Backpacking 101: Everything I Wish I Knew Before My First Trip
Backpacking can seem intimidating from the outside. You're miles from the nearest road, sleeping in a tent, filtering your own water, carrying your food, and relying on yourself in an environment that's often unpredictable.
But here's the secret: backpacking isn't about being an expert. It's about being prepared.
This guide combines what I've learned from my own adventures with recommendations from organizations like the National Park Service, NOLS, the American Red Cross, and Leave No Trace. Whether you're planning your very first overnight or dreaming of tackling a multi-day trek, I hope this gives you the confidence to take that first step.
Tell Someone Where You're Going
Before we get into it, one thing I don't think gets talked about nearly enough is how important it is to let someone know exactly where you'll be.
No matter how experienced you are, accidents happen. A twisted ankle, unexpected illness, severe weather, or even something as simple as taking a wrong turn can quickly turn into a situation where you need help. If no one knows where you're hiking, finding you becomes exponentially more difficult.
Before every single backcountry trip I take, I send a detailed itinerary to my parents and a few close friends. It includes:
My trailhead (entry point)
My planned exit point
Every campsite I'll be staying at each night
Daily mileage and elevation gain
My expected start and finish dates
The names and phone numbers of the local park, ranger station, or emergency dispatch
Information about who I'm hiking with
My vehicle description and where it will be parked, if applicable
This way, if I don't return or check in when expected, my emergency contacts have everything search and rescue teams need to begin looking in the right place.
If you're carrying a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach, this becomes even more effective. I use mine to send a preset message every evening after arriving at camp and again when I finish my trip. Those quick check-ins let my family know everything is going according to plan. If they don't receive one when they expect to, they'll know it's time to start asking questions.
The National Park Service and search and rescue organizations consistently recommend leaving a detailed trip plan with someone you trust before heading into the backcountry. That plan should include your intended route, camping locations, expected return time, and instructions for when to contact authorities if you don't return. It's one of the simplest and most effective safety precautions you can take.
Unfortunately, many search and rescue incidents become far more complicated because rescuers simply don't know where to start looking. In some parks, more than 70% of search and rescue incidents involve people who are uninjured but became lost or were otherwise unprepared, underscoring how much proper planning matters.
It only takes five minutes to send a text or email before you leave home, but those five minutes could make all the difference if something goes wrong.
I hope no one ever needs to use the itinerary I send before every trip.
But knowing it's there gives both me and the people I love a little more peace of mind every time I head into the mountains.
Start Small
One of the biggest mistakes I see new backpackers make, and I too have made, is believing their first trip has to be some epic, bucket-list adventure. It's easy to scroll through photos of people hiking hundreds of miles, camping beside alpine lakes, or crossing dramatic mountain passes and think that's where you should begin.
It isn't.
In fact, I'd argue that your first backpacking trip shouldn't be your dream trip.
Your first overnight is about learning. It's your opportunity to figure out how your backpack fits, test your gear, learn how much food you actually eat, get comfortable filtering water, and discover what works for you before you're days from the nearest trailhead.
Choose a route with moderate mileage, reliable water sources, established campsites, and multiple exit options if things don't go as planned. A one or two-night trip is the perfect place to build confidence and develop the routines that eventually become second nature.
A quick apology here to one of my lifelong friends, Emily. When I invited her on her very first backpacking trip, I somehow convinced her that the North Circle Loop in Glacier National Park, a five-day, roughly 50-mile backcountry trek through alpine passes and grizzly country, was a perfectly reasonable place to start. In hindsight... it absolutely wasn't. Emily, I'm sorry, you're an absolute badass, I love you, and you handled it better than I ever could have hoped. You also taught me one of the biggest lessons I've learned about introducing people to backpacking: your first trip should build confidence, not simply test your limits. Thankfully, she now looks back fondly on our adventure and has said she will keep adventuring with me (as long as it is NOT in Grizzly country).
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that backpacking is a skill, not just an activity. Skills like setting up camp efficiently, packing your backpack, managing your food, navigating with a map, and pacing yourself all improve with experience. Every trip builds on the last, and those smaller adventures are what prepare you for the bigger ones.
