All of us make mistakes. It is a vital part of the whole learning process. But if you make a terrible mistake in the backcountry, you may end up badly hurting yourself, if not embarrassing or hurting yourself at least.
Right from your health and safety to packing concerns, there are some common mistakes, which backpackers usually make. Here we have come up with a list of some of the most common backpacking mistakes you seriously need to avoid.
Not drinking or eating enough
There are so many hikers and backpackers who hike to their tents or shelters late in the evening, and by the time they reach, they are completely drained out. They are then too exhausted to cook or even retrieve water for the night. This is when they decide to erect a tent and retire to bed. When you go hiking, it is quintessential to monitor your water and food intake, comments Rosy, an online algebra tutor. We agree with Rosy here.
As much as it is vital to continue a bit of munching or snacking during the hike, it is equally essential for you to reach your base and eat some food to replenish your body and mind. Without proper nutrients, the entire trip will only end up being one exhausting endeavour. So, do not deprive yourself, and eat good food, and keep yourself hydrated.
Wearing the wrong footwear
To go on a walk around the park, you do not need mountaineering boots. However, if you wear tennis shoes for hiking the Appalachian Trail, it will be an epic fail too. Whenever you go hiking, always carry with you well-fitting shoes, which are ideal for the weather, distance, and the terrain, comments David, an educator who offers assignment help Melbourne services.
Underestimating the trail
It is another one of the most common mistakes that a lot of beginners and amateur hikers make. However, unfortunately, this one mistake may result in disastrous consequences. Thus, you should be outright honest with yourself. Three key factors determine the complexity of the trail, that is:
- are you physically active
- how often do you workout?
- What is the actual complexity of the trail?
It is also best to start easy, especially for someone very new to all this, and then progress towards more challenging trails. We understand that it may be embarrassing for you if you are forced to turn around anytime you hit a wall in the first trail itself. Thus, it is quintessential to do adequate research and only then pick the trail.
On the websites of several national parks, you can easily find handy guides of the trails, which give you information, such as elevation, length, and the difficulty level of the trail. It is important to be aware of what you are getting into in advance.
Carrying way too much stuff
Another common mistake that many backpackers make is they carry way too much stuff while they are on the trail. When you go hiking, planning is essential.
You cannot decide last minute, what you want to carry along, and what should be left behind. The weight may seem light on the back, but ask yourself, is it comfortable to carry this for hours at length while you walk on the elevated and twisted pathway? If not, get rid of all the extra stuff.
Picking a hot day
If you go hiking in Phoenix city in Arizona, every day is a hot day from May to October. However, there will be particular days when there will be an excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service, which is the worst day to travel.
While you hike, two of your worst companions can be dehydration and heatstroke, comments Harry, who works with a platform where you can buy assignment online.
More so, the time of your travel is also essential. It is usually pleasant during the early hours of the morning and most dusk. So, these are also great times to go on a hike, particularly during the summer months. Do not forget to carry a flashlight or a headlamp if you will be hiking in the dark.
Wearing cotton
If you are going on a day hike, wearing cotton is just fine. However, if you are planning a multi-day hike, then cotton can be the worst pick. Why? Cotton tends to absorb body odours, and it retains the moisture. Since hiking is a physically draining activity, you will sweat a lot.
So, never wear cotton on a multi-day hike. Polyester, on the other hand, tends to dry faster. So, it is a good pick, especially during a cold downpour. Over cotton socks, we recommend woollen socks.
Not informing anyone before leaving
Whenever you are planning a hike or travel, always inform a friend or a family member about it. They should know when you are leaving and when you will return. Further, share an emergency contact number of the group or any other individual that you may be traveling with. It is necessary to ensure that your family member or friend can alert help if required.
Not enjoying enough
Please remember as much as you wish to finish the hike first, it is equally essential for you to relax, enjoy, and experience this wild place. So, try to soak in the freshness of the air and the wilderness of nature.