Field tests and gear reviews

Helping you decide what hiking gear is right for you

When out on the trail, the gear you carry is all you have to rely on until you get back to the comfort and safety of your home. It is up to you to determine the essential equipment you take to make your hike safe and enjoyable. Not considering the right gear may result in a miserable experience or worse. These reviews are based on my own experiences and are an unbiased account of the gear I’ve used and trust (or may never use again). I hope my field tests and gear reviews help you decide what gear is right for you. I am always keen to field test new gear to help people make informed decisions. If you’re a retailer or gear manufacturer and would like me to field test your gear, please get in touch.

Gear Review Search

WAMA Organic Cotton & Hemp Underwear Review

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When it comes to hiking gear, don’t overlook the importance of comfortable and sustainable underwear. Hemp underwear offers a range of benefits for outdoor adventurers, including durability, moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, and eco-friendliness.

Olight Perun 2 Torch Review

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The Olight Perun 2 is a powerful EDC Flashlight and Headlamp. Hiking is easier (and lighter) when you carry multi-use items. So having the 2-in-2 combo is certainly a sweetener. 

Darl Bars Food Review

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Darl Bars are handmade with activated, slow roasted chickpeas, organic seeds, and fragrant spice blends. They are baked with a touch of organic brown rice syrup and macadamia oil to create a soft, melt in...

Fjällräven Keb Trousers Clothing Review

5 Comments

Field test and review – Fjällräven market the Keb Trousers as ‘technically advanced trekking trousers with optimised fit and carefully planned details. Intended for alpine trekking that requires climbing’. Check out my review.

ECCO Exostrike GTX Review

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Field test and review – What a great looking boot that I am more than happy to wear off the trail. They come in a range of colours so if black is not your thing,...

COXA M18 Day Pack Review

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Field test and review – Recently I was contacted by Summit Global, who is the Australian distributor for the COXA M18 Day Pack. As you might imagine, I was somewhat excited as I agreed to...

Trekkers Wool Review

36 Comments

Field test and review – I am really pleased that I received the Trekkers Wool before this hike as it really made the entire experience a lot more enjoyable. If you hike, I highly recommend...

Helinox FL135 Hiking Poles Review

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Field test and review – From my experiences to date, the build quality seems excellent all around. They are comfortable, very light weight (for their size), extremely durable, and completely adjustable in all the right...

Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review

20 Comments

Field test and review – The Mini is an effective, small, lightweight, and versatile water filter that won’t break the bank. If that doesn’t do it for you, no filter will. I highly recommend you...

SV Topographic Maps Review

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Field test and review – I can say without question that our SV Topographic Map provided us with the knowledge and confidence to get-it-right the first time and not spend hours in the bush trying to...

Outdoor Research Arete Gloves Review

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Field test and review – Outdoor Research best sellers, the Arete Gloves are among the most versatile alpine gloves available, offering grip, dexterity and waterproof protection for extended backcountry adventures.