So you've got the backpack, the freeze-dried meals, and that irresistible itch to explore the great outdoors. Awesome! But hold on there, Lewis and Clark – before you head out into the wilderness with nothing but a selfie stick and a questionable sense of direction, let's talk about some common backpacking mistakes that can turn your dream adventure into a rookie mistake-a-thon.
We've all seen those movies where the ruggedly handsome protagonist strolls through the wilderness with nothing but a compass and a convincing smile. But let's be honest, most of us spend our days completely engulfed in modern creature comforts and rarely step out of our safe and warm four walls and into wild places, other than rush hour. We're more likely to be the person who trips over a tree root and ends up face-first in whatever we were trying to avoid in next step (or maybe that's just me).
The good news is that a little planning and preparation will help avoid these common backpacking mistakes. I’m sure you would rather spend your time enjoying stunning scenery, unforgettable experiences, and maybe even a few (hopefully shareable) mishaps.
Here are a few of the most common backpacking mistakes I've made (and some tips to help you avoid them!). Four of them are more specific to backpacking that you may have heard before, but the last one is something you may not be expecting.
- Overpacking. Packing light is like a superpower for backpackers. It makes for more trail miles and a more comfortable carry along the way. It can also free you up to focus on the truly important things, like walking and sleeping without pain.
- Rookie mistake: Packing every single "just in case" item you can think of will probably result in a case of you injuring yourself because you’re carrying too much, which would make that 5 pound first aid kit more useful.
- Be a ruthless editor. Lay everything out on the floor at home and then ruthlessly eliminate anything you don't absolutely need. (“Absolutely Need” does not mean “Things I Might Need”) Think about layering clothes instead of packing for every possible weather scenario. And for the love of all that is holy, resist the urge to pack that giant tub of shampoo. Tiny travel-sized toiletries are just fine AND I heard that humans can go several days without washing their hair... really, there are cases of people surviving that ordeal.
- Rookie mistake: Bringing everything for nothing. There’s no sense in taking 20 extra pounds of stuff for a long walk and never using it. With few exceptions, anything outside of the 10 essentials should be scrutinized for actual and frequent use.
- Not breaking in your shoes. There's a special kind of torture reserved for those who decide to not break in their brand new hiking shoes before a multi-day backpacking trip. However, for the masochists, please enjoy your grape size blisters in the worst possible places.
- Rookie mistake: Assuming that because they're expensive, your new shoes must be magically comfortable and won't cause any blisters. Wrong! Take your boots out for a few shorter hikes before you embark on your epic adventure. Make adjustments to lacing and types of socks as needed. And if the shoes just aren't working for you, exchange them for a pair that do. (yes, buy your shoes from a place with a good return policy)
- Forgetting the essentials: There's nothing quite like realizing you've forgotten your headlamp right as the sun is setting. Or your sunscreen as you feel your skin on fire.
- Rookie mistake: Winging it and hoping for the best. Backpacking requires a bit of planning. That is unless your definition of adventure is as a true minimalist. Avoid these unpleasant surprises by making a packing list and checking it twice (or three times, if you're like me).
- The conquering mindset: This is perhaps the most important one and it's applicable for every type of adventurer. I hear the word “conquer” a lot from outdoor adventurists. It’s one thing to push your limits a bit, but it’s a whole other thing to come back from a trip injured or full of regret because you sacrificed valuable things to get the reward.
- Rookie mistake: The summit or bust! Get that thinking out of your head. This eventually, or maybe immediately, will lead to disappointment in yourself or in others or others in you. For a couple years I hung out with a crowd that was hell bent on climbing all of the tallest peaks in the U.S. Chasing the goal was admirable – doing what that group was doing to others along the way was not. It’s great to achieve hard things. It’s not great to leave a trail of ruin along the way. I’ve known a lot of people who ruined friendships, made enemies, and collected much ill will along the road of lusting after a big achievement. Life has more great moments than what it does great achievements. My advise is to put more stock in the moments and the people of those moments than whatever big trophy you are trying to put on your shelf - because the collection of those moments will become your biggest achievement by far – without the trophy. And you’ll be a better person for it.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable life of adventuring in the wild. So get out there, explore the beauty of nature, and create some memories that will last a lifetime.
And hey, if you do happen to make a mistake or two, treat it as a learning opportunity. If ever I come back from a trip dumber than I was before I went, I’m probably doing something wrong. Learn and grow, right?
Happy Trails!