Hiking for over 30 Years has taught me this

have you ever reached a breathtaking Mountaintop campsite only to realize that you have forgotten your T poles well it's happened to me with over 30 years on the trail every mishap I have made along the way has been a valuable lesson that has enriched my journey in this video I'm going to go through 50 hard-earned lessons that will transform your hiking experience saving you time energy and maybe even your life hi there I'm Mouser a seasoned Trailblazer with three decades of experience exploring tra across Tasmania and all over the place and I'm excited to share

these insights with you so without further Ado let's just get straight into the video lesson one test your gear before each trip imagine being miles away from civilization and discovering your stove won't light up I've witness Hiers arrive at Camp only to find that their stove is dead their tent poles are bent or their boots are blistering their feet it's very much like a pilot skipping a pre-flight check it's a disaster just waiting to happen before every hike I test my essential gear I set up my tent I light my stove I even take my

hiking boots for a short Trek around the block this simple routine can save you from major headaches on the trail so grab a pen and start your gear checklist today your future self will thank you lesson two overpacking overpacking is a rookie mistake when I started hiking my pack was full of just in case items extra clothes gadgets multiple books and way too much food it was like I was prepared pring for the actual apocalypse my back and hips paid the price and the hike was less enjoyable over time I learned to streamline my gear

focusing on lightweight and multi-functional items a lighter pack just doesn't save your body it makes the entire hike much more enjoyable trust me on this one use a checklist when you are packing I've included one in the description down for you below lesson three invest in quality Footwear cheap Footwear might seem like a good deal until they leave you with blisters sore feet or even worse your feet are the foundation of every hike so invest in a well-fitted durable pair of shoes or boots that suit the terrain you're going into find something that suits your

feet take your time when trying them on and try on as many pairs as you can treat your feet well and your hikes will instantly improve Lesson Four size up your tent imagine squeezing into a twers tent feeling like sardines in a can sure smaller tents save some weight but have you never tried stretching out in one while there's two people in there it's just a very tight squeeze that's why some time ago I made this switch from a twers to a 3ers tent for Just Two hikers it's like upgrading from economy to business class

when you're on a plane not that I've ever been in business class but you know what I mean the extra space well it's a lifesaver for stashing gear or simply lounging around during a rainstorm trust me this simple tweak can turn a cramp night into a comfortable Retreat changing your entire camping experience especially on those long rainy days when you're tent bound lesson five layers are your best friend weather can change in an instant especially in unpredictable places like here in Tasmania I always pack a moisture wicking Bas layer an insulating mid layer like something

like a fleece an insulating synthetic or down jacket and a waterproof shell cotton is an absolute noo because it stays wet and it makes you cold but fleece or wool keeps you warm even when it's down layers let you adapt to any conditions without overloading your pack lesson six short brakes keep momentum think of short brakes as pit stops in a race they're quick but crucial to keep everything running smoothly I've learned that taking a 5minute break every hour or so is the perfect balance these stops let me sip water grab a quick snack or

take a quick photo all while keeping my muscles warm and my energy up the best part is that these regular brakes help me avoid burnout meaning I can still enjoy longer lunch break later to soak up the views without feeling like I am falling behind short intentional rests make all the difference in maintaining momentum on the trail lesson seven stay hydrated no matter the weather dehydration can be a bit of a sneaky foe it just doesn't strike on sweltering hot days but it can also hit in the cold as well imagine your body as a

car that needs fuel to run smoothly no matter the season I have seen hikers who thought they were safe in the cold suffer from headaches cramps and fatigue simply because they didn't top up their tank with enough water along the way to avoid ending up like those guys sip small sips regularly throughout your hike and when the journey gets long toss in some electrolytes or some salt solutions to keep the body's engine purring remember dehydration is always lurking even when you're cold lesson eight trekking poles are a game changer I used to think trekking poles

were completely unnecessary and a waste of time but I really couldn't have been more wrong they reduce strain on your knees during Des sense they help with balance on Rocky terrain and they make uphill climbs much less exhausting after using them for a few years now I just can't imagine tackling steep Trails without them they' become one of my hiking Essentials especially on those longer trips lesson nine trim your toenails before every hike now it might sound like a small detail but keeping your toenails trimmed can save you from some serious pain on the trail

long nails can press against the front of your boots especially on downhill sections leading to bruising or even lost Nails I have lost Nails myself I have learned this lesson more times than I care to remember and have often been left limping for days try to make it part of your preik routine it's quick it's easy and it can make a huge difference in your comfort levels lesson 10 stay on the trail even if it's muddy when faced with a muddy section of Trail it is tempting to walk around it to keep your boots clean