You'll also discover that backpacking is incredibly personal. The "perfect" setup looks different for everyone. Some people love cooking elaborate meals at camp, while others prefer a quick dehydrated dinner. Some swear by ultralight gear, while others are happy carrying a few extra pounds for added comfort. There isn't one right way to backpack; only the way that works best for you.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to make mistakes. You're probably going to overpack. You might carry too much water or not enough snacks. You may spend ten minutes figuring out how to pitch your tent or realize you packed something you'll never use again. That's all part of the process.
Every experienced backpacker started exactly where you are now.
You'll learn more during one weekend on the trail than you will watching hundreds of YouTube videos or reading countless gear reviews. Experience has a way of teaching lessons that no guidebook ever can, and before long, those once-intimidating trips will simply feel like the next adventure.
The Ten Essentials
One of the first concepts you'll hear about when learning to backpack is the Ten Essentials. Originally developed by mountaineers and now widely recommended by the National Park Service, these aren't ten individual items so much as ten categories of gear designed to help you handle unexpected situations in the backcountry.
The reality is that even well-planned trips don't always go according to plan. Weather can change in an instant, a wrong turn can add unexpected miles, an injury can slow your pace, or a simple piece of gear can fail. The Ten Essentials are meant to prepare you for those situations, giving you the tools to stay safe until you can continue hiking or make your way back to the trailhead.
The Ten Essentials include:
Navigation (map, compass, GPS)
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
Sun protection
First aid supplies
Knife and repair kit
Fire starter
Shelter
Extra food
Extra water and a method to purify more
Extra clothing
Notice that many of these are systems rather than single items. For example, "navigation" might include a paper map, compass, downloaded GPS maps on your phone, and a GPS watch. "Shelter" could mean your tent on an overnight trip or an emergency bivy and rain jacket on a long day hike.
The goal isn't to pack for every imaginable emergency or to fill your backpack with gear you never use. It's to carry the essentials that give you options if something unexpected happens. Most backpacking emergencies don't begin as emergencies. They begin as small inconveniences that grow because someone wasn't prepared.
Over time, you'll develop your own system and make adjustments based on the season, weather, and terrain. Some trips may require extra insulation, while others call for additional water capacity or more robust navigation tools. Regardless of where you're hiking, however, the principle remains the same:
You're not packing for the hike you hope to have. You're packing for the hike you could end up having.
That mindset has made me a much more confident backpacker and has helped me enjoy the outdoors knowing I'm prepared for whatever the trail throws my way.
Backpacking Gear
One of the biggest misconceptions about backpacking is that you need thousands of dollars' worth of gear before you can hit the trail. While quality equipment can absolutely make your experience more comfortable, you don't need the lightest, newest, or most expensive gear to get started.
Focus first on the essentials that will keep you safe, warm, dry, hydrated, and well-fed. As you gain experience, you'll naturally learn what works for you and where it's worth upgrading.
I've put together a complete Backpacking Gear Guide with the exact equipment I personally use, why I chose it, and recommendations for beginners. You can find that guide here.
Pro Tip: Before every trip, lay out all of your gear and do a "shake-down." Ask yourself whether you've actually used each item on previous trips. If not, consider leaving it at home. Backpacking is often less about buying more gear and more about carrying only what you truly need.
Must-Haves
Backpack - Your backpack is your home for the next several days, so comfort is far more important than weight. A properly fitted pack will make carrying 25–35 pounds significantly more enjoyable.
50–65L backpack
Rain cover
Shelter - A lightweight tent protects you from the elements and gives you a comfortable place to rest after a long day on the trail.
Lightweight backpacking tent
Tent footprint (optional)
Sleep System - A good night's sleep is one of the most overlooked pieces of backpacking gear. Your sleeping bag keeps you warm, while your sleeping pad provides insulation from the cold ground and makes sleeping far more comfortable.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Inflatable pillow or stuff sack
Cooking - After a full day of hiking, there's nothing quite like a hot meal. Your cooking setup doesn't need to be elaborate, simple is often better.
Backpacking stove
Fuel
Pot
Spoon
Mug
Water - Water is one of the heaviest things you'll carry, so filtering along the trail is much more practical than carrying your entire supply. Always have a backup purification method in case your filter becomes damaged or freezes.
