Articles, insights, and reflections from the trail
The Trail Hiking Australia blog brings together articles, reflections and updates on hiking safety, preparation, gear, navigation, trail conditions and outdoor responsibility in Australia. Filter by category or search to find what you need.
Choosing mid layers for hiking
Read more →Learn how to choose mid layers for hiking. Understand fleece, synthetic, and down insulation, breathability, and safety considerations for Australian conditions.
Using a hammock for hiking: when it works and when it doesn’t
Read more →A guide to using a hammock for hiking, covering setup requirements, weather protection, insulation needs, and when hammocks suit Australian conditions.
When Family Hiking Doesn’t Make Sense (and That’s OK)
Read more →Family hiking isn’t always the right choice. Learn when to postpone, shorten, or skip a hike to protect safety and long-term enjoyment.
How to keep yourself safe on a group walk
Read more →Learn how to stay safe on a group walk by preparing properly, staying aware, carrying essential gear, and taking personal responsibility on the trail.
SCARPA Ribelle TRK GTX Hiking Boots Review
Read more →Field-tested review of the SCARPA Ribelle TRK GTX boot. Strong support, instant comfort, excellent grip and long-distance performance for demanding Australian trails.
NITECORE HC65 UHE Ultra-High Triple-Output Headlamp Review
Read more →Field-tested review of the NITECORE HC65 UHE headlamp. Powerful output, long runtime, rugged build and versatile lighting for reliable use on Australian trails.
NITECORE NB10000 Gen 3 Power Bank Review
Read more →Lightweight, durable and trail-tested. Read my field review of the NITECORE NB10000 Gen 3 power bank and see how it performs for hiking, navigation and safety.
Hiking pack frames explained: how weight is supported and carried
Read more →Learn how hiking pack frames support weight, transfer load to the hips, and affect stability, comfort, and control under real Australian walking conditions.
Choosing a Hiking Pillow: Comfort, Warmth, and Neck Support
Read more →Choosing the right hiking pillow for comfort and neck support is key for a good night’s sleep on the trail. Learn how to pick the best pillow for your hike.
Hiking with Older Kids Older Kids and Teenagers
Read more →Hiking with teenagers means balancing independence and safety. Learn how to manage pace, responsibility, and risk when hiking with older kids.
How much weight should a hiking pack carry: limits, comfort, and safety
Read more →Learn how much weight a hiking pack should carry, how load limits affect comfort and control, and why Australian heat, terrain, and water carries matter.
Groundsheet or Tent Footprint: Which is Right for You?
Read more →Learn the difference between a groundsheet and tent footprint, and how to choose the right one for your hike. Protect your tent and improve your outdoor experience.
Hiking in Approach Shoes
Read more →Approach shoes explained for hiking. Learn what they are, where they work best on Australian terrain, and when boots or trail runners are the better choice.
Incident Management for Hikers: A Practical Framework
Read more →What is incident management for hikers? Use a practical framework for prevention, emergency response, and recovery to reduce risk in Australian conditions.
Ultimate A-Z Glossary of Hiking Terms
Read more →Welcome to the ultimate A-Z glossary of hiking terms from Trail Hiking Australia. This comprehensive glossary is your go-to resource for demystifying the jargon of the trail.
Features of Modern Satellite Communicators
Read more →What features do modern satellite communicators offer beyond SOS? Understand hybrid messaging, navigation tools, battery limits, and subscription models.
How Australian conditions affect hiking pack size and load planning
Read more →Learn how Australian heat, water carries, scrub, terrain, and remoteness affect hiking pack size and load planning, and why local conditions demand more margin.
Hiking Underwear: Advice from Women on the Trail
Read more →Trail-tested tips from women hikers on choosing the best underwear, hygiene hacks, and staying fresh and comfortable on multi-day hikes.
Hiking pole grips and wrist straps
Read more →Learn how hiking pole grips and wrist straps affect comfort, fatigue, and control, and how to choose the right setup for Australian conditions.
Ticks in Australia: What Hikers Need to Know About the Paralysis Tick
Read more →Paralysis ticks are a serious risk for Australian hikers. Learn safe removal, tick paralysis symptoms, mammalian meat allergy and prevention for the bush.
Taking Your Hike Vertical: An Aussie Guide to Via Ferrata
Read more →Curious about Via Ferrata? This guide for covers the gear & safety needed to climb the iron path, from Mt Buller to the Alps.
Complete Guide to the Huayhuash Circuit (Peru)
Read more →Plan your adventure with this comprehensive guide to the Huayhuash Circuit. Discover logistics, gear, costs, and safety tips for Peru’s most spectacular trek.
When to replace a hiking pack: wear, fatigue, and failure signs
Read more →Learn when to replace a hiking pack by recognising frame fatigue, foam breakdown, UV damage, delamination, and loss of stability in Australian conditions.
How the Andes Humbled Me: A Trek That Got in My Head
Read more →I went into the Huayhuash Circuit confident and underprepared. Not in my legs — in my head. This is what the Andes revealed about hiking from empty.

