HUGE Mistakes We ALWAYS See Beginners Making

[@53nd4k]

Yup. Me and my buddy did some PCT section hikes to start our backpacking careers. On our first hike, I took a flashlight with 2 C batteries. He took a Bowie knife. We both took camp shoes - regular sneakers. I had two pots. We both had double-walled, insulated, metal coffee cup. To this day we laugh about those first few trips. One way to break into backpacking is to go with experienced backpackers who you trust on your first one or two trips. Not always practical, but it sure can help. Ask them to do a pack check, even right at the parking lot near the trail head. I guarantee that at least a few items can be left behind in the car. And if you can stand having a person talk for hours on end regarding the minutiae of outdoor gear, ask them how they came to use that particular stove, camp cup, water filter, sleeping pad, sock, head lamp, etc. You'll get an earful, but you can get good tips from friends who know more about your specific personality, fitness level, financial means, hot/cold preferences, hiking style, food preferences, current gear, etc. The "lay it all out" approach is good no matter what level you are at. I still do that and often take gear out or reduce amounts when I stared at it all in aggregate and thought a bit.

[@bigchief7798]

I usually hammock camp but I definitely agree on tent size. I'm 6'2" and rather wide at the shoulders. I hang off the sides of a 25" pad. That's why I only winter camp in a hammock or else have freezing shoulders. However, I do like my new x-mid 2 pro. My biggest mistake in the beginning was clothing and too much food. Keep shining...

[@howweroll7]

why hasn't there ever been a video...10 things you're dong right!!

[@alankee1065]

I still have a Sweetwater Hiker Filter from before Katahdin bought them. It still works. I use it for car camping. Sawyer when backpacking.

[@Ohio_Motonaut]

The best is when people take jeans to change into at camp... Honestly though, there's so much information out there these days that there's really no excuse other than being willfully ignorant for not knowing what to take and what to leave at home. Cheers!

[@bossmare0531]

Great tips, but I have to say I love my Durston Xmid 1p tent! The inner has enough room for my pad and other stuff I need handy while both vestibules are downright huge.

[@UrDoinItWrong]

Was wondering about this, as I have the 2p and wondered if I could get by with the 1P ever (excuse to buy a xmid solid 1p also). Def seems long enough and with 2 big vestibules one shouldnt need interior gear space right?

[@bossmare0531]

Absolutely big enough for one person comfortably with added bonus of being very lightweight and durable.

[@bcloetta]

100% Durston 1p feels luxuriously large to me.

[@johnjefferies2527]

Solid pointers. I agree with the 1P tent point with regards to taller folks. I only take my TarpTent Notch Li when I go backpacking with someone that wants to set camp at the same designated location or "camp pad". 6'3" and TT Aeon Li are not recommended unless you enjoy a soaked quilt.

[@panhandlejake6200]

I have an Aeon Li at 6' 2". Yes, floor space is a premium and I have learned to use it effectively - most items are in my pack under the vestibule. In addition to being very light and single pole, that is one of the reasons why I use the Aeon Li - it requires very little space to pitch. I have been able to pitch in some very small locations at popular sites. You MUST know how to pitch it properly or you can get wet. Being taller, I did have a problem with condensation on the foot end of my quilt due to rubbing on the tent wall - which I was able to resolve by tacking a small piece of polycro on that section of wall (effectively a double wall tent over about 1 sq ft). This has worked very well with almost zero weight penalty.

[@CBne1997]

I traded my Notch Li for the Rainbow Li as I felt the Notch was too cramped inside. Also, my 25” pad did not fit well toward the head and foot as it is only 20”. I do miss the double doors. I’m only 5’10”.

[@jonsanford2515]

A good rule of thumb for clothes… except for one spare pair of socks, one spare pair of underwear, and sleep clothes, you should be able to wear everything else at one time.

[@ManivanAdventures]

Love it! Great tips guys! 🤙🏼

[@gibrigg]

Taking a camp chair…:)

[@woodchip2782]

Nice format! Beats the static chair show. A little B-Roll would be cool…😊

[@tommybewick]

I see that bottle of "old rip" behind Kevin. I was lucky enough to score a bottle myself about a month ago. We only bring it out on special occasions. Best bourbon I've ever had! Congratulations 🎉

[@jaredgates4310]

Great tips. I feel like everyone starts out making most of these mistakes.

[@julieduncan4075]

ALWAYS??? 😊

[@whatkjsaw4461]

I like to describe 1 p and 2 p tents to beginners as the floor being like a one person or double bivy or sleeping bag only difference is it has a roof.

[@panhandlejake6200]

My most recent mistake was not properly planning for altitude acclimation. The trail that I started on did not have adequate camp sites at mid-elevation so I decided to camp at 2000 ft above where I started. I knew to take it easy on the first few days but I still had significant loss of energy. I had to take an unplanned zero on day 2 - which ended up at a fantastic site. I had planned an aggressive route but the zero forced me to cut the route in half -- which ended up being quite enjoyable so it was still a great trip (and ANOTHER learning experience).

[@TheNypenfan]

Totally did some of these. But I do love my combat boots in the winter, and still use them

[@UrDoinItWrong]

All great tips for sure, and def shit I did as a beginner minus the axe. Great video bros!

[@dakotaescher1]

I see people with $150/200 shoes/boots full of blisters.

[@derekhand7904]

Combat boots sucks Andy is correct