Why you should never take equipment advice seriously

If there’s one environment where trend following should die, it’s in the backpacking community.

This is a lesson I learned the hard way when purchasing gear for my first hike: a 2,650-mile trip along the Pacific Crest Trail. I read rave reviews about certain products, like the Altra Lone Peak trail runners, and took them as proof that the most popular items would work for me, too.

I also read countless blogs and gear advice columns in an attempt to get my kit perfectly tuned before my PCT start date. I wanted to look like a hiker to compensate for my lack of backpacking experience. I thought the only sensible way to do this was to spend exorbitant amounts of money on high-end clothing and equipment.

The day I started the trail in late May 2024, I put on my Darn Tough socks and my Altras, which I had only tested on two short walks through the streets of my neighborhood. The first three days on the trail were painful and left my feet throbbing. “This is normal,” I thought. «I’m supposed to feel a burning pain on the bottom of my feet at the end of each day.» The thought that the shoes might not be suitable for my feet never crossed my mind.

They have topped every trail review list; How come they are not right for me?

I successfully ignored the pain, and also the fact that my feet were expanding from the desert heat, for over 200 miles. But when it came time to cross Mission Creek, which begins at about mile 225, I could no longer ignore what was happening there. After walking 15 miles on the washed out trail, I sat down to examine my feet and found two huge, identical blisters spanning the width of both front pads. They were deep, swollen and almost ready to burst.

My shoe problem cost me three days of hiking while I nursed my battered feet in Wrightwood. It also meant that I was now far behind the group I was determined to do my tram with. When I was left alone to lick my wounds, that is, metaphorically, I began to piece together where I went wrong in choosing shoes.

The problem of relying too much on the advice of others

There is more backpacking gear than you or I will have time to look at, and when you’re new to hiking, it can be one of the hardest things to sort out before your first trip. But following advice, while useful, is not your saving grace.

Some people are confident in their choice of equipment. That doesn’t mean it’s the right team for you. In my case, I went with the most popular shoe and neglected my need for more cushioning and a different fit. I also didn’t anticipate that my feet would swell to three times their normal size.

In the end, I made a much-needed change to a shoe that was by no means trendy among hikers: the Nike Wildhorse trail runners. They had the cushion and space I needed. Even though I didn’t see any other hikers wearing Nikes during my entire hike, I realized that the need to blend in with the crowd wasn’t worth the pain I’d suffered, and I flaunted my newly healed feet with pride. Maybe I had to learn the hard way.

This doesn’t mean you should never buy trendy gear. Some of the hype is real. Rather, you should never buy fashionable gear without trying it out. For shoes, that means at least a full day of hiking on an actual trail, which has a much different impact on your feet than doing a few laps on paved neighborhood roads.

If you’ve read any hiking advice columns, you know that it’s nearly impossible to perfect your gear list before you head out. Even experienced backpackers are constantly changing items or opting for newer models. No matter which path you choose to take, you will learn something new about yourself and your body’s needs.

It is important to note that some items of equipment require more extensive testing than others. Personally, I think you can get away with just turning the headlamp on and off to see if it works. But with well-worn items, a little more attention to detail goes a long way to ensuring you feel comfortable and safe. Along with shoes, these are the most important items to try before you commit to wearing them for a trip.

Don’t follow equipment advice on these 5 elements

Backpacks

I went to REI for a backpack test and learned more than I expected about my body shape, shoulder width, and frame. Backpacks were one of the most frequently changed items on the PCT.

Your backpack will become your shell, almost an extension of your body. Therefore, you will need something specific for your measurements. Fortunately, there are many options, but it may take some time and intention to figure out what your body needs.

Sleeping mats

Another key component to ensure a restful sleep. I found that after a full day of walking, I could easily pass out with my Nemo foam pad, which also served as a sitting pad when I took breaks during the day. When I was over 700 miles into my hike and almost across the Sierra, I finally decided to try my friend’s inflatable Therm-a-Rest. I instantly understood the appeal.

Some hikers used the foam pad under an inflatable to stay warmer at night. I admit, although I normally sleep on my side, I had to force myself to sleep on my back on the foam pad to prevent my hips from hurting after eight hours in the fetal position on a hard surface.

Stoves

This is strange, but believe me. If I had listened to the gear hype online, I probably would have bought a JetBoil, a quick (but bulky) stove that many of my friends brought on a trip. Instead I used a cheap basic stove bought second hand which worked perfectly although it took a few seconds longer to boil the water.

If you’re picky about your water boiling rate, do your research and you’ll find an affordable, lightweight, and effective stove option.

water filters

Another niche item, but water filters are a surprisingly subjective piece of equipment. The Sawyer Squeeze filters can fit onto your water bottle, while the Katadyn BeFree, which I used, requires a bladder to attach to it.

Each filter has its quirks, as I found that the BeFree filters are quick at first, but they clog quite quickly and are much harder to clean than the Sawyer, which can be easily washed. However, no equipment advice column could have predicted my hatred for the tedious act of counterattacking.

Clothes

Message to my past self: a walk is not a fashion exhibition. Your hoodie will get ripped, your shoes will get dirty, and your socks will get stained. These are all signs of a well-executed hike. It saddens me to see outdoor brands becoming even more of a status symbol than practical pieces of gear.

Hiking clothing should have the sole purpose of keeping you protected during your outdoor adventure, so don’t give in to trends and wear what suits you best.

Hiking is for all types of people and, fortunately, there is equipment to suit almost everyone. However, it’s up to you to do your due diligence and decide what makes you most comfortable outdoors.

Cover image: Photo via Izzy Wagner. Graphic design by Chris Helm