Stop Thinking So Much

How many times have you talked yourself out of a backpacking trip because it wasn't “perfect” or didn’t seem worth it? It's tempting to spend hours crafting the ideal backpacking trip—finding the perfect trail, the right weather, the Instagram-worthy views—but you're leaving so much adventure on the table by overthinking it. Backpacking is about living simply, spending time outdoors, and putting a few miles under your feet. To me, it's about freedom. But sometimes, we restrict that freedom by caring too much about how the trip looks instead of just experiencing it.

It's time to let go of outside influences and just go backpacking for the sake of backpacking.

My Own Worst Enemy

I admit I spent far too many years planning trips instead of doing them. I was convinced they needed to look a certain way—like those photos you see on social media, with a river crossing or a remote campsite with a spectacular view. And lots of miles. Miles I didn't really want to hike, but felt like I had to. I thought if I could find a trail that checked all the boxes, it would be the "epic adventure" I needed. But it never happened, because the perfect adventure doesn't exist.

I had this picture in my mind of what a backpacking trip should be, based on what I'd seen in magazines, on social media, and online. If I didn't come home with matching stories and pictures I felt like I wasn't "doing it right." It took me years to realize that the beauty of backpacking isn't always about those picture-perfect moments. Yes, there are times when you get those incredible views, but they are rare. It's the small moments that come in bulk —the quiet campsites, the simple meals, the sound of your footsteps on the trail.  

Those are the moments that actually matter.

All that obsessive planning I was doing didn't help me enjoy the experiences because I was fixated on the destination, the pictures I wanted to take, and how the trip might look to others. Instead of enjoying each mile and each bend in the trail, I saw them as obstacles getting in the way of where I needed to be. It took years and a lot of miles to let go of those expectations and start backpacking for the sake of the journey itself.

Overcoming Overthinking

We often overthink backpacking. We forget why we're drawn to the backcountry in the first place and start focusing more on the outcome than on the experience. I've since realized my obsession with planning was really about insecurity—a way to avoid facing what could go wrong. Overplanning was my way of managing the fear of failure.

I now follow a simple rule: remove barriers to entry. Whatever is keeping you from getting outside, remove it. The fewer barriers you have, the easier it becomes to just go. If packing is a chore, and you're worried you'll forget something, simplify it. Put all your gear in a single storage bin, so you know you have everything you need in one place. If you're stressing over finding the perfect trail, pick one you already know, hike a few miles, and camp wherever you can. It doesn't have to be perfect—just go.  Doing so has a way of snapping you back into reality.

My "Stop Overthinking" Moment

In 2017, I actually had that "epic" adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail.  But even then, I still felt that pressure to make it look perfect. I wanted to vlog every day, take great pictures, and prove I could thru-hike. That all went out the window on day two, when my foot started feeling like it was breaking.

By day three, I hobbled into Mount Laguna at 1 mph and sent my fancy (and heavy) camera gear home in the name of reducing as much weight as possible in my pack. I was left with nothing but my cell phone to document my journey. The pain in my foot forced me to focus on each step and making it to the next campsite instead of thinking about how I could impress others with a video or picture. By the time my foot healed, so had my perspective. I still shared my journey online, but without the pressure to make it perfect. The trail beat that need for perfection out of me and left me with honest experiences instead.

The final chapter of my awakening came in Washington, some one thousand miles or so later. I can't tell you the exact spot, but do I remember a moment when I started enjoying the parts of the trail that weren't epic. I found joy in the act of hiking and the quiet campsites that others passed up in search of something "better." By the time I reached Canada, I realized that nature doesn't have a ranking system for itself—it's just there. We are the ones who assign value to a location, who label some views as better than others. If you're looking for proof of your "adventure" or social admiration, you might feel that hierarchy or rating system, but if you're just out there for the experience, then everything is equally valuable.

These days, I appreciate a great view when I see one, but it no longer defines my trips. Letting go of those adventure expectations has made my trips more enjoyable and oddly enough, more frequent.

Just Go Backpacking

Stop overthinking it and just go. Who cares where you go, how far you hike, or how long you're out? What's important is that you're out there—not at home, stuck debating which trail will look the best so you can post a picture everyone has already taken to your social media feed.

If your motivation for where you go and what you do is so you can tell someone about it later, maybe reconsider your intentions. Let go of expectations and embrace the moment. When you're truly present out there, you'll unlock the door to real adventure. I find the more I let go, the better my time in the backcountry becomes.

Planning your trips is important, but don’t let it control everything you do. Make time for simple, easy adventures. Pick a trail, pack your gear, and see what happens. Camp in that spot you'd usually pass by because why not?

Forget about perfect backpacking trips—just go backpacking. When you get there, let me know where you end up.

What trips are you putting off?

Emory, By Land

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions for me or want to connect, you can leave a comment below or shoot me a personal message at emory@byland.co.

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