Hiking in the wilderness: what to take with you and how to avoid common mistakes

Before you go backpacking in the wilderness, you need to prepare carefully. After spending many weeks in the windows of sporting goods supermarkets, you may choose something that is not what you need in the wild.

The article by TravelandLeisure explains what mistakes to avoid during your first hike. In the article, experts suggest arming yourself with proven gear so that you don't get sick during the hike and your legs don't suffer from unnecessary equipment.

Typical mistakes of beginners going on a hike

1. Choosing the wrong path

Prepare for your first wilderness hike by starting with a shorter route. Experts advise to cover half of the usual distance, especially if you are new to such adventures. For example, the general manager of Intrepid DMC in Peru, Fernando Rodriguez, suggests starting with a four-day hike, such as the Inca Trail in Peru or Torres del Paine in Chile. Please note that overnight trips may require additional equipment, so it's best to be prepared. This will help you not only to successfully overcome the first challenge, but also to feel the desire to return to this interesting experience.

2. Not training in advance

Preparing for a hike requires the same seriousness as preparing for a marathon, experts say. Lee Thompson, co-founder of Flash Pack and marketing director at T+L, warns: "You wouldn't run a marathon without training, and you shouldn't go hiking without thorough preparation."

Andy Cronin, REI Adventure Travel Program Manager for North America, also emphasizes the importance of training in real-world conditions: "Walking a trail with a backpack on your back over uneven terrain in different climates is the best way to prepare for a multi-day adventure." Don't forget to stay fit to fully enjoy your hike.

3. Forgetting to check your equipment

Avoid the most common mistake, Hatch warns: "Using untested equipment is the biggest mistake I've ever seen." Before a long hike, take a few short hikes with your overnight gear - this will allow your hips to get used to the weight of the backpack, but also teach you how to pack your gear properly for comfortable carrying.

The expert also advises to test the raincoat in the shower, emphasizing the importance of staying dry. Jennifer Farr Davis, founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Company, adds: "Practice setting up your tent, using your camp stove, and filtering your water at home before you face it on the trail."

Careful preparation of equipment and its use is the key to a successful adventure.

4. Wearing new boots

One of the key points that beginners often miss is the right choice of footwear. Matt Stevenson, an experienced outdoor enthusiast from Inns of Aurora, emphasizes: "Almost any seasoned outdoorsman will tell you that the most important thing before you travel is your feet."

He advises to measure your feet properly and buy hiking boots half a size too big to allow room for extra socks and to ensure your feet are warm and dry. "Wear the boots with the socks you intend to use on the hike for a day or two," he adds. "After making sure they are comfortable and fit your foot, you can apply any oil of your choice to them. Nothing will ruin a hike as quickly as blisters."

It's also important to break in your boots thoroughly before a hike. Jennifer Farr Davis recommends walking at least 30 miles in them to make sure your socks are well absorbent.

5. Clothes for one climate

When preparing for a hike in the mountains, consider the variability of the weather. Matt Thompson, a seasoned traveler with Flash Pack, gently reminds us that the weather can change suddenly, as it did during his climb of Rainbow Mountain in Peru. At an altitude of 17,060 feet, the group was suddenly covered by 30 minutes of snow, making the hike difficult and requiring quick drying and heating.

An important point was the organization of the camp and the preparation of warm food, which was a salvation in such conditions.

Dan Oberlatz, owner of Alaska Alpine Adventures, also emphasizes the importance of adapting to the changing temperature during a hike. He advises to avoid changing clothes at the beginning of the route and prefers to start with light frozen clothes, knowing that physical activity will quickly warm them up. You should also use a raincoat only when necessary, depending on the condition of your clothes.

Oberlatz shares his approach: "I use my shoulders as an indicator. As soon as they get wet, I stop and put on a raincoat." These simple but effective strategies will help you overcome the changing weather in the mountains and keep you comfortable during your adventure.

6. Too little water

Determining the right amount of water for a hike can be a challenge. Adventure travel expert, Cronin, recommends relying on a good rule of thumb: one liter of water for every five miles, except in very warm weather when the need for hydration can increase significantly.

It's important to remember that water adds weight, so planning is key. Matt Stevenson emphasizes the importance of preventing dehydration while hiking and recommends constantly looking for water sources along the way.

"Boiling water, using a LifeStraw, or knowing other methods of getting water on the go can significantly reduce the weight of your gear," he adds.

7. Repacking

Experts agree: the weight of your backpack plays an important role in a comfortable hike. Dan Oberlatz reminds us: "Ounces add up to pounds," emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the weight of each item in your backpack. Jennifer Farr Davis suggests a formula for not overloading yourself: do not exceed 25% of your body weight in equipment.

Eliza Hatch calls for practicality, emphasizing that, with the exception of dry and clean socks and underwear, there is no need for excessive changes of clothing.

Matt Stevenson keeps everything to the bare minimum: a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, cooking utensils, flashlight, and fire starting equipment.

8. Route depending on the phone

When planning a hike, don't forget about reliable navigation. Lee Thompson warns about the rapid discharge of a smartphone battery, especially in cold and wet weather, and recommends taking a spare solar charger with you.

Elisa Hatch prefers low-tech solutions: "Take a waterproof route map. If you only have a paper version, fold the map so that you can see the desired area and put it in a transparent waterproof bag." Dan Oberlatz supports taking into account visual clues and landmarks, advising "to understand where you are physically in relation to the landscape." Therefore, in addition to modern gadgets, it is important to have traditional means of navigation to ensure successful and safe movement in the hike.

9. Being unprepared for emergencies

Before you start your hike, don't forget to share your plans with someone at home and provide means of communication, emphasizes Andy Cronin. Use modern technology, such as GPS devices and personal beacons, but also don't forget a whistle or mirror.

Lee Thompson suggested using the What 3 Words app, which allows you to pinpoint your exact location by saying just three words.

Matt Stevenson emphasizes the importance of learning to survive and be prepared for different situations: "Survival starts with a home plan." He encourages spending time exploring the area, learning which berries can be eaten and which plants can be used in different situations, such as for food or first aid.

10. Lack of understanding of the rules of the road

Familiarize yourself with the signs you may encounter on the road. In the standard signage system, one rectangle indicates going forward, two rectangles indicate turning toward the top of the field, and three indicate the beginning of the trail with one rectangle at the top or the end of the trail with one rectangle at the bottom.

Even if you're hiking in a group, obeying the guide's rules is key. Fernando Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of respectful behavior, especially when the route passes through local communities. "Be respectful, don't give children anything, and stay friendly - you're passing through their home." These simple rules will help you not only successfully follow the route, but also maintain harmony with others.

11. Not taking garbage bags with you

Before you start your first hike, it's important to bring trash bags with you. Don't even leave behind orange peels or a new campfire ring at the campsite. These small acts can be harmful to the environment. Remember to leave nature as you found it.

12. Anxiety about the upcoming trip

One of the key rules for a fulfilling trip is to let go of planning and enjoy the moment, advises Fernando Rodriguez. "Make sure you enjoy the scenery," he emphasizes. Take your time and don't worry if you get lost. Take a break, look back and consider your journey - never focus only on what's ahead. It's a mind game aimed at making you feel better. "Trekking is not just moving, it's a real journey."

Approach trekking as an opportunity to enjoy every moment, perceive it as a unique experience, and your memories will be filled with vivid and unique impressions.