CAMPING mistakes we ALL make

Head to squarespace.com/paulmessner to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PAULMESSNER
Wild camping mistakes you need to avoid.
MASSIVE thanks to YOU. I couldn’t do this without your support.
See Exclusive AD free content and early access to some videos, whilst helping to keep the channel going over at / paulmessner or join the KZbin members area here / @paulmessner
Please check out my website and help keep the channel going. Leave no trace T-shirts, hiking wear and more. www.messner.co.uk/messner-clo...
As requested by many of you. Thank you, it's much appreciated...here's how you buy me a beer or a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/PaulMessner
Link to my Facebook Page and Group with loads of helpful advice and a great community.
/ paulme55ner
Camping gear I use:
Tarptent Scarp 1 www.tarptent.com/product/scar...
(The Best Quilt) UGQ Bandit Quilt ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
Thermarest Xtherm UK amzn.to/3KF1qvn USA amzn.to/3AsKjZ7
Pillow UK amzn.to/3IClugc USA amzn.to/3FXNSHN
Backpack UK. amzn.to/3fTDshV USA. amzn.to/3nWrPek
Jetboil Minimo UK. amzn.to/3g2zW4B USA. amzn.to/3Atrh4V
Jetboil pan geni.us/jetboil-pan (amazon link)
Jetboil Utensils geni.us/jetboil-utensils (amazon link)
Little Nalgene bottles amzn.to/3gkrBIX or amzn.to/3qAbhZc (amazon link)
Orange Mug geni.us/SEA_TO_SUMMIT_MUG (amazon link)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To read more about the FTC Endorsement Guides, visit:
www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/busin...
endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
Before you go wild camping, please check the laws in your area as you may be trespassing if you camp or pitch your tent without permission to do so.
More info here: • CAMPING for beginners ...
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
#wildcamping #camping #backpacking
Timecode
0:00 Intro

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

To add to the "things to check for before pitching your tent", for here in the States, especially the Southern and Western states, make sure your not on an animal trail. Check for snake, and scorpion holes, and fire ant piles. Also, animal poop. No fun packing up your tent only to smell something funky and realize what it is. And, as Paul says, either have a checklist for your gear, or make sure you store all pieces together. If you have a cook kit, make sure your utensil is either in the pot, or kept with it. Good tips Paul!

[@davidpalmer5290]

All good reminders even for those who have been camping for a while. Doesn't hurt to think about the basics once in a while. Thanks Paul.

[@PaulMessner]

It’s east to make mistakes no matter how experienced you are.

[@drkb9272]

Are you sure it’s not west?

[@PaulMessner]

@@drkb9272 the irony of that sentence 😂

[@ahoward3503]

Paul, good reminder about pitching in a safe spot and checking trees. My cousin's boyfriend was killed years ago in Yosemite by a tree branch falling on their tent. They were rangers at the time out there, and it was quite a hard experience. A wind storm caused the branch to come down, and it killed him instantly. All good tips to stay safe and comfy on a trip, thanks Paul.

[@robertwebster1730]

Love your videos. I find your humble and down to earth approach very therapeutic to watch, and to be honest you have helped me through some hard times of anxiety and depression. Been wild camping a couple of times, I struggle to find the time to go with work and life in general, and watching your videos is the next best thing. Thanks.

[@jonathanarklay2529]

If you get bored being a social media mega-influencer you could always get a job as a health & safety manager Paul, you'd be good at it 😁

[@jasonphillips8302]

So i’m not the only one with a SD cloud 20? What a great bag.

[@garethroberts6634]

Mistakes! Me!! Never!! Apart from that time I slept too close to the fire and woke up with a burnt bivi bag 🤣

[@Fellmandave1]

Beautifully presented Paul. I would add the wild camping rules. Above the highest fell wall, leave no trace, pitch late-leave early, very small quiet inobtrusive groups, be considerate, no fires.

[@daveberry7796]

My first wildcamp was at Bleaklow Stones in summertime. I took too much stuff and pitched on uneven ground so I didn't get any sleep but sight of the moon rising from the East just after sunset and the view in the morning across the moors at sunrise was well worth it. Trimmed my kit down a bit now but I still take too much stuff!

[@harryharry1038]

This is really good information for newbies. I can’t quite express how difficult someone would find a long hike in jeans, especially if they are wet. Always get some light and breathable clothes for long hikes!

[@mojaslovenija9903]

I am as a geographer about 200 days a year outdoor... Alps, my rucksack total weight with all my gear is 25 kg and the daily cumulative of elevation is sometimes up to 2000 m... doing that past 29 years ;) . I do agree with your suggestions, but my first rule is to have the shelter and the sleeping system to protect me with the minimum risk, and the water for at least two days to survive (6l = 6 kg).

