Australian Hiker

This is the second of our 'on trail' podcasts recorded while undertaking our recent Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT) trip. This episode consists of four interviews with hikers, service providers, and the Southern Australian Parks Service and is designed to provide a different perspective on this wonderful trail.

This is the first of three podcast episodes on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail and consists of a series of recordings done over a single day to give you an idea of what to expect from a typical day on the trail. Our next two episode 053 and 054 will provide additional information on this great trail.

When you first start doing longer hikes its not just the gear that you have to think about.What about the food! This episode is aimed at providing an introduction to food considerations for newer hikers who just want to make things easy.

Gill and I have a break between Christmas and New Year and along with our friend Kelly we will be hiking the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail which is located not far from the mainland in South Australia. This five day, four night trip is approximately 61km (without any add ons). We tried to do this trail earlier this year and didn't book early enough.Lesson learnt. This episode is an overview of what we are expecting but no doubt reality will be different. As usual we will be recording on the trail and publishing out trip podcasts in January 2018.

If you belong to just about any online hiking forum one of the most commonly discussed topics that you will see posted is ‘what sort of tent should I buy?’ Unfortunately there is no one answer to this question and really what you end up choosing will depend on a range of factors that is most cases are unique to you. This episode discusses the key considerations in choosing a tent for hiking.

With Christmas approaching it is an ideal time to buy new gear with many manufacturers clearing soon to be superseded products in anticipation of the release of new models. It's also a great time to convince family members and loved ones of the benefits of hiking and start leaving gear brochures turned to the right page in strategic places around the house. If you are buying presents for a hiking fanatic then here are some options worth considering.

On 11 November 2017 Australian Hiker celebrated its first birthday. This episode is a reflection on our past year and where we are heading over the next 12 months.

In this episode we interview two female hikers, one younger, one older, who share their experiences and tips on hiking from a womens perspective.

A lot is written about the different needs of women and men but when it comes to hiking, are the considerations for women that different to those of men? This podcast episode discusses issues relevant to women on the trail and offers hints, tips and suggestions that will hopefully help to answer questions that you may have.

After footwear, the backpack is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment that most outdoor enthusiasts will own. I mean you can’t even discuss hiking without talking about a backpack. Choosing the correct backpack to suit your needs is just one half of the equation. You also need to make sure that your pack is fitted correctly. This podcast episode discusses considerations for choosing an appropriate pack as well as goes though the correct footing process.

This episode discusses snakes ticks and spiders on the trail including how to interact with them, avoid them, and if necessary how to treat any injuries created by these creatures.

In this second episode on hiking with children we are take our niece and her two oldest sons aged 6 and 9 year on their first overnight hiking and camping trip. During the hike we get to hear their views on their first overnight trip. This episode is linked to episode 040 where we talk about considerations for hiking with children prior to hitting the trail.

Hiking is a fantastic past time and one that can be enjoyed by all ages and fitness levels. Those of you who have lots of hiking experience will no doubt want your younger family members to enjoy the same experiences you have when out on the trail. This episode discusses tips to get kids out on the trail and get them hooked on hiking.

In this September 2017, Australian Hiker Bonus episode we interview Jenae from Bushwalk the 'Gong, an Australian blog centred around the Illawarra region of the southern NSW coast. Jenae is passionate about hiking and through Bushwalk the 'Gong offers an excellent online resource for hiking that includes trail overviews and awe-inspiring photos. In addition Bushwalkers the 'Gong runs regular guided walks to help get people out into the spectacular natural environment that is on offer in the Illawarra region.

This episode looks at the 10 Essentials. What they are, whether they are applicable to Australian conditions, and discusses if we should take a more tailored approach? Finally, I will share my 10 essentials list with you to give you an idea of what I carry.

So you've been thinking about getting into hiking but are confused by the mass of gear available or don't know where to start. This podcast episode is aimed at beginner hikers to provide a basic overview on what you need to start hiking. Be warned the learning never stops and hiking can become addictive!

In this August 2017 Australian Hiker Bonus episode we interview John Feeney, founder and creator of the Melbourne based Hiking Society. The Hiking Society is a blog that provides hikers with up-to-date information and tips on hiking and camping, showcases trails and camping spots in Australia, and provides hiking opportunities through their meet up groups.

At some stage many of us will choose to transition from day hiking to overnight hiking and apart from considerations such as weather, food and site selection, we also need to consider equipment aspects including some form of lighting otherwise we are going to be travelling in the dark....literally. So what to choose? Handheld, head torch or lantern? this episode discusses these various options.

When most of us first started hiking the common factor as a newbie, almost without fail, was we usually only hiked in good weather. Hiking in wet or rainy conditions is a skill that we progressively learn and often come to relish when the conditions are right and we have planned appropriately. This episode discuss 10 tips for hiking in the rain that can make your wet weather experience much more enjoyable

Worrying about accidents or safety is not something we really want to do every time we go hiking but it is crucial to ‘Plan for the worst and hope for the best’ to keep ourself safe on the trail. In this episode we discuss the best way to prevent accidents, provide an example of a typical first aid kit for hiking, and discuss the skills needed to keep us safe on the trail.

