Hey {{first_name | there}},
What if your biggest hiking breakthroughs in 2026 have nothing to do with buying new gear?
After 34 years of hiking, and guiding hundreds of people through multi-day treks, I’ve learned that the most powerful trail upgrades are mental, not material. The right mindset and a few smart tweaks can make every hike lighter, safer, and more fun.
Here are 10 changes worth making for your next adventure:
🧭 Overpacking is silent sabotage.
Every “just in case” item quietly drains your energy.
🥗 Plan food like gear.
Use weight and calories as your planning metrics—not just taste.
📵 Navigation apps fail. Skills don’t.
Build your offline competence for when tech lets you down.
🧥 Your layering system matters more than your jacket’s brand.
Comfort beats logos every time.
⏱️ Quick, frequent breaks beat long, draining ones.
Short stops keep you energized.
❄️ Start cold.
Sweat = chill = risk.
🗺️ Join a rogaining club or enter a rogaining event with a friend.
You’ll learn more about navigation than any GPS course.
🎒 Train with your pack.
Not your ego—your actual loaded pack.
📝 Reflect after every hike.
What worked, what didn’t, what was dead weight?
🎯 Set goals that mean something.
Not just peak-bagging. Progress you care about.
One of my favourite hikes for many years was in 2025. No peaks, just 8 days of bliss on Tasmania’s South Coast Track. It was my first trip back in 20 years, and it reminded me: sometimes, the journey matters more than the summit.
I’m planning more trips like this. Less about the peaks, more about the experience.
Want real-world examples and stories for each tip?
I break down all 10 in this short, practical video:
Here’s to hiking smarter, not harder, in 2026!
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. In the new year, we’ll open up a few more spaces in our Multi-Day Hiking Blueprint. If you want to be the first to know when spots are available, Join the waitlist here.
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