It really sucks if you arrive in the wilderness and something doesn't work!
So, you decided you want to go on your first backpacking trip. You jumped on the forums, Facebook, & Mountain Mile, and figured out what kind of kit you need to do this! It arrives 3 days later, and you are ready to go, right? WRONG!
There is nothing worse than arriving at camp with a faulty piece of gear, a piece of gear that you don't know how to use, or a piece of gear that doesn't work for you - ESPECIALLY if you are in the wild or in darkness.
So please do these things before you set out and test your gear! Or even better, find easy camp areas close to home (like this for me) and actually live an overnight camp experience, before heading out into the wild!
Pitch your tent.
Lie in your sleeping bag.
Lie on your sleeping pad.
Go for a hike with your backpack with weight in it.
Go for a hike in your hiking clothes.
Buy your hiking shoes at least one month before your trip - and wear them!
Cook something on your stove.
Have a camp dinner at home.
Wear your puffy, rain coat, etc, around the house.
Filter some water.
Pack your backpack with EVERYTHING you will bring.
Plan your food if you are bringing a bear cannister.
As I said, the best way to do this is to recreate a trip where you actually use your gear before heading out, but at a minimum, set up at home and test!