Especially when planning a complex logistical exercise such as a weekend’s camping.
Because get even the smallest detail wrong and you’re up that creek without a paddle.
Luckily, Echuca’s Blue Sky Outdoor Experts are on hand to throw you a lifeline.
"We see a lot of people come in who travel up from Melbourne to camp or fish in Echuca," owner Maurice McLean said.
"A lot of them bring their tents but forget all the poles, so they come in to buy those.
"Or we’ve had others come in whose solar panels don’t work and we help them out."
The local Blue Sky outlet has been a one-stop outdoor shop since it was established in 2003.
Three years after opening its doors, Maurice took over ownership.
A keen fisher and camper since he was a boy, he was then working as a farmer of sheep and cereals in Mallee, but was keen for a change of pace and scenery.
"I saw an ad for Blue Sky in the paper. My family was here at the time, so it seemed perfect to take up the opportunity and shift over," Maurice said.
While it was a big learning curve, Maurice had a keen business brain from years of farming which was easily transferable to his new career.
And has seen him build up a large band of local regulars - plus the swathes of Melburnians who migrate to Echuca-Moama’s shores each summer.
While Blue Sky’s massive range of all things fishing, camping and outdoor adventuring is certainly a drawcard, it’s the local knowledge and personal service that keeps customers coming back.
A loyal clientele which is a definite bonus, particularly as many businesses struggle with the all-devouring online market.
"I always say, what you feel and what you see and what you touch is what you get," Maurice said.
"I recently had an 80-year-old guy come in wanting to buy a tent. He said he could get one way cheaper online and I said, ’but do you know what you’re going to get’? He said, ’well no, not really’."
In addition to helping with camping conundrums, Maurice is on hand to hear about your latest fishing success stories.
And almost-success stories.
"I hear a lot about the one that got away," he said.
"It’s surprising how many guys target a fish they can’t catch, the fish are just too cunning."
He’s also your man if you’re looking for some local fishing advice.
"It’s a bit of fun setting people up who haven’t been up north fishing," he said.
"I tell them how to go about it and point them in the general direction of the best spot.
"And while I don’t get to camp and fish as much as I used to, I get to live vicariously through the awesome stories of my customers."
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