A new journey can seem so cruel, especially if you go all in clueless. That was my story in 2017 when I began backpacking. My dad and I had just moved to Peru for a pipeline project. Having lived the first 25 years of my life in the states, I was pretty eager to see more of the world. A new beginning was more than welcome. Maybe, not just yet. A close friend named Jackson, a staunch backpacker with profound experience under his belt, talked of coming to Peru to try out the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I always saw him as a dock but being in a new country was tearing me down. The thought of making new friends was something quite undesirable at the time.
Jackson arrives for his hike, and I decide to join him on the expedition. He asks how ready I was to have my world blown. And blown, it was. I had done questionable shopping for the hike, and it showed the first day on the trail. The terrible new heavy boots, the heavy cotton apparel drenched in sweat, not to mention a 22kg backpack of more than enough gear to climb Kilimanjaro made my first day a complete nightmare. It was pretty much a catastrophe, but I have never been a “quit” guy in my childhood. I tried out the same trial in 2019 with better preparation, and it was a huge success. That first hike notarized my love for backpacking.
As gritty as my resolve was, not so many have similar determination to try a strenuous activity again. Many people have quit backpacking just because it seemed so technical at the time. The start of something new is quite draining and, in some cases, takes courage to pull through. Part of the reason I failed miserably was my refusal to read about the trail in question. I bought every hiking gear there was to purchase, and it backfired. If you do the things below, you will love backpacking and grow into travel as well.
- Five mistakes to look out for on a hike
There are so many for you to avoid. However, these cardinal five must be avoided for you to enjoy your first breakout into the backpacking alumni.
- Avoid unbroken boots
Any discomfort on the trail will probably start with how you dressed for it. I firmly believe that we are our biggest enemies. No matter what type of hiking shoes you might have bought, multi-day backpacking will put a strain on your feet. If your boots are too big, too stiff, too small, and too heavy, in other words, uncomfortable in any way 2 miles into the trail, then you are in trouble. You have to hike back on the return journey with blistering toes, achy toenails, and bruised ankles. Buying hiking shoes is not a bad idea; testing them out on a long trail is the problem. If you decide to get new boots, trying them out a few days before the hike for a few hours close to home will break them in. It would help if you allowed your feet to get quite comfortable that it will be the tiniest of your worries while on the trail. Here is a helpful guide on purchasing the proper footwear before a hike.
- Pack what you must
In every beginner’s backpack, the chances are high that they brought something entirely unnecessary for the circumstances. The reason why most people are frustrated on their breakout hike is down to packing. It is pretty common a mistake that even advanced hikers still make. That is down to a failure to read extensively on the footpath before packing. Research on the trail will give you an idea of what you need to fill. Please read about the landscape, is it snowy, rough tuff, swampy path. That will help you decide if you need the Merino jacket. Would you mind reading about the season? Is it hot enough to require sunscreen? There are so many helpful websites on how best to pack a bag but for starters, try the best one, the 10 essentials.
- Trying to set mileage records on the first day
There is a norm most new hikers tend to have. They are overzealous and overly ambitious, which usually costs them a wonderful experience. Itineraries exist for a reason and have to be followed to the dot if you are to enjoy your new love. So many new hikers, especially those on self-guided trails, hit drywall physically after pushing their bodies too hard. So many experienced hikers will give testament to this; you can’t enjoy a course once your body breaks down. Pushing yourself too hard on day one on a multi-day itinerary will spoil your entire hiking experience.
- Improper food plan for the hike
Planning meals on the go is no easy feat, not certainly for a new backpacker. There is so much to consider besides packing a flask of water and granola bars. The length of the hike usually determines what food to pack for the trek. Perishable foods such as sandwiches or fish fillets are only applicable on short trails, usually one-day hikes. However, when it comes to multi-day hikes, non-perishable foods like Nuts, nut-based bars, and fresh fruit don’t require chilling, such as apples and bananas, whole-grain tortillas.
- Testing gear for the first time on the hike
Nothing will get you worked up than trying to set up a tent for the first time after a long hike in high temperatures. It is pretty frustrating for any new backpacker, but it is an avoidable mistake. Try out the gear at home, read tutorials on what particular size or height the equipment must be for your comfort. The trail should be a place where you relax and enjoy the journey. Try setting up that tent, adjusting the hiking poles to the correct height before you leave for the hike. It will save you lots of time perhaps give you peace of mind on the journey.
The first time is never easy, but there are ways to make it a lot easier. If you can avoid the above few mistakes, yours will be a lot more stress-free.
