In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are bringing you yet another edition of beginner backpacking mistakes. Today’s panel includes the debut of Jess Stone, 2024 AT and LT thru-hiker, and The Trek’s Community and Marketing Manager. We bring you 9 brand new thru-hiking pitfalls to avoid, including tips on sending mail drops, how to avoid letting small problems turn into big problems, dealing with toxic off-trail relationships before departing, hydration tips, why you shouldn’t invite friends and family on your trip, and much more.

We wrap the show with a call out to some Trek bloggers, the definitively correct orientation for silverware in the dishwasher, the triple crown of good horse names, and what not to eat before mailing important letters.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

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Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 35% off at shadyrays.com.

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Panel with Zach, Chaunce, and Jess

Jess's Instagram
Referenced episodes

Time stamps & Questions

00:06:20 - Reminders: Say hi to us at Trail Days, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, apply to blog for the Trek!

00:14:03 - Introducing Jess

00:17:32 - Zach’s Mistake #1: Overplanning, especially maildrops and daily mileage

00:24:00 - Chaunce’s Mistake #1: Not looking up LNT principles before your hike

00:29:00 - Jess’s Mistake #1: Not drinking enough water

00:32:20 - Zach’s Mistake #2: Letting small problems become big problems

00:41:15 - Chaunce’s Mistake #2: If you don’t like who you’re dating at home, consider dumping them

00:47:20 - Jess’s Mistake #2: Inviting your friends/family to hike with you when you’ve been out for months

00:54:40 - Zach’s Mistake #3: Not considering the weight/space of everything

01:00:40 - Chaunce’s Mistake #3: Not taking photos of your stuff

01:08:45 - Jess’s Mistake #3: Marrying your trail family

01:23:15 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

01:28:20 - How was the AT?

Segments

Trek Propaganda: 20 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following in 2025 by Jess

QOTD: Silverware up or down in the dishwasher?

Hiker Trash Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of good horse names

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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Beginner Backpacking Mistakes 3.0 (BPR #304)

Backpacker Radio