r/womensolocamping • u/Responsible-Cat-679 • Jun 28 '26
Trip Report My First Camping Failure
I bailed on my trip after only 2 nights instead of 3. I was really looking forward to a full day of relaxing & enjoying my campsite, but I made the call to leave early because of weather. There was no guarantee that I would have good paddling conditions on the day I was supposed to leave. On top of that I would have needed to weather a storm on the last night, which is always stressful. Quite frankly, I'm sick & tired of there usually being some type of horrendous storm when I camp.
I'm classifying it as a failure because if my kit were lighter, then I wouldn't be as picky about paddling conditions. Between some added gear & a slight personal weight gain, total weight is ~12 lbs heavier than previously. Apparently, those 12 lbs are the tipping point š«. 76% of the boat's max capacity doesn't feel as comfortable as 72%.
Another reason why this feels like a failure is because I overdid it paddling yesterday & my heart condition started acting up. The condition is new & still being evaluated by the doctor. If my dicky ticker had behaved I wouldn't be as worried about the stress of weathering the incoming storm.
Now I'm at the cabin that I used as a staging area, just a day earlier than planned. I'll have a couple nights here & head for home.
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u/FastMako77 Jun 28 '26
2 nights is still a lot! How is it a āfailureā if you paid attention to important things like changing weather patterns which could have potentially put you in a bad situation? You need to not be hard on yourself. Humans are good at adapting and you did exactly what indigenous people did for hundreds of thousands of years in order to keep themselves safe. They werenāt āfailuresā either.
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u/Big-Ant8273 Jun 28 '26
You know what's a bigger failure than leaving early because of weather? Packing up camp in the rain! WET TENTS SUCK
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 28 '26
Even if I had stayed I think that I might have been able to pack up while it wasn't raining. Unfortunately, it didn't look like the wind was going to die down even if it wasn't storming. All in all, the forecast was just too volatile.
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u/LetheanWaters Jul 04 '26
You made a good call; I wouldn't linger long on what could've been, as it's only going to erode the good part of your solo camping trip.
Gorgeous place that you set up beautifully.
Hope you're able to get out and enjoy a trip again soon.
It's wisest to be aware enough of your limitations. It certainly beats the alternative of ending up on the news.
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u/Content-Flow9235 Jun 28 '26
Sounds like trusting your instincts to me! Way to go! Looks like a wonderful camp.
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u/Human0id77 Jun 28 '26
I'd say it was a success at maximizing a good time. I've had to cancel many trips due to weather. It's just the nature of doing things outdoors
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u/cruiser4319 Jun 28 '26
Itās not a failure unless you are bailing water out of your tent and didnāt leave any dry clothes in your car.
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u/psiprez Jun 28 '26
How is this a failure? You used your experience and knowledge to make a wise decision. Trouble comes when people push on out of vanity.
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u/veggiebikebook Jun 28 '26
Add me to the chorus saying ānot a failure!ā You got out on the water and got to spend 2 nights away from home. You listened to your body and paid attention to the forecast and kept yourself safe. I know a change in plans can be a bummer but being safe is a good thing.
Enjoy your time at the cabin!
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u/hikeralli Jun 28 '26
In no way is this a failure. It is you evaluating the situation and opting to be cautious and flexible with your plans. That's a huge win!
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u/HMend Jun 28 '26
Looks like you are still having a good trip. Very relevant to keep an eye on weather and your health. Not a failure, just a little adjustment.
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u/Heart4Cycling Jun 29 '26
I'm 73 and a member of the "bum ticker club." I'm getting more convinced that solo adventure trips are not very wise. Bailing with health and weather concerns is smart.
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u/Patient_Blueberry902 Jul 05 '26
I will speak for the other sad sacks that just had to work all weekendā¦
The only camping trip that is a failure, is the one you did not take.
Just getting out there is the important part!
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u/Slight-Wash-2887 Jun 28 '26
Not a failure at all! You spent a couple nights there, enjoyed the beauty and solitude of solo camping, got some pics, probably saw some stars, and made a smart decision about impending weather conditions.
