Here’s Why You Suck at Hiking: The 30 Most Common Mistakes Newbie Hikers Make

So, you’ve finally decided to try “hiking,” huh? Perhaps you’ve done it once or twice and realized you were about as coordinated as a newborn giraffe on a slip-and-slide. You’re probably right; you were likely awful. But don’t let that bruised ego (or your bruised shins) stop you just yet. We’ve all been there, standing at the trailhead looking like we’ve just been evicted from a sporting goods store. The truth is, the trail is a harsh mistress, and she doesn’t care about your aesthetic Instagram photos.

Most of the suffering you endured was probably due to a series of avoidable mistakes by newbie hikers. In fact, some of us—myself included—learned the hard way. Ehem. My dignity is still somewhere in the mountains of the Cordillera. To save you from a similar fate, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the “stupid things” people do, expanded and refined for those who actually want to survive their next trek.

Avoid doing these 30 things and one day you might just become a hiking pro!

All The Silly Things You Do Before The Hike

1. You Fail To Make a Plan (The “Spontaneity is Death” Trap)

You’ve heard the cliché: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” In the world of trekking, failing to plan is basically a polite way of saying you’re volunteering for a search-and-rescue mission. I get it—being spontaneous feels thrilling and Jack Kerouac-esque, but we’re talking about venturing into territory where the Wi-Fi is non-existent and the squirrels are judging you.

One of the most glaring mistakes by newbie hikers is assuming the trail will just “make sense” once you get there. By planning, you learn about the technical difficulties, the estimated completion time, and the terrain. This isn’t just homework; it’s survival. You need to know if you’re walking on a paved path or scaling a vertical wall of mud.

• Pro-Tip: Check websites like All Trails, Hiking Project, Traillink or Pinoy Mountaineer. Don’t just look at the photos of the summit; read the comments from people who hiked it last week. If someone says, “The trail has turned into a river of leeches,” maybe pack some salt.

2. Picking a Trail Beyond Your Skill Level

If you decide to tackle a mountain with a 9/9 difficulty rating as your first climb, you aren’t “brave”—you’re a liability. This is a classic entry in the logbook of mistakes by newbie hikers. You want a “Minor Climb,” something that won’t make you want to sell your soul to a mountain goat for a ride back down after the first hour.

Consider the physics of it. Elevation gain is the real killer. The relationship between altitude and oxygen pressure can be modeled roughly by the barometric formula:

Things to Consider:

• This is not always about the distance. A short hike with a significant elevation ascent might be more difficult than a lengthy, level trip.
• As you go up, the air gets “thinner,” and your lungs start to wonder if you’re trying to kill them. Start small. There’s no shame in a hill that looks like a gentle bump on the horizon.

3. Not Preparing for the Battle (Couch to Cliffside)

Thinking you can go from six months of Netflix marathons to a mountain marathon is one of those mistakes by newbie hikers that results in what we experts call “The Jelly Leg.” Trails are uneven. They require balance, core strength, and the ability to not pass out when you see a steep incline.

The Mentality: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, talk to a doctor. The trail is not the place to discover you have a lingering heart issue or an allergy to “outside.”

4. The First Aid Extremes

I’ve seen it all: hikers who bring nothing but a single Band-Aid for a three-day trek, and others who pack enough medical supplies to perform a kidney transplant in a cave. Both are mistakes by newbie hikers.

You need the essentials:

• Personal medications (Asthma inhalers, EpiPens, etc.)
• Antiseptic/Alcohol
• Moleskin or blister pads (your feet will thank me)
• Gauze and medical tape

ALSO READ: Philippines Packing List: What To Bring For Your Next Day Hike

5. You Didn’t Test Your Gear Before You Hit The Trail.

Nothing says “amateur” like a hiker standing in a downpour, frantically reading a 20-page manual on how to assemble a tent. Testing your gear at home is the only way to avoid the most embarrassing mistakes by newbie hikers.

If you “improvised” a bag, check the zippers. If you bought a stove, make sure you can light it without burning your eyebrows off. Do a trial run in your backyard or even your living room. Your neighbors might think you’re weird, but you’ll be the one laughing when your tent doesn’t collapse at 3:00 AM.

