10 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid On Your First Multi Day Hiking Trip
Majestic mountain ranges, serene forest trails, and the thrill of conquering peaks—hiking trips are an incredible way to connect with nature and challenge yourself. But don’t let simple missteps turn your adventure into a struggle by making the same mistakes many hikers fall prey to.
On my first multi day hiking trip, I fell victim to some of the common mistakes I’ve listed below.
So, after learning the hard way and hearing from other seasoned hikers, here are 10 common mistakes you should avoid on your next hiking adventure.
1. Picking the Wrong Trail
It can be tempting to assume you can cover the same distance on a trail as you do back home.
However, start with a shorter trek. A safe assumption is that you’ll cover only half the distance you would typically.
Overnight trips involve carrying extra gear, which can slow you down. It’s better to finish feeling successful and eager for more than to overestimate your abilities.
For beginners, a four-day trek, such as Peru’s Inca Trail or Chile’s Torres del Paine, is a good starting point. Even if you’ve been training in your local park, remember that this will be a more demanding experience.
2. Wearing New Hiking Boots
One of the biggest errors for beginners is not breaking in new boots. Proper footwear is critical.
Get your feet measured and opt for boots that are half a size larger to accommodate thick socks. Wear your boots with your hiking socks for a day or two to mould them to your feet.
Breaking in boots over at least 30 miles is essential to avoid blisters, which can quickly ruin a hike.
3. Not Testing Your Gear
Using untested equipment is a common mistake. Go on several day hikes with all your overnight gear.
Your body, especially your hips, needs to get used to carrying the weight, and you should find a way to pack your bag that feels comfortable.
Test your rain gear in the shower to ensure it keeps you dry. Additionally, practice setting up your tent, using a camp stove, and filtering water at home, so you’re not learning these skills on your trail.
4. Skipping Training
Just as you wouldn’t run a marathon without preparation, the same applies to hiking.
Some people believe they can take on any hike without working on their fitness, but this often leads to exhaustion or injury.
Gym training is beneficial, but the best way to prepare for a hike is to practice hiking. Carrying a weighted backpack on uneven terrain in various weather conditions will give you the best sense of what to expect on your adventure.
5. Bringing Insufficient Water
The amount of water you need depends on the environment, but a good rule that I follow is at least one litre for every five miles, and even more for very warm climates.
WIth water being heavy, planning is crucial. Locate water sources along your route before going if you can.
Either by boiling water, having a filtered bottle, or knowing other ways to get water along the way, you can cut down on a lot of weight.
6. Dressing for a Single Climate
Hiking can involve sudden weather changes. You might start your day in warm sunshine only to find yourself in a snowstorm an hour later.
Dressing in layers helps regulate your body temperature as you hike. Start your hike slightly cold, as exertion will quickly warm you up.
I’d recommend only using any rain gear only when necessary, to avoid overheating.
7. Overpacking
When packing, a good rule of thumb is to try not to exceed 25% of your body weight in gear.
Stick to the essentials: a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, cooking tools, a torch, and a way to start a fire.
You’ll appreciate the lighter load, especially after a long day of hiking.
8. Not Being Prepared for Emergencies
Whenever I go on a trip, I always let someone at home know of my plans before heading out.
A small first aid kit and a means of communication are important as well, plus a GPS device is a good idea. I recommend having the app What 3 Words on your phone too.
Learn basic survival skills and research the area to be aware of local edible plants or potential hazards, just in case.
9. Relying on Your Phone for Directions
It’s common for people to depend on their phones for navigation. However, phones can quickly lose battery, particularly in cold or wet conditions.
Take a power bank, and a solar charger if you can, but it’s also best to have a waterproof map as a backup.
Learn to read the landscape and use natural markers to help with navigation, as a plan B.
10. Ignoring Trail Markers and Local Etiquette
I’d urge you to ensure you’re familiar with trail markers, which can indicate when to turn, or if you’re nearing the end of the trail for example.
Respect local communities, particularly on hikes that pass through villages. It’s important to be courteous, because you’re walking through their home!
