Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

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

Don't make these 5 hiking pack mistakes

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

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. 

Recommended Videos

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.

Related

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!

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…
Camping tips: How to dry your hiking shoes fast after a rainy day on the trail
How to dry your camping shoes overnight
Man wearing yellow jacket and backpack hiking or rucking in forest or woods with tall trees

If you've been hiking for any length of time, chances are you've encountered a bit of rain or a mud puddle here or there. Sometimes, trails can seem like downright swamps, especially in the Seattle area, where it rains for much of the year. As an avid hiker in the Seattle area, wet hiking shoes are the norm here. There are several different ways to combat this, especially when you need to have your hiking shoes in top shape by morning. Here's how to dry your hiking shoes overnight while camping.
How to dry your wet hiking shoes overnight

Dry them by the campfire
One of the best ways to dry shoes is by using the heat from your campfire if fires are allowed at your campsite. This can be done safely if you place them near but not too close to your fire. Remove the insoles and let them air out naturally.

Read more
Should hiking shoes be bigger? A guide to finding the perfect fit
How upsizing your hiking shoe can enhance your adventures
Man wearing Merrell hiking boots in nature

Getting a new pair of hiking shoes is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a trip. I usually wear mine to shreds before thinking of a new pair, and by the end of it all, finding a new pair is like making friends. To me, new hiking shoes represent numerous potential adventures, from the everglades to the snowy peaks of Mount Rainier. A well-fitting hiking shoe can mean the difference between an amazing outdoor adventure and a miserable one, so it's best to be selective. After you've found your new best friends, one of the biggest questions that might cross your mind is: should hiking shoes be bigger than my sneakers? Sizing up could be a great idea in certain situations, so here's everything you need to weigh the pros and cons.
Why some hikers choose bigger shoes

Fit is super important, so in a nutshell, you'll want to pick a pair of hiking shoes that are not too big or too small. Poorly fitted shoes can cause all kinds of problems, like blisters, black toenails, and foot fatigue. A snug, fit will enhance your stability so that you can cover more ground in comfort.

Read more
Why you should swap hiking boots for trail runners on your next adventure
Say goodbye to your hiking boots. Here's a better option
Man running on a trail with mountains in the background

For decades, hiking boots have been the go-to shoe for every kind of trail, but modern hikers are beginning to change that. If you've ever worn heavy leather hiking boots on a trip before, you're probably familiar with the blisters, sweaty feet, and sore legs that often come with the journey. While getting out in nature was always the best part of my week, I swapped my heavy hiking boots for some lightweight trail runners last year, and it was the best decision I ever made. Here's why.
Why you should ditch your hiking boots for trail runners

Trail running shoes are a middle ground between sneakers and hiking boots. They're sturdy, but still lightweight enough to reduce strain on your legs as you hike. Most hiking boots have stiff soles, but trail runners will allow you to navigate uneven terrain easily due to the flexible soles. These are great for long-distance hikes, especially where speed and efficiency matter. I also love the fact that trail runners have quick-drying and water-resistant mesh, which allows sweat to evaporate easily for a more comfortable journey (and less stinky shoes!)

Read more