6. You Don’t Review Your Gears And Supplies Carefully.

A few days before the hike, put everything in your bag. If it weighs more than a small child, you’ve failed. One of the common mistakes by newbie hikers is over-packing “just in case” items. You don’t need a hardcover encyclopedia or a cast-iron skillet for a day hike.

Post-Hike: Don’t just throw your sweaty gear in the closet. Wash it, dry it, and inspect it for damage. Mold is a very real, very gross consequence of laziness.

7. Disregarding the Weather Forecast

“A little rain never hurt anyone” is a sentence usually uttered right before someone gets hypothermia. One of the most dangerous mistakes by newbie hikers is ignoring a thunderstorm warning. Common sense is not a gift everyone possesses, but try to find some before you head out.

Use apps like Windy or Accuweather. If the forecast says “Apocalypse,” maybe stay home and make a nice lasagna instead.

Alternatively, you might look to see whether the park/mountain has an official Facebook page or website. They frequently publish weather updates or temporary closure/rehabilitation information.

8. Skipping the Most Important Meal

Hiking on an empty stomach is like trying to drive a car with no fuel—it’s not going to happen, and you’re going to be very grumpy when it stops. One of the nutritional mistakes by newbie hikers is eating nothing or eating pure sugar.

Aim for a mix:

• Low Fiber: You don’t want to be looking for a bush every twenty minutes.
• Carbs: For energy.
• Proteins: For muscle endurance.

You Don’t Let Others Know Of Your Plans.

Not letting anyone know where you are is a peak “Main Character Syndrome” move. It’s also one of those mistakes by newbie hikers that makes search-and-rescue jobs much harder. Tell someone—a friend, a parent, a reliable neighbor—exactly where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

Is it okay if I leave a note in my car? It depends. However, placing a message on a windshield invites a break-in.

More Stupid Things You Do On The Trail

You Started Too Late In The Day

If you start your hike at noon in a tropical climate, you aren’t hiking; you’re slow-cooking yourself. Early starts give you daylight “insurance.” Arriving at a campsite in the dark is one of the classic mistakes by newbie hikers that leads to lost gear and stubbed toes.

You Didn’t Stretch Before And After The Hike

“Walking is the exercise!” you cry. Sure, tell that to your hamstrings tomorrow. Stretching prevents the buildup of lactic acid ($C_3H_6O_3$). When you exert yourself, your body breaks down glucose for energy. If oxygen is low, it produces lactate.

“Ugh! Why do I need to stretch? I’ll only be walking for the most part.”

Gym rats do cardio before lifting, runners do warm-ups before a marathon, and boxers and MMA fighters do drills (and even circuit training) before they fight.

Lactic acid is a substance found in our bodies that build in our muscles when we engage in rigorous activities such as hiking. Lactic acid buildup causes muscular soreness, cramping, and overall bodily discomfort.

Stretching before any physical activity not only warms up and loosens the muscles, but it also increases circulation (bringing more oxygen into your bloodstream), heart rate, flexibility, and overall performance.

Allow your body to cool down after the climb; this helps supply more oxygen to your muscles, which can lessen lactic acid production.

“Whatever, Polly. It’s a waste of time. Walking is already an exercise.”

You might not notice it while hiking, but you’ll be sore all over and exhausted the next day that you won’t be able to function (or even get out of bed).

You Over Pack Or Under Pack

Over-packing will weigh you down, slow you down, and fatigue you prematurely. By only bringing what you need, you may minimize early fatigue and muscular strain. Consider how long and challenging your hike will be, and prepare accordingly.

On the other hand, some inexperienced hikers start off with nothing at all, which is a tremendous error. A hiker should, at the absolute least, bring water with them.

Try not to be tempted when packing; some people try to stuff unnecessary items into their backpacks “just in case.” This is why, once again, you need a plan.

You Went Solo

It is more safer to hike with others or in a group than it is to go alone. Imagine twisting your ankle or suffering another injury while you are miles from civilization. That would turn a fun and recreational experience  into a potentially fatal one. If you’re out with a group, someone can always go get help, or at the very least, help you carry your bag back to where you can get help or treatment.

You Wear New Footwear On Your Hike

“What a stupid idea. Who the hell does that?” you ask.

*Slowly raises hand*, me (haha)

In my defense, I didn’t have time to break in the new hiking boots since I had to wear them on a hike four days after my old ones were ruined.