[@ntr10me]

Well, I was about to suggest you start a youtube channel of your own, but it turns out you've already gone and done it. Subscribed.

[@MicroFourNerds]

I’ve definitely made a few of these mistakes! I feel like I’m going into this season much more knowledgable and prepared

[@PaulMessner]

They say practice makes perfect but even then I still make mistakes

[@MarcoAntonio-py1tj]

That mountain forecast website was wrong when I camped. Said it was gonna be sun with clear skies for the whole 3 days I was going but it was cloudy with rain and wind

[@Python1960]

Hey Paul, Great video and explanations, as always. Perhaps I missed you mentioning a lightwreight ground sheet. I believe that it is essential that it is used, in order to avoid damage to the tent, and to add another layer to reduce the humidity from the ground.

[@markosbroughton5573]

A good reminder to the experienced as well as novices we all get a bit complacent at times. Not double check the check list seems to be my biggest fault like forgetting a spoon ot Trangia fuel basic things that get over looked. Keep up the good work Paul 👍

[@russellb1212]

Thank you, always good to have a reminder of the basics, great information in there

[@yasminshikingmission]

Good tips and reminders thanks 😀

[@Leo_Maiolo]

I’ve watched a lot of these and the structure in this one Paul is great! Love it.

[@symy92]

Great video! Just learning how to wild camp, so this really helps. So far on my two wild camps I've made several of those mistakes, lol.

[@alanianfintan]

Always informative , much appreciated 👍

[@anthonygebala1198]

Great video and advice Paul

[@allankerr668]

Great vlog Paul! Thank you!👏👏👏

[@GrizzlyGaz]

Great video Messy! Very informative as always lad.

[@Stampistuta]

I’m glad you mentioned not pitching next to a Lake/Res. Great advice for beginners.

[@bigjimandthelovepotatoes]

Great video as always Paul!

[@terence7752]

Nice one for that information👍

[@Nath2454]

I work in outdoor shop this is a great video that tells you exactly the right advice the amount of time people come into my shop with the wrong ideas to go camping which might get them hurt is a lot and the more video like this will help the message across the right kit to enjoy the outdoors and keep people safe. Love the other videos and looking forward to some more.

[@rikwhite8150]

Another great vid with excellent content, Paul. The fry up looked especially good 😋 Stay safe 👍🏻

[@modestadventurers]

Good, sound advice.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Another great set of tips Paul. Most of my camping involves me bikepacking somewhere so my setup is literally carrying the bare essentials and your channel has helped my purchasing choices over the last year or so. And this necessity of carrying light or only what is required transfers if I do go for a hike or walk somewhere, yes you can more easily transport more stuff on foot, but just because you can - doesn't mean you should. Top work Paul.

[@martinkane4815]

Cheers Paul, useful reminders for all, just watched Haze Outdoors, done a similar show, 2 guys not able to get out due to bad weather but still producing the goods 👍🏻

[@outdoorswithdave.]

Thanks for that Paul. Hoping to start wild camping soon and my back pack is full up. Trouble is I haven't got the tent or sleeping bag yet. 😂

[@BulldogBadger]

Some top tips there Paul 👏🍻

[@matthewmclaughlin7472]

Brilliant video.

[@alangauld6079]

All good tips. I've just bought a paramo jacket and am really impressed by its breathability - much better than my goretex. But I hear good stuff about buffalo too and so I'd love to see a vlog about that system.

[@spo72]

Great tips , I think pack size once u have been out a few times is personal preference, weather u want to be a ultra lighter. Or fast and light, Or like those little extras ,, etc..

[@andrewforrest8938]

Thanks Paul for sharing great tips enjoy watching your videos cheers Paul.

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks for watching Andrew

[@admiralswalk6694]

Thanks Paul, another good content post, nice and informative. Keep them coming brother 👍🏻⛺️

[@PaulMessner]

will do. thanks

[@paulmortal7611]

cracking video Paul

[@LMay64]

Great info for noobs! I wish I had seen this when I first started out.

[@Kyle-Russell]

Yet another fantastic video

[@donaldmichaellumsden2714]

Good advice Paul .

[@PaulMessner]

Cheers mate

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Looking forward to the future video about the buffalo system

[@craig3401]

Good sound advise loads have been caught out with those ul80 pads and yes some you tubers are to blame for that.also I agree not taking 2 much but taking enough for the temps and trip length are key some seem to tough it out in there need to get very light bag weight and leave kit out.

