5 Gear Mistakes Backpackers Always Make (And How to Fix Them)

I've been backpacking for over 20 years, and I still see these five gear mistakes all the time. If you want to hike farther, faster, and with less frustration, let’s make sure you’re not making them.

These mistakes don’t just weigh you down—they can ruin your trip. The good news? They’re easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Stick around until the end because I’ve got two underrated pieces of gear that you should take on every hike. Let’s dive in!

Gear Mistake 5: Bringing a Massive Survival Knife

There’s something undeniably cool about strapping a big survival knife to your hip. I get it—I carried a Bowie knife on my first few trips. It was awesome… but also completely unnecessary.

Why It’s a Mistake:

• Heavy (some fixed-blade knives weigh over 11 ounces!)

• Bulky and impractical for most backpacking needs

The Fix:

Swap it for a lightweight folding knife, like the CRKT with a skeletonized frame. At just 1.8 ounces, it’s compact, durable, and gets the job done.

Less is more in the backcountry.

Gear Mistake 4: Overcomplicated Cook Systems

I used to carry a MSR Dragonfly stove with a pressurized fuel bottle and a full cook kit—pots, pans, grabbers, and more. It was overkill.

Why It’s a Mistake:

• Heavy and bulky

• Too much hassle after a long day of hiking

• Most backpacking meals just require boiling water

The Fix:

Go minimalist:

• 750ml titanium pot

• MSR Pocket Rocket 2

• Small fuel canister

Total weight? Just 13 ounces.

Simplify your cook system—you’ll thank yourself after a long day on the trail.

Gear Mistake 3: Carrying a Massive First-Aid Kit

As a former Wilderness EMT, I understand the temptation to pack for every possible emergency. But unless you know how to use it, that extra gear is just dead weight.

Why It’s a Mistake:

• Heavy and takes up unnecessary space

• Many items can be improvised using existing gear

The Fix:

• Reduce your kit to just the essentials

• Learn first-aid skills so you can improvise when needed

A lightweight first-aid kit paired with basic first-aid knowledge will cover you in 99% of situations.

Gear Mistake 2: Packing Too Many Clothes

Drop a ✋ in the comments if you’ve been guilty of this one. I sure have.

Why It’s a Mistake:

• Extra clothing adds unnecessary weight

• Hiking clothes double as camp clothes

The Fix:

• Follow a layering system:

  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking

  • Insulating Layer: Warmth

  • Waterproof Shell: Protection

• Limit extras: 1-2 pairs of socks and underwear, max

Embrace your stink bubble and leave the extra clothes at home.

Gear Mistake 1: Packing Too Much Food

It’s easy to overpack food. You don’t want to go hungry, so you throw in extras, and before you know it—you’re hauling an extra 3-4 pounds you’ll never eat.

The Fix:

• Plan your meals with a spreadsheet or meal planner

• Stick to 1 - 1.5 lbs of food per day

• Test your food before your trip

Bring only what you need—and maybe a small morale-boosting treat.

Bonus: Two Underrated Gear Items

1. Lip Balm

• Protects your lips from cracking

• Doubles as a fire starter in an emergency

• Keep it in a pocket for easy access

2. Pack Towel

• Wipes condensation from your tent

• Cleans up after meals

• Bonus: Soak it in cold water and drape it over your neck for an instant cool-down

These two items are small, versatile, and invaluable. Don’t hit the trail without them.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: the five biggest gear mistakes backpackers make and how to fix them.

Which of these mistakes have you made? Or, do you have a gear tip that changed the game for you? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Less is more in the backcountry

✅ Simplify your gear for a better experience

✅ Invest in skills over excessive gear

If this post helped you rethink your pack, share it with a fellow backpacker!

📺 Watch the full video breakdown here: 

Until next time, 1 Corinthians 10:31.