35 Beginner Camping Mistakes to Avoid

A compilation of mistakes to avoid and handy tips for Camping & Wilderness Survival! May your journeys into the wild be blessed
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Outdoor skills for Camping, Hiking, Bushcraft & Wilderness Survival
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Thanks for watching!

[@Qigate]

"The forest has eyes everywhere.. . you won't get away with it". Best line!! Glad your posting again, sir!

[@gordslater]

@@sub-vibes it's not just that - I've seen things you people wouldn't believe

[@Lois-o1f]

Tell me more ​@@gordslater

[@IvarKurgarra]

Sweet Baby Jesus, HE HAS RETURNED!

[@usernamesta3334]

He returned 3 videos ago

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

@@usernamesta3334 I musta missed #2

[@IvarKurgarra]

@@usernamesta3334every upload is a gift from the gods as you never know when Alfie decides decides to take another year long break :)

[@usernamesta3334]

@@PenntuckytheCrag titled ‘campers guide to mushroom identification’.

[@caledonianson927]

Naaa,,your late.

[@joanies6778]

Went on a backpacking trip with a friend who left her insulating pad in the car because she brought frozen food making her pack too heavy. After hiking 5 miles up in the mountains, we gathered wood, built a fire, ate our meal, had a shot or two of schnapps, and went to sleep. It was an open lean-to setup with mesh bunks above ground. I stayed awake until the flames went down. My friend didn't change her socks, so they were damp. She didn't have her insulation pad, and her sleeping bag was not enough to keep her warm. The alcohol lowered her body temperature, too. Heat exits the body from our heads and our feet... I don't believe she had a hat on her head. She woke up in a panic, shaking uncontrollably, in the beginnings of hypothermia! I got the fire stoked back up while she got her pack down from the tree, so she could put on her thinsulate rain gear. She had to go pee, so she took her flashlight and went far enough behind the trees, the light of the campfire was blocked by the lean-to. I could hear her calling my name in a panic, watching her walk back and forth on a ridge, clueless where she was in the dark. I guided her back to camp. With the fire going, wearing her thinsulate, she was able to warm up enough to stop the shaking and ward off full blown hypothermia. Five miles up the mountain on a pitch black night, a tricky trail in parts... and we didn't have cell phones back then... it was damn scary! After that event, I took a Wilderness Basics Training and vowed to never backpack with anyone who did not have similar training. It's just too risky to hike with unaware people.

[@Renku07]

No need no man, hahah! Yes, until sh*t hits the fan. Fortunately, you were there. Great story.

[@Meow-shhh]

Wow.

[@happysmile1185]

questions before hikes or camping trips this way they know what you know?

[@projectixj9868]

And yet...it's women like this one who'd rather be in the woods with a bear than a man...

[@peace_44880]

What the heck? Only an ignorant idiot would say we don't need a certain person.​@@Renku07

[@kristofferkoczko4806]

Great beginners guide! I would add: 1. Sleeping bag ratings are tested on dummies with a base layer on. 2. Eat before sleep 3. Check batteries in lamps ( recommend headlamps) 4. Tell someone you are in regular contact with what your plans are an when you plan to be back in case of emergency 5. Have a waterproof bag with spare clothes and essential gear Thanks for the video Alfie

[@2BoredOut]

Alfie is love, Alfie is life. Be like Alfie.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Wishful thinking... No one can be like Alfie.

[@pfftwhut7638]

calm down.

[@Jahar-f5q]

Sure,let us all be like Alfie!❤No problem.

[@danbev8542]

Good vid! I’ve seen lots of these mistakes. One note: when setting up your tent make SURE your ground cloth does NOT stick out! If the ground cloth sticks out from under the tent floor, rain falls on the ground cloth & migrates under your tent between the tent floor & ground cloth, creating a very cold puddle under you. Tuck in your ground cloth!

