Camp Neighbors
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We leave the city for a reason: to disconnect and find some peace and quiet amongst the trees. While we all like having a good time, sometimes a large group can take it to an extreme. Loud drinking contests, corn hole tournaments, you name it—rowdy camp neighbors are the worst. If things get too out of hand, your campground host or park ranger can remind the culprits of the 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. quiet hours.
Blisters
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No, your feet aren't literally on fire, but it sure can feel like it when you're hiking with a bad blister. First rule of camping: never leave home with untested gear. You'll end up with trip-ending blisters. Second rule of camping: always carry duct tape. Feel a hotspot coming on? Apply some duct tape straight to your skin and put your sock back on. It can save yourself from blister misery.
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