Most trips don’t fall apart because of storms, floods, or busted gear.
They fail before you’ve even laced your boots, because the plan never actually fit the group in the first place.
I learned this the hard way.
Over 20 years ago, I was on a 26-day trip that was meant to be an epic.
We misjudged the first few days and got the weather wrong. We set off overloaded with gear, which slowed us down immediately.
By the end of week one, we’d already had to cut an entire section from the route.
We were young and ambitious, and we still had a great time. But the lesson stuck:
Mismatched plans and heavy packs can derail even the best adventures.
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It still happens all the time, especially here in Tasmania.
I see hikers who:
Underestimate the weather
Overcompensate with the wrong kit
Carry gear they don’t need and forget the things they actually do
Sometimes these mistakes just make things miserable. Other times, they’re what lead to rescue situations.
The fix is simple, but most people skip it.
If your crew’s hiking experience ranges from “every weekend” to “last time was a decade ago,”
Plan for the slowest person.
That’s not watering it down.
It’s smart planning. It protects morale, saves energy, and sets everyone up for a win.
Adventure Weekend
Here’s what we do on our annual adventure weekend:
Every year, a group of lifelong mates gets together for a basecamp-style trip.
We’re all at different stages of our hiking journeys, so instead of pushing a long point-to-point route, we:
Drive in or do a short hike to set up basecamp
Spend the weekend doing day hikes of varying levels
Return to the same fire, food, and banter each night
Everyone gets what they need:
✅ The fast ones get their adventure.
✅ The cruisers enjoy themselves.
✅ And no one ends the trip wrecked or left behind.
Use These 3 Checks Before You Plan Your Next Group Hike:
Distance: Plan for the slowest hiker, not your fittest mate.
Scalability: Pick routes with opt-outs and variations.
Enjoyment: Ask yourself, "Will everyone actually enjoy this trip as planned?"
Where the TRAILS Framework Fits In
This kind of smart planning is exactly what my TRAILS framework is built for.
It’s designed to make sure you’re not just packing lighter, but actually hiking smarter.
Here’s what TRAILS covers:
T – Training: Fitness and skills first, gear second
R – Route: Choose trails that suit your whole crew, not just the keenest hiker
A – Appropriate Gear: Only pack what earns its place
I – Intake: Plan realistic food and water for the conditions
L – Logistics: Nail your transport, timing, and resupply
S – Safety: Prep for what could go wrong, not just the good weather
If you want fewer mistakes, lighter packs, and better trips, especially when you're stepping up to longer or more remote treks, this is how you build that. And soon I’ll be announcing how you can get involved.
Let me know, what’s the biggest group trip mistake you’ve seen or made? I read every email.
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.
Cheers!
Mowser
Discover more. Hike further.
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