[@greenbeehn]

alfie is king

[@IvarKurgarra]

All Hail Alfie

[@geoffrey6000]

Hail Alfie

[@GildaLee27]

Was listening and logging in to Amazon to buy that emergency blanket I've been meaning to get, when I just had to pause and marvel at the line at 12:15, "Think of yourself as a temporarily homeless person who identifies as a tortoise, and you will have the correct mindset." Alfie Zen. 💮🙏

[@toomanyhobbies400]

Wow. I thought he said to identify as a Tourist, not a tortoise. I stilled laughed. Alfie makes you do that.

[@Renku07]

@@toomanyhobbies400 he said tortoise.

[@puddleduck4924]

You brighten many a persons day with your videos!!! So glad you are back.

[@davidcann6021]

Identify as a tortoise 🤣 I heard a story while on a course, a guy with lots of expensive gear set up his bivvy over a mouse hole, woke up terrified as it had eaten it's way through to escape, toilet paper wasn't enough to save him. So always check your not setting up camp on someone else's house.

[@gordslater]

Mike Harding - the Viking Helmet - you're not even safe as a tortoise

[@jupiterresident1537]

Oh what a laugh you gave me, thank you! 😂

[@dpurssord]

He's the David Attenborough of camping! That video is absolutely brilliant. Inspiring with humour thrown in. After years of wild camping, can say you've covered the main parts. Well done that man!

[@WhereisQBook]

He always returns when we need him most!

[@autoscanremaps]

I can't believe it, another tremendous sermon from the forest God. Alfie you are responsible for me getting into bushcraft, which then gave me the confidence to go wild camping in the mountains. Can't thank you enough, you literally changed my life.

[@danjohnson6800]

"Your mission is to get from point A to point B, dry. because you're carrying all the toilet paper. We want you dry." Best line ever!

[@iChefTheImpossible]

I always bring extra socks. Clean dry socks are always nice in the morning

[@AlfieAesthetics]

Amen brother

[@anthonywood7420]

At my age, undies too. All too often.....

[@CsZsolt]

Put on the dry socks in the evening, before entering your sleeping bag! You`ll sleep better!

[@putrescentcadaver]

Clean dry wool socks & underwear are worth their weight in gold! A soggy bottom or feet is so miserable

[@alkirk-ws4co]

Not just in the morning, change your socks prior to climbing into your sleeping bag for the night.

[@carmellawinecroft6391]

So many things mentioned that I never would have even thought about! Brilliant survivalist, that is why you are a king❤

[@kacywatkins1056]

Omg I love your videos!!!! As SOON as this popped up I clicked!! I didn't realize you'd posted in the last couple of months!! Welcome back! You're amazing!

[@bennyhill4228]

I was watching a live stream, now it on pause lol

[@kacywatkins1056]

@@bennyhill4228 totally worth it!!!

[@twist7763]

its good having you back

[@-The-fire-guy]

While hiking the king's trail in northern Sweden, I set up camp along a river. The following morning, while enjoying my morning tea, I spotted a herd of reindeer on the other side of the river, so I stayed very still as not to disturb them. They stopped right across the river from my tent, and then one entered the water. Then another. Then they ALL STARTED RUNNING ACROSS THE RIVER TOWARDS MY TENT! I had set up camp right by a natural river crossing spot! Thankfully I was able to make enough of a ruckus to make them go around, a stomped tent would've put a rather large damper on my mood. I still wonder what would have happened if I had set my alarm for an hour later... Bit of a unique experience, but do keep animal trails in mind when setting up camp, lest you be awakened by a hoof on your sternum.

[@SethSaito]

This lol I recently just set up on a game trail that was frequented by black bears. That was some night

[@agesadventures]

The water one is huge! People forget that animals can bathe and use the water as a toilet🤮 I hate when Jigsaw is roaming around outside while I'm trying to sleep!

[@JarocoOutdoors]

I'm in the wood as of watching this, I'd happily use my precious phone battery charge to watch Alfie, any day

[@turtlesaurusrex3362]

THE KING HAS RETURNED!!!!

