50 Beginner Backpacking Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)
Your complete trail-tested guide from the team at Hilltop Packs
Backpacking is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the outdoors—but if you're new to it, you’re bound to make a few mistakes along the way. The good news? Most of them are easy to avoid with the right knowledge and gear.
At Hilltop Packs, we’ve outfitted thousands of hikers, and we’ve seen just about every trail misstep out there. So we put together this ultimate list of 50 common backpacking mistakes—and how to fix them.
Whether you're prepping for your first overnight or gearing up for a long-distance trek, this guide will help you hike smarter, lighter, and safer.
🧭 Planning & Navigation Mistakes
1. Not researching the trail
Don’t assume all 10-mile hikes are the same—check elevation, terrain, and water sources.
2. Relying only on cell service
Bring offline maps and a compass. Better yet? A satellite communicator.
3. Not telling anyone your itinerary
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
4. Skipping a shakedown hike
Test your gear on a local overnight before heading deep into the backcountry.
5. Underestimating the time needed
Backpacking is slower than day hiking. Factor in breaks, setup time, and elevation gain.
🎒 Packing Mistakes
6. Overpacking gear “just in case”
If it’s not essential or multi-use, leave it at home.
7. Carrying a heavy, bulky pack
Your pack should be tailored for your body—and your trip. Some packs weight A LOT more than others. Do some research.
8. Bringing too many clothes
You don’t need a fresh outfit for every day. Stick to layers and rewear.
9. Skipping the 10 Essentials
Always carry navigation tools, first aid, emergency shelter, and fire starters.
10. Not waterproofing gear
Use Dyneema, and D50T stuff sacks or pack liners to protect your gear from unexpected rain.
🧦 Clothing Mistakes
11. Wearing cotton
Cotton holds moisture and leads to hypothermia. Choose synthetic or merino wool.
12. Not layering properly
Base, insulation, and shell layers are essential—even in summer.
13. Forgetting rain gear
A sudden downpour without a rain jacket? Not fun.
14. Hiking in heavy boots
Trail runners are often better for long distances.
15. Not breaking in shoes
Brand new footwear = guaranteed blisters.
💧 Food & Water Mistakes
16. Not filtering water
Even clear mountain streams can carry bacteria—always use a water filter.
17. Overpacking food
Plan your meals and count calories. Don’t carry an extra 5 pounds “just in case.”
18. Underpacking food
Running out of food on the trail is dangerous—track your needs.
19. No snacks for energy
Quick fuel like nuts, jerky, or trail mix is essential for energy.
20. Poor food storage
Store your food in the Food Bags or Food Canisters. Follow local guidlines on this tpoic.
✅ Try This: Use a Hilltop Packs bear bag system and learn to hang it properly.
🏕 Shelter & Sleep Mistakes
21. Bringing a car-camping tent
Too heavy and bulky. Choose a tent or tarp designed for backpacking.
22. Not testing your tent setup at home
Practice first to avoid surprises in the dark or rain.
23. Forgetting stakes or guy lines
Double-check your shelter setup before leaving.
24. Using a cheap sleeping pad
Cold sleep = miserable hike. Invest in an insulated pad.
25. Skipping a groundsheet in harsh conditions
Not always needed but it harsh conditions this can protect your tent
🔥 Camp & Safety Mistakes
26. Skipping first aid supplies
Even basic kits with tape and gauze can be a lifesaver.
27. Not carrying a firestarter
Lighters can fail—bring waterproof matches or a ferro rod.
28. Not knowing Leave No Trace
Respect the outdoors. Pack it in, pack it out, and leave nature better than you found it.
29. Improper bathroom setup
Don’t bury waste too shallow. Dig 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water.
30. Leaving trash behind
Pack out everything.
🧠 Mental & Physical Mistakes
31. Starting too fast
Ease into miles to avoid injury and burnout.
32. Comparing yourself to others
Hike your own hike. Everyone’s pace and style is different.
33. Ignoring your body
Pain = warning sign. Rest, hydrate, and listen to your limits.
34. Forgetting to stretch
Stretch before and after hiking to reduce soreness.
35. Not taking breaks
Short, frequent breaks help avoid fatigue and blisters.
📸 Experience Mistakes
36. Not taking photos or notes
You’ll want to remember your first trip—even the tough parts.
37. Leaving the map buried in your pack
Keep navigation tools accessible and check regularly.
38. Skipping sunrise or sunset
These quiet trail moments are what backpacking is all about.
39. Not practicing gratitude
Slow down. Appreciate the views. Say hi to fellow hikers.
40. Failing to adapt
Things will go wrong. Flexibility is key to success.
🛠 Gear-Specific Mistakes
41. Using a non-backpacking specific ultralight stove
Compact, efficient stoves save weight and fuel.
42. Not checking batteries before you leave
Bring extra batteries, a battery bank or least a backup light.
43. Skipping a gear list
Packing lists help prevent costly forgetfulness.
44. Not securing gear properly
Loose gear = lost gear.
45. Buying cheap gear that won’t last
Invest once. Cry once. Choose high-quality, trail-tested gear.
💡 Beginner Mindset Mistakes
46. Expecting everything to go perfectly
It won’t—and that’s part of the adventure.
47. Not asking for advice
Online forums, outfitters, and fellow hikers are full of great tips.
48. Planning too much
Leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries.
49. Ignoring the weather changes
Mountain weather changes fast—be ready.
50. Thinking you have to know it all
Backpacking is a lifelong learning experience. Every trip teaches you something new.
🎒 Final Thoughts from Hilltop Packs
Starting something new like backpacking can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Avoiding these 50 common mistakes will help you stay safe, lighten your load, and actually enjoy the journey. And remember: every experienced hiker was once a beginner.
Need help getting dialed in? Check out our full line of ultralight backpacking gear, all handmade with pride in Waynesburg, PA.
➡️ Explore gear: hilltoppacks.com
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