Hiking with Your Besties: The Good, the Bad and the Muddy
- May 8
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
Real Talk, Real Bonds & Real Tips for Tackling Multi-Day Hikes Together
When four Aussie women—Peta, Ness, Sue and Tara—set out to tackle Tasmania’s infamous South Coast Track, they didn’t just return with sore feet and a serious mud tan. They came back with something far more enduring: deeper friendships, a better sense of themselves and a whole list of lessons that might just help the rest of us get out there too.
This is their story—but also a guide for anyone wondering how to pull off a multi-day hike with friends without losing your mind or your mates.
From Kindy Drop-Offs to Cliffside Clings
Their hiking story didn’t start on the trail. It started at kindy pick-ups and gym sessions. These women bonded through life first—kids, careers, classes—before strapping on packs and disappearing into the wild.
Tara had long dreamed of hiking the South Coast Track and, approaching her 50th, decided to make it happen. Sue—no stranger to multi-day hikes—was instantly on board, while the rest of the group caught a heavy dose of FOMO and said yes. No one wanted to miss out on a bucket-list adventure—especially one that involved mud up to your boobs (literally—ask Peta).
The Big Trek First: South Coast Track
With Sue’s know-how and the others bringing maximum enthusiasm (if minimal hiking experience), they jumped into the deep end—literally and emotionally. The South Coast Track is one of Australia’s most challenging hikes. Over 85 km, they faced waist-deep river crossings, slippery cliff scrambles, relentless mud and 20kg packs. There were tears, fears and a few colourful words shouted at the sky.
But they never turned back. There was no easy exit, and besides, the only way out was through—together.
A Year Later: The Overland Track
About a year after their wild South Coast experience, the group hiked Tasmania’s Overland Track—a trail that was no stroll but definitely more forgiving. It gave them space to reflect, reconnect, and laugh about the past (and present) struggles. With fresh confidence and lighter packs, it was proof that their bond—and their trail skills—had only grown stronger.
Multi-Day Hiking with Friends: Hacks, Truth & Life Lessons
Here’s what they learned—and what you should know—before you and your crew head into the wild.
🥾 1. Gear Up Together—Then Test It
Don’t wait until day one to break in boots or test rain jackets.
They did gear testing walks to see what worked (and what didn’t) before hitting the trail.
One member even hiked with a full pack around her neighbourhood to prep.
Hack: Have a pre-hike gear trial day with your friends. Pack your bags like you’re leaving tomorrow and do a 10 km walk. You’ll quickly figure out what needs tweaking.
🧭 2. Train with the Group, Not Just Solo
Fitness is key, but so is group dynamic. They trained together to build physical endurance and mental sync. It helped them understand each other’s paces, personalities and pressure points.
Hack: Organise weekend hikes with similar terrain. Get used to moving as a team and see how your energy matches up.
⏳ 3. Accept That Some Days Suck
Day 2 of the South Coast nearly broke them. Cliff edges, crashing surf, and legit fear. Peta admits she thought she might die. But backing out wasn’t an option—so they leaned on each other, literally and emotionally.
Lesson: Low moments are inevitable. Talk about them, laugh about them, and remember that you’ll get through them (and have great stories later).
🧦 4. Don’t Skimp on the Essentials (like socks)
Wet socks = misery.
So does not packing enough food, or leaving the sunscreen behind.
They carried a mini bit of alcohol to share at camp—just enough to warm up and wind down.
Hack: Create a group packing spreadsheet with columns for shared gear, individual must-haves, and treats. A deck of cards for evening games with themselves and fellow campers definitely made the list!
🤣 5. Keep Spirits High, One Joke at a Time
There were jokes, silly songs, dramatic “man down” yells, and constant banter. These light moments pulled them through when the track got tough.
Hack: Nominate the comic relief of the group (there’s always one) and make space for laughter—especially when morale dips.
🌄 6. Know Each Other’s Limits—and Respect Them
They had silent walking times, leadership shifts, and check-ins. It wasn’t about pushing hard all the time. It was about finishing together.
Hack: Before you hike, chat openly about fears, injuries, pace preferences and roles. That honesty will save you on the trail.
🧭 7. Space It Out
Their two big hikes were a year apart—not back-to-back. That space allowed their bodies to recover, gear to be upgraded, and plans to evolve.
Hack: Don’t rush it. One epic hike a year still makes you a legend.
❤️ 8. Hiking Deepens Bonds in Ways the Pub Never Will
The connection these women built on the trail is the kind that sticks. It’s formed through blisters, belly laughs, shared sunsets and that first sip of hot tea in the rain.
If you’ve already got your hiking crew—treasure them. If you don’t, maybe it’s time to find your Sista.
Seek out like-minded souls, join a group, or invite someone you admire on a short trail. Start small. Who knows? Your own epic friendship might be one muddy boot away.
Want help finding your people? That’s what Seek Sista is here for. Because no-one should miss out on the adventure of a lifetime just because they haven’t found their trail tribe—yet.
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