15 Newbie Backpacking Errors to Keep away from – Bearfoot Concept

Embarking in your first backpacking journey may be an empowering, enjoyable, and adventurous expertise, nevertheless, the trail to turning into a seasoned backpacker is commonly paved with a couple of avoidable missteps.

I began backpacking in 2005, and my first few backpacking journeys didn’t go easily. My first time was close to Mt. Rainier in Washington, and after we acquired to the trailhead, I noticed I forgot my mountaineering boots. Not eager to drive all the way in which dwelling, I ended up mountaineering in Chacos the whole time. Evidently, my ft had been a bloody mess by the tip of the journey. We additionally didn’t pack sufficient meals, and I used to be ravenous the entire time.

One other time in 2007, my buddies I took an early season journey in California’s Emigrant Wilderness. A pair miles in, we discovered the path coated in snow, with all the path indicators being damaged in half. Regardless of not having a map or GPS, we haphazardly determined to hold on. We acquired utterly off observe and had no concept the place we had been. Twenty-four hours later after tenting close to some unknown lake, we had been post-holing our manner up a snowy hillside after we randomly stumbled again on the path.

Regardless of these preliminary backpacking journeys being filled with (generally comical) errors, I nonetheless had a good time and discovered a ton of helpful classes to make sure safer and extra pleasant backpacking journeys sooner or later.

Since that first backpacking journey, I’ve spent many extra nights within the backcountry, together with 22 nights on the John Muir Path, and have gained a ton of helpful out of doors abilities within the course of. Beneath I share the most typical newbie backpacking errors to empower you to hit the paths with confidence – and make sure you don’t make the identical rookie errors as I did!

1. Overpacking Garments & Pointless Gear

Overpacking is a typical newbie backpacking mistake that may – fairly actually – weigh you down and diminish the general enjoyment of your journey. You’ll possible be carrying 20-30+ kilos in your again, which is hard sufficient with out including pointless gear.

Whereas packing a bodily guide could be interesting, they add further weight and bulk, and options like e-readers or a guide in your smartphone are extra environment friendly. Go away the speaker at dwelling which not solely provides further weight however distracts from the pure sounds of the outside.

Toiletries add up shortly in weight and you actually don’t want a lot other than biodegradable cleaning soap (we like Dr Bronners since you should utilize it for dishes and for your self), bug spray, and sunscreen.

Tip: When packing for a backpacking journey, lay every little thing out together with all of your garments and equipment and see if there’s something you possibly can depart behind.

In the case of what to put on backpacking, it’s simple to fall into the lure of packing too many garments. I often pack one outfit to hike in, one outfit to hang around at camp and sleep in, further socks and underwear, and heat layers.

I do know that doesn’t sound like so much, however belief me – it’s all you want. You don’t wish to be weighed down by further garments. Plus, if the climate’s heat sufficient and for those who deliver light-weight, fast dry clothes (which I extremely suggest doing), you possibly can rinse your mountaineering outfit if you grow to be your camp outfit and it’ll be dry by the point you’re able to set off within the morning.

2. Packing Heavy Automotive Tenting Gear

Whereas automotive tenting gear may be luxuriously comfy, it’s not designed for carrying over lengthy distances. I discovered this the exhausting manner on a solo backpacking journey in 2016 in New Zealand the place I backpacked with my ultra-heavy automotive tenting cookware – because it was all I had with me. The burden and bulk of these things drastically impacted my means to maneuver shortly and comfortably on the path.

Investing in backpacking-specific gear can vastly scale back your pack weight and improve your enjoyment on the path. Key gear items to concentrate on are your tent, sleeping bag, backpacking pack, sleeping pad, and cookware which contribute probably the most to your total weight.

Whereas these large gear gadgets may be expensive, it’s value it to spend money on high quality gear that’s light-weight and sturdy. Excessive-quality gear will final you for years of adventures (we’ve had among the similar backpacking gear for 10+ years that we nonetheless use) and can make your time on the path and at camp far more nice.

In case you’re seeking to save on a few of these large ticket gadgets, hold a watch out on gross sales at REI and try REI’s Used Gear web site for giant reductions on frivolously used gear, a few of which is like new. You possibly can study extra concerning the REI Used Gear program right here.

Not able to spend money on backpacking gear? REI provides gear leases for all of your backpacking necessities like tents, sleeping luggage, pads, bear canisters, and extra.

