🥾 The Only Pre-Hike Planning System You’ll Need in 2026 (Because It Actually Works)

Welcome to 2026.

What if your next hike could feel easier, no matter how tough the trail?

If this is your year for a serious multi-day trek, here’s something to remember:

Most hikers prep in two separate silos:

But when you’re 3 days deep, rain-soaked, and your legs are jelly after a steep descent... You’ll know if your prep was solid… or not.

Don’t start with:

Start with this instead:
👉 “What’s the actual physical demand of this route?”

That one shift changes everything.
It’s how you stop winging it and start prepping like a pro.

This is the same method I teach inside my full system.
It links your route, gear, and training into one repeatable loop:

1️⃣ Assess the Route
Elevation gain. Terrain type. Pack weight. Daily duration.
Understand the actual load on your body — not just the numbers.

2️⃣ Match Your Gear
Now pack for that specific reality.
A steep, cold, wet trail demands different gear than a dry, flat one.
Build your system around your hike.

3️⃣ Train Like It’s the Trail
Train with that pack weight. On similar terrain.
Even 4 weeks of targeted simulation walks can radically reduce injury risk.

✅ Simple
⏱ Fast to plan
💪 Proven on real hikes

Start the year right with my free PDF.

What’s inside:

This is the same framework I use myself before big trips.
Pair it with the Planning Loop above, and you’ll be miles ahead — literally.

Train smart. Hike strong.
Let’s make 2026 the year you stop second-guessing and start really preparing.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

Thanks for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope this helps you hike further and happier.

Until next week, keep exploring.

Mowser

Discover more. Hike further.

P.S. Want a quick fitness reality check? Try the Multi-Day Hiking Readiness Quiz and get personalised tips to level up your prep!