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The algorithm suggested me Mowsers channel. I got courious because it was a bit niche. Not the usual gear review content but more sharing experience. I am also in my fourties and hiking/ backpacking does change as you get older. One really helpful advice was not overpacing myself in the morning, making the first stretch a little shorter, and ad half rest days and eat after a set time. Also helpful was to read about "the map lied your legs knew it first". Dealing with natures circumstances is very different than just looking on a map, sure distance and elevation help but sometimes pathes are closed, bridges not there, one water source after the other dried out, trees have fallen onto tracks, areas fenced of, wet conditions can turn a path into a slippery slope...not finding a flat enough/ not dry enough spot to set up the tent... I used the meal planner to calculate my calories and that's really the amount of what I need on a hiking day. Thank you so much and happy hiking, Sabrina I saved almost up to an hour with changing my packing system. Little fun fact: when it's raining I am even faster due to not airing out my sleeping bag on top of my tent. I could also save about 1 Kg in packing weight, by optimising my gear in tracking how much unused stuff I brought back from the last trip and using the meal planner for my calories. I also lost the feeling of beeing guilty of making not 25 - 35 Km a day. Age, terrain, health is an individual factor, ejoying the trip and returning healthy is more important than numbers.

I found Mowser's blog when researching my first hike on Tasmania's Overland Track. I am impressed by Mowser's great enthusiasm for hiking and his practical advice- from selecting the right gear to assessing all the factors to consider when planning for a multi-day hike. I feel more informed now and secure that I will be as prepared as possible for the OT and future hikes. I especially like that Mowser's advice works for a wet environment like Tassie but other hiking environments as well. I suspect Mowser's voice will be in my head as I make decisions on the OT. Instead of "What would Dolly do?" it will be "What would Mowser do?" Or might be both! Mowser's gear recommendations confirmed my previous research and I ordered some lighter gear being confident I was investing in the right pieces. Mowser's tent guide was very useful - and made me more knowledgable about tents so I could identify the right tent for my hiking needs. The meal planner is great and, as a spreadsheet enthusiast, I appreciate how much time it will save - and that it's not full of lots of sweets like many of the US versions.

Hi Mowser, I have been watching your videos on YouTube now for a couple of years and always find your content very interesting and informative. Having the opportunity to download you Overland Guide will give me valuable information on the gear, training and food to take on many hikes I hope to be able to do. I will be doing my first Tasmanian hike in November starting off with the Three Capes. Cheers A packing checklist is vital for any hike and your checklist covers everything I need.

It’s a pretty good introduction to thinking about gear. I think I’ve been doing this too long for me to find anything new in it, but it was comforting that it reflected my own approach. I’ve shared this with a friend who is keen to get out walking in the bush and for him it’ll make a great checklist for all his planning. In short, it’s a great resource and helps people get the most out of their time in the bush without having to go through all the trial and errors that we made n all those early trips. Well done! Great aid for those new to getting out into the bush for something longer than an overnight.

I found Mowser's engaging, well-informed videos on YouTube and have learned a great deal from them—not to mention enjoying some beautiful Tasmanian scenery along the way. As someone with a long-standing interest in outdoor systems and clothing, I especially appreciated the Layering Guide. It takes what can be a complex, highly technical topic and presents it in a way that's both accessible and practical. That's difficult to do, and I think it reflects years of real experience in the field. The Layering Guide prompted me to rethink how the mid-layers function—particularly how they regulate warm air while managing moisture within the clothing system. It also encouraged me to simplify the way I think about and explain layering while clarifying the underlying principles. I also came away impressed with several of the clothing systems, materials, and garments Mowser recommends, and I've already added a number of them to my list for future purchases.

Hi Mowser, Thanks for doing what you do. I started watching you about a year or two ago. I've been a hiker for about 20 years, and your vids and resources help remind me that my previous research and understanding are relatively sound still, I resonate with most all you share. You've helped with reasonably impartial reviews (I get that there must be a 'balancing' of sorts to run a channel), and they've helped me understand newer products (as my gear is generally all from 201? something). I enjoy your videos and 'way' in general. While I have a few skills under my belt I never stop learning, and your channel and website are like a good friend to chat to around camp. Kind regards - Damo I've always been pretty anal-retentive so had already made a lot of different checklists for planning. It's just nice to compare, and reassuring to see I've been doing what the 'pros' do.

What sets all the videos and newsletters apart is Mowser’s extraordinary experience. Every tip is valuable, whether it’s about gear, nutrition, fitness, or trip planning.... It’s always enriching and universally applicable, even though I’ll probably never have the chance to go hiking in Tasmania. But thumbs up — I’m always happy to get so many professional suggestions for outdoor activities. What sets all the videos and newsletters apart is Mowser’s extraordinary experience. Every tip is valuable, whether it’s about gear, nutrition, fitness, or trip planning.... It’s always enriching and universally applicable, even though I’ll probably never have the chance to go hiking in Tasmania. But thumbs up — I’m always happy to get so many professional suggestions for outdoor activities.