Water filter
2–3L water capacity
Electrolyte packets
Clothing - Dress in layers rather than relying on one heavy jacket. Mountain weather can change in minutes, and staying dry is one of the best ways to stay warm.
Moisture-wicking base layers
Insulating mid-layer
Waterproof rain jacket
Warm hat
Extra socks
Safety - These items may spend an entire trip untouched and hopefully they do. But when something unexpected happens, they're invaluable.
Headlamp
Emergency blanket
Multi-tool
Lighter or fire starter
Power bank
Garmin inReach or satellite communicator
Nice-To-Haves
These aren't essential for your first backpacking trip, but they've made my adventures significantly more enjoyable and comfortable.
Trekking poles
Camp shoes
Kindle
Journal
Lightweight camp chair
Camera
Playing cards
Camp slippers
One thing I've learned over the years is that luxury items are worth their weight if they improve your experience. Whether that's bringing a camera to capture unforgettable moments, a journal to record the day's adventures, or simply a pair of camp shoes to give your feet a break after hiking all day, those small comforts can make camp feel like home.
At the same time, be mindful that every ounce adds up. Before packing something extra, ask yourself: Will I use this enough to justify carrying it for every mile? If the answer is yes, bring it. If not, leave it behind.
Food: It's Fuel
One of the biggest surprises on my first backpacking trip was just how hungry I was.
Backpacking is one of the most physically demanding activities most people will ever do. You're carrying 20–40 pounds on your back, often climbing thousands of feet of elevation while hiking for six to ten hours each day. Your body is constantly burning calories to fuel your muscles, regulate your body temperature, and recover overnight.
Most backpackers should plan on consuming 2,500 - 4,500 calories per day, though longer days, colder weather, or particularly strenuous terrain may require even more. Don't be surprised if you're eating far more than you normally would at home. The trail has a way of making everything taste better.
One thing I've learned is that backpacking isn't the time to worry about eating "perfectly." Your body needs calories, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein to keep moving. Foods that might seem indulgent at home often become excellent backpacking fuel because they're lightweight, calorie dense, and easy to eat.
I personally rely heavily on freeze-dried meals for dinner. They're lightweight, require almost no cleanup, and after eight hours on the trail, they somehow taste like a five-star meal. For breakfast, I keep things simple with instant oatmeal and coffee before breaking camp.
A typical day of food for me looks something like this:
Breakfast
Instant oatmeal
Coffee
Protein bar (if it's going to be a big mileage day)
Lunch
Tortillas
Peanut butter
Hard cheese
Beef jerky
Pro Tip: On Day 1, I almost always pack out a fresh sandwich from home or pick one up at a local deli before heading to the trailhead. It's a small luxury that feels surprisingly special before switching to backpacking food for the rest of the trip.
Dinner
Freeze-dried backpacking meal
Hot chocolate or tea if it's a cold night
Snacks
Trail mix
Beef jerky
Energy bars/ Fig Bars
Peanut M&Ms
Rice Krispie Treats (the best)
Dried fruit
GU or other energy gels
Swedish Fish (my personal favorite)
Peanut butter packets
Roasted nuts
One thing I recommend is snacking often instead of eating one large lunch. I'll usually stop every hour or two for a handful of trail mix, a bar, or some candy. Keeping a steady stream of calories coming in helps prevent the dreaded energy crash and makes the miles feel much more manageable.
Foods I Reach for Again and Again
After several backpacking trips, I've found myself packing many of the same favorites:
High-Energy Snacks
Peanut M&Ms
Swedish Fish
Trail mix
Mixed nuts
Peanut butter packets
Rice Krispy Treats
Energy chews
GU gels (especially for big climbs)
Meals
Mountain House
Peak Refuel
Backpacker's Pantry
Instant oatmeal
Mac & cheese cups (for shorter trips)
Fresh Foods for Day One
Sandwiches
Apples or oranges
Bagels
Wraps
Bananas (eat them early!)
One of my favorite backpacking lessons has been this:
Bring food you're actually excited to eat.
After hiking all day, morale matters. That favorite candy bar or special snack can be just as valuable mentally as it is physically. I've found that a handful of Swedish Fish at the top of a mountain somehow tastes infinitely better than it ever does sitting on my couch.
