🏔️ Overconfidence on the Trail: A Cautionary Tale for Every Hiker

Fun Fact: Tasmania has the world’s cleanest air, measured at kennaook/Cape Grim on the island’s northwestern tip. Strong westerly winds, known as the Roaring Forties, sweep in from the Southern Ocean, bringing air that has traveled thousands of kilometres without passing over land. This makes Cape Grim’s air some of the purest on Earth.

In today's email

1. Overconfidence on the trail can lead to getting lost

2. The Silk Road Mountain Race

👇 Watch: Last week’s video

OVERCONFIDENCE ON THE TRAIL CAN LEAD TO GETTING LOST

Always Have a Navigation Plan, Even for Short Hikes

Overconfidence on the trail is a subtle and dangerous trap. It’s easy to feel like you know a trail so well that nothing could possibly go wrong. But even the most familiar routes can become treacherous in the blink of an eye, especially when weather conditions change unexpectedly. This is a lesson I learned the hard way during a hike that should have been routine.

A Lesson in Overconfidence

One particular morning, I set out on a walk in an area I knew like the back of my hand (or so I thought). We had hiked in this area many times before, so when a mist started to roll in, we didn’t think much of it. Confident in our knowledge of the route, we continued along the path we had chosen, not bothering to refer to our maps or navigation devices. After all, we’d been here before—what could go wrong?

But within an hour, the mist had thickened to the point where we could barely see a few meters in front of us. We finally decided to check our location, and that’s when things started to unravel. As the mist cleared slightly, I looked around and realised with a sinking feeling that nothing was familiar. I spotted a peak (that I had actually climbed before), but it looked unfamiliar and in a completely different direction than I expected. We had become disoriented and unfamiliar with our surroundings. I thought I was facing east when I was in fact facing west.

It turned out we had walked, in the mist, in a massive circle on a small plateau, thinking we were progressing forward. We were lucky that the mist eventually cleared enough for us to regain our bearings, but it was a sobering reminder of how quickly overconfidence can lead to trouble.

The Importance of a Navigation Plan

What did I learn from this experience? Overconfidence is potentially a silent killer when you are hiking. We thought we knew where we were, and that assumption led us to ignore the basic principles of navigation. When we first suspected that we might be off track, we should have stopped immediately, consulted our maps, and reoriented ourselves. Instead, we pushed on, convinced that we couldn’t possibly be lost.

This experience taught me that even when you are on familiar routes, you need to carry all the relevant navigation tools and, crucially, actually use them. If you ever get an inkling that you might be heading in the wrong direction, don’t wait—refer to your map, compass, or GPS right away.

Essential Navigation Tools

So, what are the essential navigation tools that every hiker should carry?

1. GPS Device or Smartphone with Offline Maps: In this day and age, a GPS device or a smartphone loaded with offline maps is indispensable. I personally use GAIA GPS on my phone, which I consider one of the best options available here in Australia. Before heading out, I download all the necessary maps so they’re accessible even without phone service. In addition to that, I do have the luxury of a second navigation app in Garmin Explore which I use in conjunction with my personal locator beacon (PLB).

These days I also pre-plan all of my routes using tools such as gpx.studio and GAIA gps. I then load these into my phone and my watch. It is important you know how to use these tools correctly and to practice using them before heading out into remote wilderness. I have covered use of these tools with tutorials on my YouTube channel in the past.

2. Personal Locator Beacon: If you’re venturing into remote areas or planning a long hike, carrying a personal locator beacon is essential. My go-to device is the Garmin inReach Mini 2. It’s compact, reliable, and allows me to communicate with emergency services if needed. Plus, it offers tracking functionality, so your loved ones can see where you are in real-time. My wife insists that I carry it on every hike, and it gives both of us peace of mind as she can check at all times where I am and if I’m moving. With recent developments in phone communications, most recent smart phones also have capability to use satellite communication to contact emergency services - this technology is constantly improving and it will be interesting to see where it’s at in another year of two.

3. Physical Map and Compass: Even with all the modern technology available, I always carry a laminated physical map and a compass. There’s something reassuring about having a tangible map in your hands, especially when all else fails. While I rarely need to use the compass these days, it’s a skill worth maintaining, and it’s always there as a backup. I also love to analyse a physical map when I am at camp.

Conclusion: Never Underestimate the Trail

The wilderness is unpredictable, and overconfidence can quickly lead to dangerous situations. No matter how well you think you know a trail, always take the necessary precautions. Carry your navigation tools, plan your route carefully, and never assume that just because a hike is short or familiar, it’s without risks.

Always have a navigation plan, even for short hikes. It’s your safety net, ensuring that you can enjoy your hike with peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for whatever the trail might throw your way. Remember, the most seasoned hikers are those who respect the unpredictability of nature and are always prepared for the unexpected.

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK

Thank you for reading Mowser’s Musings. I hope you found it helpful.

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Until next week.

Stay well,

Mowser

Helping hiking enthusiasts explore the great outdoors

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