I’ve goofed up my gear for pretty much every sport I’ve started as an adult. I generally hate doing research, and consistently tell myself that it’ll be OK. Most of the time it is, but there have been some gear decisions in my personal history that I consider epic failures. Everyone is different, and you may love some of the gear that I’ll never use again. However, these simple changes I’ve made have dramatically improved my overall success and happiness while backpacking and hiking. I still have a ways to go in perfecting my setup, but here are some big mistakes I’ll be sure to never make again.
Bringing a Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite on the John Muir Trail in late September
I will tell anyone who is willing to listen that your sleeping pad is much more important than your sleeping bag. As soon as I invested (both money and weight wise) in a quality three-season pad, my happiness in the backcountry skyrocketed. I had hallucinations on the JMT because of my lack of sleeping during the cold, uncomfortable nights. I now use the Therm-a-Rest ProLite and bring it even when it’s warm enough for something thinner.
Paying too much attention to sleeping bag temperature ratings
When I first built my backpacking setup, I was dead set on a zero-degree bag because I’m a “cold sleeper” and I thought it would be the most versatile. So I did what many, many beginners would do and found the cheapest possible option on Amazon. Needless to say, it did not suit me well. I sleep much warmer in my quality 20-degree quilt than I ever did in my “zero degree” bag. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that your sleeping pad and nighttime layering system also play a large role in your nighttime comfort. Now, I use the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20-degree quilt paired with my Therm-a-Rest ProLite and sleep like a baby in temperatures well below freezing.
Years spent in hiking boots
If you’re reading this, chances are you already know that thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers have an affinity for trail runners. But on the off chance this is new information, welcome to the club. I grew up with the unshakeable knowledge that hiking boots are for hiking, and trail runners are for running. Once I finally made the switch to trail runners all the time, my agility, speed, and comfort all improved drastically. My go-tos are the Altra Lone Peaks, especially for extremely long days on the trail or backpacking trips. If I’m planning something more technical with lots of chossy sections or ice, I go for the HOKA Speedgoats or the Arc’teryx Norvan SL.
Chacos are horrible camp shoes
This seems so minor, but bringing Chacos on the JMT was a major bummer. They’re heavy, and they didn’t even fit under my thick camp socks, which totally negated the point of bringing camp shoes at all. The only advantage I felt with them was being able to navigate river crossings comfortably, but I think Tevas or even Crocs would be a much lighter and comfortable option if you prefer to bring camp shoes. Now, I usually leave the extra shoes at home altogether because my Lone Peaks are quite comfortable and I don’t mind hanging around in them at camp.
Refusing to learn how to use trekking poles
On the John Muir Trail I brought one functional trekking pole, and used it maybe 20% of the time. Now I always carry poles because I have a non-freestanding tent, and they are such a game changer. Also, lightweight and easy-to-use poles are well worth the investment. I use the REI Flash Carbon poles and absolutely love them. Trekking poles help on both ascents and descents by taking pressure off your joints and distributing your weight more evenly. On uneven terrain, the poles act like fifth and sixth limbs to stabilize yourself while moving quickly. I now also use them for long trail runs, and they were a godsend on my one-day run of Rim to Rim to Rim.
Overpacking for day hikes
There’s a difference between being prepared and coming back home with 5 pounds of uneaten snacks and three unused layers. Keeping my day pack as light as possible dramatically improves my efficiency and happiness on the trail, even if I’m not under a strict time crunch. If I’m hiking/running for three hours or less, I bring my 6-liter Osprey Duro trail running vest. For a 3-8 hour hike/run, a 24-liter pack is usually perfect and carries all the snacks and layers I need. For true all-day affairs with changing weather and where I need multiple meals, I use my 33-liter Osprey Talon pack. The gear I pack into each of these options is a lengthy discussion, and likely the topic of another upcoming article.
Bringing a bear can where it’s not needed
This is a regret that I have yet to address. I spend a lot of time in the Wasatch/Uinta backcountry in Utah, where there are black bears but hard-sided bear canisters aren’t required. I’ve been lazy to invest in the lighter and more packable Ursack, which is a much more versatile option than the BV500. Though bear canisters are a great way to ensure your food is safe, they seriously limit your space options and add pounds of unnecessary weight. Learning to use and store a lighter and more packable bear sack is very high on my summer backpacking priority list.
Overdoing the freeze-dried food.
It’s so exciting to go into REI before a backpacking trip and get swept up into the pre-adventure shop. Time and time again, I’ve “treated myself” to freeze-dried everything, and regretted it in more ways than one. Financially, it’s way more expensive than simple grocery store food. Timewise, the preparation will seriously cut into your day on trail. And, most important of all, eating a hot meal in the heat of the day doesn’t exactly make your stomach feel great. I still love packing freeze-dried dinners, and maybe a dessert, but I now opt for something quicker and more friendly on my stomach for trail breakfasts and lunches.