Finally, you have a new pair of hiking shoes, but before you use them, make sure you are accustomed with them. You tried them on at the store, walked a short distance or for a few minutes, and had no discomfort.

After buying them, try using them around the house for a time, climbing up and down the stairs, or standing on them. Use the same socks you want to wear on your hike. This makes it simple for you to identify sources of pressure, uncomfortable friction, or pain (if any). In case you need to return it later, save the receipt.

Is there no friction or pain? I love that! Now, take them on a quick walk around your neighborhood to see if there are any issues. Additionally, it will cause the shoe’s materials to soften and stretch, allowing them to adjust to the shape of your foot and walking style.

A six-hour hike in brand-new shoes will be an experience you’ll never forget, and not in a good way, I can guarantee you of that.

***TIP: Bring a pair of socks that you will wear on your trek; they should ideally be made of wool or synthetic fibers since they wick moisture away from your feet and reduce the risk of blisters.

You Wear Inappropriate Footwear.

Blisters, blackened/lost toenails, sprained arches, bone spurs, and plantar fasciitis are all entirely avoidable, even if you plan to trek a long distance.

Comfort is the key to an enjoyable hiking experience, yet many newbie hikers forego purchasing footwear that is designed to be comfortable, prevent injuries, and durable. Your shoes should be snug everywhere, tight nowhere, and have enough room for your toes to wiggle.  Blisters might develop if your foot moves too much from side to side or from front to back due to friction. If your boots are too tight, especially on descending parts of the trail, your toes could curl and perhaps smash.

You might also want a pair that is durable in addition to comfortable. Unlike ordinary street/rubber shoes, hiking boots and shoes are made up of different materials.

If you’re in the Philippines, I suggest visiting outdoor shops like Merrell, Salomon, The North Face, or R.O.X. Department stores could offer a wide selection, but the salesperson might not be knowledgeable or experienced enough to give recommendations. And to be really honest, their main goal is to sell you shoes.

***TIP: Trim your nails. Too long can rub against your shoes which can cause serious discomfort, too short do not provide enough support for the ends of your toes.

You Wear Inappropriate Outfit

The goal is to feel comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Again, this is why you need a plan. You should dress in breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothing when hiking in warm weather. If at all possible, avoid wearing cotton since it will absorb your sweat like a sponge and take longer to dry. The same is true for wearing denim; it takes a while for it to dry after being wet. It isn’t “stretchy” enough, either.

Bring additional clothing to wear as “layers” if you’re hiking on a rainy day; hypothermia is your enemy here.

You Went Off Trail – For Whatever Reasons

Curiosity? Need to shortcut? An ego boost and bragging rights following the hike?

For the sake of the environment, your fellow hikers, any potential search parties, and your personal safety, especially if you are inexperienced, stay on the route. The goal of establishing a trail system is to allow people to enjoy nature while minimizing the effects of human-caused environmental harm.

Safety
Going off into the woods or other uncharted place is dangerous and requires careful planning – I’m talking about solid navigation and survival skills. You could get lost and not return before it gets dark, come across wildlife and get attacked, or wind up wandering off onto some switchbacks and narrow trails. I’d be lying if I said we never went off-trail, but trust me when I say there are pathways and trails out there that even the fittest person isn’t ready for.

Environment
If it’s just me and my hiking buddies, how much harm can it possibly do to the environment? Although there is just a minor impact, keep in mind that there are those who veer off the beaten path too. Trampling and scuffing can cause erosion, plant damage, wildlife disruption, and increased muddiness of trails.

Even if you’ve hiked this trail a gazillion times, it is still best to take the road more traveled. Most experienced mountaineers acknowledge the added dangers that come with it.

Or You Enter Closed Off Trails

It is better not to use these trails as they are off-limits to the general public for a reason. You may be trespassing if you hike on a closed part of the trail without permission. Second, it could be unsafe. Be a nice “guest” and put these into practice:

• Stay on the trail.
• Leave all gates open or closed the way you found them.
• Hike quietly; respect landowner privacy.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Remove any litter you find.
• If you bump onto the landowner or family members, greet them and thank them for hosting the trail.

You Step Carelessly.

Be careful and watch where your step, especially near cliffs or in places that are slippery. Stick to solid rock areas with adequate footing and dry walkways. If you wish to take photos, stick to paths with flat terrain. 