but stepping off the path can damage fragile plants and widen the trail unnecessarily trails are designed to minimize impact on the environment and keep you safe so stick to the trail no matter the conditions walking straight through the mud might feel messy but it's the right thing to do and it's often a quicker route to take plus a good pair of waterproof boots will make it a non-issue staying on track protects nature and ensures the trail remains accessible to others as well lesson 11 prep your tent site thoroughly before pitching your tent take a few

minutes to first check the ground and then clear it of any Rock and debris skipping this step might not seem like a big deal until you wake up with a rock jabbing in your back or into your spine it's just very uncomfortable I've also seen people set up in low spots only to wake up in a puddle after some rain a little effort up front ensures a much better night's sleep Lesson 12 ventilation prevents a wet tent a sealed up tent might seem nice and cozy at first but condensation can make everything damp by the

morning crack a vent or unzip the rain flight slightly to let some moisture Escape ventilation is a small detail that can make a big difference in Comfort lesson 13 avoid over relying on technology now apps and GPS devices are great tools but batteries die and electronics fail I always carry a physical map and Compass as a backup take the time to learn basic navigation skills knowing how to read a topographic map could be the difference between a minor detour and getting seriously lost lesson 14 food doesn't need to be heavy to be filling when I

started hiking I packed pasta Curry sauces cans of food and other heavy items over time I realize that lightweight high energy options like dehydrated or freeze dried meals nuts and dried fruit are just as effective I aim for around 800 G per day of food which keeps my pack light and my energy High a well planned menu can fuel your hike without weighing you down lesson 15 bring a reliable light source few things are as stressful as realizing your headlamp batteries are dead when you're far from camp at Sunset always carry a reliable primary light

source like a headlamp I also pack spare batteries or a battery charging pack even on short hikes good lighting is critical for navigation and safety in low light conditions plus it's nice to have a light around tent at night around tent around Camp Lesson 16 set up camp at least 60 M from water sources now when you find a beautiful stream or a lake it is very very tempting to set up your tent right next to it but camping too close to water can harm fragile ecosystems and disturb Wildlife that rely on it not to

mention water sources often mean more bugs and condensation near your tent instead follow the leave no Trace principles and Pitch your tent at least 60 M away this keeps the environment healthy and assures that everyone including Wildlife can enjoy the area sustainably lesson 17 trekking poles double as tent poles multi-use gear is a great way to save weight and trekking poles are one of my favorite examples in addition to helping on the trail they can double as tent poles for certain shelters or TS I have a tent that in high winds enables me to add

a trekking pole as an additional support to make it super sturdy a versatile bit of gear like this is invaluable lesson 18 keep essential items Within Reach at night before you go to bed make sure your glasses like mine here your headlamp your water bottle and your warm clothes are at easy access to grab if you need them I always keep these items either inside my sleeping bag or very close by this habit has saved me on freezing nights and during unexpected storms when I need needed to adjust my setup very quickly preparedness at night

means you can handle anything without fumbling around in the dark lesson 19 pay attention to Trail markers and signs missing a trail marker can turn a fun hike into a stressful detour I've seen hikers lose valuable time and even get lost because they weren't paying attention to signage always keep an eye out for trail markers especially at intersections or open areas where the path may not be as obvious if you're unsure stop and check your map before continuing staying Vigilant with navigation keeps you on track and ensures your hike goes smoothly lesson 20 learn to

spot weather changes understanding weather patterns is a skill every hiker should develop I've been caught in sudden storms because I ignored obvious signs like dropping temperatures dropping temperatures or dark clouds take a moment to scan the Horizon regularly and check the forecast before you head out hiking carrying a lightweight weatherproof layer can make all the difference when Nature decides to surprise you with a bit of rain or snow or wind or all of them lesson 21 double layering socks helps prevent blisters blisters can ruin an otherwise perfect hike one of the simplest ways to prevent

them is by wearing a liner sock these go under your regular hiking socks and they reduce friction keeping your feet blister-free even on Long hikes combined with well fitting Footwear this small adjustment can save you a lot of pain lesson 22 keep duct tape on your water bottle or tricking pole duct tape is one of the most versatile tools you can bring on a hike but carrying full roll can be a bit bulky and you never know where to find it instead wrap a meter or two around your water bottle or your trekking pole it's

perfect for quick gear repairs like patching holes in gear or fixing a broken strap and you'll hardly notice it's there until you need it and it really doesn't add any inconvenience by just wrapping a bit around one of those things you know what I mean lesson 23 use Ziploc bags for organization Ziploc bags are lightweight waterproof and Incredibly versatile I use them to organize everything from snacks to first aid supplies and electronics on wet hikes they keep Essentials like matches and batteries dry plus they are great for packing out your rubbish leaving no Trace behind