[@KirstenBayes]

Pretty good! I'd probably have included a similar warning about "4-season tents" that aren't.

[@marksadventures3889]

Shouldn't goods sold in the UK have a kite Mark? It's something i always look for if I can. I am a map and compass boy, I use the US Maps online too. Layers as I was taught to regulate my temperature especially with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes - (thanks genetic donors). So in my condition exercise is vital, 30 minutes a day of an exercise that makes the heart pump is recommended. I don't buy the pre-made foods either using my halogen cooker to dehydrate home cooked balanced meals and then freezing them. I find it works well, just remember to make sure you take a note of how much liquid was lost when dehydrating to return into the pack for re-cooking. ( I do it once a month and make a day of it - usually cooking and washing day). I need to find those sealing bags though so i can make it more of an MRE.

[@desmonddecker4635]

I always have same setup of cloths with me. Going with 120 liter bag and 25 kilo+ gear/food with me. Im doing 30km+ hikes every weekend since before xmas. If its below 15 minus i just heat up some stones.

[@desmonddecker4635]

My tip is, never ever take new shoes för å serious hike. They are fine now, but i was almost crying when my foot started hurt and being far away from any roads.

[@jimbobbob9063]

Thanks Paul great advice. Just did an overnight in grünau im almtal in Austria. Beautiful but -2 so sleeping bag and mat pushed to the limit

[@PaulMessner]

Would love to visit Austria. It’s in the wish list.

[@netcoms197]

useful information thanks. not to detract from it, but to add what i know about - even if i expect this info will not be well accepted by most "fry up" lovers - if we eat a plant based diet - the more fresh foods the better (non gmo no pesticides where possible), we wil sweat less, and we wil be cleaner, less toxins to excrete. weird as it is to talk about - we will poo smaller, less messy, and less smelly, like a rabbit or whatever. we can stil have an occasional camping fry up , cause theres tasty plant based replacements, but i dont promote fake meat made from soy or mushroom protien tbh, i know people are addcited to animal products and the taste of eating bacon etc, and even dairy is so addictive. even so - if we folow an "organic" plant based diet, we know how it feels to have a clean optimised gut, and we can perform better, in active situations, its only our choice, when we put our selves in a position to make that infomed choice. many pro athletes are plant based these days, have a nice time trekking + camping this year, and into the future. we can all become more ethical myseld included.

[@rossyoung8892]

Some great tips here Paul. I'm brand new to camping and hoping to get out for my first time later this year. I've been doing a fair bit of research and learning whilst putting together my gear set up and thanks to yourself and the other camping gurus on KZbin, I seem to considered all of the things you've mentioned here and should hopefully be well prepared for my first trip! (although I'm certain I'll still make a couple of rookie errors here and there lol) Cheers

[@JulianHaeger]

Have a good time!

[@theeuropeancyclepaths8206]

Cheers Paul

[@jasonmaddison6148]

basic knowledge there paul but very effective. class vid

[@Bokooda]

More nuggets of knowledge - you never know this may be someones first time to the channel. Well done Paul

[@MattGriffiths81]

Great little vid, at #3 I was going to say you should mention the ASTM standard and then boom, point #4 😆 You can never have enough basic tips videos, the more people know, the better it will be for all involved.

[@WiltshireMan]

I shall be taking a massive big heavy rucksack when I go out camping next :)

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Hi Paul! I am so happy to see you using SIerra Design Cloud 20, hope you do a better review of this sleeping bag. I bought it recently with regular thermarest xlite to put inside and loving it. Its not the widest but I like it so much better then my previous Rab bags. No way Im gonna go back to regular bags now haha

[@simonward4520]

I would add, if its a struggle to pack in the house then it will be doubly hard when it's cold and wet. Good advise, we have all taken too much if we are honest. It's a right of passage.

[@Chris66able]

People who are experienced in true wild, or stealth camping do NOT take the smallest pack possible..You take a slightly larger pack so you find things easier and more importantly if you have to break camp quickly you can stuff your gear away very quickly and easily.

[@spo72]

I think it depends on the person , its a matter of preference, especially of you like to be a ultra light weight camper/minimalist.

[@mattsmindfulmeals5981]

Makes me chuckle this, we’ve all made similar mistakes, I blame forgetting stuff on age now!

[@PaulMessner]

Tripping over guylines is my most regular mistake 😂

[@mattsmindfulmeals5981]

@@PaulMessner yeah it’s funnier when someone sees it!😂 knocking your drink over is another favourite!

[@brendonbriggs622]

Just a quick 1 how come you done use the jetboil stash..? Grate video for beginners

[@soggz4246]

OEX seem to be one for false temp ratings,so I found out last night on The Mendips in Somerset,with my ‘4 season’ sleeping bag! Just sayin’… Stay well.