There was an incident in Mt. Batulao when a newbie hiker slipped to her death on one of the cliffs.

Avoid fast-moving water and slippery slopes. Crossing streams should be avoided when there is flooding, moving or white water, or when the water depth is unknown. If you intend to cross a river, plan ahead of time and prepare to do it safely.

6 students died while crossing Pangasaan Creek in San Jose, Bulacan while 9 hikers were injured with cuts and bruises.

Watch your step, especially if you are stepping over logs and around rocks where snakes may be hidden. If you do come upon a snake, keep your distance and go around it. Don’t attempt to kill it or move it from the trail.

You Don’t Drinking Enough Water Or Eat Enough Food

Before you get thirsty, drink something. It may seem counter-intuitive, but thirst suggests that you are already behind in the hydration game.  Bring enough water to last you the entire hike.

Eat before you get hungry. This doesn’t mean that you have to stop and cook on the spot. TRAIL FOOD guys, TRAIL FOOD! Bring something that is easy to unpack and can help sustain energy  There are many different types of trail food to pick from, including mixed nuts and seeds, chocolates, dried fruits, and granola bars. I love trail mix and jelly beans!

How much water should I carry? Ideally, you should have at least 2 liters of water with you.

What about our meals? This is your choice, but I’d recommend bringing something easy to prepare and clean up. It should also be enjoyable!

One of my trips included a low-key party in the base camp where we had Spanish-style spaghetti, hamburgers, doughnuts, pizza, some booze, and a whole roasted chicken that one of my friends brought, which I’m still not sure how he did it. #mindblown

You Ignore Storm Signs

It’s essential to keep an eye on the forecast because the weather in the Philippines can be unpredictable even during the dry season. Early morning starts are preferable. Most thunderstorms tend to happen in the heat of the afternoon.Hiking should be avoided in inclement weather.   If possible, turn back as soon as you can. The mountains aren’t going anywhere; you may explore them when the weather is better.

Get off the watercourse as soon as it is humanly possible if you find yourself caught in heavy rain. Avoid standing on hilltops or near highly conductive objects if the thunder and lightning begin. Keep a safe distance from trees and masts that might be hit by lightning.  Seek shelter right away.  Additionally, avoid lying down, especially if the ground is wet. Instead, crouch to lessen the  amount of contact between you and the ground. Do not come into contact with water or wet objects.

You Continued Up When You’re Lost

Remember the acronym S.T.O.P. in case you become lost and are unable to find your way back to the route or camp.

• STOP – Stop, stay put and stay calm. Don’t go anywhere chances are you might be heading off to the wrong direction.  Sit down and attempt to breathe from your belly – this switches off the hyperactive sympathetic nervous system (also known as the “fight or flight reaction”), allowing you to relax and think clearly.
• THINK – Retrace your steps in your head. Look around if you see any notable landmarks or trails that look familiar.
• OBSERVE – Take out your compass or GPS. Figure out which direction you need to go.
• PLAN – You’ll be able to devise a plan based on the three points mentioned above. Again, if you’re not sure, don’t wander aimlessly.

This is one of the reasons you shouldn’t go off the path when hiking, especially if you’re a beginner. You need to have excellent navigating and survival skills in order to make it out safely.

You Didn’t Stay Together

Letting the Mamaws (fast walkers/hikers) speed ahead while letting the slower ones fall behind is a recipe for disaster. You could get separated and communications while visiting remote areas can be a struggle.

• Encourage the speed freaks to slow down, or assign a leader in front who sets a moderate pace.
• Designate an experienced hiker as a “sweeper” to keep any slower hikers from following too far behind the rest of the group.
• Stop and wait for the entire group to catch up at all trail junctions, turns, or confusing sections.

You don’t set a turnaround time.

How long will it take us to finish the hike? That depends on a number of factors, such as your level of fitness, the weight of your pack, the pace at which you walk or hike, the experience you’re looking for, as well as how much time is left. Regardless, you should stick to your predetermined time to make sure you finish hiking before the sun sets.

You have so many things dangling off your body or backpack.

Gear or accessories that do not fit within the backpack can be fastened to the exterior with carabiners, but try to avoid doing so as much as possible. Hiking poles, reusable water bottles, or other items dangling from or swinging back and forth on your pack might throw you off balance, get stuck on branches along the route, collide with other objects or people, and be generally inconvenient. Remember that the more “compact” you make your pack, the more comfortable it will be to carry.

