Curious About Wilderness Backpacking? Don’t make these two common mistakes
Backpacking is one of my favorite things to do. There’s something incredibly special about taking just what you need—your tent, sleeping bag, food, and water—and setting out on a trail. Whether you're hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail or exploring other scenic paths, the adventure lies in the journey, the solitude, and the quiet moments found in nature.
Imagine camping next to Lake Superior, where the night sky reveals ten times the stars you see in the city, or sitting beside a waterfall, letting its sound wash over you. These are the moments that remind us why we venture into the wilderness.
In this blog post, I’m sharing insights from my 17+ years of backpacking experience and my time teaching through Whole Life Elevation since 2021. I also invite you to watch my latest video where I discuss two common mistakes beginners often make when backpacking and how to avoid them.
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Curious About Wilderness Backpacking? Here’s What You Need to Know
Backpacking is one of my favorite things to do. There’s something incredibly special about taking just what you need—your tent, sleeping bag, food, and water—and setting out on a trail. Whether you're hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail or exploring other scenic paths, the adventure lies in the journey, the solitude, and the quiet moments found in nature.
Imagine camping next to Lake Superior, where the night sky reveals ten times the stars you see in the city, or sitting beside a waterfall, letting its sound wash over you. These are the moments that remind us why we venture into the wilderness.
In this blog post, I’m sharing insights from my 17+ years of backpacking experience and my time teaching through Whole Life Elevation since 2021. I also invite you to watch my latest video where I discuss two common mistakes beginners often make when backpacking and how to avoid them.
Two Common Backpacking Mistakes Beginners Make
1. Being Overly Ambitious with Your Itinerary
Backpacking is much more challenging than a simple day hike because you’re carrying all your gear—often at least 22 lbs—across rugged and steep terrains. One of the most frequent mistakes beginners make is planning an itinerary that’s too ambitious. While it’s exciting to think about conquering long distances and challenging trails, overestimating your current skill level and endurance can lead to unnecessary strain or even risk in the backcountry.
My recommendation: Start with an easier trip. Use it as a confidence-building opportunity to develop your skills, strength, and familiarity with backpacking. Once you’ve experienced the benefits of a less demanding adventure, you’ll be better prepared to tackle more challenging hikes.
This is precisely why I created Secrets of Nature—a backpacking and forest bathing experience designed specifically for women who are new to backpacking. By starting small, you can build the skills and confidence needed for more difficult trips, making your eventual adventures all the more enjoyable.
2. Bringing Too Many Things
Another common mistake is packing too much. The more you carry, the heavier your pack becomes, and over time, the weight intensifies as your muscles fatigue. Carrying extra items not only slows you down but can also detract from the overall experience of connecting with nature.
Here are three core strategies to lighten your load:
Opt for Lighter Gear:
Modern backpacking gear is designed to be as light as possible. For example, my tent weighs just 2.1 lbs. Consider investing in or borrowing lighter alternatives for essential items.Be Intentional with What You Bring:
Evaluate every item in your pack. Ask yourself if it’s truly necessary for the trip. For example, rather than packing a full-size tube of toothpaste, opt for a travel-sized version that meets your needs without extra weight.Multi-Purpose Items:
Look for items that can serve more than one function. A sweatshirt, for instance, can double as a pillow, reducing the need for additional gear.
Join a Backpacking Retreat
If you’re looking for guidance to get started with backpacking, consider joining one of my upcoming retreats. Not only will you build confidence in the backcountry, but you'll also learn fun, practical practices that help you experience nature in a whole new way. These retreats are a perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and embrace the transformative power of the wilderness. Secrets of Nature is the retreat for absolute beginners to develop backcountry skills. For those with some experience, check out Stronger Together and I Am Enough.
Laura Adrian is a Retreat Facilitator, Speaker, and Writer who is a catalyst for transformative experiences that connect thousands globally to the healing power of nature.
Laura has an eclectic background in mindfulness, yoga, spirituality, and herbalism. Her connection with nature has deepened by spending over 365 nights in the wilderness. She is a certified mindfulness teacher through UC Berkeley and she has travelled across the US teaching workshops that bring people closer to the natural world.
Laura Adrian will be sharing workshops two workshops where participants will be guided through practices to deepen their connection to the natural world and open to new wisdom through nature. We’ll explore the healing power of trees through direct connection. Participants will also be explore the wisdom of nature as we attune to changes, seasons, and cycles. From these workshops, participants will learn simple, yet powerful practices that they’ll be able to take home and integrate into their life to cultivate resilience, inner strength, and wisdom for turbulent times.