Hi. I downloaded the fitness planner from mowser for an upcoming trek on the cape to cape in SW of WA a month ago. I was already following my own plan which wasn't really working for me. Thank goodness I found mowsers plan. Following his suggestions, now my legs are in better shape because of, not only the walking plan with a backpack, but more importantly the squats, lunges and planking etc which I never considered have improved the legs incredibly. I now will conquer this trek far more easily than without the programme without doubt, thanks to mowser. Leg strength is probably the most important part of any trek and now they are in better condition than before. My trek will now by the fun it should be other than the hard slog it may have been.

As an old Tasmanian with many multiday and day walks in Tasmania and around the world, your advice is valued and back from my experience. New technology is darn wonderful, so thanks for keeping me up to date, but that is also darn expensive. Your experience fitted with mine, and reinforced a few issues. Well done.

I am from Norway and it seems we have similar climate to what you have down in Tasmania. I have been skiing and hiking here for most of my life and the layering guide matches well with what I have used like Brynje baselayers. I found the tip about the waterproof gloves to be really good. And have bought two pairs of those. Easily available here in Norway as it seems they are used a bit in the fishing industry. Br Ivar Nygard I finally found the perfect gloves for Spring and Autumn outings. May even work in winter, and perhaps for exposed summer outings as well. (although perhaps a bit heavy for summer)

I discovered ur site when looking for tips on what food to take on multi day hikes and it has turned into a whole evaluation of my food and gear setup. I’m only at the beginning but feel I have much greater confidence to carry less in the future. Thanks Very helpful

I found Mowser on Facebook (i think) and as a hiker with intermediate experience I am always on the lookout for ways to improve. Having broken my ankle last year I was laid up for months and so need to start a fitness routine to get ready for the Overland Track in Tasmania next year. I found the fitness plan really helpful as a starting point. It is detailed but concise and formatted well. Useful tips and routines to follow. I will be following it and hope to up my fitness ready for the hike. I feel confident that the routines suggested will help me increase my fitness, endurance and confidence on the trail.

I have found the meal planner to be invaluable and have put it to use straight away for a 4 day thru hike. It is easy to use and calculate my calorie intake needs. The ability to add any meal item to the list is a great feature as is the kilojoules to calories converter. All in all a great tool, thanks Mowser!! The meal planner allowed me to fine tune not only my required calorie intake, but also the weight of meals carried.

Found videos on youtube, specifically helping me decide which arc teryx rain jacket i was going to buy. then discovered the meal planner and calorie calculator. my partner and i are headed to patagonia, and have some dietary restrictions, but luckily we found Radix meals, which we can both have, so decided to buy a whole lot before we went. the spreadsheets helped a lot in deciding which calorie sizes we needed to purchase. thanks a lot! helped a lot in deciding what to purchase!

I found Mowser on utube when I was doing random hiking searches. I become a huge fan, love his sense of humour and the voice overs. Videos are very informative, even if I still talk myself into the first aid kid any ED Dr would be jealous of and I am still overpacking…..the whole day I am saying to myself - Mowser said…. one day I will learn! Looking at doing my first overnight trip this year, very hesitant but the info on sleep systems and all things you need and DON’T need are very helpful….. I’ve just got to trust the don’t need pile! Great work Mowser, I wish I was hiking when you were leading in Taz! I can imagine you were a great guide. Maybe you can lead a hike for your utube fans one day. I downloaded the fitness checklist and started this week. It was great that you can rate yourself and start mid plan, repeat if necessary and if it’s too easy go up a level. I like how it is so simple, no app and no subscription to need to change your plan.

The meal planner is a great tool for planning a multi-day hike. Thanks for making it available. It results in a lighter pack and better food. The meal planner is great and facilitates planning a multi-day hike. Saves weight and results in eating better while hiking.

I found Mowser on YouTube originally when I was just getting started in hiking. I found his videos not only entertaining but incredibly helpful with sorting through all of the noise of what you need as well as helpful planning tips. I managed to successfully complete my first multi day hike earlier this year on the Carnarvon Great Walk. Mowers meal planner and profile fitness plans were really helpful. Thanks Mowser! You’re a bloody legend! Can’t wait for the next gear review and delving into your guides for my next hike in 2026! The meal planner really helped me dial my meals in so I focused on calorie dense foods instead of junk food. The calorie to weight ratio really helped with this. Every bit of food had to give a big bank for its buck.