lesson 24 don't underestimate trekking uphill when I first started hiking I underestimated how much harder uphill terrain could be steeper climbs use different muscles require more energy and can slow your pace dramatically take shorter steps pace yourself and use trkking PES to distribute the workload reaching the top feels even better when you're absolutely just not completely drained when you're not completely and absolutely drained lesson 25 use short sharp brakes for Recovery when tackling a particularly tough section like a steep incline I often pause for just 20 30 seconds at a time to catch my breath

these quick rests on the climb help my heart rate recover without calling my muscles too much short braks keep your energy up without disrupting your momentum so you can push through the challenging terrain with more efficiency lesson 26 always carry a small first aid kit accidents happen even on easy Trails I've seen hikers deal with cuts blisters or sprains that could have been managed better with basic first aid supplies my kit includes things like bandages for injury and snake bite a small roll of tape blister pads and painkillers it doesn't take up much space but

it is one of the most important items in my pack lesson 27 plan your water stops carefully running out of water is one of the most dangerous mistakes a hiker can make I always check my route for Reliable water sources and if necessary I carry a water filter or purification tablets even if you're hiking in a lush area don't assume water will be easy to find planning your hydration is as important as planning your route lesson 28 keep your snacks accessible packing snacks at the bottom of your bag might seem like a small inconvenience but

digging around for food on the trail wastes time and energy I keep snacks like trail mix or musly bars in a side pocket or pouch on my packs harness this simple habit keeps my energy up without disrupting my FL fly while I'm walking and I can eat as I walk on a regular basis throughout the day I stock them up each morning in the little pockets and I'm ready to go lesson 29 always have an emergency backup plan no matter how well you prepare things can go wrong bad weather injuries getting lost or maybe you're

just running late I always have an emergency plan which includes telling someone my route carrying a personal loada Beacon and knowing the nearest exit points having a plan not only keeps you safe but it also gives you peace of mind allowing you to enjoy the hike fully lesson 30 learn to adapt your pace to the trail not all trails are created equal some have steep climbs Rocky distance or loose terrain that Demands a slower more careful Pace one of the most important lessons I've learned is to adjust my speed based on the conditions rather than

trying to maintain a constant Rhythm slowing down when necessary helps prevent exhaustion reduces the risk of injury and gives you more time to appreciate the beauty around you it's not about how fast you go it's about moving steadily and safely to to enjoy the journey lesson 31 store gear inside your sleeping bag on cold nights cold temperatures can ruin essential gear like batteries water filters and electronics to prevent freezing I always put these items inside a waterproof bag then into my sleeping bag at night they stay warm and functional so I don't wake up to

Frozen water filter or a dead headlamp or a dead battery it's a small habit that can save you from Big frustration lesson 32 don't underestimate downhill sections many hikers think downhill stretches are easy but they can be just as tough as going up descending puts extra strain on your knees and can lead to slips and Falls if you aren't too careful use trekking poles for support take shorter steps and don't rush control descents keep you safe and prevent unnecessary injuries lesson 33 learn basic knots knots are an essential skill for any hiker from securing TS

to repairing gear a simple knot can often save the day I recommend learning a few Basics like the old bow line the half hitch and the figure of eight knot these are easy to remember and Incredibly useful in a variety of situations even the reef knot used to be really good The Reef knot left over right right over left lesson 34 choose your rest spots wisely brakes are essential on Long hikes but where you stop can make all the difference I have learned to look for spots with a view some shade or natural wind protection

places that not only let you recharge physically but also mentally as well try to avoid resting in low areas prone to dampness or where bugs tend to swarm taking the time to find a good rest spot can make your break feel like a reward and give you the energy to tackle the next stretch of Trail lesson 35 never skip your preik warm-up starting a hike without warming up can lead to stiff muscles and even injuries I try to take 5 minutes to stretch my legs hips and back before heading out a good warm- up not

only prevents soreness but also helps you tackle those first few kilomet with a little more ease lesson 36 look back often on the trail when hiking it is easy to focus only on what lies ahead but looking back every now and then is a simple way to stay oriented Trails can look completely different in reverse and this habit has saved me from taking wrong turns as well as saving me from venturing up the wrong path too far plus the views behind you are often just as stunning lesson 37 be mindful of Trail etiquette hiking isn't

