Backpacking Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask
Photos: @chris_naum & @linze3
If you're new to backpacking, you probably have a lot of questions. Some are easy to ask. Others feel a little awkward. The funny thing is most hikers have wondered the exact same things at some point.
Whether you're planning your first overnight backpacking trip or trying to figure out if you're doing things “right,” you're not alone. Backpacking comes with a learning curve, and a lot of the best lessons come from the questions nobody talks about.
Here are some of the most common backpacking questions beginners are often too embarrassed to ask, along with honest answers that will help you feel more confident on the trail.
Am I bringing too much gear backpacking?
Short answer. Probably.
Most beginner backpackers pack far more gear than they actually need. It's easy to fall into the “just in case” mindset and bring extra clothes, duplicate gear, or comfort items that add unnecessary weight.
A heavy pack is one of the biggest reasons first backpacking trips feel harder than they should.
The goal isn't to suffer with less gear. It's to bring the right gear. Lightweight equipment makes a huge difference, especially on longer hikes.
Starting with a lightweight backpack like the Mariposa 60 or Gorilla 50 gives you plenty of space while keeping weight manageable. The large external pockets make it easy to organize gear and grab things without unpacking your whole bag.
If you're moving toward a lighter and faster setup, a pack like the G4-20 Ultralight 42 encourages you to carry only what you actually need.
The best way to dial in your gear is simple. Go on a trip, see what you use, and adjust for next time.
How do backpackers go to the bathroom in the woods?
Every backpacker has asked this question at some point.
For number two, the standard practice is digging a small hole about six to eight inches deep called a cathole. After you're done, cover it back up and pack out toilet paper when required by local regulations.
For number one, simply step off the trail and away from water sources. Leave No Trace principles help protect trails and keep wild places clean.
Many hikers keep their bathroom kit somewhere easy to reach. Small organizational items like Storage Sacks can keep things contained and accessible so you're not digging through your pack when nature calls.
It might feel strange the first time. After a day or two on trail, it becomes part of the routine.
Is it normal to smell bad while backpacking?
Yes. Completely normal.
When you're hiking all day, sweating, and sleeping outside, you're going to smell a little like the trail. Everyone does.
Most backpackers accept that a bit of trail funk is part of the experience. A quick rinse in a stream, wiping down with water, or changing into dry layers at camp can help you feel more comfortable.
A lightweight sit pad like the SitLight also helps keep you off damp or dirty ground during breaks so your clothes stay a little cleaner throughout the day.
After a couple days outside, nobody notices anymore. Everyone's in the same situation.
What if I get scared at night while backpacking?
This happens to almost everyone on their first few trips.
The woods feel very different after dark. Small animals sound much bigger than they actually are, and unfamiliar nighttime sounds can trigger your imagination.
Most of the time, those noises are harmless wildlife like mice, squirrels, or deer moving through leaves.
Having a comfortable sleep system can make a big difference in how relaxed you feel at night. A simple setup like the Aerial 330 Sleeping Bag paired with a Thinlight Foam Pad and an inflatable pad creates insulation and stability so you stay warmer and sleep better.
Once you've spent a few nights outside, you'll start to recognize the sounds of the forest and they become part of the experience instead of something to worry about.
What if I can't hike as far as other backpackers?
Backpacking isn't a competition.
Some hikers enjoy big mileage days. Others prefer shorter distances with more time to explore, swim, or relax in camp. Both approaches are valid.
The most important thing is finding a pace that works for you.
Trekking poles like the LT5 Three Piece Carbon Trekking Poles can help reduce fatigue, improve balance, and make long days on the trail feel easier. They’re especially helpful on steep climbs or long descents.
Take breaks. Eat snacks. Drink water. Your backpacking trip should feel like an adventure, not a race.
What if I pack my backpack wrong?
Everyone does the first few times.
A simple backpacking packing strategy helps keep things comfortable while hiking. Place heavier gear close to your back and near the middle of the pack. Lighter items can go toward the outside or top.
Items you use throughout the day should stay accessible.
Backpacks like the Mariposa 60 and Gorilla 50 are designed with large exterior pockets that make it easy to grab water bottles, rain gear, or snacks without unpacking everything. You can also add on pack accessories like the Shoulder Strap Pocket, Bottle Rocket, or Hip Belt Pocket to keep things within reach.
After a few trips, packing your bag becomes second nature.
What if I don't feel like a real backpacker?
Here's something many people don't realize.
There is no single way to be a backpacker.
Some people hike a few miles and enjoy a quiet campsite. Others chase big mileage days or long-distance trails. Some carry ultralight gear. Others bring a few extra comforts.
If you're outside, carrying what you need, and exploring trails overnight, you're backpacking.
The only real way to learn is by getting out there.
Every experienced backpacker started with questions just like these.
