Preparing to hike

Want to go hiking but don’t know where to start?

Preparing to hike is the most important part of heading out hiking in Australia. It doesn’t matter if you are going for a half hour stroll or a multi-day trek, the principles are still the same. Plan your hike thoroughly, develop the necessary skills, pack essential gear to survive your adventure including a few extra things to make sure you are safe if things don’t go according to plan. There’s no universal checklist that applies to every hike but there are essential things you should familiarise yourself and do with when preparing to hike. Live by the motto ‘Be Prepared’. It might just save your life.

Here’s a few things I like to consider when preparing to hike. I hope these tips help you prepare, and keep you safe on your next adventure.

14 hacks for hiking in the rain

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Rainy weather doesn’t have to ruin your outdoor adventure. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can keep the good times rolling when the heavens open. Here are our 14 outdoor hacks for rainy weather.

A Beginner’s guide to hiking

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The great thing about hiking is you get to pick your speed and difficulty for the perfect amount of challenge that suits you. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started with this beginner’s...

Cold weather hiking tips

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When the cold weather rolls in, your hiking adventures don’t need to stop. There are a range of things you can do to stay safe and comfortable during your winter hikes. Here are some of...

Get fit for hiking

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Are you trying to Get Fit for Hiking? If you exercise regularly, you may be ready for short trips and easy terrain right now. But if you don’t get as much exercise as you’d like,...

Get fit for trekking

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Do you want to get fit for trekking? If you are preparing for a trek, whether it is Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Kokoda or a multi-day adventure in your local national park, you need to...

Hike in a group

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Hiking with a group can be a very rewarding experience. You get to share something you enjoy with like minded people and will often form strong bonds due to your shared love of the outdoors...

Hiking checklist

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Here is a summary of what I believe to be the essential items you should carry on both day and overnight adventures. Your hiking checklist. I have provided a more detailed information under preparing your...

Hiking solo

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Being alone, hiking solo, on the trail is an amazing experience and one that I personally enjoy as well as being with others. If the empty, open trail beckons you, then solo hiking might be...

Hiking trail etiquette

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Following a few interesting experiences on the trail, I came to realise that a lot of people have either forgotten or are not aware of correct trail etiquette. Here are a few tips for you...

Hiking trail grading system

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The Council of Bushwalking Australia endorsed the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS), a voluntary walking track standard. Through many years of hiking in the Australian bush, I believe the AWTGS does not adequately prepare...

Leave No Trace when bushwalking

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The Leave No Trace Seven principles provide guidance to enjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts. The principles have been adapted so they can be applied in your backyard or...

Overnight hiking with kids

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Do your kids hear the call of the great outdoors? Whether you have toddlers, young children or pre-teens, it is, with some planning and preparation, possible to answer the call with kids in tow.

Plan to survive your hike

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There are many specialist skills that set outdoor professionals apart from the rest of us. We don’t all have to be experts to be safe in the bush. Make sure you prepare before stepping foot...

Plan your hike

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It doesn’t matter if you are going for a half hour stroll or a multi-day trek, the principles are still the same. Plan your hike, it’s the single most important aspect of anything you do.

Start hiking early in the day

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Hike as much as possible of each day’s distance in the cool hours of morning (or evening). Summer afternoons are typically hotter in Australia and the heat will amplify your fatigue and increase your changes...

The Ten Essentials for bushwalking

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The Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush. Personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise. What are the essential items you always carry?

Think before you TREK

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is encouraging all park visitors planning a remote adventure or multi-day walk this year to Think Before You TREK.

 

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