[@PaulMessner]

There’s a few brands that do it. Wonder if it’s an approved rating or their suggestion

[@tomwheeler7816]

for us old boys getting in to wild camping could you explain all the different gas and why they are different we only had the blue one in my day lol

[@WalkWithWallace]

Think every wild camper has done mistake #1 when first starting out. I've still to find that perfect bowling green level pitch though Paul. 😉

[@davidbell8320]

Or a cliff in windy weather as I've seen from some on KZbin

[@joeMancsGoneWild]

Hi Paul, was wondering whats a decent 2 man tent to start out with? Im thinking maybe the Jackel 2 or the cloud peak 2? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thx.

[@charlesperry1051]

My youngest son and I used to teach backpacking gear basics to new Boy Scout leaders. Basically, he had a huge pack (85L) and it would be crammed full of all the wrong gear with extra gear hanging off the pack. I would have my 65L with correct gear. He would have all the wrong clothes (cotton, which we call "death cloth"), and I would have the correct clothes. It was quite fun.

[@ducatimann]

excellent common sense no nonsense video

[@grizzlydoutdoors5115]

Hi Paul. Great tips 👍🏻👍🏻 hope that you are enjoying life without the daily grind. Can I ask, what mountain weather apps do you recommend?. ATB Grizz 🤘🏻

[@blackiesmisadventures3413]

Live & learn but basic is best, I’m a motorcycle camper & always making mistakes generally take to much gear…

[@jamesjones3371]

I prefer cotton when hiking cant stand polyester fjallraven cottin tshirts

[@chrisdavison2022]

Have you ever looked into hammock sleep systems as an option when there's place to pitch one of those instead of a tent?

[@PaulMessner]

I’ve done quite a bit of hammock camping. A fair few videos too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3OadYymqtp1fq8

[@lauraelysia7613]

Useful video Paul. Do you think the Buffalo system is sufficient for sitting around camp or would you still take a down jacket for that?

[@jeroenbrink4710]

Hi Paul what is that tent in the video

[@listentoalark]

Do you prefer gas or alcohol for lightweight gear

[@cragdoo71]

a phrase my uncle told me , and has stuck with me "Any fool can be uncomfortable, but a prepared man is never"

[@neilbarnwell]

It's worth noting that a larger pack just means you need willpower to avoid filling it. I like a big pack because there are light things that tale up a lot of space, like coat, waterproofs etc, and I don't like anything hung on the outside except poles.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

A big pack with empty space means you can are able to fill it; i.e. if you need to make an unexpected visit to the shop for food supplies etc

[@neilbarnwell]

@Richard Lake True. It also allows for the fact that packing for the next day (or to come home) rarely fits into the same space as when packing perfect dry, clean, kit in the comfort of home.

[@madebyPure]

9:29 not getting a video link here, what video were you thinking about mate? Cheers

[@jammydodger1449]

"In this video Messner makes sure you have a blessner and not a stressner whilst camping"

[@RP_SVN9]

Underrated comment

[@jamesjones3371]

Clothes in sleeping bag make it warm others swear camping naked in bag as it uses your body heat to trap heat in i use a sleeping bag no roll mat

[@cragdoo71]

7 Ps .... Proper, Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance ....

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Paul, top tip if you forget your spatula or cutlery to eat with, just take two straight sticks, shave off the bark and clean them up, and make yourself some *chopsticks!!!!* You know Asian use chopsticks for everything right? Even cooking! Lol, you are welcome 😉

[@jamesjones3371]

Most campers cant read a map want a trail clearly marked cant read a map or use a compass. Others head in darkness not gd

[@66oggy]

I think there should be far more emphasis on the stealth side of wild camping. Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting we all have to camp in a ditch, but I see more and more KZbin videos of people so called wild camping next to paths, next to trig points, next to popular landmarks and beauty spots. A recent video showed a couple of chaps camping on the open hillside, sat on chairs and drinking beer very close to Malham Tarn. I think also the red and orange tent brigade, tents that can be seen from space, should save them for Scotland, where wild camping is actually legal. The main problem we have, is that to people who are not in the know, we are all classed as noisy hooligans in tents, and on the piss, and leaving a mess. What we all need to remember is that, although tolerated, wild camping in most places is not legal, and for that reason I try to tuck out of the way, and virtually all my gear is green, brown or black.

[@eddiejefferies3659]

Paul, could you possibly cut down on scene switching in the clips. It makes viewing distracting.

