In this modern world where it feels almost impossible to escape the tyranny of the screen - at work, by your bed, at the pub, on the train – there is no better detox than a multi day hike, in stunning natural environments. There are some amazing hikes in Australia which will truly reset your body and mind, from the Overland Track in Tasmania, to the mammoth Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory.
Hiking is a lot of fun, but can also be hard work and even dangerous at times. It can be difficult to know even where to begin with what to pack, so here is an essential checklist for all you budding hikers out there!
Essential Gear
- A Large, waterproof hiking pack, like our BlackWolf Mountain Ash 65L Blue Titanium Hiking Pack
- A 3-4 Season rating tent with an inner and outer layer, like our Blackwolf Classic Dome 2 Person Tent, or the ultimate solo hiking tent the Zempire Mono Hiking Tent.
- A good quality sleeping bag. Depending on where you’re hiking will depend on what temperature you want. For Coastal hikes you want a 0 degree temperature rating like our Oztrail Leichardt Jumbo Hooded Sleeping Bag. If you’re camping in Alpine weather you want at least a -10 degree rating like our Oztrail Alpine View Adult Mega Hooded Sleeping Bag.
- A sleeping mat. If light weight is your goal and you don’t mind it a little rough you can use the Oztrail Foam Earth Mat 10mm. But if you prefer not to sleep with jagged stones creeping into your bones then we recommend paying a little extra for something like the Zempire MonstaLite Thermo Single
- Waterproof bags to keep your valuables safe and dry, like our Sea To Summit View Dry Sacks.
- Don’t forget your toiletries, especially not your toilet paper! We’ve got the perfect toiletry bag made by Sea To Summit.
- A First Aid Kit is a must.
- Often forgotten, but extremely important is a torch of some kind. We’ve got so many to choose from you might be shocked.
- And of course, something to carry your water in! Whether it’s a Classic Camelbak 2.5L, or the faithful old water bottle.
Cooking and Eating
- You’re going to want a stove either like the classic Gasmate Travelmate II Single Burner Butane Stove, or something fancier like the Soto Micro Regulator Stove.
- Obviously, a stove is only useful if you remembered to pack the gas!
- You’re going to need something to cook in like our Trangia 25-1 Ultra Light Cooking System, or simply our Sea To Summit Alpha pots.
- Something to eat from like a collapsible set of bowls and mugs, or if you’ve got the room, these Delta bowls are incredible.
- And finally, something to eat with, like our Sea To Summit Delta Cutlery Sets.
Now of course you’re going to want some actual food, but unless you’re going fishing with squid bait, we can’t really help you there. Make sure you also bring the right protective clothing depending on where you’re going, but other than that, all that’s left to do is book a flight and get hiking!