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After nearly two weeks hiking in Southwest Tasmania, we were ahead of schedule. Spirits were high. We found a rare sliver of phone reception and called our pickup transport to arrange an earlier pickup.
Except… something went wrong.
He misheard the time and 2pm became 10am in the driver’s mind. He was already halfway down the mountain road when we reached it.
If we’d arrived just minutes later, we would’ve been stranded. No reception. Nothing but a few freeze-dried meals. No funny story, just a very long walk and some nervous decision-making at the end of an absolutely brutal rain and snow soaked journey
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The Realisation: Logistics Matter as Much as Your Route
This wasn’t my first rodeo. I thought I had everything covered. But that slip taught me something most hikers don’t learn until it’s too late:
Bad logistics don’t just cause delays. They waste:
Money (on unused gear, extra food, last-minute resupplies)
Pack space (carrying “just in case” weight)
Energy (on panic-fixes that should’ve been prepped)
🔍 Avoid These Classic Trip-Wrecking Mistakes
Here’s the logistics checklist I follow before every remote hike, refined over decades of hiking Tasmania’s toughest routes:
✅ Confirm Transport in Writing
What it solves: No misheard times, no assumptions
Bonus: Have a backup number or contact option
✅ Double-Check Permits and Rules
What it solves: Avoid last-minute reroutes, fines, or surprise track closures
Bonus: Saves carrying unnecessary food/gear for backup routes
✅ Pre-plan Multiple Campsites
What it solves: Flexibility if weather turns or someone gets sick
Bonus: Cuts stress and “extra food” weight just in case plans change
✅ Understand Weather Patterns
What it solves: Preps you for real conditions, not ideal ones
Bonus: Helps you pack smart, not paranoid
Why This Matters for Hikers Scaling Up
Planning isn’t exciting. But poor planning leads to heavy packs, wasted food, and sketchy decisions.
This checklist keeps your gear tight, your route flexible, and your trip focused on what matters: the hike.
🎯 Your Next Move:
✅ Use this checklist before your next trip
✅ Share it with your hiking group, make logistics a team win
✅ Save your brain and back from “just in case” overload
I walk through every one of these logistics systems (plus a few you may not have thought of) in a series of videos.
▶️ Watch the full series here and make your next hike smoother, safer, and lighter from day one.
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
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