[@shawnr6117]

80l pack for an overnight trip! What are you carrying a cabin tent! Lol 🤣

[@bcamping1]

I see in the future that people might leave their tent at home and sleep in their backpack

[@Walid_Baddu]

amazing, I am one of your loyal viewers from Indonesia. regards

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you. Really appreciate it.

[@Lord_Messiah_Disciple]

HYPOTHERMIA is very dangerous and deadly and should be researched so you know how to recognise it. The first stage/symptom is SHIVERING so if that happens look at what you can do to reverse that and warm up. I was out camping last night in 3-2 C with an reasonably strong breeze and I started shivering in my tent. It stopped when I got into my sleeping bag properly and zipped it up and put on my constrictor gloves.

[@BulldogBadger]

I bought a huge pack, now I take a 48l for winter camps

[@PaulMessner]

My first camp was a 100l military Bergen 😂

[@BulldogBadger]

@@PaulMessner haha mine was a mountain warehouse 80 + 20 and carrying it up a hill for the first time nearly killed me, all my kit was budget which was ok, but also heavy and bulky.. it was character building 🤣👏

[@Chris66able]

@@BulldogBadger Why was it killing you, are you really, really unfit.

[@BulldogBadger]

@@Chris66able I was back then yes

[@Chris66able]

@@BulldogBadger Fair enough.

[@chriscjjones8182]

Always see people taking too much gear and clothing in a massive pack. I use a 30l pack with molle webbing, add more if needed but not really much required, couple of pouches for bulky items like water bottles and a bush pot/billy can, sleep system in a compression sack on the bottom, in the pack goes food, a single change of clothing, thermals and not much more required. I don't always go for ultra lightweight, I go for what works for me

[@PaulMessner]

That’s the key I think. The more you go out the more you learn about what works for you. That way you can trim down on gear.

[@chriscjjones8182]

@@PaulMessner I'm also only just starting to think about sleeping pads and actually rated stuff after over 30 years of camping, only thing I used to care about rating wise was the tent and how waterproof it was

[@Chris66able]

So in other words your pack is not big enough !

[@PaulMessner]

@@Chris66able the molle packs work differently to a regular pack. They’re designed to be modular so you can add compartments etc.

[@Chris66able]

@@PaulMessner I know how they work, point still stands ! People saying that as they gain more experience they take smaller packs, he adds, boldly that he only needs a 30 ltr pack, but its molle and he has to strap gear on the outside.. I could strap all my gear on the out side of a 500ml pack !

[@markatchison9974]

I always take poo bags, for obvious reasons.

[@BulldogBadger]

1st🦡🦡🦡

[@ALoonwolf]

These seem like pretty obvious things that few people will ever do. No, we don't ALL make such basic mistakes! My own experience of camping is that I sleep a lot, never any of what you say. I think the huge mistake that everybody is making is that they are wanting to be "close to nature" but almost 100% of the time they are maintaining a thick barrier between themselves and the Earth. Either you're there or you're not...

[@markhigham9589]

From what I can tell and or work out here , Paul is that your a camping snob . Your not doing the “ average buyer any favours ( just yourself ) by shouting out all the top and expensive brands, going to Rabs factory shop was the last straw for me . You can afford the best l but the majority of us can’t , I need good quality stuff as I rely on it daily to survive being homeless ( by choice ) , but I need to save when things brake or go wrong for the next item which is probably not any longer available and vids like yours keep those prices going even higher baiting the industry to add more expensive items which aren’t really necessary as two seasons past they’re gear was good enough . The industry of camping , hiking and all things outdoors needs to take a long hard look at itself and at the same time so do all you so called influencers . Though I’ve learned a little from you and others ( as the knowledge is mostly common sense, but best to think ahead and plan better ) most of your vids of late are about products which are high end .

[@PaulMessner]

Many thanks for taking time to write such a lengthy comments Mark. I may be many things, but a camping snob is not one of them. The Rab tour was a brilliant experience. They are a British company, formed in my home city and when the invite came I jumped at the chance. Yea their gear is in the higher price range, but their innovation and technology is better, and the efforts to be friendly to the environment and to sustainability are superb. Just out of interest, I do still use more budget friendly gear. My latest camp with Wiltshire Man, I’m using a cheaper, tent. I’m wearing army surplus and a decathlon down jacket. The video before that I’m using a wild country tent that doesn’t break the bank. I try and balance what gear I use but it’s also gear that has to work for me. I’ll continue to that going forward. Best wishes. Paul.

[@Daydreameruk]

Sorry to say it, but this is a carbon copy of @hazeoutdoors vlog a few days ago. Almost identical. Bit odd.