5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Backpacking Trip

A short three years ago, if you had told me that I would one day walk over 2,000 miles in a single go, I would have said your Magic 8 ball was malfunctioning. Not only was I not a backpacker, but I was barely even a hiker. Backpacking was something I overheard cool, outdoorsy people talk about, but something I never thought I had the guts or the leg strength to try.

Then one day, during a deep dive on Pinterest, I saw it: the John Muir Trail. The photos were incredible. I did a little more research, and my interest piqued even further—220 miles from Yosemite National Park to Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the continental US? Well… how hard could it really be? Eyes still clouded with pictures of snowy mountaintops and alpine lakes, I applied for a permit, and the following June, I boarded a plane to California.

Shockingly, it did not go as planned. It turns out that knowing Wikipedia’s definition of backpacking is not enough to make your trip a success. My confidence was shattered almost immediately as the rookie mistakes piled up.

I did, in fact, go on to finish the JMT and hike many other trails, including a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail this year. But in the interest of saving others from making the same mistakes I did (and therefore freeing you up to make your own), I’ve put together this list of the five things I wish I had known on my first backpacking trip.

READ NEXT – How to Hike the John Muir Trail: 211 Miles of Bucket List Hiking

1. Do Your Research Ahead of Time

This one goes without saying… right? Before the JMT, I certainly thought so. Not wanting to be unprepared, I began diligently gathering information on my upcoming trip. I typed “backpacking” into the Google search bar, looked up pictures of the Sierra Nevada mountains, ordered a Jetboil on Amazon, and even bought a map. Never had I felt more prepared for anything in my life. I was ready to bravely go where plenty had gone before. And then I started hiking.

The first issue I ran into was that the Jetboil I had bought two weeks earlier did not have a self-igniter. And I didn’t have a lighter. Well, no hot food for me. But that’s alright. I was in the wilderness. Who needed comfort?

Apparently not me, because I also hadn’t brought a sleeping pad. So as I lay on the hard dirt in my 50-degree sleeping bag, wearing all my clothing and shivering in the sub-30-degree weather, I began to think that maybe I hadn’t done quite enough Googling.

And the theme continued. My face and neck blistered from sunburn as I added sunscreen to my growing list of items to bring next time. I shivered through the nights in my less-than-appropriately-rated sleeping bag. By the time I summited Mount Whitney, I was sure I had finished the trail only through sheer luck and sheer stubbornness. The weather had been perfect, and the Sierra had experienced an incredibly low snow year.

Stubbornness is something we can take with us every time. But luck? That’s out of our control. So take it from someone who has forgotten to do all of these things: before you hit the trail for the first time (or any time), check your gear, check the weather, check the trail conditions, definitely still Google pretty photos, and most importantly, complete at least two internet searches. One is clearly not enough.

2. Hike Your Own Hike, Bro

Backpackers are amazing people. They will almost always share anything they have, especially knowledge. But occasionally, you run into someone that reminds you to take advice with a grain of salt. I had one such encounter on my very first night on the trail.

There was only one spot left in the backpacker’s campground, so I pitched my tent next to a man who was also hiking solo. He immediately dove into an intensive line of questioning. What tent did I have? What rating was my sleeping bag? How many calories per day was I consuming?

I did my best to answer politely and concisely, but the questions continued into the evening. Then he began repeatedly telling me he was “worried about me.” Too off-put by this man’s condescending demeanor and the amount of mansplaining I had received over the last few hours to listen any longer, I called it a night.

forester pass - backpacking mistakes

When I rolled out of my tent the next morning, I found my new buddy already awake and prepped with more questions. I hadn’t slept much, and my patience was wearing thin. While I may have been a little under-prepared, I wasn’t stupid, as this man seemed to imply. I ate quickly and began to leave.

But then, the mansplainer finally broke the last straw- he walked over, picked up my backpack and held it out so I could put it on. Oh, hell no. “Put that down,” I snapped, far too angry for six a.m. “This is a one-man operation, buddy. I can handle my own pack.” And I was off, with a new determination to prove the mansplainer wrong.

Most of what I have learned has been from the advice of other hikers. Always, always listen to what people have to offer you. But use your judgment- and never let someone make you feel inadequate.

READ NEXT – 15 All-Too Common Beginner Backpacking Mistakes

3. Bears Won’t Eat You… Probably

One of the most common questions I receive as a backpacker is, “Aren’t you scared?!” And after a few years and thousands of miles, my answer is no. But if I had been asked that same question on my first backpacking trip, my response would have been very different.

