Long-distance hiking is an adventure that tests endurance, patience, and preparedness. The open trail calls, but answering it unprepared can turn your dream trek into a disaster. While most hikers know the basics – pack light, break in your boots, and carry enough water – there are plenty of crucial details that get overlooked. These 12 underrated tips will help you start your journey on the right foot (pun intended) and ensure a smoother experience once you’re deep in the wild.
1. Practice Setting Up Your Tent—At Night
It sounds obvious, but too many hikers set up their tent for the first time on their first night in the wilderness. Don’t be that person. Practice pitching your tent in daylight and in the dark so you know exactly what to do when you roll into camp late and exhausted. If your tent requires trekking poles, mark the correct height so you don’t waste time adjusting.
Also, get a feel for how much space your tent actually takes up. That way, you’ll know instantly whether a campsite is too small or too sloped before unpacking.
2. Get Comfortable Using Your Water Filter
Water is life on the trail, but a slow or broken filter can make refilling an agonizing task. Before you leave, practice filtering and backflushing your system. Learn how to prevent freezing on cold nights (hint: keep the filter in your sleeping bag).
And most importantly, figure out a convenient way to store your filter and water bladder so you’re not constantly digging through your pack.
3. Make a List of Water Sources for the First 100 Miles
Sure, you can check maps along the way, but having a pre-planned list of water sources for the first leg of your hike removes unnecessary stress. Cross-reference recent reports or hiker comments to ensure the sources aren’t dry or contaminated.
On longer trails, some hikers even create spreadsheets marking reliable water locations, allowing them to plan mileage and water capacity accordingly.
4. Know Your Re-Supply Strategy (And Triple Check Addresses)
If you’re mailing food or gear to yourself, double-check every resupply location before sending anything. Some lodges, gas stations, or post offices stop accepting packages without warning. Call ahead or check online comments to ensure they’re still receiving hiker boxes.
Also, make sure you know the exact address format required for general delivery at post offices – one wrong detail can send your package on a frustrating detour.
5. Leave Your Fuel Canister at Home (Seriously, Don’t Forget)
This might be the most overlooked packing mistake. Many hikers have accidentally brought fuel canisters on planes, leading to confiscation or hefty FAA fines. Avoid the headache – write yourself a sticky note, leave a reminder on your phone, or physically place your fuel canister next to your stove at home before packing.
6. Test Your GPS or Satellite Messenger
If you’re carrying a Garmin InReach, SPOT, or another satellite device, don’t assume you can just turn it on and go. Practice sending messages, updating contacts, and navigating with the device before you’re in a no-service zone.
Some devices are unintuitive, and the last thing you want is to fumble with settings when you actually need help.
7. Don’t Forget Your Medications (And Plan for Refills)
Forgetting meds mid-trail is a disaster waiting to happen. Pack everything you need and schedule prescription refills in advance. Some hikers arrange to have refills mailed ahead to key resupply points or arrange pickup at larger pharmacies along the route.
For vitamins, painkillers, or supplements, pre-portion what you need into small bags instead of carrying bulky bottles.
8. Lubricate Your Tent and Sleeping Bag Zippers
If you’ve ever fought with a stuck zipper on a freezing morning, you know how frustrating it can be. Pre-treat your zippers with a zipper lubricant (like Zip Lube) before heading out.
This simple step extends the life of your gear and prevents malfunction – especially in mosquito-heavy areas, where a broken tent zipper can make for a miserable night.
9. Disconnect Your Vehicle’s Battery (If You’re Leaving It Behind)
If you’re leaving your car in long-term storage, disconnect the battery cables to prevent returning to a dead vehicle. It’s a simple step many hikers don’t think about until they’re back from the trail, exhausted, and facing a tow truck bill.
10. Break In Your Microspikes and Ice Ax
If your trek involves snow crossings or icy sections, don’t wait until you’re on a mountain pass to figure out your gear.
- Make sure your microspikes fit your shoes – an ill-fitting pair can be more dangerous than no spikes at all.
- Practice swinging your ice ax, self-arresting, and carrying it properly so you actually know how to use it if things go south.
11. Learn to Navigate the FarOut App (Or Your Map System)
If you’re using FarOut (formerly Guthook) or another navigation app, spend some time exploring its features before you hit the trail.
- Learn how to download maps for offline use.
- Understand how to filter comments for recent water source reports.
- Figure out how to use it to find your way back to the trail if you wander off.
These small steps save you time and frustration when you’re tired, lost, or low on water.
12. Plan Ahead for New Shoes (Before Yours Fall Apart)
Most hiking shoes last between 350 to 450 miles, but rough terrain, water crossings, and heat can wear them out faster.
Instead of waiting until your feet are in agony, order new shoes ahead of time and ship them to a resupply location 100-200 miles before you expect to need them.
If you’re using REI, call after placing your order and request USPS shipping – some remote post offices won’t accept UPS packages, and many hikers have lost shoes due to shipping mishaps.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Preparation makes a huge difference, but remember – plans will change. Weather, trail conditions, and even your own physical limits can throw off even the most detailed spreadsheet.
The key to a successful long-distance hike? Prepare, adapt, and keep going.
With these often-overlooked tips, you’ll be better prepared than most hikers at the trailhead – and far more likely to enjoy the adventure ahead.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.