Backpacking Tips That Made My Trips Worse (Do This Instead)
Not all backpacking advice is created equal—and some of it can seriously ruin your trip.
You’ll hear it everywhere: at outdoor stores, on Facebook hiking groups, from that ultralight guy at the trailhead, or buried in a Reddit thread with way too many upvotes. Everyone thinks they know the best backpacking tips. The problem? A lot of this advice is based on outdated info, survivalist fantasies, or assumptions that simply don’t hold up in the real world.
And if you’re new to backpacking, it’s hard to tell the difference between helpful wisdom and complete trail nonsense.
I’ve fallen for plenty of these “must-know” tips over the years. Tips that promised to make my hikes easier—but instead left me overpacked, overtired, and wondering why I was even out there in the first place. Whether it’s carrying way too much gear, ditching essential items, or buying the wrong equipment, bad backpacking advice can turn an amazing trip into a painful slog.
👉 Prefer to watch instead? Check out my full YouTube breakdown here, where I go deep on the worst backpacking tips I ever followed—and what I recommend instead based on hundreds of trail miles.
⚠️ Before we dive in, make sure you grab my Free Beginner Backpacking Gear Checklist. It’s the exact list I wish I had on my first few trips, and it’ll help you skip the trial-and-error phase (and save your back in the process).
From packing the wrong gear to trusting terrible tent advice, this post breaks down the worst backpacking tips I ever got—and what actually works. Whether you’re planning your first overnight or just tired of lugging 50 pounds of regret through the wilderness, this guide will help you backpack smarter, lighter, and with way more confidence.
Let’s jump into it.
“Bigger Packs Are Better” – And Other Heavy Lies
Why this advice sounds smart—but fails on trail
One of the most common backpacking tips I got early on was this:
“Get a bigger pack—you’ll have more room for gear, and more gear means you’ll be more prepared.”
Sounds logical, right? More space = more stuff = more comfort and safety on the trail.
Wrong. Completely wrong.
My overloaded Gregory 70-liter disaster
My first overnight trip, I proudly strapped on a Gregory Baltoro 70—a beast of a backpack that weighs over six pounds empty. That’s right, before I even packed a single item, I was already carrying the weight of a bowling ball on my back. And what did I do with all that space? I filled it. Every pocket, every compartment—jammed with things I thought I might need.
- Extra layers (in case of a freak snowstorm in June)
- Full-size Dr. Bronner’s soap
- Not one, but two stoves—because, what if the first exploded?
- Enough snacks for a weeklong thru-hike… on a weekend trip
By mile five, I wasn’t enjoying the wilderness—I was questioning every life decision I’d made up to that point.
The better move: smaller pack, smarter gear
Here’s the truth:
- Bigger packs = temptation to overpack
- Overpacking = fatigue, sore shoulders, and slow miles
- Fatigue = less fun, more pain, and increased chance of injury
This is one of those beginner backpacking mistakes that hits hard. When you carry more than you need, everything becomes harder—climbs feel steeper, breaks happen more often, and you start resenting the trip instead of enjoying it.
The fix? Use a smaller pack that forces you to prioritize.
I recommend sticking to 45–55 liters for most three-season trips. Packs like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest or the Osprey Exos 48 offer just enough space for your essentials—without the dangerous “just in case” trap.
- Ultralight, AirSpeed injection-molded ladder adjustment system provides 4″ of torso adjustability of a customizable fit
- ExoForm harness features seamless layered mesh to provide improved comfort and cushioning
- Removable floating lid with top- and under-lid zippered pockets and integrated flapJacket cover for lidless use
- Dual ice axe loops with bungee tie-off, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment, and sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
Smaller packs do more than save your back. They teach you discipline, help you focus on what matters, and make every mile feel lighter and freer.
Ready to lighten your load? Check out my full Ultralight Backpacking Gear List for the exact setup I use now—and how I stay comfortable without carrying a mountain on my shoulders.
Because trust me—no scenic view is worth a 50-pound pack of regret.
Why Carrying a Stainless Steel Bottle Was One of My Worst Backpacking Mistakes
The survivalist logic behind the tip
Back when I first started backpacking, someone told me,
“Always carry a stainless steel water bottle—you can boil water in it if you need to.”
It sounded smart. Survival-y. Like something a seasoned wilderness badass would do.
So I picked up a big, heavy stainless steel bottle and packed it with pride, thinking I was ready for anything.
What actually happened when I tried it
Big mistake.
Here’s what actually happened:
To use it the way I was told, I had to:
- Build a roaring fire (not easy in damp conditions or fire-restricted areas)
- Balance the bottle in the flames without it toppling over
- Wait forever for the water to come to a full boil
And then came the real fun—pulling a soot-covered bottle out of the flames, burning my fingers in the process, and spilling ash into the water. Everything smelled like smoke. My hands, my bottle, my sleeping bag. And the water? It tasted like campfire and regret.
Why filtering is faster, lighter, and cleaner
Meanwhile, my buddy—who clearly knew better—had already filtered his water using a Sawyer Squeeze and was kicking back in his hammock, clean, hydrated, and hassle-free. He didn’t need fire. He didn’t need steel. He just squeezed and drank.
That was the moment I realized: I wasn’t being prepared—I was just being inefficient.
Here’s why the “boil water in your bottle” advice falls apart:
- Stainless steel bottles are heavy (they add unnecessary base weight)
- Fire isn’t always allowed or practical
- Boiling takes longer and leaves you with a messy bottle
- It’s not scalable if you need to hydrate fast or filter water for a group
The better solution? Go lightweight and modern.
I now carry a Sawyer Squeeze and a Smartwater bottle—the go-to combo for ultralight hikers and thru-hikers alike. It’s fast, safe, reliable, and fits in the side pocket of my pack like it belongs there.
- Lightweight, easy to use portable water filter removes harmful bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, And 100% of microplastics; Perfect for outdoor adventures, travel, or emergency preparedness
- High-Performance 0.1 micron absolute inline filter fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 2 ounces
- 100% of squeeze units individually tested three times to performance standards by sawyer
- Removable cap; Filter water straight Into mouth or bottle from included pouch; Also fits standard water bottles with 28 mm threads; Use in gravity system
If you want to avoid this and other gear-related fails, check out my full Backpacking Gear Guide. I break down the exact gear I use now and how I’ve cut weight without cutting comfort.
Don’t suffer to feel prepared. Smart gear choices = lighter pack, faster setup, and a better time on trail.
Grab my full Backpacking Gear Guide to see what I bring on every trip (spoiler: it’s not a steel bottle).
“You Don’t Need Trekking Poles” – Massive Mistake
The myth that trekking poles are for old folks
When I first started backpacking, I kept hearing the same thing:
“Trekking poles are for old people.”
The message was clear—if you’re young and fit, you don’t need them. They’re clunky. They just get in the way. They’re for people who can’t handle real hiking.
So I left mine at home.
How Henry Coe State Park wrecked my knees
Then I hiked Henry Coe State Park—one of the steepest, most unforgiving trail networks in California. Ten miles in, my knees were screaming, my legs felt like Jell-O, and every downhill step felt like someone was stabbing my joints with tiny knives. By the time I finished the loop, I was limping, using a stick I found on the trail just to hobble back to my car.
Lesson learned—painfully.
Why poles are a legit performance upgrade
On my next trip, I brought a pair of Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles. And honestly? I’ll never hike without them again.
Here’s what trekking poles really do—no matter your age:
- Protect your knees on long descents (seriously, it’s night and day)
- Improve balance on rocky, muddy, or uneven trails
- Distribute effort across your arms and legs, saving energy on climbs
- Double as ultralight tent poles for certain shelters (like tarp setups or trekking-pole tents)
- Utah based Black Diamond has been producing premium quality outdoor equipment since 1957. All Black Diamond Trekking Poles Include a 2 Year Warranty.
- 7075 Aluminum shafts with usable length of 100-140cm
- Soft-touch ergonomic grip top with 100% natural cork grip and EVA foam grip extension
- FlickLock technology for easy length adjustments
They’re not just for avoiding injury—they’re performance-enhancing gear. Since making the switch, I’ve used my poles to cross sketchy rivers, stabilize on icy slopes, and once… to fend off a very bold marmot trying to chew through my backpack. (True story.)
Still think they look “dorky”? I’ll tell you what looks worse: hobbling down a mountain because your knees gave out halfway through your hike.
Trekking poles are one of the smartest additions to your gear setup—especially if you’re trying to avoid common beginner backpacking mistakes.
If you’re going solo, they’re even more essential. Balance matters more when no one’s there to catch you. Check out my full post on Solo Backpacking Mistakes for more lessons I learned the hard way.
Skip the ego. Save your knees. Trekking poles are absolutely worth it.
The Single-Wall Tent Soak-Fest
Why single-wall tents seem appealing
There was a time I totally bought into the ultralight hype.
“Single-wall tents are lighter, simpler, and faster to set up,” they said.
And on paper, that all sounded great. No rainfly to fuss with. Fewer stakes. Less weight. More efficiency. I thought I was leveling up my backpacking game.
What really happens on cold or humid nights
But then I spent a night in one.
By morning, my sleeping bag was damp, my clothes were wet, and I felt like I had camped inside a giant soggy sponge. Every time I shifted during the night, condensation dripped from the ceiling onto my face. Not ideal.
I figured maybe it was just a fluke, so I gave it another shot—this time in the desert. Dry air, warmer weather, no problem… right?
Wrong. The temperature dropped overnight, and with zero airflow in the tent, I woke up surrounded by clammy walls and soaked gear. Packing up that tent added even more weight to my pack than a double-wall tent would have in the first place. And worst of all? I slept horribly.
Why I switched back to a double-wall tent
Here’s the hard truth I learned the uncomfortable way:
Single-wall tents are lighter—but they don’t breathe well.
That means condensation buildup is practically unavoidable—especially in humid or cold conditions.
When you’re dealing with condensation:
- Your sleeping bag loses loft (and warmth)
- Your clothes and electronics get damp
- You sleep poorly and pack up heavier gear in the morning
The better move? Go with a double-wall tent.
I now use tents like the Big Agnes Copper Spur or the Nemo Dagger, and I’ve never looked back. They’re:
- Breathable, which means less condensation and better airflow
- Condensation-resistant, especially in variable weather
- Versatile—you can pitch just the inner mesh on hot nights or add the rainfly when storms roll in
Sure, they weigh a few more ounces. But the payoff is better sleep, drier gear, and way more comfort, which makes a huge difference over multi-day trips.
If you’re just starting out, don’t fall for every ultralight shortcut. Sometimes, adding a little weight is actually the smartest move you can make. For more gear that’s actually worth carrying, check out my full Backpacking Gear Guide.
Comfort = better sleep = better hikes. Don’t sacrifice that just to shave off a few ounces.
Yes, You Can Watch Netflix in the Backcountry
The myth of backcountry “purity”
There’s this unspoken rule floating around in the backpacking world:
“You’re not really connecting with nature if you watch a movie at camp.”
Some people treat backcountry entertainment like it’s blasphemy. As if watching a downloaded Netflix episode means you’re doing it wrong. But let me tell you something that might rattle the ultrapurists:
The mountains don’t care.
Why entertainment matters—especially solo
After hiking 15 or 20 miles through rugged terrain, battling elevation, bugs, and blazing sun, I’m not exactly in the mood to sit cross-legged in complete silence, staring at a tree. I want to kick back in my tent, eat some mashed potatoes, and laugh at Dumb and Dumber—and I do, often.
Backpacking is supposed to be fun, not some kind of wilderness purity test.
So yes—bring a movie. Bring your favorite podcast. Download that audiobook.
This isn’t a survival challenge. It’s your time to recharge, relax, and enjoy yourself. If watching a comfort show at night helps you unwind, go for it.
This is especially true if you’re solo camping. When you’re alone in the woods, nightfall hits different. Every rustle sounds like a bear, and it’s easy for your mind to spiral. A little background noise can keep things light and familiar. It makes your tent feel more like home.
Battery life hacks and what I use
Worried about battery life?
Don’t be. I bring an Anker PowerCore 20,000 on every trip, and it keeps my phone charged for 4–6 days—even when I’m using GPS, taking photos, and watching a show at night. It’s one of the few luxury items that always earns its place in my pack.
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Ultra-High Capacity: The massive 20,000mAh capacity provides more than 5 and a half charges for iPhone XS, more than 4 full charges for Samsung Galaxy S10, and over 2 and a half charges for iPad mini…
- Simultaneous Charging: Dual USB ports equipped with Anker’s PowerIQ 2.0 technology lets you charge two devices at the same time—wherever you are.
- High-Speed Charging: Deliver a max 18W high-speed charge to phones, tablets, and more via the PowerIQ-enabled USB ports.
Want to make your time at camp even better? Check out my post on Genius Backpacking Tips. It’s packed with simple upgrades that make camp life easier, comfier, and way more enjoyable.
Remember: this is your hike. Whether you’re watching The Revenant in the rain or listening to a comedy podcast under the stars, there’s no “wrong” way to relax in the backcountry.
Backpacking should be about freedom—not rules made up by strangers online.
Conclusion: Hike Your Own Hike, Ignore the Noise
There’s no shortage of backpacking advice out there—but not all of it’s worth following.
Some tips sound smart until you try them on trail. Others come from people who haven’t actually spent much time outside. And then there are the diehards who treat suffering as a badge of honor. That’s not the kind of hiking most of us are after.
Backpacking should be fun, not a misery contest.
Want to carry a smaller pack? Do it.
Want to bring a movie for camp? Go for it.
Want to use trekking poles to save your knees? Absolutely.
At the end of the day, your gear should make the trip easier—not heavier. Your routines should make you comfortable—not stressed. And your version of “doing it right” is the only one that matters.
Hike your own hike. Test what works. Ignore the rest.
If you’re looking for more trail-tested strategies to avoid gear regrets and enjoy your trips more, check out my post on What I Wish I Knew Before My First Backpacking Trip. It’s packed with the advice I actually use now—and none of the fluff.
See you out there. 👣
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