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How the Right Pace Prevents Costly Gear & Safety Problems
On longer, remote hikes, the quickest way to wreck your trip isn’t bad weather or a wrong turn, it’s burning out halfway and turning every step into a slog.
Pacing is your first line of defence. It’s what makes the difference between finishing the day fresh… or limping into camp questioning your gear choices and your next trip.
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1. Start at Your Conversational Pace
If you can’t chat comfortably while walking, you’re probably going too fast. This isn’t just about stamina; bad pacing exposes gear flaws fast. A poorly balanced or overweight pack feels manageable at the start but will punish you by midday if you’ve gone out too hard.
2. Use the Rest Step on Climbs
Step up, lock your back knee for a moment, and let your bones take the load. On a multi-day hike, this small technique means your legs still work on day three — which matters when you’re carrying essential kit you can’t ditch.
3. Shorten Your Stride on Steep Ground
Small steps keep your heart rate steady and prevent the “crash” that makes navigation mistakes more likely. Fatigue dulls your brain which is not what you want in remote country.
Gear Connection:
If you’ve invested in a quality pack but still set off too fast, you’ll make even the best gear feel like a bad purchase. Pacing protects your investment and makes your setup work as intended.
Why It Matters for Remote Hikes:
When you’re three days from the trailhead, there’s no easy reset. Efficient pacing means you’re not gambling your safety, comfort, or gear performance on a burst of early enthusiasm.
Trail Challenge:
On your next hike, deliberately start 15% slower than feels “right” for the first hour. Notice how your pack feels, how steady your breathing stays, and how much stronger you feel in the final stretch. This single habit could be the difference between arriving at camp shattered… or ready for another day on the trail.
Pacing is just the start. If you want to build endurance, protect your gear investment, and finish every hike strong, my Walk Your Way to Hiking Fitness Planner will give you a step-by-step walking schedule designed for hikers. It’s built to help you progress safely, improve stamina, and be trail-ready for longer, remote treks — without burning out.
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.
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