3. Not Testing Your Gear Earlier than Your Journey

Familiarizing your self together with your backpacking gear earlier than you hit the path lets you perceive how each bit capabilities, troubleshoot potential points, and make sure that every little thing is in working order.

Think about reaching your first campsite solely to understand you’re uncertain the way to assemble your tent, or worse, discovering a malfunction in your backpacking range if you’re prepared to organize a much-needed meal.

These conditions may be simply prevented by taking the time to arrange your tent in your yard, testing your range to verify it really works correctly, or training utilizing your water filter to make sure you know the way it really works.

By testing your gear forward of time, you possibly can embark in your backpacking journey with confidence, understanding that you simply’re well-equipped to deal with any surprises that come your manner.

4. Not Packing Sufficient Meals

On my first backpacking journey, my mountaineering accomplice was chargeable for planning and packing our meals and he grossly underestimated our appetites. We shared a small portion of pasta for dinner and went to mattress with grumbling tummies.

When backpacking, you’re burning a big quantity of energy every day – far more than throughout your common day-to-day actions and even day mountaineering. It’s essential to lookup the estimated calorie necessities for backpacking, which might vary from 2,500 to 4,500 energy per day relying on components like your weight, the problem of the path, and the climate situations.

To satisfy these excessive caloric wants with out including pointless weight to your pack, you need to guarantee your meals is calorie-dense. Pack quite a lot of snacks (try our favourite mountaineering snacks right here!) as a result of belief me – you’ll get bored with consuming the identical protein bar day after day.

As a newbie backpacker, sticking to pre-made backpacker meals is a straightforward strategy to portion out your meals – deliver one backpacker meal per particular person per dinner. Don’t be fooled by the “2 particular person” label discovered on most backpacker meal packages – I can simply eat a two-person backpacker meal on my own after a protracted day of mountaineering.

Nevertheless, it’s equally essential to not overpack meals, as this provides further weight to your pack (meals is likely one of the heaviest belongings you’ll carry!) and may make your journey extra strenuous. Earlier than you allow in your journey, lay out your meals and snacks to get an concept of how a lot meals you’re bringing.

5. Not Checking The Climate Forecast

Failing to verify the climate can result in a completely depressing expertise at finest, or at worst, a doubtlessly harmful one. At all times verify the climate forecast earlier than heading out on the path, or higher but, name the closest ranger station to get probably the most up-to-date info.

• If there’s an opportunity of rain, having a light-weight rain jacket and rain pants is essential to maintain you dry and stop hypothermia. With climate being unpredictable within the mountains, I’d say packing these things is often a should.

It’s essential to analysis your vacation spot totally and perceive what climate and situations you might encounter to make sure you pack appropriately and are ready for a secure and pleasant journey.

6. Sporting Improper Footwear

Nothing can reduce a visit quick quicker than painful, blistered ft. Sporting brand-new mountaineering boots in your journey with out breaking them in first can result in discomfort and blisters, so it’s important to put on them on some hikes forward of your journey.

In the course of the break-in interval, take note of any “scorching spots” the place your boot could also be rubbing as that is the place blisters are more likely to kind. Be certain to put on thick mountaineering socks (I’m keen on Darn Powerful) and convey alongside some bandaids or moleskin to handle these scorching spots earlier than they turn out to be a problem.

Sporting mountaineering boots or footwear which are too small can also be a typical newbie mountaineering mistake. Your ft swell when mountaineering, particularly in heat climate, so that you’ll wish to be sure to have a bit of bit of additional area in these boots with out having a lot area that you simply slide round. I like to recommend making an attempt in your mountaineering boots with a pair of thick mountaineering socks and ensuring they don’t really feel tight if you stroll round.

I’ve been sporting Oboz mountaineering boots for years and so they have by no means let me down – my favourite pair for backpacking are the Oboz Bridger B Dry Mountaineering Boots. They’re comfy, supportive, and waterproof so I really feel assured mountaineering in any terrain.

You must also go for good high quality mountaineering socks, like Darn Powerful (which have a lifetime assure!), as an alternative of cotton ones, as they wick away moisture and assist forestall blisters.

After a protracted day of mountaineering, you’ll wish to give your ft a break by switching to light-weight camp footwear just like the Teva Path Common Sandal (that are additionally nice for water crossings!). However keep away from heavy sandals or footwear which add pointless weight to your pack.