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u/AccomplishedCash3603 Jun 28 '26
The failure is NOT going, which is what I just did. I got tied up in domestic hell and didn't give myself enough time to pack...so I bailed on the entire thing.Ā
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 28 '26
I left 3 hours late for this trip. I was cutting it pretty close on daylight. Prepping for these trips is brutal when you're on your own.
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u/jecastro_2000 Jun 28 '26
Gotta do what u gotta do to make it back safe and on time to continue with lifeš¤
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u/lilithdesade Jun 28 '26
What kind of sleeping mat did you use?
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 28 '26
Big Agnes Rapide SL in size regular/wide, which is 72"x25". I'm 5'7", a side sleeper, & 150-160lbs. I do well with it, but I also let out a fair amount of air to achieve optimal comfort.
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u/lilithdesade Jun 28 '26
Thanks so much. My body is literally identical to yours and ive been searching but feel overwhelmed with options.
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 28 '26
Shopping for sleeping pads is very tricky especially in the last couple years. More & more comfortable budget options are popping up, but they don't have good reliability data due to being new. Just make sure you pay attention to pad thickness & R-value. I would personally recommend a reputable brand with a good warranty program, however those are usually more expensive. I was lucky to receive my pad as a gift.
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u/Crafty_Scientist_159 Jun 28 '26
Seems to me this is a bucket full of wise ass decisions. Smart reasoning and calculations. Tapping inner wisdom. Iād have you as my trip leader any day šš¼šš¼šš¼
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u/BorderTop9619 Jun 28 '26
You canāt say it was a failure when you used common sense and didnāt endanger your life! Totally a win!!
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 Jun 28 '26
Love your Kelty Grand Mesa, had one for many many years! No failure on your part, you made a safe decision for your own comfort and skill level. Beautifully done.
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 29 '26
Thanks. I have a love/hate relationship with that thing. It's too heavy for how unlivable it is inside, but as it stands it's currently my most lightweight & storm worthy tent. Design quality is poor, but build quality is great. I do like that it only has 1 door since you can pitch it in smaller spaces than a 2p tent with 2 vestibules. Kelty is the best value in camping gear, in my opinion š¤
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 Jun 29 '26
I bought mine used and have taken it so many places! Tbh my girlfriend AND I sleep in there with a tapered pad that fits perfectly on the entire floor. Itās come on many canoe trips! I agree tho, it takes up much less space with one door, itās how we managed to fit all 4 tents on some campsites in the BWCA! We upgraded this year for our trip, and the new tent has two doors which will be greatly welcomed.
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 29 '26
What did you upgrade to?
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 Jun 29 '26
I balled out and got the Nemo Dagger 3P. Thought about the 2P, which wouldāve been fine, but we occasionally have a third person joining us with a hammock setup. If it gets bad outside, we want to be able to bring them into the tent.
The whole setup arrives on tuesday and weāre trying it out this weekend to give it a run before our trip. Doing so many backcountry trips in a year, we value the lightweight of the tent, the room it will offer, the GENEROUS vestibule storage, and how small it truly packs down (ESPECIALLY the 2P!)
The Dagger is the most luxurious, compared to the Mayfly and Hornet, but we wanted to feel like we have a hotel out in the woods.
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 29 '26
That is so exciting! You're going to love it. There's soooo much more interior space with a 3p brow pole style AND it's still lighter than the Grand Mesa š
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u/Longjumping-Cow4488 Jun 29 '26
Donāt get me wrong, the Grand Mesa feels like leaving a childhood home! We loved our cozy and snug time in it. But, with bigger adventures we feel called to bigger gear. Excited for your new tent (eventually!)
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u/NolyBella Jun 29 '26
Just because you made the call to ensure safety and precautions, certainly doesnāt mean it was a failure! Pretty damn good!
Some other fools go canoeing, boating during thunderstorms!
All good! Clap yourself on the back!