just about enjoying nature it's also about sharing it respectfully with others when you're on the track give way to uphill hikers step aside for faster groups and keep your noise level low to preserve the Tranquility of of the outdoors if you're hiking with friends walk in a single file on narrow paths to avoid damaging plants or blocking the way for others good trail etiquette creates a better experience for everyone and ensures these spaces remain enjoyable for many years to come lesson 38 keep your phone in airplane mode even if you're using your phone for navigation

or for photos switching it to airplane mode conserves battery significantly GPS still works in airplane mode and you will avoid distractions from notifications which is very nice this simple tweak and ures your phone stays usable for the entire hike even on those longer trips lesson 39 plan for a slow pace when hiking with a group group hikes are great for camaraderie but they require a little more patience everyone's pace and fitness level will vary and trying to rush can cause frustration or even accidents plan extra time into your schedule and embrace the slower Pace embrace

the slower Pace it's all about enjoying the experience together and not racing to the Finish unless you're in a race then you race lesson 40 use a pack liner to keep your gear dry even with a rain cover water can sneak into your pack during Heavy Rain or when Crossing streams that's why I always use a pack liner always it creates a waterproof barrier inside your backpack to keep everything dry dry clothes sleeping bags and food are essential for staying warm and comfortable on multi-day Hikes you can use a purpose-made pack liner or even just

a heavy juty garbage bag and it's just a simple step that protects your gear from the elements and gives you peace of mind no matter the weather and I take one and I use one on every single trip lesson 41 celebrate small victories hiking can be physically and mentally demanding especially on tough Trails I have learned to set and celebrate small Milestones along the way like reaching a Lookout Point or completing a steep section these moments of appreciation keep morale high and remind you to enjoy the journey not just a destination and it is one

of my main mental sort of hacks when I'm out on the trail lesson 42 respect the power of weather weather conditions can change in an instant especially in mountainous areas I have been caught in storms because I underestimated the forecast always pack for the worst case scenario even if the forecast looks clear with sunny skies a good waterproof jacket and wet weather gear can mean the difference between discomfort and real danger lesson 43 carry a whistle for emergencies if you get lost or injured a whistle is one of the best tools for signaling Rescuers it's

loud it's lightweight and it doesn't rely on batteries three short blasts are the universal signal for distress I keep one attached to my backpack at all times it's a small item that could save your life and it just weighs nothing and you even forget it's there which is bad you want to remember it's there in case you need it but you know what I mean lesson 44 leave no Trace one of the most important principles of hiking is to leave the environment exactly as you found it pack out all of your rubbish avoid damaging plants

and stick to Trails respecting nature ensures that these beautiful places remain pristine for future Generations to enjoy lesson 45 stay flexible with your plans no matter how well you prepare things don't always go as planned bad weather trail closures or unexpected fatigue can force you to adjust I've learned that flexibility is key to enjoying the experience focus on the journey not just on the itinerary and you'll have a much better time lesson 46 trust your instincts if something feels a little off if you think you've taken a wrong turn or there's a change in the

weather that you can kind of feel a tricky section of Trail or even just a feeling then I tend to trust it I've avoided potential dangers by listening to that little voice in my head telling me to check where I am or to take a different Road your instincts are often your best tool for staying safe lesson 47 practice setting up your tent in bad conditions setting up a tent in strong winds or rain is a completely different challenge than on a calm day practice pitching your tent in less than ideal conditions at home so

that you are prepared this skill can save you valuable time and keep you dry when it matters most when you're out in the middle of nowhere lesson 48 take regular photos to capture your journey it's easy to get so focused on hiking that you forget to pause and capture the journey I found that taking photos not just at the big viewpoints but along the trail as well well it helps me relieve the experience long after the hike is over whether it's a quirky Trail marker or an interesting plant or a funny looking rock or a

fleeting moment of sunlight breaking through some trees these small snapshots tell the full story of your adventure don't rush through the trail capture its Essence as you go my biggest regrets on walks are not taking enough photos so get out there and get snapping lesson 49 keep learning from each hike every hike no matter how easy or challenging teaches you something new maybe it's a new way to pack your gear or a better strategy for handling tricky terrain reflect on your hikes to build your skills and improve your next adventure lesson 50 be grateful for

the privilege to hike not everyone has the opportunity to explore the outdoors and I remind myself of that often every trial every step is a gift even the tough ones when my legs ache and I'm pushing through discomfort gratitude has made me appreciate these moments and the lessons they bring no matter how hard the hike it's a mindset that I carry with me every time that I lace up my boots and if you want to make your hike more enjoyable then check out this video here where I detail how to lighten your pack safely you'll

thank yourself with every step