Ten common hiking mistakes to avoid
Small decisions before departure can shape the whole hike. Use these points alongside the description of your specific route.
Before setting out
- Counting distance without considering ascent, terrain or breaks.
- Wearing new footwear for the first time on a long route.
- Packing everything just in case without a clear purpose.
- Relying on a forecast read several days earlier.
- Depending entirely on a phone without a backup plan.
On the trail
- Starting too fast for the group.
- Repeatedly postponing food and drink.
- Adjusting clothing too late for wind, moisture or effort.
- Leaving no margin before darkness or the last transport.
- Sticking to the original plan despite deteriorating conditions.
Build a repeatable routine
Check footwear, your pack and items needed if delayed. Agree who handles navigation, shared equipment and the journey home. Afterwards, record one success and one improvement. Leaving earlier or choosing a shorter section may solve the problem. New equipment is useful when it addresses a specific need. Shortening the route or turning back is a normal adjustment.
Related guides
Explore equipment
We are a specialist hiking equipment retailer based in Latvia, with more than 30 brands. Shop online with fast shipping to our supported European destinations.