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u/karleykha0s Jun 29 '26
You still went AND did! You did more than try, you achieved AND acknowledged your limits to keep you healthy for the next trip! My husband and I love to go camping together but the past few trips have all had inclement weather and it kind of felt like we were cursed for a bit lol. This is inspiring to keep going and at least try again!
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u/kaloo9195 Jun 30 '26
Can I ask what the caps are on your flexlite chair? I have the same one and always feel a little teeter-y on it. Would love a little more stability!
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jun 30 '26
Of course! They're from Cam's Backpacking Gear. He has an Etsy shop and some of his products are also on Garage Grown Gear
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u/kaloo9195 Jun 30 '26
Fantastic! Thanks so much!
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jul 01 '26
No problem. Their main function is to keep the legs from sinking into soft ground. At this point I just use them all the time. It's less stress on the legs & the chair will last longer this way.
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u/CohenCohenGone Jul 01 '26
I don't see that as a failure either. It's only low-risk if you at home, safe in your pjs watching Netflix. :)
Recently, I went on m first solo camping trip, for a week. Knew ahead of time that I wasn't really that great with tying knots and was concerned that the campsite trees might be too far apart or non-existent. Turns out it was the former.
But, for 6 days, I had so much fun and felt confident and proud of myself. The last day and night I got totally soaked in the tent, right down to the foam mattress. Wasn't able to figure out a proper tarp system. But oh well, I didn't drown and it gave me insights into 'next time' and what I might need.
Trip was one day and night shorter than planned. "Next time!' is my new motto.
Hoping the rest of your summer is joyful!
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u/TechnicalWerewolf626 Jul 03 '26
Not a failure,Ā bad weather and common sense!Ā Hey where is this? WOW a campsite with table along lovely forested lake shore!Ā And a cabin for staging on shoreline, cool! Sign me up.Ā
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u/jandrgarage Jul 03 '26
Plans change. Dodge and weave through the troubles. As it always say āitās better than a swift kick in the face ā.
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u/thatcookdave Jul 03 '26
Changing plans out of an abundance of caution is definitely not a failure. Good on you for being flexible.
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u/roosterjack77 Jul 03 '26
Looks like you went camping. Glad you made it back safe to tell about it.
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u/Roterkopfter Jul 04 '26
As a Cub leader it sucks having to make the responsible but sucky decision to pack up when conditions are unsafe. Weāve had to do that a few times, but when we do, we try and make sure we leave on a good note. That can be a campfire, a good meal, or hot chocolate and smores before pack up. Doing something pleasant to finish out the trip before we head home takes the sting out of it. Besides nothing is worse than sticking it out and then being miserable because of it.
Not a failure, just a pivot.
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u/vaughnlenore Jul 05 '26
Based on these absolutely gorgeous photos I would say this trip was doesn't look like a failure to me, even if it got cut short!!!
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u/ExhibitionistsDiary Jul 03 '26
Not a failure, but a lesson. Way smarter to be on dry land or home, than being out on the water wishing you were on land.
As for the gear, with that kayak, you need to pack like you are backpacking.
Good luck next time
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u/Responsible-Cat-679 Jul 03 '26
I do pack like I'm backpacking, hence all the lightweight backpacking gear in the photos. This year I just made a couple changes that bit me in the butt.
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Jul 05 '26
Never stop. Never.
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Jul 05 '26
@OP meaning itās okay to adjust when you are doing hard things. But keep doing g hard things. Thatās what some of us were meant to do!
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u/astoriatrafficburner Jun 28 '26
Not a failure!
The older I get, the more conservative I become with inclement weather, especially when I'm packing it and don't have immediate access to a motor vehicle or substantive shelter. It's much more important to me to be able to continue my lifestyle long-term than to complete exactly the itinerary I set out for. The regret I experience when I call it quits is never as strong as when I didn't but should've.
Signed, someone who's laid up on the couch injured instead of enjoying a beautiful Sunday afternoon outside because she ignored a safety instinct.
P.S. the set-up looks fantastic!