You don’t hike at your own pace.

There’s no need to rush because this is a hike, not a race. Slow and steady hikers often collect more miles during the day than those who sprint down the route. If you wish to pick up the pace, focus on hiking quickly on flat and uphill sections of the mountain. Take your time and don’t strain yourself when walking downhill. Instead, take modest steps and avoid running down the slope. Downhill speed puts a great deal of stress on your knees. Been there, done that. Regretted it.

Besides, the main purpose of any hike is to appreciate the beautiful scenery, stroll in a serene setting, and, of course, the company of other fellow hikers. Oh, and TAKE PICTURES!!

Some people miss the whole point of the adventure by focusing just on the destination. There’s no need to rush if the weather is right and you begin early; again, this isn’t a race, so relax and enjoy the journey.

You don’t listen to your body.

As a rule of thumb, you should always be able to carry on a conversation while hiking. If you’re tired, “take five” (take a five-minute break from whatever you’re doing) to restore your body’s energy reserves and relax your muscles. Take this opportunity to eat a snack and remove your backpack to allow your back to relax. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re just starting out. If anything hurts, make use of your breaks to figure out what’s causing it.

You neglect your feet.

Developing blisters is such a bummer!  It is not only painful, but it can also prevent you from continuing your adventure. Some novice hikers are embarrassed to remove their shoes in public during breaks, even if they have been hurting for some time. It’s all right, believe me. We don’t mind at all. You can ignore the pain for a while, but if you don’t prevent it, you’ll be miserable the entire hike.

When hiking, your foot might move a lot, especially if you’re wearing the wrong shoes. Walking creates friction, which eventually causes your skin to break and blister.

Sweaty feet can increase your chances of getting blisters, or even worse, an infection. Make sure you take time to periodically let your feet air out in the open, and make sure you carry an extra pair of socks to swap out those nasty sweaty ones. Slap an adhesive bandage (or some duct tape) on the hotspot. When it’s sunny, hang the used socks behind your backpack and they will dry, assuming it’s sunny. Really, it’s okay.

You eat wild plants and drink untreated water.

Try not to eat anything that appears edible until you can positively identify it. Not all plants are edible, and some edible and toxic species resemble one other. Never drink untreated water. Unfortunately, most natural water sources, no matter how clean and clear they look, are not necessarily safe to drink without treatment. Water sources in the outdoors are often contaminated with harmful microbes such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Waterborne disease symptoms often appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and cease within 1 to 3 days in individuals with a strong immune system.

If you need to refill your bottles, you can “treat” the water by:

• Boiling (though no amount of boiling will remove chemical contaminants like pesticides or chemical spills)
• Iodine treatment – Liquid 2% Tincture of Iodine (add 5 drops per quart when the water is clear. Add 10 drops per quart when the water is cloudy). Some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water treatment.
• Portable water filters like Katadyn or Lifestaraw

Too much hassle, just bring your own darn water.

You do not follow the LNT (Leave No Trace) principle.

Whatever you bring with you, make sure to take it all with you when you leave. No garbage, including wet wipes, leftover food, tin cans, plastic containers, and so on, should be left outdoors. Leave just what you find, which means no picking flowers or collecting rocks. Please refrain from vandalizing the rocks or writing on the trees.

Keep your distance from animals and never approach it. The danger of that close-up shot is not worth it.

ALSO READ: Leave No Trace

Bonus

You don’t reward yourself.

Conquering a mountain is no joke, and we consider it an accomplishment. We celebrate each hike by stopping at a restaurant to eat, rest, and mingle before returning home (and upload the best hiking selfie on social media with motivational quotes/lyrics as caption).

Final Thoughts

Although hiking can be dangerous, you shouldn’t let that stop you from experiencing it (and admire the breathtaking scenery). After climbing more than 10 mountains in the Philippines—some of them twice and three times—I realized that most incidents linked to mountaineering are caused by hikers’ ignorance, poor decision-making, overconfidence, or negligence. However, this can be prevented by arming yourself with basic hiking knowledge and skills, the right attitude, and… Use your common sense.

How was your first hiking experience? Have you encountered any of these? Do you think I forgot anything? Do you have any more suggestions?  Please let me know in the comment section below!