Mowser homepage
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.