Essential hiking gear you carry and wear
When out on the trail, the gear you take is all you have to rely on until you get back home. Determine what essential hiking gear you need for your adventures. What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Whether I’m going for a short walk, day-hike or multi-day adventure, my checklist always starts with the required Ten Essentials. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? Check out some of my field tests and gear reviews.
Benefits of ultra-dry down
No CommentsWith the introduction of water-repellent ULTRA-DRY Down™, Sea to Summit have virtually eliminated the negative effects that moisture has on down.
Bivvy sack: A guide to lightweight shelters
1 CommentWhile it may not offer the comfort and amenities of a traditional tent, a bivvy sack (or bivy bag) can provide basic protection from the elements and can be a valuable addition to your gear...
Carbon fibre vs aluminium hiking poles: Which one is best?
3 CommentsBoth carbon fibre and aluminium hiking poles have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Which ones are best? Here’s a few things to consider.
Caring for down hiking gear
No CommentsDown products are among the most delicate items in your pack. Over time, you come to appreciate their insulation and light weight. When cleaning down items you should be aware that down dries very slowly,...
Caring for your adventure sleeping bag
3 CommentsCaring for your sleeping bag: With proper use and care of your sleeping bag you can improve the life of your bag and the warmth in colder conditions.
Carry a bandana on your hikes
17 CommentsThere are many ways to use a hiking bandana for any situation you might find yourself in. I recommend keeping a bandanna permanently in your pack.
Choosing & fitting your hike footwear
7 CommentsFootwear can adjust to your foot’s width but has a fixed length, so a good fit for your toes and heels is what you’re looking for. Here’s a few tips on choosing & fitting your...
Choosing a hiking pack
1 CommentChoosing the hiking right pack is essential for your outdoor adventure. It’ll be on your back every day, so needs to fit you well. Here’s some important considerations to take note of to ensure you...
Choosing a hiking pack
3 CommentsApart from looking good, every backpack is designed for a purpose. Different designs and sizes suit different activities.Some will be cross-functional, but the real decision comes from looking at your main activity type.
Choosing a hiking tent
No CommentsA tent is more than a place to sleep, it soon becomes shelter, home, and security, so it’s important to choose wisely. Here;’s some tip on choosing a hiking tent.
Choosing a knife for your hiking adventuress
1 CommentA quality hiking knife will greatly assist with a range of outdoor duties including meal preparation, first aid, gear repairs, and even starting a fire, so choose your knife carefully and enjoy your future outdoor...
Choosing a sleeping bag for overnight hikes
7 CommentsNo matter how you’ve spent your day outdoors, with the right sleeping bag you can recover at night. The standard sleeping bag will suit people up to 185cm tall. If that is not enough for...
Choosing a sleeping mat for overnight hikes
1 CommentWhen choosing a sleeping mat, you have to consider your activity and what will be most important. A thicker mat will have a greater thermal resistance rating (it will be warmer!), but this also means...
Choosing and layering socks for hiking
2 CommentsMost people understand that appropriate footwear is essential for a successful outdoor experience. While choosing the right boot/shoe is carefully considered, the need for suitable socks is quite often overlooked.
Choosing your hiking outerwear
2 CommentsJackets can protect you against humidity, wind and cold. When choosing an outdoor jacket, you either put emphasis on one of those three factors, or compromise for a sufficient level of all-round protection.
Cotton kills in the outdoors – or does it?
7 CommentsThe saying ‘cotton kills’ suggests that cotton is not an ideal clothing material for when the temperatures are low. Combining cotton and hiking in cold weather could make ‘cotton kills’ a reality for you through...
Different cooking equipment for hiking
4 CommentsI remember as a child, with fond memories, many camping trips where we cooked our evening meal over a bed of hot coals while camping beneath the stars. The smell, heat and crackle of the...
Different types of hiking shelters
4 CommentsUltimately it will be the style of hike, trail conditions and personal preference that will allow to to make a decision on what kind of hiking shelter is best for you.
Do I need to buy expensive gear to go hiking?
3 CommentsYou don’t have buy expensive gear to start hiking. While investing in quality hiking gear is important, it’s also possible to start with the basics and gradually build your gear collection over time.
Do you need hiking boots for kids?
5 CommentsWhen it comes to hiking with kids, one question that often comes up is do you need hiking boots for kids? I found that by getting my kids a few bits of hiking gear such...
Down vs synthetic jackets: Which is better?
3 CommentsNeed an insulated jacket but not sure if you should get a down or synthetic jacket? Both down and synthetic jackets will keep you warm and toasty by holding the warmth in but are suited...
Down vs synthetic sleeping bags for overnight hikes
1 CommentBoth types have advantages and disadvantages but to put it simply for virtually all of the outdoor activities that our customers are involved in down is the better choice and this is reflected in our...
Find the best hiking boots for you
No CommentsOne of the most important ways to maintain your comfort on the trail is to get the best hiking boots for you and your adventure. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to find the right...
Hiking gear that could save your life
5 CommentsEven if you love to pack light, here’s some essential hiking gear that could save your life. These tiny items will hardly be noticed, until the day they are needed.
Hiking poles: how to straighten a bent hiking pole
No CommentsHiking poles, also known as trekking poles or walking sticks, are a popular accessory for hikers of all levels. But what do you do if you bend your hiking pole?
