Skip to main content

Don’t make these 5 mistakes when packing your hiking pack

Don't make these 5 hiking pack mistakes

A hiker carrying his hiking pack and gear.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lace up your boots, grab your hiking pack, and get ready for an adventure! Hiking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, get some exercise, and maybe even spot a wild animal or two. But before you hit the trails, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to packing your bag. 

Keep reading to discover the top 5 hiking mistakes you should steer clear of for a successful trek.

A man hiking with gorgeous lake view
Unsplash

Don’t forget essential items

When preparing for a hiking trip, it’s important not to forget any essential items. Since excitement can sometimes lead to forgetfulness, it’s best to make a list of all the gear you’ll need. Start by gathering all of your essential gear, including backpacks for hiking, proper footwear, appropriate clothing, food, water, and a first aid kit. Once you have everything you need, double-check your list to ensure that you haven’t forgotten anything important.

Recommended Videos

man hiking 10 miles.

Check your gear before the trip

Before packing, check all your gear to make sure it’s in good condition. Broken or damaged equipment can make your trip uncomfortable and even dangerous, so don’t make this mistake! Fix any rips, fraying laces, or buckles to ensure a safe trip. This is also a great time to re-evaluate your gear and figure out which things you actually use and which can be left at home. 

Man hiking on a trail with small girl.
Juliane Liebermann/Unsplash

Don’t overpack your bag

After that, it’s time to tetris everything in! But don’t be too hasty. While it’s tempting to bring some comforts of home, luxury items can add unnecessary weight. Overpacking your bag can make the hike more challenging than it needs to be, so think critically about each item you bring and leave the non-essentials at home. 

warm weather hiking clothes.
stokpic / Pixabay

Distribute items by weight

The last thing you want is to be climbing up a boulder, only to lose your balance because you’ve placed all of your heavy items to one side of your bag. To ensure a safe hiking trip, distribute the weight as evenly as possible by placing heavy items in the middle, and lighter items to the sides. If possible, avoid placing your heavy items on top of lighter ones. This could make you top-heavy and could cause discomfort or even injury. 

Person pouring coffee from a thermos on a hiking trail.
Annie Spratt / Unsplash

Pack your must-haves in an accessible place

Hey there, fellow adventurer! When you’re packing for a hiking trip, it’s important to keep your must-have items in an easily accessible place. Things like snacks or a first aid kit can come in handy when you need them quickly, so it’s best to pack them in a convenient location within your backpack, such as a waist belt pouch. Trust me, it’s not fun rummaging through your entire backpack when you’re in a hurry or an emergency situation! 

There’s a lot that goes into packing a hiking backpack, but if you avoid these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth adventure. Just remember to use your best judgment and learn as you go. Double check your gear, leave non-essentials at home, and keep your must–haves at hand, and you’re sure to have an stress-free and safe hiking trip. Have a blast on your adventure!

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Don’t make these mistakes when visiting the Smoky Mountains in October
You won't want to miss the Smoky Mountains in October
Great Smoky Mountains in October

October is one of the most magical times at Smoky Mountains National Park, and it's right around the corner! If you've never been to the Smoky Mountains during this time, it can be daunting to plan your trip and prepare everything properly. Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Smoky Mountains in October, as well as some common mistakes that people make while at the park.
Here's what you need to know about the Smoky Mountains in October

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, and it's known for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes in October. Since it's home to many kinds of trees, such as maple, birch, and oak, the Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most well-loved places around the country for leaf peeping.

Read more
Packing for the weather: The hiking gear you need for different climates
Don't let ice or desert conditions ruin your hike. Here's what to pack to stay safe and comfortable
Weather with sun and clouds

If you have a good pair of hiking boots and woolen socks, you’re ready to hike — mostly. You know how cold or hot it might get in your region, how much rain you might expect, and how hard the sun is going to beat down on you.

These considerations are even more important when hiking in other regions. The weather in Florida is hot and humid, while the weather in New Mexico will be hot, dry, and maybe colder at night. Taking to the trails in the Pacific Northwest means staying warm and dry in the temperate rainforest, while hiking Wisconsin’s Ice Age trail means bundling up no matter what season you go.

Read more
Enjoy these spectacular Appalachian Trail hikes this fall
The best spots to hike on this well-known trail in autumn
Male hiker walks along cliff with view on Appalachian Trail, Maine.

Stretching for 2,193 miles from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail threads some of the East Coast’s wildest spaces -- and each year, millions of people hike at least a portion of the trail (and approximately 1,000 people manage to hike the entire length).

During the fall, the epic footpath is a portal to some spectacular leaf-peeping spots. In fact, fall is one of the best times to hike the Appalachian Trail, as the lush green of the forest turns into a riot of autumn colors. Here are just a few of the best fall Appalachian Trail hikes for leaf peepers to enjoy the best foliage this autumn.
Mount Greylock, Massachusetts

Read more