Ever planned a trip for your “best day”, only to realise someone else is struggling?
That happened to me once on Mount Anne in South West Tasmania, and it changed how I plan every adventure.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Picture this:
A steep, scrubby climb in southwest Tasmania
A mixed group. Some experienced, some first-timers
One rookie’s brand new pack, tumbling off the mountain in seconds
Nobody was hurt, but I’ll never forget watching that pack disappear. It belonged to the least experienced hiker in our group and the mistake was mine.
What I Got Wrong
I’d planned the trip around what I thought I could handle.
The route looked fine on paper
The distance and elevation felt manageable… to me
But a group isn’t made up of clones
There’s always someone quietly working harder than they let on. When you plan for the strongest, you leave no margin for the hardest days.
How I Plan Now (And Why You Should, Too)
These days, I plan for the least experienced person in the group. Here’s what that looks like:
Pulling back on distance and elevation, especially early on
Focusing on the type of terrain, not just the numbers
Asking one honest question:
If someone’s having a rough day, is this route still okay?
When you plan this way, everyone moves together. There’s time to solve problems. No one’s left behind or struggling in silence. That’s what real trail confidence looks like.
Your Action Step
Before your next group trip, ask yourself:
Am I planning for my best day, or for the whole group’s realistic day?
If you’re not sure, it’s worth revisiting your plan before you even leave the car park.
Want More?
I made a short video sharing this story plus four other habits that quietly undermine trail confidence (including a 38-kilo pack I’m still embarrassed about).
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. If you're rebuilding or auditing your core kit after this, Trail Kit is a free gear directory I've put together at trailkit.mowser.com.au A handy reference when you're comparing options.
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