My Worst Day Backpacking (And Why I’ve Never Hiked the Same Since)

Описание: On this section of the Continental Divide Trail, too many things went wrong on the same day. This video is the story of my worst day backpacking — a day that pushed me harder than any other and forced a series of decisions under fatigue, snow, weather, and mounting mistakes. There were moments when I genuinely questioned my safety, and I don’t say that lightly.

What makes this day stick with me isn’t just what happened, but what changed afterward. That single day permanently altered how I plan trips, manage risk, choose gear, and make decisions when conditions start to stack against me.

This isn’t a highlight reel or a cautionary tale meant to scare anyone off the trail. It’s an honest look at how small, reasonable choices can add up — and how experience is often earned the hard way. If you spend time in the backcountry, I hope there’s something here that helps you recognize those moments earlier than I did.

For reference, these are the six changes I made after this trip:

I plan at least one cold meal on trips where an early start matters.

I carry redundant fire-starting options and store them separately.

I take snow conditions and terrain contours more seriously and study the map better.

I stopped using alcohol stoves.

I prioritize drying shelter systems during the day.

I’m willing to carry a small weight penalty of an enclosed shelter for the benefit of containing gear inside the shelter.