Finally, don't be afraid to pack a little extra food. It's always better to hike out with an extra energy bar than to find yourself rationing calories because you underestimated how hungry you'd be. On the trail, food isn't just comfort, it's fuel that keeps you moving safely toward camp.
Hydration Matters Just as Much
Food isn't the only thing your body needs.
Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, poor decision making, and decreased endurance. By the time you feel thirsty, you're often already beginning to dehydrate.
A good rule of thumb is to drink about half to one liter (16–32 oz) of water per hour of moderate hiking, increasing that amount in hot weather, at high elevations, or on particularly strenuous climbs. Rather than trying to force large amounts of water all at once, take small sips consistently throughout the day.
I also carry electrolyte packets on every backpacking trip. When you're sweating for hours, you're losing sodium and other minerals, not just water. Replacing those electrolytes can help reduce muscle cramps, improve hydration, and keep your energy levels more consistent.
Before leaving each water source, I always ask myself:
"Do I have enough water to comfortably reach the next reliable source?"
That simple question has kept me out of trouble more than once.
Water Is Heavy. Every liter of water weighs about 2.2 pounds.
That's why most backpackers don't carry all of the water they'll need. Instead, they carry enough to reach the next reliable water source and filter along the way.
Even crystal-clear mountain streams can contain bacteria and parasites like Giardia.
Never assume natural water is safe to drink.
A quality water filter is one of the most important pieces of safety gear you'll own. Personally, I've had excellent experiences with the Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree.
Leave No Trace
One of the greatest gifts backpacking has given me is the opportunity to experience places that still feel truly wild. Places where the loudest sound is the wind through the trees, where wildflowers blanket alpine meadows, and where the night sky is so dark you can see thousands of stars overhead.
Those places don't stay that way by accident.
The reason we get to experience pristine alpine lakes, quiet forests, and seemingly untouched wilderness is because generations of hikers, backpackers, volunteers, park staff, and conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect them. Every person who steps onto a trail has the opportunity to either preserve that experience or unintentionally diminish it for those who come after.
That's where Leave No Trace comes in.
Leave No Trace isn't just a list of rules, it's a mindset. It's about recognizing that we're visitors in these landscapes and doing everything we can to minimize our impact so future generations have the opportunity to experience them just as we did.
The Seven Leave No Trace Principles are:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors
Sometimes those principles mean making small decisions that have a big impact. Staying on the trail instead of creating a shortcut helps prevent erosion and protects fragile vegetation. Packing out every wrapper, food scrap, and piece of trash keeps wildlife from becoming dependent on human food. Even something as simple as resisting the urge to pick a wildflower means the next hiker gets to enjoy that same view.
One of the most powerful reminders of nature's resilience came during my first backpacking trip in Glacier National Park, when we hiked for miles through the burn scar left by the 2010 Red Eagle Fire. At first glance, it looked devastating. But the closer I looked, the more I noticed new life emerging from the ashes. Tiny wildflowers, young trees, and fresh green growth were reclaiming the landscape. It was a beautiful reminder that nature has an incredible ability to heal, if we give it the chance.
As outdoor recreation continues to grow, protecting these places becomes even more important. Every footprint, every campsite, and every decision we make leaves an impact. My hope is that decades from now, someone else will stand beside the same alpine lake, watch the same sunrise from the same mountain pass, or hear the same silence that made me fall in love with backpacking in the first place.
The best thing we can leave behind isn't a trail of memories; it's a landscape that looks like we were never there at all.
First Aid Kit
Hopefully you'll never need most of what's inside your first aid kit.
But if you do, you'll be incredibly glad you packed it.
While prepackaged first aid kits are a convenient starting point, I've learned that many contain lower quality supplies, medications that are close to expiring, or items I rarely use while missing things I consider essential. Rather than replacing an entire kit every season, I prefer to build and maintain my own, checking expiration dates and restocking individual items as needed.
You can find my complete DIY backpacking first aid kit, including everything I carry and why, HERE.
