Always Turn Around and Survey Your Surroundings

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The Simple Habit That Keeps You From Losing Gear

When you’re on the trail, it's easy to focus on moving forward, making progress, and reaching your next milestone. But there’s a simple habit that can save you from a lot of frustration and lost gear: turning around and surveying your surroundings before you leave a campsite or rest stop.

This quick check may seem minor, but it can be the difference between a smooth hike and realising hours later that you've left something crucial behind.

Why Turning Around Works

It’s natural to overlook small items in the rush of packing up and moving on, particularly when the weather is bleak. A quick glance at where you were sitting, eating, or resting helps catch those forgotten items. Whether it’s your gloves, water bottle, a beanie, or even trekking poles, it’s all too easy to accidentally leave something on the ground, tucked behind a rock, or hanging from a branch. It is something I have done and have seen done oh so many times!

By taking just a few seconds to turn around and scan the area before you move on, you’re far more likely to spot anything that’s out of place or left behind. This habit isn’t just useful at campsites or during long breaks— it’s equally effective after a quick rest, a snack stop, or even a brief pause to take a photo. Even at the end of a walk as you’re about to jump into your transport, it’s worth checking the surrounding area - the gear I have seen go missing at a walks conclusion is amazing.

The Importance of Small Gear

The smaller the item, the easier it is to lose, and yet, these small pieces of gear can have a big impact on your hike. Items like a hat, gloves, or even a headlamp are easy to set down and forget when you’re focused on reloading your pack, refuelling, or chatting with a hiking buddy. It’s only when you need these things later in the hike—when the temperature drops, the sun sets, or your hands get cold—that you realise they’re missing.

Imagine needing your gloves in the middle of a chilly ascent, only to remember they’re back at the spot where you stopped for lunch. Now, you’re not just missing a piece of gear—you’re less comfortable and potentially putting yourself in a tough situation.

Campsites and the End-of-Day Rush

It’s not uncommon to arrive at a campsite, set everything up, and get into a relaxed mindset. After all, you've earned it. But the next morning, in the rush to get back on the trail, it’s easy to overlook small items like a cooking utensil, a rain cover for your pack, or even a personal item you set aside during the evening. Turning around and surveying the campsite before heading out can help you avoid leaving anything behind in your haste to pack up.

This habit is even more crucial if you’ve been camping with others. When group dynamics are involved, shared gear or items passed around camp can be easily misplaced. A quick scan of the area can ensure nothing important is left behind as you pack up.

A Simple Step to Prevent Hassle

The beauty of this technique is in its simplicity. It takes mere seconds to turn around, look back, and scan the area, but the benefits are substantial. You’re not just looking for obvious items—you’re catching those easy-to-miss essentials that might otherwise be forgotten.

It’s far easier to find and collect an item when you're still nearby than to realise hours later that something is missing, forcing you to make a tough decision: go back to retrieve it or hike on without it.

Build It Into Your Routine

Here’s how to incorporate this habit into your hiking routine:

1. At Rest Stops: Before you put on your pack and get moving, take a breath, turn around, and do a full sweep of the area. Check where you were sitting, resting, or leaning. Look for smaller items like hats, snacks, or gear you set down. Then after your pack is back on give the area one last scan.

2. At Campsites: As you’re packing up camp, once you think you’re done, turn around and scan the entire area. Make sure to check any trees or rocks where you might have hung gear to dry or stashed equipment. Doing this before you walk away ensures you haven’t missed anything.

3. Before Leaving a Break Spot: Even after a short break, like stopping to take a photo or grab a drink, give a quick glance behind you to see if you’ve left anything. Items like trekking poles or water bottles are common things people set down for a moment and forget to pick back up.

Preventing Bigger Headaches Later

By turning around and taking a quick survey, you’re not just preventing the hassle of losing gear—you’re maintaining your comfort and safety on the trail. It’s not just about the annoyance of losing a small item. If that item is something essential like a headlamp or walking poles, leaving it behind can turn into a bigger problem as conditions change throughout the hike - especially if you use a trekking pole tent.

Staying mindful of your gear is a small investment of time that pays off in a more enjoyable, stress-free hike. Incorporating this habit into your hiking routine is simple, quick, and highly effective. So next time you’re about to hit the trail after a stop, just remember to pause, turn around, and scan the area. It’s a habit that will keep your gear where it belongs—on you, not left behind.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

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Until next week.

Stay well,

Mowser

Helping hiking enthusiasts explore the great outdoors

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