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Neglecting to check the forecast -

Always be prepared by getting a pinpoint forecast for your route. Remember that frontcountry (locations with close access to roads) forecasts often don’t apply to the backcountry (locations further away from roads) or high elevations.

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Stepping carelessly -

Watch your step, as the majority of hiking-related injuries are leg sprains, strains, abrasions, and lacerations. To prevent injuries, wear high boots and use poles.

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Not buying a warm enough sleeping bag -

You don't want to freeze at night, so make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough. Get yourself an insulated mat to lay on as well.

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Overconfidence -

Fatigue, darkness, and insufficient equipment are mishaps that account for a large number of rescue calls. Set sane goals and be realistic when you estimate your hiking speed.

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Not setting a turnaround time -

You don't want to be out hiking in the dark when tired. So even if you don't reach the goal by the turnaround time, go back anyway.

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Poor packing -

Whether you're hiking in snow, desert, or swamp, get the correct gear checklist for the accurate type of trip. One important tip: don’t bury stuff you’ll need easy access to.

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Buying boots that are too small -

Comfort is key, and you don't want to make the mistake of buying boots that are too small. Keep in mind that feet swell half a size by afternoon, so pick your boots accordingly.

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Not having enough water -

Water is crucial, so make sure to carry at least 100 ounces (three liters) for any hike over five miles (eight kilometers). Also, don’t assume you’ll find water along the trail.

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Not using sunscreen -

It goes without saying, sunscreen is always important. No matter if it's sunny or gray, those skin-frying rays pass through clouds. Make sure you reapply every two hours.

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Getting caught in the dark -

Nightfall means cold temperatures and difficult route finding, and you definitely don't want to get caught unprepared in the dark. However, it's easier if you have a headlamp with you.

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Lazy food storage -

You don't want to be lazy when it comes to food storage, because animals will be attracted to the smell. For example, a bear’s sense of smell is seven times better than a bloodhound’s. Make sure you hang your food on a tree with plenty of distance from your tent.

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Climbing out of your comfort zone -

When it comes to a steep terrain, what goes up doesn't always go down. Make sure you scan the terrain ahead and behind, so you can return via the same route. And never take shortcuts you don’t know or can’t see the length of.

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Hiking with wet socks -

Even if you're just hiking for a day, always bring an extra pair of socks. Soggy skin blisters faster, so you'll want to change into dry ones as soon as possible.

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Burying your reservoir -

There's nothing worse than a leaky water bladder that soaks your backpack while walking on a trail. This can easily happen when it gets pressured and the bite valve pops open. Ensure it doesn't get squashed by keeping it on top of everything else.

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Packing one lighter -

Fire is important for cooking and for staying warm, so don't rely on just one lighter. You never know if one will stop working when you need it the most.

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Ignoring blisters -

Don't ignore a developing blister, even if you're just five minutes into the hike. The earlier you treat the irritated skin, the better your chances of a blister-free hike.

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Ignoring storm signs -

Watch out for clues of storms, like winds from the south and developing cloud cover. If the weather gets worse, descend to safe and sheltered areas.

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Eating boring meals -

Plain noodles isn't a proper dinner. Add some tasty items like dried fruits and veggies, hard cheese, tomato paste tubes, packets of spices, and precooked packets of chicken or fish. Remember: you need plenty of fuel, so aim for 4,000 calories per person each day.

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Not wearing correct clothing -

You want to make sure you wear the correct clothing for your hike. Shockingly, insufficient clothing contributes to about 10% of rescues in American national parks.

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Not bringing DEET-based bug spray -

You don't want to get all bitten by bugs, so make sure to pack your repellent. Also, don't forget that DEET melts nylon and polyester, meaning it can damage harder plastics like water bladders. So toss it in a ziplock bag.

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Pitching your tent in a puddle -

No one wants to wake up in a soggy sleeping bag. Remember, the leakiest part of a tent isn’t the ceiling or walls, but the floor. So pitch your tent on dry and flat surfaces, like rock slabs, pine needles, or bare dirt.

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Not using a map on familiar routes -

You can still make a wrong turn on trails you've hiked many times. So always bring a map of some sort.

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Bad reception -

Don't settle for bad reception. Cloudy, rainy skies won’t block a GPS signal, but canyon walls and water on the antenna will. Find a clear path or a high point, then check for reception.

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Treating a cell phone as a lifeline -

While cell phones can be extremely useful, they can also encourage risk-taking. So store it safely in your bag and forget you have it until an emergency.

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Rushing blindly ahead -

Some lost hikers try to continue forward, thinking that help is around the corner. But the best way to get back on track is by retracing your walk to your last known point.

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Getting separated -

Letting slower hikers fall behind while others blaze ahead is a disaster waiting to happen. This is especially true if a sudden storm, wrong turn, or injury happens. A hiking group needs to always stick together.

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Not finding the trailhead -

Finding solitude often means navigating away from the more accessible and crowded trailhead. But make sure you're well informed about the different tracks, washed-out roads, and theft-prone lots.

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Bringing a giant first aid kit -

For shorter hikes, a wallet-size kit is enough. But if you go on longer trips or with larger groups, then go for a proper toiletry bag. You don't want to bring too many things though, so downsize and replace supplies you can improvise with, such as triangular bandages.

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Not staking your tent -

You don't want to be caught off guard by sudden strong winds carrying your tent away. Make sure to secure the tent with logs or rocks.

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Burning ticks -

If you get bitten by a tick, don't burn its butt like the old myth suggests. The head will still be embedded, and you'll risk burning yourself. Instead, use a tweezer and grasp it perpendicular to the long-axis of its body, then pull straight out.

Sources: (Backpacker) (American Hiking Society) 

See also: 60 essential items to pack in your travel backpack

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