Want to go hiking but don’t know where to start?
Live by the motto ‘Be Prepared’. Preparing to hike will save your life.
Preparing to hike is the most important aspect of 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, get fit for hiking and take with you the skills and gear that you’ll need to survive the adventure, plus a few extra items to ensure that you can make it back if things don’t go according to plan. While there is no universal checklist that applies to every hike there are certain basics that you should familiarise yourself with when you are preparing to hike.
The following pages cover a few topics that I consider when preparing to hike. While these articles are by no means conclusive I hope they provide you with the general idea that preparing to hike is the single most important aspect of anything you do. I hope they help you on your next adventure.
10 Tips for hot weather hiking
10 CommentsIt is possible to still enjoy the outdoors in our brutal summer weather. You just have to adjust your thinking a bit and take a few extra precautions beyond the basics. Here’s 10 Tips for...
14 Outdoor Hacks For Rainy Weather
4 CommentsRainy 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
7 CommentsThe 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...
A First-timer’s guide in preparing for multi-day hikes
4 CommentsHowever enjoyable, a multi-day hike involves physical strength and endurance. It is a hobby and a task that you should highly prepare for.
Be a better hiker with these six tips
12 CommentsIt doesn’t matter if you are a newbie or seasoned hiker, there are ways we can all improve the experience. Here’s six tips that may help on your next hike.
Cold weather hiking tips
6 CommentsWhen 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
3 CommentsAre 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
21 CommentsAre you wanting 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 grading system
No CommentsThe 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...
Hike in a group
No CommentsHiking 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
8 CommentsHere 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
29 CommentsBeing 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
2 CommentsFollowing 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...
How to make your outdoor experience more comfortable
No CommentsTaking a trip into the wild can get a little uncomfortable at times. The good news is, with a couple of extra additions to your packing list, you can maximise your comfort. Here are our...
Leave No Trace
No CommentsThe 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...
Let someone know before you go
1 CommentHere’s some information and safety tips to help you plan your hike. Let someone know before you go and always leave a trip intention form with someone who can raise the alarm if you do...
Make an early start
1 CommentHike 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...
Overnight hiking with kids
16 CommentsDo 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
No CommentsThere 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
13 CommentsIt 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.
Plan your hike like your life depends on it – because it does
No CommentsIt’s an alarming fact, in Australia there’s at least one bush rescue every day. Plan your hike so you and your group make it out safely. Don’t put your life, or the lives of others...
The benefits of hiking
No CommentsHiking is a great way to get in touch with nature and to get a bit of exercise as you explore. From boosting fitness, to improving mental wellbeing – and even helping us in our...
The Ten Essentials
1 CommentThe Ten Essentials are survival items that hiking and Scouting organisations recommend for safe travel in the bush. However, personal preferences and differences in conditions may dictate otherwise and with experience most adventurers add and subtract from the list depending on the...
Think before you TREK
No CommentsNSW 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.
Time and distance planning
1 CommentOn any hike it is important that you know the length of the hiking trail and how long the hike will take. Time and distance planning is particularly relevant when hiking with other people and...
Tips on choosing a campsite
No CommentsIf your planning on heading out into the wilderness, be sure to read these tips on choosing a campsite, your home away from home.
Trail running – getting started
No CommentsWhether you’re fuelled by fitness or adventure, trail running is an incredibly rewarding activity. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
Trail Running: How much water should you carry?
3 CommentsThe answer, of course, varies. How much water you carry on a trail run depends on many factors. It may be tempting to carry more water than you need. But, this means you’ll be running...
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