7. Not Carrying Sufficient Water

A essential newbie backpacker mistake shouldn’t be carrying enough water. Dehydration is usually a critical situation whereas backpacking, resulting in decreased power, complications, or in extreme circumstances, heatstroke.

As a common guideline, I like to recommend carrying no less than 2 liters of water. If you realize you’ll be surrounded by water sources (and don’t thoughts stopping to refill typically), you will get away with much less. In case you’re backpacking in scorching climate or climates the place water isn’t simply accessible, plan to hold 3-4 liters.

I carry 2-3 of those light-weight 1L water bottles when backpacking. They’re excellent for carrying further water for longer, drier stretches of the path and so they’re additionally nice if you wish to add electrolytes to your water. Once you’re not utilizing these water bottles, they simply roll up and take up nearly no room in your pack.

You’ll additionally want a dependable methodology of water purification, and when attainable, choose campsites which have a water supply close by so you possibly can simply filter water for cooking too.

My favourite water filter is the Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System as a result of it’s really easy to make use of. Moderately than pumping water and getting a bicep exercise, you possibly can sit again and calm down, letting gravity do the work.

8. Not Utilizing Trekking Poles

Trekking poles might sound pointless and even nerdy at first look, however the utility they supply on the path is substantial. Trekking poles scale back the impression in your knees and assist evenly distribute your weight, particularly throughout descents, which can assist you scale back the impression in your joints and stop accidents.

Additionally they present stability on the path when crossing uneven terrain or navigating stream crossings, particularly because you’re carrying a heavy load in your again that may simply knock you off steadiness. When you attempt backpacking with trekking poles, you’ll by no means return.

In case you’re on the lookout for a pair, these Black Diamond Path Again trekking poles are an important choose – they’re light-weight, pack down small, and are adjustable in order that they’ll match almost any measurement, plus they’re budget-friendly besides.

9. Not Doing Sufficient Analysis & Planning

Totally understanding the path you’re about to sort out is a necessary a part of secure and profitable backpacking – and one that’s typically missed by newbie backpackers.

First, make sure to lookup allow necessities and any laws for the realm – many well-liked backpacking trails require permits that go on sale as much as a 12 months upfront. You’d hate to plan your journey and present up on the trailhead solely to understand you want a allow! Study extra about the way to plan a backpacking journey right here.

Subsequent, make sure to learn up on present path situations and potential obstacles to make sure a secure backpacking journey. For instance, there should still be snow on the path (as I described in my story earlier) or hazards like fallen timber. To do that, search for current critiques (you should utilize an app like AllTrails for this), and if there’s any uncertainty, name the native ranger station to get probably the most up-to-date info on path standing and security issues.

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10. Not Bringing Maps & Making ready to be With out Service

Figuring out the way to keep away from getting misplaced is crucial security tip for any backpacker. It is best to 1) all the time obtain an offline map of the path utilizing your favourite mountaineering app, 2) carry a paper map as a backup, and three) take into account investing in a navigation/communication system like a Garmin InReach Mini, particularly for those who’re heading right into a distant space with out cell service.

11. Not Charging Your Electronics

Think about establishing camp the primary night time and realizing you forgot to cost your headlamp or swap out the batteries. Or hitting the path and realizing you didn’t absolutely cost your telephone or GPS system that you simply plan on utilizing for navigation.

Be sure you cost all your electronics together with your headlamp, telephone, GPS system (just like the Garmin Mini inReach we use), digital camera, and every other units it is advisable to deliver alongside.

This BioLite headlamp lasted us 6 days and 5 nights on a backpacking journey in Sequoia Nationwide Park on one cost.

In case you assume you’ll want extra energy, deliver a small transportable battery pack like this BioLite Cost 20 Energy Financial institution.

12. Planning an Overambitious Route

Efficient journey planning includes being life like about your mountaineering talents. Overestimating how far you possibly can hike every day can result in exhaustion, harm, or being stranded after darkish.

It’s higher to plan for a low-mileage, beginner-friendly path in your first backpacking journey and deal with it as a “shakedown” journey to get you ready for more durable and longer-mileage journeys.

To your first journey, I counsel an in a single day. Choosing a one-night journey is a good choice as a result of it lets you gauge your consolation degree and skills and take a look at your gear with out over-committing to an extended stint within the wilderness.

