Avoid These Embarrassing Group Hiking Mistakes (And What Nearly Went Wrong in Tasmania)

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Hard-earned lessons from 30 years of hiking and guiding groups

Hey trail crew!
Subscriber Mike wrote in recently with a great question about managing a mixed-age group on a multi-day hike. He’s prepping a trip with his 20-year-old son and a friend, and asked how to handle things like different walking speeds, solo detours, and group safety.

It’s a fantastic question that got me thinking about all the mistakes I’ve seen on group hikes, and a few I’ve made myself. Below are some practical tips, quick wins, and a real story from Tasmania that reminded me how fast things can go sideways.

Let’s dive in. And hit reply to share your own group-hiking tips or horror stories.

🥾 Pacing: The group moves as one
Set your pace to match the slowest hiker. It’s not just polite, it’s essential for safety. The lead hiker should always know where the rest of the group is and how everyone is tracking.

If someone is falling far behind and the weather is clear, I might send an experienced hiker to stay with them while the rest move ahead to set up camp (as long as it’s not too far). But if the weather is turning or visibility is poor, we stay together and camp earlier if needed.

❗ Common mistake: Assuming the slowest hiker will catch up. They won’t, and you shouldn’t expect them to.

📡 Stop wasting money: UHF radios are priceless when things go wrong
Establish a communication plan before you start. Whistles, hand signals, and especially UHF radios, while not essential, are very handy if you expect to spread out. We carry 5-watt radios on any trip where a side trip or separation is likely.

Real story: What happened on Tasmania’s South Coast Track
Just last month, I was hiking Tasmania’s South Coast Track. After crossing the Ironbound Range, we reached camp and met two young hikers who looked concerned.

“Have you seen our mates?” they asked. We hadn’t.

That track is hard to lose, but one of their friends had gastro and may have stopped to rest. It was getting late. I suggested they backtrack 20 minutes before sunset just to be safe.

Good call. Twenty minutes later, all four returned. The missing hikers had pulled off just behind a rock for a rest and left nothing visible on the trail to indicate it.

❗ Lesson: Never leave the track without marking your location. Even a simple trekking pole laid across the path can prevent hours of confusion.

🧍‍♂️👫 Use the buddy system
No one hikes alone. We pair up even for short side trips. If someone wants to scramble a nearby peak or veer off for a view, they take a buddy. This has avoided more trouble than I can count.

🗺️ Pre-trip clarity = less mid-trip chaos
Before setting off, review the full route with the group. Highlight rest stops, optional side tracks, and emergency exits. Everyone should know the plan and how to adapt if something changes mid-hike.

🚨 Emergency readiness is a group effort
In my regular crew of four, we carry two Garmin InReach satellite communicators. Everyone knows where they are packed and how to use them. Safety gear only works if it’s accessible and understood.

💪 Plan for the weakest link (because the trail doesn’t care who’s tired)
When I plan a hike, I base it on the least experienced or least fit person in the group. That doesn’t mean we skip challenges, but it ensures everyone can finish the hike and enjoy it.

I’ve seen strong hikers struggle simply because they didn’t train or brought poor gear. When one person suffers, the whole group slows down and morale drops.

✅ Quick tip: Ask everyone, “Can you comfortably carry your pack for five hours?” If not, rethink the route or the prep.

🎒 Avoid these embarrassing gear mistakes
Before every trip, especially with less experienced hikers, I do a final gear check and send out a list. Then I personally ask if they have these essentials:

• Waterproof outer layers

• Full sleep system

• Adequate clothing

• Shelter

• Headlamp (not just a phone torch)

❗ Stop wasting money: You don’t need fancy gear to stay safe. A good thermal layer, proper socks, and a pack liner are more important than the latest ultralight tent.

🌄 Final word: Someone needs to take responsibility out there
Whether or not you call yourself the group leader, if you’re the most experienced hiker, others will look to you. That means setting the pace, checking morale, and watching for danger signs early.

Be the calm one. Be the prepared one. Be the reason the trip is remembered for good stories, not close calls.

📬 Got a hiking mistake or lesson you want featured? Hit reply and tell me. I read every one.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

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Until next week.

Stay well,

Mowser

Helping hiking enthusiasts explore the great outdoors