Learning the Hard Way: My Own Hiking Mistakes
When I was a kid, my dad made sure we were prepared for every hike. He didn’t care about brands, but he cared about the essentials—proper shoes, a map, a compass, snacks, and a good backpack. Thanks to him, I grew up confident on the trails. But when I went on my first big trek on my own, I still made mistakes. From overpacking unnecessary gear to underestimating the weather, I learned the hard way that hiking isn’t just about walking—it’s about being prepared in the right way.
Beginners often get discouraged because they run into problems that could have been avoided. So, let’s talk about the most common hiking mistakes and how to prevent them, so you can hit the trail with confidence.
1. Overpacking (or Underpacking)
The Mistake: Bringing way too much—or not enough. Many new hikers panic and pack their entire house, making their backpack unbearably heavy. Others, on the flip side, pack too lightly and miss essential safety gear.
The Fix: Stick to the essentials: proper clothing, food, water, a basic first-aid kit, navigation tools, and weather-appropriate gear. If you’re unsure, lay out everything you think you need, then cut it down by 20%.
Before you decide which backpack buy or take on your first hike, read my article.
2. Wearing the Wrong Shoes
The Mistake: Thinking any sneakers will do. Blisters, sore feet, and a lack of grip on rocky trails are all signs of poor footwear choices.
The Fix: Invest in proper hiking shoes or boots. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be comfortable, weather-appropriate, and already broken in before your first real hike.
3. Ignoring the Weather
The Mistake: Checking the forecast after you’ve already left—or not at all. Weather can turn quickly, and being unprepared can lead to miserable (or dangerous) conditions.
The Fix: Always check the weather before heading out. Carry layers, even if it looks sunny. A lightweight rain jacket can be a lifesaver.
4. Not Bringing Enough Water
The Mistake: Thinking one small bottle is enough for a multi-hour hike. Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially in warm weather.
The Fix: Carry at least half a liter per hour of hiking, and consider a hydration pack for longer treks. If you’re hiking longer distances, bring a water filter for refills.
5. Skipping the Map and Relying Only on Your Phone
The Mistake: Assuming your phone’s GPS will work everywhere. Batteries die, and reception can be unreliable in the mountains.
The Fix: Always carry a physical map or download offline maps. Learning how to use a basic compass is a bonus skill that could save you in an emergency.
6. Not Telling Anyone Your Plan
The Mistake: Heading out solo or with a group without letting anyone know where you’re going. If something goes wrong, no one will know where to find you.
The Fix: Always inform a friend or family member of your hiking route and estimated return time. If you’re solo hiking, consider a personal locator beacon for added safety.
7. Starting Too Late in the Day
The Mistake: Underestimating how long the hike will take and getting caught in the dark.
The Fix: Start early, especially for longer trails. Carry a headlamp just in case.
8. Not Fueling Your Body Properly
The Mistake: Either skipping meals before hiking or forgetting to bring high-energy snacks.
The Fix: Eat a balanced meal before heading out and bring trail-friendly snacks like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruit to keep your energy up.
9. Ignoring Trail Etiquette
The Mistake: Blasting music, leaving trash behind, or not yielding to uphill hikers.
The Fix: Respect nature and fellow hikers. Keep noise levels down, pack out all trash, and be mindful of right-of-way rules on the trail.
10. Pushing Yourself Too Hard
The Mistake: Thinking you need to conquer the toughest trail right away. Exhaustion, injuries, and frustration can ruin the experience.
The Fix: Choose trails that match your fitness level. It’s better to finish an easier hike feeling great than to struggle through one that’s too advanced.
Final Thoughts: Learn and Enjoy the Journey
Mistakes happen—we all make them. But each one is a learning experience. The key is to prepare smartly, listen to your body, and enjoy the process. Hiking is about exploration and connection with nature, not about being perfect.
So, which of these mistakes have you made? Or do you have a funny hiking fail story? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
To make your hike preparations even smoother, grab one of my hiking journals – available on Amazon! [Click here and choose your favorite.] They’ll take your hiking experience to the next level!
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