[@ddoherty5956]

And he's brought Gollum with him 🤣

[@TheFragranceApprentice]

Bro you're like 3 months behind. 😂

[@caledonianson927]

Water info is essential..no matter how near to the spring head its can still be dodgy...a rotting stag laying over a spring got myself learned.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

My heart warms, Alfie is making videos again, all is well with the World 🌎 👍

[@__cypher__]

"That's exactly what bacteria want you to think!"😀😂

[@IronFreee]

I often take a large and solid trash bag, especially for one day hikes. It can be used for sitting on something dry when it rained, as a liner inside your backpack to protect your stuff from long or torrential rain. It can even be used as some shelter if you cut it and use it as a tarp or cover. You can wear it by cutting holes for your head and harms. You could even carry water in it if you are lost in some hot, dry area...

[@cartoonhead9222]

I love that you came back.

[@user-yq2wk6yg8s]

Excellent tips. It has taken me more than a decade to realise most of those and you added a good few on top. I've got pretty well near hypothermia on a few occasions and been lucky to avoid being hit by a falling tree or branch. Imposible to tell for sure when a tree is in a dangerous condition; even solid looking ones will sometimes succumb to an overnight storm. One tip. I've never had any ill effects from using dead leaves or moss, where plentiful for what you suggest taking paper for. Always dig a small depression in the ground first, just like a badger does, and cover after.

[@GildaLee27]

REMINDER than 100% of waterways within the continental United States test positive for Giardia. YES, 100%. Water filters are not optional.

[@Fahrenheit38]

Got a source?

[@oneshothunter9877]

@@PlantZoneUSA 😂

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

This is 100% true folks! What worse-internationals are bringing diseases we had irradicated 60+yrs ago back here and none of us have any immunity for these diseases,viruses, and bacteria. Next you need to worry about what they are dumping down their drains as well like meds. Get a water filter for your house and your water bottle NOW! This can affect you and your family in your home right now! It's happening in TX. As we speak.

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

Agreed! Most folks Don't realize people are dumping and flushing trash,meds ect down our drains now here in the USA!! People with diseases that have been irradicated from our country 50yrs ago are back with a vengeance. Internationals coming here going in the facilities are contaminating our waterways,drinking water included with bacteria, viruses and meds that they are "flushing" here in the USA! Just think of covid19. How very easy it was for lots to get this virus. More are coming. Get a filter,a good one for your house and your water bottle you carry. Don't drink out of a water fountain cause ya don't know where or how that water was disinfected,even if it was. Nobody's coming to help you-do it yourself!!

[@Caterina29]

Lie

[@terryfallert1371]

Cant get enough of alfies videos, i have his exact backpack and gear, very happy

[@GirlScoutC00kiez420]

Excellent tips. I scout alternate locations nearby...contingency plans are always good. I usually spend a day or two preparing my next campsite ahead of time if I'm able to. It always helps. Being firesafe and wildlife safe are huge as well as weather/sun/wind/shade/route selections. Saw backed machete, a good knife, flashlight are absolute musts. (Jute or Paracord are good to pack too.) I always carry several bic lighters and a few match books. Keep your tent closed as much as possible, don't need creepy crawlies or snakes in your bed at night. Very good video.

[@RockMonger]

Thank you for coming back to us!

