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Ever find yourself cramming an extra fleece, backup pants, or “just in case” food into your pack right before a trip?
You’re not alone.
But here’s the truth:
Overpacking isn’t about being prepared, it’s about second-guessing a system you haven’t dialled in yet.
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After guiding hikers for over 30 years through Tasmania’s toughest wilderness, I’ve seen it time and time again. Great hikers weighed down not by bad gear, but by doubt.
You add items not because they’re essential, but because you're trying to buy confidence.
The fix?
Build your core kit. Trust it. Audit it.
Here’s how:
🛠️ Build a Core Kit You Trust
Focus on six essentials: shelter, sleep, cook system, insulation, weather protection, and safety. These go in every pack, every trip. No guesswork.
🧠 Use my Core-Plus Method
Essentials first. Add comforts (like a chair or coffee kit) only if you have room and weight to spare.
🧾 Run a Gear Audit After Every Hike
Lay everything out. Ask:
What did I actually use?
What stayed buried in the bottom of my pack?
What can I confidently leave behind next time?
👉 Bonus Tip: This habit doesn’t just save weight, it saves money. Over time, you’ll stop buying gear you don’t really need.
Bottom Line:
The goal isn’t to carry more gear.
It’s to carry more certainty.
But, there’s always room for one piece of ‘luxury’.
What’s one piece of gear you consider a luxury on every trip.
Let me know, I read every response.
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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