I had never seen a bear, but in my head, they were 20 feet tall, man-eating, and ferocious, seeking out tents at night to prey on unsuspecting hikers. Dramatic? Probably. But I had no idea how scared to be, so I chose very, holding my breath at the slightest midnight noise, sure I would be eaten any second.

Today, I am still extremely cautious. But I no longer lay awake for entire nights at a time listening for Big Foot. My change in terror level comes mostly from experience. But another part of my new-found confidence comes from conquering a larger (and more common) phobia- fear of the unknown. We are all afraid of things we don’t understand, whether it’s a bear or something non-woodland-creature-related. And to a certain extent, we should be. A healthy amount of fear is necessary to stay safe on the trail.

jmt backpacking mistakes

But if I could say anything to my younger self, laying in her tent at two a.m. listening to the footsteps of a chipmunk while writing her last will and testament, it would be this: 1. While possible, the chances of getting eaten by a bear on a backcountry trip are very slim. And 2. We are all afraid sometimes, but we should never let that fear keep us from living.

4. Embrace the Suck

While I’m sure most of you share my passion for long walks through the woods, I think we can all agree that backpacking sometimes crosses the line into “Type 2 fun”- fun that isn’t really fun until it’s over. This sport can push you to your limits, both physically and mentally. But if you can learn to embrace some of the pain and frustration, it can be the most rewarding experience there is. However, take it from me- that isn’t always an easy lesson to learn.

Starting the JMT, I was in no way prepared to climb huge mountain passes every day. And it showed. Every night in camp, I flopped down spread-eagle on the ground, and every morning I shuffled, creaked, and groaned until finally, on groan number 87, I mustered the energy to sling my pack on. Sometimes I would get so frustrated on a climb that I would plop onto the ground like a defiant child, crossing my arms and telling myself, “I’m (blank)-ing over this.”

But as these moments continued to happen, so did something else: after a few minutes of frustrated arm crossing, I got up and kept hiking. Every day went like this. I would stop, tell myself I couldn’t do it, and then I would keep moving. And at the end of each day, I grew more and more proud of myself. I was still creaking and groaning, but I was still hiking.

As I stood at the summit of Mount Whitney, I started to cry. But this time, it wasn’t because I was tired, frustrated, or out of the good trail mix. This time, I cried because I knew I had overcome everything the trail threw at me and accomplished my goal. Was it the most amazing thing a human had ever done? Not by a mile. But it was my challenge, my mountain to climb, and I had quite literally climbed it.

I still sometimes lay on the ground. I still cry more often than I care to admit. But when I run into obstacles today, I think to myself, “Heck yes. This is what it’s all about. I’m going to push through it.” In backpacking, you can’t reach the reward without first overcoming the challenges. And standing on top of a mountain, looking out at some of the most amazing views in the world, and knowing how hard you worked to get there- in my opinion, there is no greater reward.

READ NEXT – 7 Simple Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Thru-Hike

5. Quit Hunting for Service and Learn to Live in the Moment

Backpacking is one of the few activities that can truly take you away from the routine of your daily life. It allows you to focus completely on the present—to live in the moment. You just have to let it.

backpacking mistakes

On trail for the first time, the isolation scared me. I was hiking alone and wanted to feel a sense of normalcy. So I called home, sent texts, and even checked social media every chance I got. But as the trip went on, these chances became fewer and farther between.

At first, it stressed me out as nothing else had. What was I supposed to do if I wasn’t connected? Eventually, the cell service went from minimal to non-existent, and I had no choice but to find out. But something crazy happened: I began to notice more of my surroundings. Suddenly, I found myself stopping longer to take in a view. I picked my lunch spots based on the scenery and not on the likelihood that I could get a bar or two. I would even stop more frequently to talk to strangers.

When I finally got cell service again, I was surprised to feel my heart sink with disappointment. I no longer wanted it. I had learned to embrace the peace and solitude of nature and live in the moment. And this is a lesson I never forgot.

Was it worth it?

Since my first trip, nearly everything about my approach to backpacking has changed. I have gone from a nervous, unprepared, fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants hiker to completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. And while I still fly by the seat of my pants occasionally, I sometimes don’t recognize the person who got off that bus in Yosemite Valley.

Sure, I’ve ditched a few pieces of gear (and added a few others). I’ve learned about preparation and safety. But none of these things compare to what I’ve learned about myself. Backpacking has simultaneously humbled me beyond belief and built my confidence to a level I’ve never experienced. It’s both incredibly challenging and my largest source of peace. And it all started with one backpacking trip.