Health & Safety 101
One of the most valuable things I learned during my Wilderness First Aid course was that your body almost always gives you warning signs before a problem becomes an emergency. The key is recognizing those signs early and acting on them.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the most important safety precautions you can take happens before you ever leave the trailhead: let someone know exactly where you're going and when you expect to return. A detailed itinerary and regular check-ins can be just as lifesaving as anything you pack in your first aid kit. If something does go wrong, having people who know your route can dramatically reduce the time it takes for help to find you.
Once you're on the trail, it's easy to fall into the mindset of, "I'll deal with it at camp," or, "I just need to push through this next mile." More often than not, those decisions allow small problems to become much bigger ones. A little dehydration can turn into heat exhaustion. A minor hot spot can become a blister that changes the way you walk. Mild altitude sickness can quickly become dangerous if ignored.
Learning to recognize common backcountry illnesses and injuries, and addressing them early, can make the difference between an uncomfortable afternoon and a full-scale rescue. The goal of Wilderness First Aid isn't to push through; it's to recognize problems early, manage them appropriately, and make good decisions that get everyone home safely.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common issues hikers face, and it can sneak up on you surprisingly quickly. Between sweating, dry mountain air, elevation, and constant physical exertion, your body loses water much faster than you may realize.
Symptoms
Dark yellow urine
Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Increased thirst
Muscle cramps
Treatment
Stop hiking and find shade.
Drink water slowly rather than all at once.
Replace lost electrolytes with tablets, powders, or salty snacks.
Rest until symptoms begin improving.
Pro Tip: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. By the time thirst kicks in, you're often already mildly dehydrated. I try to take a few sips every 15–20 minutes while hiking.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body struggles to cool itself after prolonged exposure to heat, especially when combined with dehydration. It can develop quickly on exposed trails with little shade.
Symptoms
Heavy sweating
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps
Cool, clammy skin
Treatment
Move into shade or a cooler environment.
Remove unnecessary clothing and loosen your pack.
Drink water with electrolytes.
Cool the body using wet clothing or cool water.
Rest until symptoms resolve.
If symptoms continue to worsen instead of improving, it may be progressing toward heat stroke.
Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)
Heat stroke is life-threatening and requires immediate action. Unlike heat exhaustion, the body's cooling system begins to fail.
Symptoms
Confusion
Altered mental status
High body temperature
Hot skin (may be dry or still sweaty)
Rapid pulse
Loss of consciousness
Treatment
Call emergency services immediately if possible.
Begin cooling the person as aggressively as possible.
Move them into shade.
Apply cold water or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin.
Do not continue hiking.
This is not a "walk it off" situation.
Hypothermia
Many people associate hypothermia with winter camping, but it can happen any time of year. Wind, rain, sweat, and high elevations can all cool your body surprisingly fast, even during the summer.
I've had afternoons in the mountains where I started hiking in shorts and ended the day wearing every layer I packed.
Symptoms
Persistent shivering
Slurred speech
Confusion
Poor coordination
Fatigue
Clumsiness
Treatment
Replace wet clothing with dry layers immediately.
Add insulating layers and rain protection.
Get into a sleeping bag or shelter.
Eat high-calorie foods.
Drink warm fluids if the person is alert.
One of the easiest ways to avoid hypothermia is simple: don't let yourself get cold in the first place. Put on your rain jacket before you're soaked and your warm layers before you're shivering.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is something I experienced firsthand while hiking the Salkantay Trek in Peru, and it humbled me.
My legs felt perfectly capable of climbing.
My lungs completely disagreed.
Every few steps I found myself stopping to catch my breath. It wasn't a fitness issue, it was simply the reality of hiking at over 15,000 feet.
Symptoms
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Shortness of breath beyond what's expected
Treatment
Stop ascending.
Hydrate and eat.
Rest.
Descend if symptoms worsen or fail to improve.
There is absolutely no shame in turning around. Mountains will always be there tomorrow.
Blisters
Blisters might not sound serious compared to the conditions above, but don't underestimate them.
A tiny hot spot in the morning can become a painful, infected blister by afternoon, changing the way you walk and increasing your risk of falls and other injuries.
Prevention
Wear properly fitting shoes.
Keep your feet dry.
Change socks when they become soaked.
Address hot spots immediately.
Treatment
Stop as soon as you notice rubbing.
