Matt,

Don't leave the backups at home. Take them along, but keep them in your pack. For instance, try making a fire with a hand drill or flint & steel, and until you can properly master this, you still have your Windmill to fall back on. Build a debris shelter, but bring along a tent, try snaring or fishing, but bring food with you. It's good to practice, but no sense being miserable with no fire, shelter, etc.