A selfie of a backpacker with a field in the background.
A selfie of a backpacker with a field in the background.

You’ll Kick Yourself if You Make Any of These Common Thru-Hiker Mistakes

It’s that beautiful time of year where all you lovely future thru-hikers are thinking to yourselves, “oh shit! This is really happening! Am I really doing this? Ahhhhh!”

The 2025 thru-hiking season is around the corner, especially for Appalachian Trail hikers starting in February or March. If you haven’t already started, now’s the time to begin thinking seriously about your fitness, gear, and the logistics of your hike.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Kelly Floro.

Medya Mansyone

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Zooe Pòtay
Editor at Backpacker

Medya Mansyone

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
montè mòn

Medya Mansyone

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker