Today is a tale of my personal woes in hopes that my mistakes can be your guide. Whether you’re a beginner backpacker or someone who has been doing it your whole life, things get overlooked in our excitement, or delirious fatigue, or in the cases I’ll tell you about today, excessive confidence. I’ve spent many years backpacking advanced trails and even 3 years as a guide. Though these experiences are largely an asset, my successes have also contributed to some boneheaded moves. I now humble myself before you, dear reader. Let’s all take note and avoid these mistakes going forward.