Stepping onto a trail for your first overnight backpacking trip is an exciting experience filled with the promise of stunning views and a newfound sense of self-reliance. However, if you’re going out on your first trekking adventure as a backpacker, there’s going to be moments where you make mistakes. These errors can turn fun trips into difficult slogs that leave you feeling overwhelmed, so it’s important to manage them properly.
Most of these mistakes are easily avoidable with a little planning and without the right information. That’s why it’s always important to conduct thorough research about the destination you’re traveling to and the ways you can make sure everything goes to plan with your adventure.
This article will walk you through the most common pitfalls that plague new backpackers, from overpacking your bag with unnecessary items to underestimating the amount of water you need. Continue reading to learn how you can streamline your backpacking journey.
Top Mistakes New Backpackers Make When Trekking and How To Avoid Them
Overpacking While Backpacking
Taking too much with you on your backpacking trip can be detrimental, as it can be a pain to carry around large amounts of belongings and can impact how much you enjoy your experience. Carrying around 20-30+ pounds on your back is optimal and this is tough enough without adding unnecessary gear. There’s several things that you can easily cut out if your load is getting too much, such as full-sized toiletries, large speakers and excessive cables. You should also leave behind cigarettes that can take up a lot of space and take something smaller and healthier like nicopods instead.
Underpacking While Backpacking
A lack of packing can also be bad for your backpacking experience, as you might miss out on essential items that can help you out in specific situations. Relying solely on a phone's GPS is a common mistake, as technology can fail at any moment. Underpacking might mean you leave the physical map and compass at home, leaving you stranded if your phone's battery dies or you lose service. Not packing enough food or water could also result in disaster, as it might be a long walk until the next place you can replenish your stocks.
Wearing The Wrong Clothing While Backpacking
You shouldn’t worry about wearing fashionable clothes while you backpack. It’s far more important to stay safe and wear clothing that will keep you protected against all types of hiking landscapes. You should avoid cotton, as it traps in moisture and doesn’t dry out quickly so you could end up being more heavy while walking. Footwear is arguably the most important piece of clothing for backpacking. You should avoid wearing sandals or pumps and choose something that’s designed for walking instead.
Not Testing Gear Before Backpacking
You should always test out your gear before you leave on your backpacking trip to ensure that it’s all working properly without any problems. The last thing you want is for something to fail while you’re ascending a mountain. If you’re staying in tents during your travels, you should practice erecting it at home before you go to make sure you can do it properly and that it’s not got too much wear and tear.
Not Checking Weather Forecast Before Backpacking
The weather can make or break your experience. Failing to check the weather can lead to a miserable experience and even a dangerous one. Always check the weather forecast before heading out or call the closest ranger station to get the most up-to-date and accurate information. While you might want to hear that the sun will be beaming down on you during your trip, you also need to plan for this by packing sunscreen and wearing a hat or sunglasses.
Not Budgeting
Creating a budget is one of the most important steps you can take before a backpacking trip, especially when you think about all the things you need to purchase including gear, transportation, food, accommodation and activities. Without a budget, it's easy to overspend and go over the average backpacker cost, only to realise that you don't have enough money to complete your trip. This can leave you in a bad place when you don’t have the appropriate funding.
Not Using Trekking Poles
You’ll be doing a lot of walking during your backpacking adventure. Thinking that you can do this without trekking poles is a common mistake and you might learn to regret it once you get to points in your trip when you need them. They lessen the strain on your knees and aid in distributing your weight evenly, particularly when descending, which can lessen joint stress and help you to avoid injuries.
Planning an Overambitious Route
Overambitious route planning is a common and significant mistake for new backpackers. If you plan a backpacking trip that has a long distance to walk, it could lead to exhaustion or injury. It could increase the chance of injury, as you might be walking around more than what you can handle. There’s plenty of beginner-friendly trails around the world that are perfect for novice backpackers with places like Poland and Belgium being good for beginners.
Final Thoughts on Mistakes New Backpackers Make While Trekking
Taking the time to educate yourself and make conscious choices before and during your trip will help you to be well-equipped to handle the unexpected. Remember that the best adventures are those you prepare for, ensuring that your focus remains on the breathtaking scenery and self-discovery, not on preventable problems.
WRITTEN BY
After completing a University degree in Journalism, Darcy Fowler has dedicated a lot of time to travelling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures. Darcy is determined to provide interesting and insightful content with the hope of inspiring others.