Backpacking Mistakes I Still Make

Even after hundreds of miles on trail, I still make backpacking mistakes. Some are small. Some quietly compound over days. And a few can seriously affect comfort, morale, and recovery on a long hike. In this video, I break down the backpacking mistakes I still make — from footwear and pacing to decision-making and mindset — and what I’m doing to manage them better. If you’re planning a multi-day backpacking trip or a thru-hike, these lessons may save you pain, frustration, and energy on trail. ---------------------------------------------------------- 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 - I Still Make These Backpacking Mistakes 1:14 - Mistake #1: Sticking to the Plan Too Long 2:44 - Mistake #2: Ignoring Early Warning Signs 4:11 - Mistake #3: Underestimating Fatigue on Trail 5:34 - Mistake #4: Chasing Lighter Gear Over Comfort 6:46 - Why I Keep Making These Mistakes (And What I’m Changing) 7:32 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways ---------------------------------------------------------- #hiking #thruhiking #backpacking