[@nickm9370]

British backpacking hammock camper here - now in my fifties, but started camping when 11yrs old. FWIW, I agree with everything you have said and greatly enjoyed your presentation style (...and you ain’t looking and feeling like Golum...!). In my experience, your comments about siting your pitch, obvious dangers, widowmakers, CO, the risk of losing your camp when gathering water, etc. are fantastic pieces of advice. I have suffered from a few of these over the years and have seen others fall foul as well. FWIIW: I have found a lightweight but sturdy plastic bivvy bag to be a great backup should your shelter leak or be lost completely. It can also be used for emergencies, including for other people. Check off ALL items on a list kept on your mobile before any trip. I pack a small torch every time I go out, but I have never used it - I can do things such as cook or even pack away in the “dark” ( you need to give your eyes plenty of time with no artificial light exposures to reach “night vision” ). I use a silent “fancy feast” meths stove to cook, but always carry the ability to make a camp fire should I run out of meths. My first aid kit has helped me out a few times, but has been ABSOLUTELY VITAL for others on two occasions. Mistakes of my own? Forgetting pretty important things quite a few times in the past - hence my use of comprehensive lists every trip now!

[@danieldiaconu8094]

I sleep like a baby in the woods immediately after sundown, expecialy if i listen to a werewolf or vampire story and i wake up in the morning when the birds start to sing . It is so relaxing

[@Ceagon]

I am saving this for tomorrow night, just to be able to fully enjoy it, and I cannot express how excited I am about that, nor the anticipation I feel in my core.

[@carmellawinecroft6391]

Brilliant safety content, as usual! Thanks for keeping us alive!

[@randarkanan]

so glad your back

[@anthonyparkinson1056]

Love these kinda videos mate makes me wanna get out there 💪

[@AlfieAesthetics]

💪💪

[@andersmogensen2819]

For me it was the night time temperature. Space blankets and wool socks for life!

[@Deseko]

Snowed a bunch today.. this warmed up my day! Thanks AA

[@Huntress_Raven]

HE’S BACK

[@rwaldner999]

30odd years ago, we were taking a trip down the Danube river, in a cheap inflatable boat. Looking for a proper place for spending the night, we went into the old side-arms .. pulled up the boat, secured it to a handy tree, and hiked a couple hundred meters until we found a bit of dry sandbank that was raised about half a meter above the rest. Set up the tent, went to sleep. At around 3am I got up to relieve myself, zipped open the tent flap, shone my light around ... well, we were on an island. A visibly shrinking island at that. Wet and miserable hilarity ensued. Lesson learned: if camping near flowing water, look for flood marks - and then go a couple meters higher. At least.

[@cgriggsiv]

Awesome We have been waiting a long time for another video Glad you're out making 1 for us all

[@cat-ux1jm]

amazing beginners guide!! i would also like to add that hand warmers or body warmers are SO good when your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough. they definitely saved me the last time i was in the bush

[@nature-man]

Love the comedy 😂 been camping every day the last 2 years love it🌞

[@mr.boules8637]

SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK !! You helped me through a lot those last years with your video. Thanks a lot for everything :).

[@wimtheeuwen7315]

You are truely back my friend, i love it.

[@MaxS535]

You coming back to youtube brings me great joy. Thank you.

[@King-friendly_dude]

DAMN THE KING IS BAAACK 3 VIDEOS IN THIS YEAR

[@Jim-Stick]

There is a local mountain that we hiked up quite regularly. Every time we sleep at the top, we are WAY over prepared and carry to much stuff. One trip, we all decided to skip over the shelter since it was middle of summer. We learned right quick that it can get VERY windy. I've been camping in middle of winter on much bigger mountains before. This was still one of the coldest I have ever felt. I emptied my backpack and was huddled against rocks to try and keep myself warm. None of us slept that night. We started hiking back home at ~5am since we did not want to be on that mountain for another minute.

[@guylamaupassant]

The attitude of the presenter is very much appreciated. This video has a lot of good advice for visitors to the forest.

[@Matharic]

I'm not good with words, but I love your videos mate. Perfect delivery and I love your attitude and humor. Love from the states

[@getsmart3701]

This video is GOLD for the beginners and a good reminder for the more advanced...we've come to expect nothing less from Alfie. Thanks for the upload mate.

[@kapoink835]

Awesome! One of the few creators for whom I drop everything I'm doing to watch when they upload.

