Top Mistakes New Campers Make with Meal Planning (and Everything Else)

Jul 08, 2025Erin Wyatt

1. Thinking You Can Only Eat Instant Noodles and Tuna

One of the top beginner camper mistakes is assuming your only food options are tinned beans, crackers, or those powdery freeze-dried meals that taste like cardboard. You don’t have to sacrifice flavour or nutrition to eat outdoors.

Reality: There are now real, hearty meals made for the trail—think slow-cooked steak and mash, coconut ginger chicken, or spicy Mexican bean. You can even eat well without cooking by using flameless heater bags or choosing ready-to-eat pouches.

2. Not Carrying Enough Water (Or a Way to Purify It)

Novice campers often underestimate how much water they'll need—not just for drinking, but for cooking, cleaning, and emergencies. This can become a serious safety issue, especially on longer or remote hikes.

Fix it: Always pack more than you think you’ll need, and bring a water purification method (tablets, filters, or boiling setup) just in case.

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Our Starter Pack is the perfect bundle to get you fuelled on your multi-day hikes. Our meals are packed fresh with real ingredients so you don't miss out on taste or nutrition.

3. Wearing Brand-New or Poorly Fitted Boots

We get it—you’re excited and you ordered that cool-looking pair online. But wearing untested or ill-fitting boots is one of the most painful mistakes every new camper makes. Blisters, rolled ankles, and foot pain can end your trip early.

Fix it: Try boots in-store, break them in before your trip, and wear proper hiking socks. If in doubt, go with trusted trail runners or boots that have proven themselves.

4. Not Bringing Enough Layers

Weather can turn fast in the outdoors—even in summer. Many first-time campers underestimate how cold it gets at night or how quickly the temperature drops when the sun goes down.

Fix it: Bring lightweight layers you can add or remove easily. A good base layer, a warm mid-layer (like fleece or merino), and a rainproof outer shell are essentials.

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Our Starter Pack is the perfect bundle to get you fuelled on your multi-day hikes. Our meals are packed fresh with real ingredients so you don't miss out on taste or nutrition.

5. Overcomplicating (or Underprepping) Your Meals

Some new campers go the other extreme—packing raw meats, full spice racks, and multiple pots, only to find themselves overwhelmed by campfire logistics, missing utensils, or spoiled food.

Fix it: Keep it simple. Pack pre-prepared meals that are high in energy, easy to heat, and don’t require refrigeration. On Track Meals, for example, can be eaten hot or cold and save you from cleanup and food waste.

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Our Starter Pack is the perfect bundle to get you fuelled on your multi-day hikes. Our meals are packed fresh with real ingredients so you don't miss out on taste or nutrition.

6. Skipping Snacks or Forgetting Breakfast

A common trap: planning dinner but ignoring the rest of the day. If you're walking, paddling, or climbing all day, you'll need steady fuel.

Fix it: Pack portable, high-energy snacks like nuts, muesli bars, jerky, or trail mix. And don’t skip breakfast—start your day with something satisfying like All Day Breakfast or Coconut Rice Pudding in a pouch.

7. Thinking It’ll All Work Out (Without Testing Anything)

This one’s less about food, and more about attitude. Many first-timers make the mistake of not testing gear at home—whether it’s a tent that takes an hour to pitch or a sleeping pad that slowly deflates overnight.

Fix it: Do a trial run in the backyard or a local campsite. Test your meals, gear, and even how your pack feels on your back.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Suffer to Be a “Real Camper”

The days of flavourless dehydrated mush and soggy socks are over—if you plan well. Camping is meant to be fun, freeing, and satisfying. Learn from the common mistakes made by first-time campers and make your first trip one to remember (for the right reasons).

FAQ

Q. What are the most common meal planning mistakes first-time campers make?

A. New campers often assume they’ll be stuck eating instant noodles, tuna, and bland dehydrated food. Many also forget to pack enough snacks, don’t plan for variety, or bring meals that require too much gear to cook. Others pack raw foods that spoil or underestimate how much fuel, water, or time is needed to prepare meals.

Q. How much food should I pack for a camping trip to avoid overpacking or running out?

A. A general rule is to plan for 2,500 to 3,500 calories per day, depending on how active your trip will be. Pack three main meals plus snacks, and always include a backup no-cook option in case your stove fails or conditions change. Choose meals that are compact, lightweight, and high in energy—like ready-to-eat pouches or muesli bars.

Q. Why is it important to test camp meals before the trip?

A. Testing meals ahead of time helps you know if you actually like what you’re bringing—and if it works with your gear. Some meals need more water or cooking time than expected. By trialing food at home or on a short trip, you can avoid surprises like burnt dinners, broken gear, or meals that don’t keep you full.