Common Mistakes Outdoor Enthusiasts Make When Transporting Gear

Canadians love their gear. Bikes, skis, kayaks, tents, coolers, paddleboards — if it helps us spend more time outside, we probably own it. Or at least we know someone who does.

What we don’t always love is figuring out how to get all that stuff from home to trailhead without damaging it, losing half of it, or swearing under our breath in a parking lot somewhere north of nowhere.

I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve done it firsthand. And honestly, most outdoor gear damage doesn’t happen on the trail or the water. It happens on the drive there.

Here are the most common mistakes people make when transporting outdoor gear — and how to avoid turning a good day outside into an unnecessary headache.

Mistake #1: Treating Gear Transport as an Afterthought

This is the big one.

A lot of people put serious time into choosing the right bike, skis, or kayak… and then spend about 30 seconds figuring out how to transport it. The logic is usually something like, “It’ll be fine. It’s just a short drive.”

Famous last words.

Loose gear shifts. Straps loosen. Paint rubs. Wind does its thing. Suddenly your expensive equipment looks like it’s already lived a hard life.

This is especially common with bikes. People will spend thousands on a setup and then cram it awkwardly into a vehicle or tie it down in a way that’s more hopeful than secure. Using a purpose-built solution turns transport into a non-issue instead of a recurring stress point. 

Think of something like hitch bike racks. They are built for specific purpose. Many people want one of two things, and sometimes both. First, a bike rack that doesn’t touch the paint or windows of their vehicle, to minimize potential damage. Second, bike capacity, because while some hitch bike racks will still carry the standard 1-2 bikes, there are hitch racks that can carry up to 7 bikes safely and securely on a single rack.

When gear is properly supported and secured, you stop thinking about it. And that’s exactly how it should be.

Mistake #2: Overloading the Vehicle (and Pretending It’s Fine)

Just because something fits doesn’t mean it should be there.

I’ve watched people stack gear higher than the roofline, block rear windows entirely, or exceed what their vehicle clearly wants to deal with. And sure, maybe you make it to the trailhead. But you’re one sudden stop away from chaos.

Overloading causes:

• Poor visibility
• Reduced braking efficiency
• Extra wear on suspension and tires
• Way more stress than the trip needs

Transport Canada has clear guidelines on securing loads safely, and they’re worth paying attention to.

A calmer drive almost always leads to a better day outside.

Mistake #3: Using “Temporary” Solutions That Become Permanent

We’ve all done it. A couple ratchet straps. Some bungee cords. Maybe an old blanket for padding.

Temporary solutions have a funny way of sticking around longer than planned. And the longer they’re used, the more likely something goes wrong.

Bungee cords stretch. Knots loosen. Blankets slide. And the moment you hit highway speeds, those little compromises start to matter.

If you’re transporting the same type of gear more than once or twice a season, it’s worth setting things up properly. You’ll spend less time loading, less time worrying, and far less time re-tightening things “just in case.”

Mistake #4: Ignoring Wind, Weather, and Road Conditions

Canada doesn’t exactly offer gentle, predictable driving conditions.

Crosswinds on the Prairies. Sudden rain in B.C. Mountain passes. Gravel roads. Spring thaw potholes that feel personal.

Gear that’s loosely secured or poorly positioned takes the brunt of those conditions. Wind resistance alone can loosen straps or cause vibration damage over longer drives.

The folks at CAA have a solid breakdown on how weather and road conditions affect vehicle safety, especially when hauling gear.

If your setup only works in perfect conditions, it doesn’t really work.

Mistake #5: Not Protecting Gear from Itself

This one surprises people.

It’s not always the road that damages gear — it’s other gear. Bikes rubbing together. Paddles banging into hulls. Skis chattering against metal.

Even small, repeated contact adds up over time.

Simple fixes:

• Space gear properly
• Use contact points designed to hold weight
• Avoid metal-on-metal contact
• Secure everything so it can’t move independently

A quiet drive is usually a good sign.

Mistake #6: Forgetting About Access Once You Arrive

Ever unload half your car just to reach one thing?

Yeah. That gets old fast.

Poor transport setups don’t just affect the drive — they affect the whole experience. If accessing one item means undoing everything, you’ll start skipping activities simply because it’s annoying.

Good transport:

• Keeps frequently used gear accessible
• Doesn’t block doors or tailgates unnecessarily
• Makes loading and unloading quick, even at the end of a long day

Convenience isn’t laziness. It’s what makes outdoor habits sustainable.

Mistake #7: Assuming Short Trips Don’t Count

“I’m only driving 15 minutes.”

That’s when most damage happens.

Short trips encourage shortcuts. Loose straps. Rushed loading. “It’ll be fine.”

But speed, vibration, and movement don’t care how far you’re going. Gear stress happens immediately.

If it’s worth bringing, it’s worth securing properly — even for quick trips to a local trail or lake.

Mistake #8: Not Re-Checking Gear Mid-Trip

Even the best setups benefit from a quick check.

Temperature changes. Settling. Road vibration. All normal.

A simple habit:

• Check straps after the first 10–15 minutes
• Do a quick visual check at fuel stops
• Listen for new noises

The Leave No Trace organization has a good reminder on how transportation plays a role in responsible outdoor recreation.

Taking a minute can save hours later.

Mistake #9: Forgetting That Gear Transport Affects Enjoyment

This might sound dramatic, but it’s true.

When gear transport is stressful, the whole trip carries that tension. You arrive flustered. You worry during the drive. You rush the load-out.

When it’s dialed, you don’t think about it at all. You focus on the ride, the paddle, the hike, or just being outside.

That’s the goal.

Transport Your Gear Mistake Free

Most outdoor gear is built to handle rough terrain, bad weather, and hard use. What it isn’t built for is poor transportation.

The good news? Almost all transport mistakes are avoidable with a little foresight and the right setup. When gear is secure, protected, and easy to move, outdoor trips become smoother — literally and figuratively.

You’ll spend less time worrying about what’s happening behind you on the highway and more time enjoying why you packed the gear in the first place.

And honestly, that’s what getting outside is supposed to feel like.