A selfie of a backpacker with a field in the background.
A selfie of a backpacker with a field in the background.

You’ll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes

It’s that beautiful time of year where all you lovely future thru-hikers are thinking to yourselves, “oh shit! This is really happening! Am I really doing this? Ahhhhh!”

The 2025 thru-hiking season is around the corner, especially for Appalachian Trail hikers starting in February or March. If you haven’t already started, now’s the time to begin thinking seriously about your fitness, gear, and the logistics of your hike.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kelly Floro.

Mwandishi wa Blogu ya Picha
Maelezo ya vyombo vya habari kutoka Trek
Trek ya

Njia ya Appalachian, Njia ya Divide ya Bara, Njia ya Crest ya Pasifiki, na kila kitu katikati. Tumejitolea kutumikia backpackers ya umbali mrefu.

Sisi sote ni vitu vya nyuma vya umbali mrefu.

Njia ya Appalachian, Njia ya Divide ya Bara, Njia ya Crest ya Pasifiki, na kila kitu katikati. Tumejitolea kutumikia jamii ya thru-hiking na umbali mrefu wa backpacking.

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Mlango wa Zoe
Editor at Backpacker

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
Hiker

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker