Common Outdoor Packing Mistakes (& How To Avoid Them)

Smart packing can make or break your next adventure. Many of the reasons we sometimes suffer from feeling uncomfortable or unorganised are due to simple packing mistakes. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of main packing mistakes to avoid to help prevent you from falling into these common pitfalls yourself.

Confusing Water Resistant With Waterproof

One of the most frequent packing mistakes made by those who enjoy spending time outdoors is trusting the average backpack and pockets to protect our valuables from getting wet. Although we may think that a little rain may not hurt, the reality is that if the rain falls too heavily, you get hit by ocean spray or accidentally fall into the water, the result is soaked extra clothes, destroyed electronics and spoiled food.

To prevent this, use actual waterproof storage containers. Do not rely solely on products that say "water resistant". Consider purchasing a waterproof backpack. This type of backpack protects all your gear more efficiently than using a typical hiking pack with a rain cover.

Our Adventure Waterproof Backpack is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a waterproof backpack. It has a completely waterproof roll-top closure, waterproof pocket exterior, rugged abrasion-resistant base, and durable recycled nylon construction with a TPU coating. In addition to providing waterproof protection, this backpack also has many other practical features, including MOLLE attachment webbing for attaching gear to the front and sides of the pack, adjustable bungee exterior storage for storing small items, water bottle pockets, and a removable padded organiser that can store a laptop, tablet or notebook.

Storing Small, Valuable Items Loose in Your Pack

People commonly put their phone, keys, wallet and emergency cash loose in their backpack's primary compartment. Unfortunately, this often leads to scratched screens, lost items and lots of digging at the bottom of your pack trying to locate something. This is one of those packing mistakes that you don’t think about in the moment but will lead to plenty of frustration for you later down the line.

Store your valuable items together in one compact area. Use the padded organiser in your waterproof backpack wisely, or pop accessories in a 10L roll top dry bag inside a larger waterproof bag to keep them safe and separate from the rest of your kit. 

Carrying Too Much Gear

Who hasn’t fallen victim to this particular brand of packing mistakes? Extra jumpers, extra water bottles, backups for equipment, too much food and water - you name it. Soon enough, you’ve added too much unnecessary gear, and it’s starting to wear on your comfort and performance.

Plan ahead and only bring the gear needed for what you plan to do. Only bring the essentials:

• Clothing layers appropriate for the conditions.
• Appropriate amounts of water and food.
• First Aid Kit.
• Protection from the weather.
• Any other kit your activity requires.

Ignoring Weight Distribution

Your backpack can feel like it weighs significantly more than expected, simply based on poor distribution of weight inside. Pro hikers distribute weight in a logical way:

• Heaviest items closest to your back.
• Items you'll most likely need are quickly positioned nearest the top.
• Smallest/lightest items stored at the bottom.

This list of packing mistakes to avoid will hopefully help you on your next trip. If you have any questions about Red Equipment’s waterproof bags, you need only ask. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll be more than happy to help.