Avoid These Remote Hiking Fears With The TRAILS Framework

Have you ever started a multi-day hike feeling worried about buying gear you won’t use, carrying an unbearably heavy pack, or facing exhaustion halfway through? You're not alone.

"What if I get hopelessly lost?"
"What if I twist an ankle miles from help?"
"What if the weather turns catastrophic?"

I've been there. One of my earliest hikes into Tasmania’s rugged Western Arthur Range taught me this lesson firsthand. Each night, as wind battered our tent, anxiety played scenes of doom in my mind.

"Did I bring the wrong gear? Did we underestimate the route? How uncomfortable will tomorrow be?"

But we weren't winging it - we were fully prepared, using a system I've come to call the TRAILS Framework.

Your brain isn't trying to ruin your adventure, it’s just overprotective. That doesn't mean you should ignore its warnings. Instead, you turn anxiety into confidence by following the TRAILS principles:

T: Training - Build your fitness specifically for your hike. For the Arthurs, we trained with weighted packs, with lots of hill climbs, simulating trail conditions.

R: Route - Know your path intimately, including terrain, distances, campsites, and especially your exit options.

A: Appropriate Gear - Match your equipment carefully to conditions. Quality footwear, reliable rain gear, a layering system and tested shelter were crucial for facing the wild weather we encountered.

I: Intake - Plan your nutrition and hydration deliberately. Proper food and water kept us energised, clear-headed, and ready to handle tough decisions.

L: Logistics - Organise details like transport, permits, and accommodation well in advance. Smooth logistics meant we never got stranded or surprised at walk’s end.

S: Safety - Always carry a communication device, emergency gear, and a clear plan for when things go sideways. This safety net gave us peace of mind. Even though this trip was nearly twenty years ago, we had a PLB and a SPOT tracker with us the entire trip.

Being prepared isn’t about avoiding every risk - it’s about understanding and managing them. The TRAILS Framework takes luck out of the equation and replaces it with smart, clear strategies.

That's exactly why, despite wild nights of storms and worries, our Western Arthurs hike ended safely and successfully. We trusted our preparation, and it paid off.

What's your biggest hiking worry and how has preparation helped you overcome it? Hit reply and let me know! I read every email!

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

Thanks for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope it gave you something to think about (or pack for).

Until next week, keep exploring.

Mowser

Discover more. Hike further.

Know someone who’d love this newsletter? Forward it along

🎥 Check out the latest video