When out on the trail, the hiking gear you take is all you have to rely on until you get back to the comfort and safety of civilisation. It is up to you to determine the essential equipment that you carry and wear to make your hike both safe and enjoyable. Failing to bring along the right gear may result in a miserable experience or worse.

What you carry in your day pack obviously depends on the weather, terrain, time of year and a number of other factors. Whether I’m going for a two-hour walk or a day-long hike my checklist for day hikes always starts with the required Ten Essentials. Make your gear selection based on weather and the remoteness of destination, as well as the experience and preferences of your group.

The following pages cover gear that I find useful when out on the trail. Please leave your comments and suggestions so that they may benefit others.

The Right Clothing for Hiking in Australia

The Right Clothing for Hiking in Australia The right clothing for hiking ensures you enjoy hiking in both comfort and
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Field Tests and Gear Reviews

When out on the trail, the equipment you have along is all you have to rely on until you get back
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Hiking Shelters

There are a range of shelters available for hiking including some “non-traditional” shelters for lightweight hikers. Most hiking shelters fall
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Hiking Poles

Hiking Poles - Why? The Benefits International research* over the last ten years has confirmed that the health and fitness
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Hiking Packs

Regardless of your level of fitness, there are some essential items you should always carry in your hiking packs when
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Choosing and Caring for Hiking Boots

Hiking footwear needs to protect feet from damage and to provide a solid grip. Other considerations, depending on the individual or
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Gaiters for Hiking

Planning on hiking through frosted peaks of the alpine regions, heading out for a hike during this spring’s colossal snow
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Cooking Equipment

I remember as a child, with fond memories, many camping trips where we cooked our evening meal over a bed
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Choosing the right Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is an important purchase since it can keep you warm in subzero temperatures and protect you from
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Hiking Checklist

I have provided a more detailed information under preparing your pack but wanted to summarise what I believe to be the minimum items
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The Ten Essentials

The Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush. The Ten Essentials first appeared in print in the ...
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CamelBak Fourteener 20 Pack

The CamelBak Fourteener 20 is a comfortable, versatile and lightweight pack (weighing in at only 1.1kg). I look forward to ...
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Use hiking poles

Use hiking poles, even on shorter hikes. None of the most experienced and hard-core hikers and backpackers I know ever ...
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Cotton kills

Clothing keeps you warm by trapping warm air near your skin. That's how cotton kills. When cotton gets wet, it ...
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How to Lace Up Hiking Boots

Most of us master shoe-tying in primary school and don’t give our laces much thought after that. If your hiking ...
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How to Load your Pack

A well packed backpack can be the difference between pleasure and pain when you’re out in the wilderness. It is ...
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Get the Right Daypack & Get Out There

With so many brands and styles, choosing the right daypack can get a little confusing. Taking a few minutes to ...
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Find The Best Hiking Boots For You

Taking on a trekking adventure can reward you in more ways than you may anticipate. During your treks, you rely ...
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Tips For Using Stuff Sacks

Stuff sacks and dry bags can make a huge difference for your packing, organisation, and protection of your gear. Mesh ...
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Caring For Your Sleeping Bag

With proper care of your sleeping bag you can improve the life of your bag and the warmth in colder ...
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How To Care For Your Pack

Cleaning your pack is probably the last thing you'll think about doing after a long trip, you'll empty your pack ...
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How To Fill A Pack

When embarking on a hike or travel, never underestimate the importance of pack organisation. It can affect your centre of ...
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Choosing Your Outerwear

Be prepared and stay protected in any weather Jackets can protect you against humidity, wind and cold. When choosing an ...
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Choosing A Pack

Apart from looking good, every backpack is designed for a purpose. Different designs and sizes suit different activities. At Mountain ...
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Choosing And Layering Socks

Team the right socks for your footwear Most people understand that appropriate footwear is essential for a successful outdoor experience ...
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Choosing A Sleeping Bag

No matter how you've spent your day outdoors, with the right sleeping bag you can recover at night. The standard ...
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Anywhere on the trail, you can have a fun debate about what are the 10 essentials to take on every hike. There are no hard and fast rules and every hiker will have different want’s needs and likes. This checklist should be a good starting point for the gear that is essential for your safety and enjoyment.