Apply Leukotape or moleskin before a blister forms.
Cover existing blisters with hydrocolloid blister bandages.
Reduce friction before continuing.
I've learned this lesson the hard way more times than I'd like to admit. Five minutes spent treating a hot spot is almost always worth it.
Know When to Turn Around
One of the hardest lessons for many hikers to learn is that turning around isn't failure.
The mountain, trail, or summit isn't going anywhere.
If you or someone in your group is becoming seriously ill, running dangerously low on water, experiencing worsening weather, or simply doesn't feel right, it's okay to change the plan.
Some of the best decisions you'll ever make in the backcountry are the ones that don't end with reaching the summit.
The goal is always the same:
Come home safely so you can plan the next adventure.
Wildlife Safety
One of my favorite parts of backpacking is the possibility of seeing wildlife.
Some of my most memorable moments on the trail have been spotting a bull moose grazing in an alpine meadow, watching mountain goats navigate cliffs with unbelievable ease, or hearing coyotes call in the distance after the sun had set.
Wildlife encounters are part of what makes spending time in nature so special.
But it's important to remember one thing:
You're a visitor in their home.
Every animal you encounter is simply going about its day, whether that's searching for food, caring for young, or preparing for winter. Our job as hikers is to observe respectfully while minimizing our impact on both the animals and their habitat.
Give Wildlife Space
No photograph is worth stressing an animal.
If an animal changes its behavior because you're nearby, you've gotten too close.
Watch wildlife quietly from a distance and, if possible, use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of approaching. Never attempt to feed, touch, or encourage an animal to come closer. Feeding wildlife not only changes their natural behavior but can also make them dependent on humans or more aggressive toward future visitors.
The goal should always be to leave the encounter exactly as you found it.
Store Your Food Properly
Animals have an incredible sense of smell.
A single granola bar left inside your tent or an improperly stored trash bag can attract everything from mice and raccoons to bears.
Always follow the food storage regulations for the area you're visiting. Depending on the park, that may mean using bear lockers, bear-resistant canisters, or properly hanging your food where permitted.
And remember, it's not just food that smells.
Toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant, chapstick, cooking utensils, trash, and even flavored drink mixes should all be stored with your food whenever bear precautions are recommended.
Keeping wildlife wild starts with keeping your campsite scent-free.
Know the Wildlife Before You Go
Every destination has different wildlife, and it's worth spending a few minutes researching what you may encounter before your trip.
For example:
Glacier National Park is home to both black bears and grizzly bears.
Olympic National Park has black bears but no grizzlies.
The North Cascades are home to black bears, while grizzly sightings remain extremely rare.
In the Peruvian Andes, altitude and weather were far greater concerns than dangerous wildlife.
Understanding the animals that live where you're hiking will help you prepare appropriately and feel much more confident on the trail.
Carry Bear Spray Where Recommended
If you're hiking in grizzly country or areas where land managers recommend it, carry bear spray—and know how to use it.
Bear spray only works if it's immediately accessible.
That means carrying it in a holster on your hip or backpack strap, not buried inside your pack.
Before your trip, watch instructional videos, read the instructions, and understand when bear spray should and shouldn't be used. Hopefully you'll never need it, but if you do, there won't be time to read the label.
If You Encounter a Bear
Seeing a bear doesn't automatically mean you're in danger. In fact, most bears want nothing to do with people.
If you encounter one:
Stay calm.
Never run.
Speak in a calm, steady voice so the bear recognizes you're human.
Slowly back away while giving it plenty of space.
If the bear approaches aggressively, be prepared to use your bear spray.
Each species and situation is different, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the recommendations specific to where you'll be hiking before your trip.
Leave Wildlife Wild
One of the greatest gifts backpacking offers is the opportunity to witness nature exactly as it is.
Some of my favorite moments haven't been summits at all. They've been quietly watching wildlife from a respectful distance and simply appreciating that I was lucky enough to share a small part of their world.
The best wildlife encounters are the ones where the animal barely notices you're there.
Because when both you and the animal continue safely on your way, everyone wins.
Beginner Mistakes I Made
Every backpacker has stories about things they wish they'd done differently. I'm no exception. In fact, many of the lessons that have made me a more confident backpacker came from mistakes I made on my earliest trips.
