One Water Mistake Nearly Wrecked Our Trip

Ever been six hours deep into remote backcountry, every muscle aching, only to realise… your water's almost gone?

We have. And on one particularly hot, scrub-choked day in central Tasmania, it nearly wrecked us.

It was Day 6 of an 8-day traverse. We’d just loaded up with 8 litres each from a tarn on on a mountain plateau, knowing the next 36 hours would be dry.

But the terrain: steep ridgelines, waist-deep scoparia, and relentless boulder hopping drained more than just our energy. It drained our water fast.

By the time we reached the summit of Mt Nereus (after 6 hours of pushing), we were low. By the time we half way through our return journey we were nearly dry and the sun was still blazing.

Desperation kicked in.

We scoured the cliff edges for puddles, drips, anything. Nothing was accessible. Then… hidden in a patch of scrub above a rock ledge: a tiny puddle.

We drank like dogs. Literally. Scooping with cups, refilling bottles, kneeling face-first into a shallow pool just inches deep.

That puddle saved our hike. But it never should’ve come to that.

Just because a map marks water, doesn’t mean you’ll find it. Especially in alpine or remote regions.

Here’s how I now plan every hike:

✅ Mark potential AND guaranteed water sources
✅ Use trip reports, forums, recent rainfall data
✅ Add a 2–3L safety buffer when in doubt
✅ Treat water weight like a safety item, not a luxury

Before your next multi-day:

💧 Want more tips from lessons I’ve learned, then check out this video I where I break down the five most common pitfalls that derail hikes and show you the proven systems I use to avoid them.

Bottom Line:

Great hikes aren’t ruined by distance. They’re ruined by dehydration.

Plan like every blue line could vanish. Your safety—and your summit—depend on it.

Stay hydrated,
Mowser

P.S. That puddle we found? Might’ve been the most satisfying sip I’ve ever had. But I’d much rather plan for water than pray for puddles.

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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