It additionally offers a manageable introduction to carrying your gear, establishing camp, and cooking outdoor with out overwhelming you with too many logistics.

In search of a beginner-friendly path? Listed here are a couple of of our favorites:

13. Not Researching Wildlife Forward of Time

In the case of backpacking, one frequent newbie backpacking mistake is failing to be correctly bear and wildlife conscious. Figuring out the native wildlife shouldn’t be solely essential in your personal security but additionally for the well-being of the animals you might encounter alongside the way in which.

In bear nation, it’s important to know the right strategies for storing meals. Most locations require you to use a bear canister or bear luggage to safe your meals.

Bear in mind, totally different areas could have particular necessities and tips, so it’s important to do your homework and familiarize your self with the wildlife laws earlier than your journey.

Nevertheless, bears aren’t the one wildlife you ought to be conscious of. Relying on the area you’re backpacking in, you might encounter different animals like rattlesnakes, marmots, or different critters.

It’s essential to teach your self about these native inhabitants and learn to work together with them safely. For instance, at Havasu Falls, a bear canister or hanging your meals is now required as a result of squirrels and different critters will chew by way of your tent and backpack to entry meals. That really occurred to us the primary time we went to Havasu Falls. We put our packs right down to go for a swim, solely to come back again to discover a rodent had gotten into our lunch.

14. Not Following Go away No Hint Ideas

It’s essential for ALL backpackers (not simply novices!) to brush up on the 7 Go away No Hint Ideas earlier than heading into the backcountry. These ideas are a set of tips that encourage sustainable and respectful out of doors practices designed to reduce human impression on the pure setting.

They cowl every little thing from correctly pooping outdoor and respecting wildlife to how to decide on a campsite. Ignorance or disregard of those ideas can result in littered trails, broken vegetation, wildlife habituated to human meals, and diminished experiences for future backpackers (or may even result in trails getting shut down).

Not being conscious of or failing to stick to Go away No Hint could cause vital hurt to the attractive landscapes all of us take pleasure in. Subsequently, it’s essential for all backpackers, novice or skilled, to familiarize themselves with and decide to LNT ideas earlier than embarking on their adventures, to make sure that our wild locations stay pristine for generations to come back.

15. Forgetting Emergency Provides & Security Plans

Within the midst of the joy of planning your first backpacking journey, don’t overlook an essential element of your planning: packing emergency provides and creating a security plan.

In the case of backpacking, carrying important emergency provides may be the distinction between a brief setback and a harmful state of affairs. One such must-have security merchandise is a lighter or waterproof matches.

Fireplace can serve a number of functions on the path, from offering heat and cooking meals to being a supply of sunshine and a sign for assist if the necessity arises. It’s a small device that may make a big distinction in difficult circumstances.

Subsequent, let’s speak about navigation instruments. Even within the period of GPS and smartphone apps, a standard compass and bodily map of your mountaineering space stay indispensable. They don’t depend on battery life or sign energy and could possibly be your lifeline in sustaining course and reaching security for those who veer off the marked trails. It’s an old-school method, sure, however one which has saved many seasoned hikers in probably the most unpredictable conditions.

Lastly, a well-stocked first assist equipment ought to have its personal particular place in your backpack. Bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and ache relievers are only the start. Bear in mind, minor accidents can escalate shortly within the wilderness, and rapid care can forestall a manageable state of affairs from turning into a sophisticated one.

One other essential step we strongly suggest is leaving your backpacking plans with a trusted buddy or member of the family. Sharing particulars reminiscent of your meant route, potential campsites, and estimated return time could make a big distinction in making certain your security. This observe isn’t only for novices—it applies to all backpackers. By doing so, you identify an extra layer of safety and peace of thoughts, understanding that somebody is conscious of your whereabouts.

Don’t let these precautions daunt you, although! As you turn out to be extra accustomed to backpacking, you’ll discover that these preparations turn out to be second nature. They’ll serve to reinforce your expertise, not detract from it.

Bear in mind, the objective is to completely immerse your self in the fantastic thing about the outside, safe within the information that you simply’re ready for any eventuality. And belief me, with the appropriate prep, you’re in for a completely unforgettable journey!

What newbie backpacking errors do you will have questions on? Are there any others you possibly can consider? Go away us a remark under!

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