The Perfect Fastpacking Bag Doesn’t Exist… Or Does It? The Tempest Velocity 30L from Osprey might just be “the one.” Designed for fast-paced adventures, it strikes the perfect balance between a trail-running vest and an ultralight hiking pack. I tested it on the Kanangra to Katoomba (K2K) trail, a rugged 45-kilometer route in the Blue…
Category: Gear Reviews
Guide to the Hiking Dress
In the early days of my trail experience, I subscribed to the belief that a true hiker must conform to a specific ‘look’. Khaki hues, heavy boots, and a nondescript shirt seemed to be the unwritten dress code of the outdoors. However, as I entered the world of thru-hiking, I realised that a true hiker…
Gear Review: Hyperlite Unbound 2P Tent
I was determined to hate the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P ultralight tent. As a devoted lover of freestanding tents, I’d sworn never to convert to a trekking-pole tent. I wanted a dependable shelter that could be pitched anywhere at a moment’s notice, and withstand any weather. I never believed a trekking-pole tent could offer me any…
Gear Review: Osprey Eja Pro 55 Backpack
On my first ever long-distance hike along the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT), Osprey’s Eja 58 was my sole companion. It was the perfect backpack to take me 650km+ across the rugged expanse of the High Country. It was lightweight, breathable, reliable, but most importantly, comfortable. Now, as I prepare for my next thru-hike, 1100km on the Heysen Trail, I’m…
Gear Review: Burton Multipath Range
Jake Burton Carpenter is credited with moulding the snowboard industry into what it is today. It wasn’t just designing prototype snowboards from surfboards, and convincing ski resorts to let snowboarders onto their slopes, Jake created an entire new way of living. His company, Burton, is known by every single person that has ever strapped a snowboard…
Gear (and Other Hacks) to Help Beat the Heat
As someone who loves all things cold and snowy, hiking in the midst of summer may seem like my worst nightmare. The suffocating heat and the inescapable glare of the sun has me dripping in sweat in mere minutes. However, there are lots of things to love about summer hiking. For one, the summer wildflowers…
Gear Review: Jetboil Minimo Cooking System
The first piece of hiking equipment that I ever purchased was a stove. Not hiking boots, or a hiking backpack. Nope, as a food orientated person, the first thing I bought was kit for my camp kitchen. I wanted to sip hot coffee on mountain peaks, and warm cups of soup on those cold trail days. 8 years…
Gear Review: Sea to Summit’s Etherlight XT Extreme Sleeping Mat
Last year, I bought my boyfriend a new winter sleeping mat. On its maiden voyage, we went snow camping, setting up just below the summit of Mount Twynam in Kosciuszko National Park. After a big day of touring with heavy packs on, and scoring a couple of turns, we were ready to pass out. Just as we lay down…
Gear Review: Sea to Summit’s Airlite Towel
Have you ever heard hikers talk about ‘the extra 10%’? When it comes to pack weight, the rule of thumb is to keep 10% extra room in your pack for a few little luxury items; be it a bottle of wine, a pillow, or that extra pair of socks. For me, the extra 10% is…
Gear Guide: How To Choose The Perfect Tent
Buying a hiking tent is a lot like buying a new car. You wouldn’t buy a tiny sports car if you have a family of 5, just like you wouldn’t buy an ultralight solo hiking tent to fit 3 other friends. Sure, it may look cool on the outside, all shiny and sleek, but you have to…
Kate Aliice 