Top Hiker Mistakes

Hiking is a sport for all -- from seasoned backpacking veterans to families checking out their first park trail.

But taking a hike isn't as simple as just slipping on your boots and heading into the woods.

It takes planning and preparation.

It's easy to make a blunder. But Backpacker.com has suggestions for avoiding disaster on the trail.

In their article on the Top 52 Hiker Mistakes, http://bit.ly/gYBgIZ , they catalog many hiking pitfalls.

From the serious -- not getting good directions before you set out or forgetting to apply sunscreen, to the more lighthearted "dork moves" -- "one minibiner or keychain thermo-compass allowed. No more", it's an insightful and informative read.