[@earthisflat]

When I was a kid in boy scouts we used to camp out in -10 degrees Fahrenheit, I never used a yoga mat but I had a mummy sleeping bag and thermal long johns, thermal long sleeve shirt and never had a problem staying warm

[@arumatai]

13:00 eating before sleeping also keeps you warmer at night.

[@StevenKeery]

Arumatai: It can lead to acid-reflux though, so don't leave it too late.

[@intherockies]

​@@sub-vibes After a meal you should be upright (head higher than stomach)for 2 hours. It doesn't have to be a big meal to have reflux.

[@CommonWealthSnow]

Been a long day at work, looking forward to watching this one!

[@wdfndn]

Alfie, you're a star mate. Keep shining whenever the need takes you

[@avertismentguy62]

Have a hiking trip in Sweden coming up in a few days, will definitely be channelling some campaesthetic energy into my adventure ❤

[@AndronicusKomnenos]

Such a welcome sight. Thank you Alfie! 😊

[@captdadpool2325]

I knew I stayed subscribed for a reason. Two years ago my wife and I went camping in an area neither of us were familiar with. The entire area was soft and muddy like marsh lands. We ended up scrapping the entire trip as my wife wasn’t wearing proper hiking shoes and ended up ruining her sneakers. Highly recommend camping in areas that have either been used for camping and recommended or in areas that you’re familiar with the terrain.

[@bowerj01]

My favourite fungi is back

[@ExcuseMePhoney]

Do not put those emergency space thermal blankets close to your body like that. Since they’re non-vapor permeable, all of your perspiration will accumulate on the underside and soak into your clothing or your blanket. They’re much better to use as a ground sheet or draped loosely above your sleeping configuration, so there is room for the vapor to escape.

[@dominicsanthuff]

Woo more Alfie content

[@gonzalez29FX20E]

Oh my god. Alfie is back!!!!!! It makes me happy that you’re ok!!! Gotta have to start rewatching the entire library!!!

[@kaiprimal3737]

lol everyone is so stoked he’s back. Me too. Can’t believe it.

[@soundman601]

Very impressed with this essential video for campers. I featured it on my blog too with a review of it. Thank you for this. There were numerous points and tips even I had never considered before.

[@ironichoneybadger5066]

huge amounts of advice for all of us to just have? thank you!

[@thewiizard]

No way!! He’s back!! I used to watch these with my mates having a smoke. Now I’m sat with my 7 year old getting tips!!! Props Alfie!!! ❤

[@bdc1319]

Thanks for taking the time to do more videos! Greatly missed and appreciated! Cheers Newfoundland, Canada!

[@joanies6778]

Another reason to not pitch your tent near bodies of water or under tall trees is if an unexpected lightning storm crops up. They are both locations where lightning strikes first.

[@Reinier020]

I agree with all the small items that become essentials, even in a laptop bag on a working day. Colleagues or yourself might just need some pain killers or respite from unpredictable bowels.😅

[@Twitchmarsh]

Great to see you back and a great video!

[@danjohnson6800]

You've really hit on the important majors, with the right degree of well-described reasons for the warnings!

[@bbroogs]

Re: Setting camp next to streams/brooks, it doesn't have to be raining at your location to cause sudden floods. You may have no idea that a surge is coming from upstream weather.

[@mr.e695]

A campfire on a big rock in the middle of a stream is pretty awesome though. We all have to go sometime .. Much love!!! ✌ ϻя.ƹ "Without ART, the eARTh would just be ... eh."

[@LilaHikes]

Outstanding compilation of important, and in some cases, life saving information. Thank you.

[@FishCakeIsland4928]

Broooo I remember watching your stuff ages agoooo good memories lol and nice to see you still uploading

[@andresvalentinesantos8746]

His majesty has returned with another one.... GG well played

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

It is very good to see you. I hope you have been well. Love your info, especially your humor.