So if you’re considering tackling a long hike for the first time but are scared or unsure how to get started, don’t let that hesitation keep you from getting out there. By trying something new, you just might discover something you could fall in love with. But fair warning: you’ll never be the same.

Featured image: Graphic design by Zack Goldmann.

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Comments 25

  • Jennifer Anderson : Sep 22nd

    Incredibly inspiring!

    Reply
  • Diane Martin Braley : Sep 23rd

    This was so wonderful to read. So inspiring!! So courageous of you to do this. I am your dads cousin and looked forward to reading your dads updates while you were hiking.
    Congratulations you did it! Looking forward to hopefully more inspiring hikes.

    Diane Martin Braley

    Reply
  • Karen Stebbins : Sep 23rd

    Caroline, you are such an inspiration.
    You’ve accomplished so much. The AT! Amazing stuff!
    Stay safe and Happy Trails!
    Karen

    Reply
  • Tree hugger : Sep 23rd

    Wonderful story and insight. Bon chance

    Reply
  • Mic : Sep 23rd

    Given the fact you bought a jet oil and didn’t even think to bring a lighter much less a sleeping pad that guy wasn’t “mansplaining” he was trying to help you. People actually do get hurt on trails and worse. You’re ignorance is matched only by your defensiveness and ego. Try some humility for a change maybe you didn’t like his manner but his intentions weee good and your lack of awareness and basic knowledge is dangerous to yourself and any SaR that might be required to bail someone like that out of trouble. Lame story bro.

    Reply
    • Dirty Chet : Sep 23rd

      Oxford Dictionary:
      Mansplaining /ˈmanˌsplāniNG/
      noun. INFORMAL.
      the explanation of something by a man, typically to a woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing.
      “your response is classic mansplaining”

      Reply
      • Big Time : Sep 23rd

        Who comes to the comment section to be this rude? No one here is taking your commentary seriously. It sounds to me like you may be battling a few insecurities yourself. Your “nice guys finish last” mentality will get you no where.

        If only it could be as simple as asking questions and offering help. Unfortunately, assuming that help is needed/wanted and the lengthy lectures spewing with unsolicited advice occur far too frequently. Most females can give you multiple examples of men belittling them, sometimes unknowingly, because of their gender.

        We were all beginners once. And we were not expected to be totally successful. More often than not, the most valuable lessons came from our shortcomings or failures. These happened over time. When I compare my first hike to my most recent I see a completely different person. The best part is that I am still learning. With every adventure and misadventure, there is a new take away. A new lesson.

        I hope that you can look back at the comments you made in this thread, as well as the comments that you undoubtedly made on other writers posts, and acknowledge your own short comings. I’m sure you will have plenty to say about anyone who comments, but maybe you’ll learn.

        Reply
    • rebecca : Sep 23rd

      the irony with this 🙂

      Reply
    • Theo : Sep 24th

      One only needs themselves and the ability to walk to walk. It’s that simple.

      Reply
    • Adam : Sep 27th

      Although I hate the term mansplaining and any other new woke glossary, I can see how fustrating the writer found the guys approach. There is a way of putting something that doesn’t come across as an autistic expert on the subject.
      Sure you do not like the article, then just skip and go and read something you do like rather than trying to destroy this person’s very valid account

      Reply
  • Hunter : Sep 23rd

    If only you knew Caroline, you’d know just how foolish you sound. Too funny lol.

    Reply
    • Mat Brisk : Sep 24th

      Wow.. Wtf have I just read (comments). Does she have to be an insecure paranoid lady or a super hero conqueror of all treks? Ffs how about a normal person somewhere in between simply telling a story on a blog? Sure the absolute foolishness of going out without a sliver of the most basic gear understanding is a bit extreme (and probably amplified for that effect, more as a tale than) but that doesn’t mean she didn’t run into an overly self-righteous dude who was annoying as hell. Why does this matter anyways? The message here is a nice one – don’t be a dumb ass and prepare yourslef adequately and be prepared to face challenging moments that will in return feel immensely rewarding. Nothing earth shattering, nothing insane just a cute positive story. Move on man…

      Reply
  • Slowdance : Sep 23rd

    I hiked with Caroline for nearly two months on the AT and I was amazed at how often ‘nice’ guys would try help her and offer their unsolicited ‘expert advice’ despite the fact that she was a stronger and more capable backpacker than literally any other person on the trail.

    Those same bros never assumed that I need their advice.

    It’s frustrating to be in a position in which strangers assume that you’re incapable of finding your own path— and at it’s core isn’t that what backpacking is all about? Overcoming and persevering over obstacles, even if you’re responsible for them, is what I appreciate the most out of this sport.

