Mindset for New Backpackers

Backpacking isn't just a physical experience—it's a mindset shift. For many women, especially those new to the outdoors, stepping into the backcountry can bring up fear, doubt, or uncertainty. That’s okay. What matters is how you meet those feelings—with presence, compassion, and curiosity.

Common Mindset Blocks (And How to Shift Them)

“I’m not strong or fit enough.”

Shift: “I am building strength with every step I take.”

Practice:

• Start a “strength journal” where you record small wins each day (e.g., “Walked 2 miles today,” “Carried my pack around the block”).

• Repeat an affirmation before or during hikes:
  “My body is wise. My pace is perfect. I am strong enough for this.”

“I don’t belong here.”

Shift: “Nature welcomes me exactly as I am.”

Practice:

• When you enter a trail, place your hand on a tree or the earth and say:
  “I belong. I am welcome here.”

• Reflect on the truth that humans are a part of nature—not separate from it.

“What if I mess up or get it wrong?”

Shift: “Mistakes are part of learning. I trust myself to adapt.”

Practice:

• At the end of each hike, journal:
  “Today I learned…”

• Embrace imperfection. Bring humor into your process—laugh when your tent is lopsided or your oatmeal is too watery.

“It’s too hard. I want to give up.”

Shift: “This is temporary. I am capable of doing hard things.”

Practice:

• Use a grounding mantra while walking uphill or when feeling overwhelmed:
  “One step, one breath. One step, one breath.”

• Create a “why” card before your trip. Write down why you’re doing this and keep it in your pocket for tough moments.

“I feel anxious being out of control.”

Shift: “Letting go helps me grow.”

Practice:

• Daily grounding ritual: Stand barefoot on the earth for 2–3 minutes. Inhale: “I receive support.” Exhale: “I release control.”

• Try a nature trust walk: Close your eyes while a trusted partner leads you slowly through the forest (this can be done on retreat). Feel yourself relax into the unknown.

Other Mindset-Strengthening Practices

1. Pre-Hike Visualization:
Close your eyes and imagine yourself on trail: breathing fresh air, moving steadily, smiling at your progress. Feel it in your body. This primes your nervous system for success.

2. Affirmations to Post on Your Wall or Journal:

• “I walk with courage.”

• “I am supported by the earth beneath me.”

• “Every step I take brings me closer to myself.”

3. Emotional Check-ins:
Take a moment each day to pause and ask:
“What am I feeling right now? Can I name it without judgment?”
This helps release anxiety and build emotional resilience.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:
Instead of comparing yourself to others or “ideal hikers,” celebrate YOUR journey. Whether it’s hiking a single mile or learning how to filter water, every step counts.

Remember:

Your mindset is your most powerful piece of gear.
Your worth is not measured in miles.
You are not “behind”—you are becoming.