Field test and review – From my experiences to date, the build quality seems excellent all around. They are comfortable, very light weight (for their size), extremely durable, and completely adjustable in all the right places.
Field test and review – I love these poles and take them on every hike. They are so light and so small that if you don’t need to use them you won’t even notice you have them in your pack.
Hiking 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.
Just using poles with common sense will provide a few of these advantages, but some skill training is required to gain ALL of the available benefits.
As an experienced hiker, I’ve put together the top hiking hints for beginners so that you can get out there confidently too. It’s all about taking that first step out of your comfort zone and I promise you that you’ll be hooked.
Field test and review – The Illumina X was quick to setup, a breeze to pack down, roomy for one person and all my gears, the design seems well thought out, the construction is solid and best of all, the price, for this 4 season tent places it in the truly affordable bracket.
Field test and review – The Montem Ultra Light 3K Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles are a reasonably well-priced (USD$119.99), sturdy carbon fiber pole that I am happy to recommend for serious overnight hikes or multi-day treks.
Hiking Tents 101: Tent Construction, Tent Materials, Tent Waterproof Ratings and Tent Pole Configurations
Field test and review – As a well-priced, sturdy, value for money pole, I am happy to recommend the Montem Ultra Strong Cork Trekking Poles.
You 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.
Hiking safely across snow is an essential skill for many hikers and climbers as it is not the same as hiking on terra firma. Even if you don’t aspire to climbing peaks, it is definitely worth your time to learn how to kick good steps and travel with an ice axe.
With a few tips on how to prevent and treat common hiking injuries, you can keep doing what you love and hiking towards your goal. Some hiking injuries are preventable; others are easily treatable on your own.
We found finding an overnight hike that is suitable for a kid doing their first overnight hike a bit tricky. Trail Hiking Australia gave us the best tips, but still there was …
Leading a hike is not always as simple as strapping on your pack and expecting the rest of the group to follow. There are different levels of fitness, capabilities, experience, skills, personalities and pace of individuals to consider when keeping your hiking group together.
Many hikers have a love/hate relationship with walking uphill or downhill. It takes extra exertion, so you know it is probably doing good things for your body. The benefits make it worth the sweat, especially when you take the time to walk uphill with good technique.
Ultimately 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.
Field test and review – Recently I was contacted by Summit Global, who is the Australian distributor for the COXA M18 Day Pack. As you might imagine, I was somewhat excited as I agreed to field-test this intriguing day pack.
Field test and review – The CamelBak Fourteener 20 is a comfortable, versatile and lightweight pack (weighing in at only 1.1kg). I look forward to many more adventures with it.
Field test and review – I am quite impressed with the features and benefits of the Osprey Aether AG™ 70 and encourage you to check one out in-store before making your next overnight pack purchase.
When you leave an item on the trail at the point where you left, others know where you left the trail and will have a better chance of finding you.
The Carnarvon Great Walk is an 87 kilometre six-day circuit around the Carnarvon Gorge section of the Carnarvon National Park. It takes in the famous gorge itself on the first day, with most of the remainder of the walk high up on the Great Dividing Range above the gorge.
Field test and review – Fjällräven market the Keb Trousers as ‘technically advanced trekking trousers with optimised fit and carefully planned details. Intended for alpine trekking that requires climbing’. Check out my review.
Field test and review – If you are looking for a new tent for your weekend adventures or a secondary tent for camping at the trail head of your multi-day hikes, check out the Quechua 2 Seconds Pop-Up Fresh & Black Camping Tent.
Whatever your interests, there are plenty of things to see and do in the Riverina. From camping and fishing to bushwalking and hiking, the Riverina is bursting with outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.
However enjoyable, a multi-day hike involves physical strength and endurance. It is a hobby and a task that you should highly prepare for.
Field test and review – Panda Child Carrier. Designed for the harsh sun conditions we’re used to here and are suitable for kids from seven months to four years old.
Lightweight camping involves taking only what you need rather than everything you want, and allows for quicker and more comfortable travel. In your quest to cut grams, however, just make sure you’re not leaving crucial safety gear behind.
You or a hiking buddy get hurt. Sit back, relax and call 000. It wont be long before help arrives. The reality is, help could be hours or days away before a recovery team can get to you so be prepared to manage the situation.
Are you heading to central Australia and are thinking about camping in a desert? Are you aware of these desert camping tips before travelling?
For quite some time I have had this classic trek on my bucket list as I have heard so many amazing things about it from friends and fellow hikers. This trip report covers our 8 days on the Overland Track, Tasmania.
Field test and review – The Chinook is light weight, flexible, durable, spacious, has large vestibules which are great for cooking, and packs down surprisingly small to fit neatly into your pack.
Swelling can be caused by several factors, but the most common causes are gravity and the way the body distributes heat during exercise. The problem is not serious and will go away soon after you stop hiking.
Field test and review – Ultimately the choice of pack comes down to fit, comfort and whether it meets the users requirements, for me when I put the Featherlite Freedom on, it fits, it is comfortable and I barely notice it being there.
Field test and review – Comfort while hiking and camping is worth a few grams as the Helinox Ground Chair takes outdoor comfort to a new level of lightweight portability.
Trail Hiking Australia is the go-to website for finding your next hike, bushwalk or trail run. It's a site filled with tips and advice to help you get out in nature and return safely. Develop new skills, learn how to prepare for your next hike and remain safe while navigating the trail. Find out more about hiking gear, read the latest blog posts, trip reports and gear reviews, and download my helpful PDF hiking guides. Become an active member of this fun, rewarding and adventurous community.
I have built this site as a community service as I am passionate about the outdoors and getting people out into nature. I don't have the deep pockets of big business so any support you can offer is appreciated.
© Copyright 2022 | Darren Edwards | All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Donation Policy | Disclaimer
Trail Hiking Australia is a not-for-profit community service initiative
