Backpacking Advice I Stopped Following...And You Should Too

Backpacking advice is everywhere. Go ultralight. Don’t do big miles. Running is the best way to train. Bring redundancy in your gear. Use “military grade” equipment. But after hiking hundreds of miles on trails like the John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Zion Traverse, and Uinta Highline Trail, I’ve learned that some backpacking advice simply doesn’t hold up in the real world. In this video I break down six common pieces of backpacking advice I no longer follow — and why real trail experience changed my perspective. Whether you're planning a thru-hike, section hike, or weekend backpacking trip, hopefully these lessons help you build a system that actually works for you. Trails mentioned: John Muir Trail (JMT) Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) Zion Traverse Uinta Highline Trail #backpacking #thruhiking #ultralightbackpacking #hikingtips ---------------------------------------------------------- P.S. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It helps support the channel at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! ---------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Support the Channel: Venmo: @colbyonthetrail ---------------------------------------------------------- Discount Codes: Tell Your Trail 12% off: ColbyontheTrail12 https://tellyourtrail.com/?ref=ColbyontheTrail12 Hilltop Packs 10% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://hilltoppacks.com/colbyonthetrail Backcountry Foodie 20% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://backcountryfoodie.com/aff/73/ ---------------------------------------------------------- My Favorite Gear: Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/4kLxv71 Titanium 750ml Pot: https://amzn.to/4kWEk5t Ultralight Stove: https://amzn.to/4kUKbbr Water Filter: https://amzn.to/4o45itc Ultralight Trowel: https://amzn.to/4iaU7Mr Summit Suds Powdered Soap: https://amzn.to/3FyXOgx Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets: https://amzn.to/3DUGIJh Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie: https://amzn.to/4iay6gG Nike Men's Challenger Dri-fit 5" Lined Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/4kq1S2B Garmin inReach Mini 2: https://amzn.to/4kAYVML inCharge XL 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable: https://amzn.to/41QdkMh Camera Gear: Camera Gear: DJI Pocket Osmo 3: https://amzn.to/3QVjNRi DJI Osmo Action 6 : https://amzn.to/4axDqtE Insta360 X5: https://amzn.to/4qm7qOw Sony A6700: https://amzn.to/4qkKwa5 Sony G Master 15mm f1.4 Lens: https://amzn.to/4b7pyX9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 0:00 Backpacking Advice Is Everywhere 1:12 Bad Advice #1 – You Have To Go Ultralight 2:35 Bad Advice #2 – Don't Do Big Miles 4:02 Bad Advice #3 – Running Is The Best Way To Train 5:51 Bad Advice #4 – You Don't Need To Train 6:55 Bad Advice #5 – Redundancy In Your Gear 8:55 Bad Advice #6 – Military Grade Equipment 10:32 When Bad Advice Goes Wrong 11:59 Final Thoughts ---------------------------------------------------------- #hiking #thruhiking #backpacking