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The Simple Water Prep That Saved Our Hike
What would you do if your only water source disappeared miles from camp, with hours left to hike? That’s exactly what happened to us.
⛰️ Day 6 of a brutal 8-day off-track route in central Tasmania. The sun was relentless. Our packs were heavy. We were pushing for Mount Nereus, one of the toughest, most remote peaks in the Cradle Mountain National Park. We knew the range ahead was dry for the next couple of days, so we filled up 8 litres each at the last reliable pond.
💧 It added over 8kg each to our packs. It sucked. But it saved us. Because the next day, after the summit, our planned refill spot was bone dry. We spent nearly an hour bush-bashing off-track, desperate, before we found a hidden puddle under a rock. We drank like kings. Limped into camp just hydrated enough where the rest of our cache awaited. Without that we’re not sure what we would have done.
What did that day teach me? Water is the one thing you can’t improvise in the wild. And never trust a single source.
💧 How to Avoid a Hydration Disaster:
🗺️ Mark every possible water point on your map, even the “maybe” ones
🥤 Carry a backup container (a bladder, collapsible bottle, whatever takes your fancy)
🧪 Learn 2+ treatment methods: filters fail, tablets don’t
Great campsite, no water. Good thing we carried in lots.
📊 Consider weight vs risk: over-carry if conditions demand it and you’re not sure of the water situation ahead
Running out of water ruins hikes and puts people in danger.
Plan like you’ll hit nothing but dry creek beds.
✅ Take Action: Before your next multi-day hike, review your water plan. Add backups. Carry more than you think you need.
👉 Got a smart water tip of your own? Hit reply and share it, I love to hear the tips and lessons that you have!
THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK
Thanks for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope this helps you hike further and happier.
Until next week, keep exploring.
Mowser
Discover more. Hike further.
P.S. If you’re ready to move from short, uncertain trips to confident, safe 5–7 day adventures, I’m closing enrolments for the current intake of the Multi-Day Hiking Blueprint on December 8th. Doors will close for now so I can focus on helping produce better content and transformation for current members.
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