[@glyngrand8843]

Just made my year!!! Thank you ALFIE. Been watching the intro to #14 for years. You know, the “she fell over” one. Got the wife and I through the rough lockdown years bro! We LOVE YOU!

[@boomdawg56]

It is better to have and not need than to need and not have. I experienced hypothermia once on a motorcycle camping trip in Texas in the middle of summer. It was 90 F, temp dropped into the 60s as some rain blew through, Wet clothes, a nice breeze and a 30 degree drop in temperature soon had me shivering uncontrollably. It was a miserable few hours until I got dry enough and warm enough to stop shaking.

[@dadassery8506]

19:32 leave bread crumbs. Sticks in a specific configuration works. I’ve been glad I did a few times

[@a_lexine]

HE'S BACK!!

[@hectic6981]

Love the Canadian lore reference "or run from the Wendigo"

[@LiseWrigley]

I am a Canadian camper and have no idea what a Wendigo is.

[@hectic6981]

@user-vg6pj2my2n from The Canadian Encyclopedia. "A windigo (or wendigo) is a supernatural being belonging to the spiritual traditions of Algonquian-speaking First Nations in North America. Windigos are described as powerful monsters that have a desire to kill and eat their victims. In most legends, humans transform into windigos because of their greed or weakness. Various Indigenous traditions consider windigos dangerous because of their thirst for blood and their ability to infect otherwise healthy people or communities with evil. Windigo legends are essentially cautionary tales about isolation and selfishness, and the importance of community."

[@DEATH-THE-GOAT]

​@@LiseWrigleyThat's exactly what a Wendigo would say

[@questerperipatetic4861]

@@hectic6981 Big Thanks! I was thinking, Chupacobbra, ha.

[@ramondariobaezfelipe1776]

Very good video, clear, didactic and simple! Thanks to share so good material!!

[@joeisuzu2519]

Alfie, love your videos. Clean simple logic with dry british humor. I love it. Glad your back. More pls

[@stefo77]

He's back when we needed him most

[@daveo0o]

One of the first channels to got me into bushcraft and sorts. Thank you Alfie for still uploading! You’re gold!

[@paulsheehan2998]

These photos comboed with your own b roll is class

[@David-ck3gv]

The odds of me seeing the notification are crazy low. I turned on an old phone that had it enabled 3 minutes ago. Welcome back! I've got a couple vids to catch up on I guess

[@hawkknight4223]

Awesome video man. And great tips all the way around! So glad to have you dispersing knowledge again.🔥

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Always glad when you post a video Alphie!! Missed ya...

[@blitzaqua2907]

My favourite british man, thank you!

[@joepiejaapie]

Awesome you're back, hope you keep posting. I actually straight away drop everything to try and watch your videos when I get the notification.

[@csbanki]

I'm so glad you're back Alfie! Thanks for this video, amazing stuff as always!

[@ericmadrigal2745]

Hell yeah, he’s back!! Love watching his videos. Keep it up. I truly enjoy your videos.

[@jaycimbak7781]

All of these we, as adult Boy Scout leaders, taught our troop. A large Zip-Loc bag makes for a good garbage bag. Also, a small travel size package of baby wipes makes for a very refreshing sponge-bath type of cleaning after a long day. A simple wipe down goes a long way to feeling more comfortable. We also taught that before packing your backpack, etc, take large gallon size Zip-Loc bags and separate your clothes and put them in the bags and press the air out and zip it shut. They make for more space and they all go inside a large garbage bag placed inside the backpack and twist a goose neck aroundbthe top and tuck down inside the side of the pack. This way, if the backpack were to somehow get wet, all of your clothes stay dry.

[@MrDannyd14]

Great to see you back mate . Always one of the best for your content . Keep it up im sure youve being missed by many 👍

Glad you're still around kiddo. Good info and good stuff. Former beaver-cub-scout-venturer here.

[@Echo1-11]

I'm glad to see you uploading again when I used to watch you I was 14 I'm 19 now you're a real one