I am an experienced hiker from mountain cabin to mountain cabin in the Alps and Pyrenees in Europe in the summer period. Getting older, your Hiking preparation guide is a good help to continue to keep my condition to the right level. Thanks Luc these 3 tip documents, did not reach my inbox. It would be a pleasure to receive them: my e-mail adres: luc.moens@gmail.com thanks Luc

I am in the process of using the 5 week hiking training plan I came across on Mowser's youtube channel. I am planning on using it to training for a 3 day hike in the Blue Mountains It is very helpful, very clear, with a nice balance of flexibility. I find a lot of hike training plans are very complicated with many working parts. I can already feel my body strengthening for my upcoming hike and no injuries along the way! Thanks Mowser. The training plan helped me easily fit workouts into my everyday in a way which I could wrap my head around. My body is stronger, without injuries.

TLDR: Gold! Pragamtic bushwalking and gear advice that strikes a great balance between ultralight and comfort bushwalking. I've been climbing, canyoning, XC-skiing and bushwalking for well over 45 years, so I have a bit of experience and I am a bit of a gear freak. So it is refreshing to find bushwalking advice and reviews that are suited to Australian conditions and also is in line with my own way of thinking (e.g. I'm happy that Mowser likes the awesome Wollemi pack - I've had the Overland 60 for a number of years - great Aussie made bombproof packs). With regards to gear, now that I'm in my 60's you'd think that ultralight is the way to go, but comfort is now one of my key criteria, so it does make gear selection a bit more problematic, especially given Australia's harsh bush for which a lot of overseas made gear simply isn't up to the task. Thanks to Mowser my gear selection process is now a lot easier as he's already done all the research for me!!!

I’ve been hiking for nearly 50 years and, from that long experience, I can tell you that Mowser is solid. He’s not like some of the flashy, fluffy influencers infecting YouTube. Rather, Mowser is knowledgeable, reliable and sober - like the leader one would want on a hard, confronting trek in the Tasmanian wilds. Mowser has reinforced by training plan. I needed a push and he has pushed me in the right direction.

I stumbled across Mowser online and am loving working through the various YouTube videos and the free resources. I downloaded the guide for getting fit and was very pleased to see it was based on the couch to summit training which I was already following. I was happy to find that many of the tips I was already putting into use but there were many new ones I hadn’t thought about e.g. the dyneema food bags. I love that this is an Australian sharing info about products for Australian hiking.

+ found you on YouTube. + improved skill used: your packing system with plastic bag in backpack and items inside also in smaller plastic bags: I use closeble bags for de deepfreezer of 3 liter. + gear checklist Your packing method with the inner plastic bag in the backpack avoided wet clothes on a very rainy 6 day hike in the Italian Alpes

Found you on YouTube and, as a long-time hiker and backpacker (since the 70s), liked your experience-based perspective. Resuming longer trail hiking after I retired, I knew my fitness needed an upgrade. My wife and I recently completed a 5-day hike of the Sunshine Coast Trail in BC, Canada. The tips you've offered have complemented what we've already been doing. In the case of fitness training and meal planning, your guide and calorie/weight calculator have made our lives easier. The training tips, especially the walking with weighted packs, and also specific exercises, helped us develop strength and endurance before our long hike. We also adapted your meal planner to the foods available in our area. This helped us cut weight and eat well on the trail.

Came across Mowser on Youtube while researching our first hike in Tassie. Been a wealth of information since. Still now using Mowsers videos as a guide to ensuring we dont overpack, but also to ensure that we have any foreseable dangers covered.

Good, practical and well-structured advice based on extensive experience. Not sure if I learned anything new but great reminders.

I've been searching the internet and doing my research on the Overland Trek since recently walking around Dove Lake. In my opinion Mowser know's his stuff, equipment, resources and survival strategies. I'm an ADF Veteran and back in 1987 I hiked and repelled from the Walls of Jerusalem. I'm about to undertake a short hike to Lake Antimony Hut and revisit a survival hut I have not seen in almost 40 years. I turned to Mowser for advice I got a qualified, safety based expert opinion. I support blokes like Mowser guiding us into the most breath taking parts of Tasmania. My confidence has definitely grown and I feel far better placed for the 2 missions ahead of me in May 2026.

I lived and hiked in Tasmania until I finished uni. Now I trek in the USA. The free quiz i a great reality check for those thinking about going outside for an afternoon or a couple of months.

I am just starting out with thru hiking & have found Mowser’s YouTube channel very useful in deciding on gear to buy & or pack. He was also very responsive when I reached out to him via email. Thanks Mowser.

Thanks for the opportunity for feedback, very smart and very professional. The major thing this has provided is the ability to target my training, specifically, to give me the ability to focus on specific training routines for specific outcomes. I have started working with my physio/EP on things that the training has exposed as current physical limitations, shortcomings my body currently has if you like. The flexibility of this planner, and the ability to customise the way I use it makes it so versatile, it will suit me at all stages of my fitness and preparedness journey, just brilliant, love it. I also use the meal prep one as well, the ability to 'cross-reference' between the two, I feel, makes a much more holistic approach to general overall wellbeing. I am a veteran, and this has helped me on a number of levels in dealing with some of my service-related conditions, it's helping me improve my own life. Thank you so much mate. Show more