    Reply
    • Theo : Sep 24th

      How hard is it to walk?. Folks go to the hills to get away from offensive freaks like you. Not to be lectured by them.

      Reply
  • Tricia : Sep 24th

    I think I might have some helpful insight for you, Caroline, concerning this huge blow up over the mansplaining bit. In your writing, you just finished explaining you didn’t know about a proper sleeping system, didn’t know the supplies needed for your cooking system, didn’t know you needed sunscreen. At that point in your bike, any experienced hiker talking to you would probably be concerned. Mansplaining is only such when you already know the information. It seems you didn’t. You did one Google search. There is no way (according to your own recount here in this article) that guy could be accused of mansplaining. Did you talk to this guy after you had been on the trail and already learned a bunch of stuff? Maybe. And I think therein lies the problem. The way the article is written it seems like you don’t know anything and immediately meet this guy who is very worried about you. Was he socially inept and annoying and off-putting? Probably. But the way you have written the article you highlight (it’s one of your main points) that you are actually not prepared, but then, in the very next main point, you get annoyed at a guy that seems to poke at your ignorance with his questions. Mansplaining might have happened, but the article was written in an order that seems to show that you just got upset by an annoying guy pointing out what you don’t know. I’m not writing this to discount your experience. I am just trying to show you that in the writing itself, the lack of detail of when you met that guy and your knowledge base at that time, as well as the order that you wrote your main points, could be improved. My ultimate goal is that this confusion can be avoided so that in the future the points you are trying to make don’t get lost.

    I always enjoy reading the things people learn on the trail (or after). Thank you for sharing yours.

    Reply
  • Kelly Floro : Sep 24th

    Hi all, please note that I have deleted some of the comments here. While we welcome constructive, civil dialogue in the comments section, personal attacks and hateful language will not be tolerated. Thanks for your understanding.

    Reply
  • Jess : Sep 24th

    Great article, this was a fun read. You sound so humble when you clearly have done a lot! Thanks for sharing your stories, they will definitely help new backpackers like me know what to do and what *not* to do! Safe hiking.

    Reply
  • Nick Gambeli : Sep 24th

    All the time I was reading I was shaking my head and, at the same time, laughing! Too funny!
    Glad you survived, learned, and went on to do it right and ENJOY yourself.

    Reply
  • Dan : Sep 24th

    The wilderness when properly handled can be an empowering situation. I have found that my capabilities far excede my perception of what i believe i can accomplish. Good for the soul on nearly all levels. Doing so solo can add greatly to that awakening also. Great article from a repentent past tense recovering manslpaner !

    Reply
  • Keith : Sep 25th

    As a sixty-something lifelong hiker/backpacker and former Marine, I enjoyed the honesty of your story; the awareness of ill preparedness, the grit, determination and evolution through experience. I especially enjoy your writing style, the innate balance of levity and humor. Well done!
    Hike on!

    Reply
  • Kim (lukasandkim.com) : Sep 25th

    Could have been me writing that list! Most of what is on the list is something I said too, after I thruhiked Sweden last year (2690 km, 113 days). I had only hiked in the Swedish mountains 3 times prior and mostly just done simple day hikes and weekend hikes before that. And I had just been doing that for less than 5 years too. But with grit and common sense you can come a long way ?

    Reply
  • Bryce : Sep 25th

    People die because they put themselves in dangerous situations carrying inadequate gear. If someone had been “worried” about them, maybe they would have survived.

    Reply
  • John : Oct 4th

    Sad that you know what mansplaining is but didn’t test your gear before went out for the first time. One of the first things you learn in one Google search is to test your gear before you go out. Also did you write about your responses to this person or did you only focus on how it made you feel? Because usually questions stop if your responses puts that person at ease in your ability to adapt and overcome. Also you’re using your current knowledge and writing an article based off what you thought you knew. Maybe you shouldve written this after that first experience because our minds shape our past with our present knowledge. So maybe just maybe you could explain yourself before attaching everything to one word like “mansplaining”. The irony in this is if you truly don’t want to listen you can write off any advice off as mansplaining. Like your parents telling you something as a child and you don’t listen to it and do the exact opposite. In today’s warped society that would be textbook mansplaining. Just be careful.

    Reply
  • Casey : Oct 6th

    If I met anyone on the trail, male or female, that had a potential for a cold weather injury, hypothermia, or unpreparedness I would hope that I would express concern to them as well. I think all hikers and outdoor enthusiasts have a duty of care to their fellow hikers.

    Reply

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