Beginner Hiking mistakes to avoid (and how to)

13 April 2022

ATrails Team

At ATrails our goal is to empower you to get outside and live more adventurously, and if you are new to the outdoors, hiking is a great place to start your journey and it does not need lots of fancy gear like skies, ropes, bikes, or expensive mountaineering equipment. All hiking requires is a desire to explore, a few pieces of simple clothing, and a basic skill set to keep you safe and happy on the trail. Just because you are new to it, you do not have to be afraid of the outdoors.

It is always good to try something new!

As a beginner hiker — and let’s be honest, even for experienced hikers — there’s always something you’ll forget, mess up, or just get flat out wrong.

We all make mistakes, and you shouldn’t let that discourage you. To help you avoid some rookie mistakes that beginner hikers make, we put together this list of some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen (or been guilty of ourselves) on the trail.

Hiking Mistake #1: Not wearing the right clothing

Solution: Wear layers and be prepared for changes in weather

Going outside means you’re in the elements, so it’s always important to wear layers (or store them in your pack) that you can pull off when you get warm and add on when you get cold. These important layering items include rain gear and a hat. As we all know, mountain weather is very changeable. So even if the trailhead is nice and sunny you are likely to find snow, wind, or rain at the top of a peak or ridgeline. So be prepared for the worst.

The first no-no of hiking is that you should not wear cotton clothing or other materials that will absorb moisture and sweat. As your cotton clothes (like jeans or a cotton hoody or cotton socks) absorb rain or sweat they start to pull heat from your body and this is a recipe for hypothermia.

Hiking clothing is generally made from fibers that wick away moisture from the body to help regulate your body temperatures, which is important in all kinds of weather. If you are hiking in the summer, we also recommend that you hike in a short-sleeve shirt as opposed to a sleeveless tank top or shirt, since it provides more sun protection and prevents rubbing from my pack’s shoulder straps

Hiking Mistake #2: Getting caught in the dark

Solution: Get an idea of how long the hike will take

Before set out, read some reviews on the trails and gather some information so I can expect how long the hike will take (both in distance and time). A good resource to use if you hiking in the west is AllTrails and this will help you see what others are saying about the hike so you can gauge your own time and experience. This helps me know what time I need to start hiking in order to avoid getting caught in the dark. Once you’re out on the trail, make sure you have a map – either a paper map or on your phone – so you can keep track of your location during your hike. If you’re doing an out and back hike, determine what a good turnaround time is and stick with it. If you’re doing a loop trail, know the mileage, vertical gain and how long it will take you and plan your breaks accordingly. Even if you’re certain you’ll be done before dark, it’s always a good idea to pack a headlamp, just in case.

Hiking Mistake #3: Leaving behind essential items

Solution: Prepare and pack your backpack ahead of time

Another classic hiking mistake is forgetting things you wish you had while your were out on the mountain. Typically is when the need of something arises, that you remember what you forgot （aka: too late!). A well-packed backpack might seem elusive to a beginner hiker; however, having everything you need in your pack comes down to creating a good habit and frame of mind before you go outside. Think about step by step what you may need based on the terrain, weather and timing.

Plus, remember to bring a fully-charged phone (a charger too), map, or other navigational tool, and plenty of food and water to replenish your electrolytes and keep your energy up.

Hiking Mistake #4: Getting lost

Solution: Bring a map and know how to read it (or rely on knowledgable licensed guides only!!)

Whether you’re a beginner hiker or not, there are a few good rules to always follow so you can avoid getting lost. One, always bring a map – either a paper copy, GPS, or on your phone (make sure it can be used offline) – and know how to read it. Two, stick to the established trail. Don’t cut through a switchback or bushwhack your way through an unmarked section of a trail.This is an easy way to get yourself turned around. If at any point, you think you might be lost, stop, think, make a mental note of your surroundings, and start retracing your steps.

Hiking Mistake #5: Trying to do too much

Solution: Set realistic goals and research the trail ahead of time

It’s important to have realistic goals in mind and to know your abilities. When choosing a trail, the two big factors you’ll want to pay attention to are the total distance and the total elevation gain. Have an idea in mind of how far you can comfortably hike in a day and how much elevation gain is too much. For your first hikes, we suggest picking hikes that have only moderate elevation gain, are well-traveled and easy to follow when you are getting started with hiking. While it’s good to challenge yourself, it isn’t a great idea to get in over your head. A lot of times we overestimate our abilities and end up making this hiking mistake that leaves us with sore bodies and exhausted minds.

Plus, the whole idea is to have fun. If you realize the trail is more than you can chew off, don’t try to power through; be safe and turn back.

Knowing when to say no and use your better judgement is an important skill that you’ll need as you advance to more challenging terrain.

Hiking Mistake #6: Not following “Leave Just Traces”

Solution: Learn how to Leave Just Traces

To be a good steward of the outdoors means being responsible and mindful of your impact. As a hiking newbie, it’s important to get up to speed with proper trail etiquette. In short, this means plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, pack out your trash, respect nature and wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when you’re just starting out, so take some time to educate yourself, try your best to tread lightly and educate others as you learn, too! Together, we can leave the outdoor places we love better than we found them.