15 All-Too Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes
We all start somewhere. We all begin as beginners, as novices. And even for experienced hikers, new gear constantly demands we play catch-up. An experienced backpacker in the early ‘90s might not know all the tricks of the trade in this new decade. I like to think I worked out my beginner kinks during my thru-hike, but I am still learning new hiking hacks. Whenever I hike now, I notice many people making the same beginner mistakes I (and many others) did when first starting out.
The Appalachian Trail community encourages you to hike your own hike, as do I. If you choose to do the things below with the knowledge that there is an easier way, then I applaud you for hiking your own hike. If you do them out of a lack of knowledge, however, then this resource is here to help. Note that this is far from a comprehensive list. Not all beginners make these missteps, and the mistakes listed are far from the only ones I’ve seen on the trail. The beginner backpacking mistakes I’ve chosen to highlight seem to be among the most common and the most easily fixable.
Find Madison Dragna's full list of backpacking mistakes here.
October 24, 2024
The Trek
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving long distance backpackers.
We are All Things Long-Distance backpacking.
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving the thru-hiking and long distance backpacking community.
NOTE: Cordial debate is allowed and encouraged. If you're rude, however, your comment will be deleted. If you make personal attacks at another commenter or a Trek Blogger or Writer, you will be banned from this page.
Explore More Content
Media Mentions
Perhaps you realized during your atmospheric Fourth of July barbecue that your porch decor was somewhat lacking, or that the bulb on your budget string lights had popped sometime during the winter. No fear!
Media Mentions
This compact, affordable filter is designed for emergency situations, offering up to 100,000 gallons of clean water at a price point of just $15!
Media Mentions
The ministry equips individual households with Sawyer PointOne water filters that last 20 years.
From the Squad
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