Like many beginners, I packed far too much. I wanted to be prepared for every possible scenario, so I filled my backpack with extra clothes, extra food, and plenty of "just in case" items that never left my pack. It didn't take long to realize that every unnecessary ounce has to be carried up every climb and over every mountain pass. These days, I still pack thoughtfully, but I'm much more intentional about what earns a spot in my backpack.
I also spent a lot of time worrying about carrying enough water. Water is heavy, and in an effort to keep my pack light, I sometimes found myself rationing it more than I should have. As I've gained experience, I've become much more comfortable researching water sources ahead of time, trusting my filter, and carrying only what I need to safely reach the next refill point. It's a balance that comes with practice.
Food was another learning curve. Early on, I would stop for one big lunch before continuing on for the rest of the afternoon. I quickly realized my energy stayed much more consistent when I snacked throughout the day instead. Now, I keep trail mix, candy, bars, and other quick calories easily accessible in my hip belt pockets so I can eat a little every hour or two without even taking my pack off.
If there's one mistake I continue to battle, it's blisters. As a runner, hiker, and lifelong athlete with admittedly large feet, blisters have been my nemesis for nearly twenty years. I used to convince myself I could ignore a hot spot until the next break, only to find myself dealing with a painful blister for the rest of the trip. Now I've learned that the moment something starts rubbing, I stop and address it. Spending five minutes applying tape is almost always worth avoiding days of discomfort.
The mountains have also taught me to respect the weather. I've started hikes under blue skies wearing shorts and a T-shirt only to find myself layering up against freezing wind, rain, or even snow a few hours later. Mountain forecasts can change quickly, and conditions often vary dramatically with elevation. I'd much rather carry an extra layer I never use than wish I had packed one when the temperature suddenly drops.
Perhaps the biggest lesson of all has been realizing that backpacking doesn't have to be miserable. When I first started, I assumed being uncomfortable was simply part of the experience. While backpacking is certainly physically demanding, I've found that the right gear, proper nutrition, good planning, and a willingness to adjust along the way make an enormous difference. The goal isn't to suffer, it's to immerse yourself in incredible places that few people ever get to experience.
Every trip teaches me something new, whether it's a better way to pack my backpack, a piece of gear I no longer need, or a small trick that makes life on the trail easier. That's one of the things I love most about backpacking. There is always something to learn, and every adventure leaves you a little more prepared for the next one.
So don't aim for the perfect gear list or the perfect itinerary. Aim to come home having learned something. The mountains will always be there, and each trip is another opportunity to become a little stronger, a little wiser, and a little more confident the next time you shoulder your pack and head down the trail.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking has taken me to some of the most incredible places I've ever experienced. I've watched the sun rise over alpine passes, cooked dinner beside glacial lakes, crossed snowfields high in the mountains, and fallen asleep beneath skies so full of stars they hardly seemed real. Some of my favorite memories haven't been at famous viewpoints or summits, but in the quiet moments between them: sharing stories around camp, filtering water from a mountain stream, or watching the last light disappear behind a ridgeline.
Every trip has challenged me in a different way. Some have tested me physically, others mentally. I've battled blisters, altitude, unpredictable weather, and plenty of self-doubt along the way. Yet every time I return home, I'm reminded that I was capable of more than I believed when I first stepped onto the trail.
If you're thinking about trying backpacking, my biggest piece of advice is simple: don't wait until you feel like an expert. None of us started that way.
You don't need the lightest gear, the fanciest backpack, or years of experience. You don't need to know every knot, identify every wildflower, or have every answer before you begin. You simply need a willingness to prepare, a healthy respect for the outdoors, and the curiosity to keep learning with every mile.
The beautiful thing about backpacking is that no two trips are ever the same. Every trail teaches you something new, whether it's about the landscape around you or about yourself. Even after years of hiking, I'm still learning, still refining my gear, and still finding lessons in every adventure.
I hope this guide gives you the confidence to plan your first overnight trip, shoulder your pack, and head into the backcountry. Because some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen couldn't be reached by car. They had to be earned one step at a time.
And I can promise you this: the view is almost always worth it.
