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Whenever you get a new piece of equipment, practice using it before your trip. This is especially important for items like your tent. You don't want to be fumbling with tent poles for the first time while a storm is brewing your first day camping (because you were an idiot and didn't check the weather forecast beforehand). This idea also works for learning how to make a fire, how to set up a propane stove, and how to roll your tent back up so that it actually fits in the bag it came in.