Hiking Tents 101
1 CommentHiking Tents 101: Tent Construction, Tent Materials, Tent Waterproof Ratings and Tent Pole Configurations
How to break in your hiking boots
No CommentsEven the best hiking boots need to be worn in before they can be completely comfortable and perform at their best. Here’s a few tips on how to break in your hiking boots.
How to care for your hiking pack
No CommentsCleaning your pack is probably the last thing you’ll think about doing after a long trip, you’ll empty your pack and put it away and forget about it; but proper care will extend the life...
How to choose and care for hiking boots
6 CommentsThere is quite an art to choosing and caring for hiking boots. The good news is that there are so many good products on the market now that there is bound to be something just...
How to choose the right daypack
No CommentsWith so many brands and styles, choosing the right daypack can get a little confusing. Taking a few minutes to identify exactly what you need the daypack for will help make the selection process much...
How to choose the right hiking pack
5 CommentsYour choice of hiking pack will depend on how often you use it and how much you want to carry. Here’s a few tips on how to choose the right hiking pack.
How to choose the right sleeping bag
4 CommentsUnderstanding the basic features and getting a feel for how sleeping bag ratings work can help you select the right bag for your needs and keep you warm in the process. So how do you...
How to clean a hydration bladder
No CommentsWondering how to clean a hydration bladder? Here’s a couple of things I do to to keep mine clean and dry between adventures. I’m sure there are heaps of other great ideas. What do you...
How to fill a hiking pack
No CommentsWhen heading out on a hike, never underestimate the importance of pack organisation. Use this ‘how to fill a hiking pack’ guide to ensure you’re packing smart to get the most out of any adventure.
How to fit a hiking pack
9 CommentsOne of the keys to a comfortable backpack is to get a pack that is the right size for you. Your torso length (not height) is the key measurement; hip size can also be helpful.
How to layer clothes when hiking
3 CommentsLayering clothing is crucial for the comfort and protection of any adventurer. Each layer has a function to maximise your comfort in the outdoors. Call it an art or call it science, when the cold...
Hydration bladders for hiking
No CommentsThere are many reasons people like hydration bladders and there are many reasons people don’t (cleaning is one of them). Like all things hiking related, it all comes down to personal choice. I like them,...
Hydration bladders vs water bottles for hiking
6 CommentsBoth hydration bladders and water bottles have their pros and cons, and the better option for hiking depends on individual preferences and specific hiking needs. Regardless of the method chosen it’s important to stay hydrated.
Merino skins base layer for bushwalking
No CommentsMerino Skins provide the power to keep to you going. To keep the body’s muscles working at full capacity during activity, the body’s temperature must not rise excessively.
Merino wool: The best clothing for hiking
No CommentsMost of the clothing we wear day to day is made from cotton. So why is Merino Wool the best clothing for hiking? There are many benefits of merino wool. It’s not just an odour...
My favourite hiking gear stores
No CommentsI have purchased as lot of outdoor gear over the past few years so have listed a range of great retailers where you can purchase gear online. Their service and quality are both excellent and...
R-Values for sleeping mats: All you need to know
No CommentsThe R-value you need will depend on the conditions in which you will be sleeping. Here is a general guide to the R-values you need for different conditions.
The benefits of Gore-Tex for hiking
No CommentsWhen it comes to hiking gear, one material that is often praised for its versatility and durability is Gore-Tex. In this post, I’ll explore what makes Gore-Tex hiking gear unique, the pros, cons and alternatives.
The great debate: Hiking Shoes vs Hiking Boots
15 CommentsLet’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of hiking shoes and hiking boots, so you can make an informed decision for your next hiking adventure. I’ve even thrown trail runners into the mix.
Tips for using stuff sacks
No CommentsStuff sacks and dry bags can make a huge difference for your packing, organisation, and protection of your gear. Here’s some tips to make the most of them.
Using snowshoes for winter hiking
No CommentsYou can try hiking in the snow wearing regular hiking boots. However, you’ll soon find that with every step, you’re sinking into the snow making progress tiring and tedious. Snowshoes will make all the difference.
What to wear hiking in Australia
6 CommentsThe right clothing for hiking ensures you enjoy hiking in both comfort and safety. Your clothing is important as it is your first line of protection from the cold, the wind, rain, sun, insects, snakes and...
When to use gaiters for hiking
2 CommentsThe extra layer of protection provided by gaiters will help keep your outing a challenging adventure rather than a painful suffer-fest.
When to use hiking poles
47 CommentsHiking poles significantly reduce the impact and cumulative fatigue on leg muscles and joints and your lower back, whether going up or down, especially when you’re carrying a load on your back.
Why use rubber tips on hiking poles?
No CommentsIf you’re like me, the rubber tips of your hiking poles will most likely to be sitting in a drawer somewhere. Why use rubber tips on hiking poles? Lets see.
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Trail Hiking Australia › Forums › Gear and Equipment
- This forum has 4 topics, 17 replies, and was last updated 2 days, 9 hours ago by
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Advice on PLB’s
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Jake Leaney
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What gear is essential?
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Kate Jacobs
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Advice on water bladders
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Grant Walker
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Advice on PLB’s
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