Bushwalking with a buddy can strengthen your friendship — or seriously test it. Here are 10 practical tips to help you stay friends all the way to the summit.
Pick the Right Trail Together
Choose a hike that matches both fitness levels and goals. Planning to summit Mount Whitney is very different from a relaxed nature walk. Agree before you go.
Set Clear Expectations
Discuss pace, breaks, start time, and turnaround time. Misaligned expectations cause most trail tension.
Walk at the Slower Person’s Pace
The day is better when no one feels rushed or abandoned. Agree on regroup points if needed.
Schedule Snack Breaks
Low blood sugar = short tempers. Eat and hydrate before anyone gets cranky.
Divide Responsibilities
Split tasks like navigation, carrying shared gear, filtering water, or managing the map. Teamwork prevents resentment.
Communicate Early and Honestly
Blisters, fatigue, or altitude headaches won’t improve if you stay silent. Speak up before frustration builds.
Respect Risk Tolerance
If one person feels unsafe on exposed ridges or steep descents, listen. Safety and trust matter more than summits.
Don’t Compete
You’re partners, not rivals. Even long routes like the Bibbulmun Track or the Overland track are about shared experiences, not speed records.
Keep Morale High
Encourage each other, take photos, celebrate milestones, and laugh when things get muddy.
Have a Bail-Out Plan
Agree in advance on when to turn back and what to do if someone wants to stop. A shared exit strategy reduces pressure.