Ever packed for a trip thinking, “I’ve got everything I need,” only to find out, midway through a storm, that you really, really don’t?
Let me take you back to the early 2000s:
Three mates. 27 days in the wilds of southwest Tasmania. One food drop. Weather that couldn’t decide between monsoon and microwave.
We carried a lot of gear. Maybe too much. But the one thing that saved our trip? Not what you’d expect.
Here’s what I learned about the fine line between “prepared” and “pack mule”:
Why redundancy isn’t the same as excess (and how to tell the difference)
The tiny digital camera that outlasted everything else (and why it matters for your next trip)
How to audit your kit so every item earns its place (your knees will thank you)
Day 24, with a couple of tough days ahead
📸 The Camera That Outlasted Everything
Back when digital cameras were “just a fad,” my film camera died early. My mate’s SLR? Gone by day two.
The little digital point-and-shoot we nearly laughed off? It survived all 27 days. Every photo from that trip: storms, peaks, exhausted grins… all came from the gear we almost didn’t bring.
Lesson: Don’t let your whole group rely on one person’s kit for something important. (It’s why I always say: everyone should carry their own first aid kit.)
When “Too Much Gear” Actually Paid Off
Three weeks in, our main tent pole snapped. Middle of a storm.
Luckily, we’d packed a repair kit. Nothing fancy, just enough. That little kit earned its weight ten times over. The third backup jacket? Not so much.
Now, I use the Core-Plus method:
Core: Essentials - shelter, sleep, rain gear, first aid, navigation, stove.
Plus: Comfort extras - spare layers, gadgets, camera gear. Only if you can carry them without suffering.
It’s not about going ultralight. It’s about being intentional.
Try This After Your Next Trip
Lay out every piece of gear you took.
Look at what you didn’t use (excluding emergency/first aid).
Ask: “If I left this at home, would it affect safety, or just comfort?”
Aim to cut at least a kilo of “just in case” weight. Your knees will notice on day five.
Want a Shortcut? Check Out My Trail Kit
I just launched a new page on my website: Trail Kit.
It’s still very raw but It’s a free, ever-growing database of the gear I’ve used, tested, and trusted on real trips PLUS my thoughts on outdoor brands and gear I’ve been asked about.
If you’re heading out for your first (or fifth) multi-day trip, it’s a great place to start.
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. Got your own “gear that saved the trip” story? Hit reply, I’d love to hear it!
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