In this July bonus episode we talk to Joe Bonington, from Joe's Basecamp in Sydney. Hiking is not just about equipment, you also require a degree of fitness to ensure you get the best out of your planned adventure. We were lucky enough to interview Joe and talk on what you need to do to prepare from a fitness perspective for your hikes and other outdoor adventures. You can easily hear Joe's passion for helping his clients come though in the interview and we both left his facility feeling invigorated and we didn't even do any exercise!

In episode 029 we talked about carrying water on the trail but sometimes that's just not enough; we also need to think about the quality of what we are drinking. At best poor quality water will taste revolting, at worst it can cause a range of both minor and major waterborne ailments that can range from the uncomfortable to the life threatening. Do you filter your water?

The 2017 Outdoor Retailer Australia Show was held on 18-20 June at the Moore Park Exhibition Centre in Sydney. This annual show is a chance for Australia's outdoor wholesalers to showcase their new and existing products to Australia's outdoor retailers and allied media. Australian Hiker was lucky enough to attend this show and to interview some gear manufactures and distributors so that we can showcase some new and upcoming gear as well as equipment and trends that you may not have been aware of.

Regardless of the gear we do or don’t carry and the passionate arguments about which is the best thingamajig, the one thing that you can guarantee is in every hiker’s pack is water. Water is essential to our wellbeing and without it we can’t survive. This episode looks at how much water you should carry and the options for carrying it.

As we grow in experience as hikers we start to gain an understanding of our equipment, how it works, or how it doesn’t, and this includes our hiking clothing. Over a series of hikes you’ll learn to read your body’s requirements and which pieces of clothing go together to form a ‘layering system’ that will keep you comfortable no matter what the conditions. This podcast starts by looking at what a layering system is, discusses the common layers, and looks at what goes into making up a layering system using examples from our own experience based on three season hiking.

So you’ve been doing day walks for a while now, you enjoy them but you feel that you are missing out. Your friend’s keep on raving about longer trips that they’ve done but you’re not sure you’re up for the change to overnight trips. This podcast episode is aimed at hikers making the transition to overnight hikes from day hikes. This podcast is linked to the written article with images, as well as to Australian Hiker Podcast episode #27 where we talk you through a trip suitable for first timers in real time by using the Northern Campground Trail review as an example.

This podcast episode follows on from episode 26 which provided a step by step guide to your first overnight hike and provides a real time example of an overnight trip and what to expect by using the Northern Campground Trail review as an example. While this is a Canberra based site this information in this podcast and its associated links can be transferred to your location so use it as a guide.This podcast episode is aimed at hikers making the transition to overnight hikes from day hikes.

Sometimes on overnight trips and longer day trips you just want a hot meal or drink to warm you up. With so many options available to us this episode looks at the types of stoves suitable for backpacking, discusses the pros and cons of each type before suggesting what to consider in choosing the right stove to suit your needs.

The use of technology on the trail is a controversial topic that can generate heated conversations over the advantages and disadvantages of different technology as well as the impact on the hiking experience in general. This episode looks at the use of Personal Locator Beacons on the trail and reviews one of Australia's most popular devices currently available.

Like any pastime there are a number of rules of behaviour (etiquette)that help to make the experience better for all participants. Unlike driving on the road these rules aren't taught in any formal manner rather new hikers are somehow expected to absorb them from the ether. This works well if they are hiking in groups and can observe them from other more experienced hikers but this is not always the case. This episode discusses the commonly accepted 'rules of the road' for hiking to help you get the best out of your time on the trail.

This episode includes a series of interviews we did with other hikers on the Overland Track that provides a diverse perspective of what the track is like. If you are interested in listening to the full set of Overland Track Podcasts listen to Episode 018 – The Overland Track – Expectations vs Reality Episode 020 – The Overland Track – A Day on the Trail You can also read the trail review which has additional information at the Overland Track.

Love them or hate them trekking poles now form part of many hikers equipment collection. In this weeks episode we will look at: The benefits of using trekking poles; The downside of using trekking poles; We will discuss how to identify the correct tracking pole length; Look at choosing a tracking pole; and Briefly discuss pole maintenance.

Have you ever wondered what a typical day on the Overland Track is like? In this second of three podcasts on the Overland Track we share a series of recordings from a typical day on the trail, providing additional commentary as we go on the things that we are seeing and doing. If you are interested in listening to the full set of podcasts on th Overland Track start with episode 018-The Overland Track-elity vs Expectations

In this week's episode we focus on the sleep system needed for a good nights sleep on the trail. Choose the correct system and you'll have a warm comfortable sleep, night after night. Choose the wrong system and you will be miserable at best and at worst it may be dangerous depending on the conditions.

Episode 018. Part 1 of 3- In this episode we provide an introduction into the Overland Track located in a World Heritage area in Tasmania. The track is considered one of the worlds best tracks and it very popular amongst Australian as well as overseas hikers. We will discuss our expectations prior to the trip and compare that the the reality we experienced on the trail

In this episode we discuss solo hiking. We will look at the differences between solo and group hiking, the pros and cons of hiking by yourself and what additional skills you need when traveling solo. We will also also discuss times when you shouldn’t solo hike.

This is part 2 of the Canberra Centennial Trail on trail bonus episode for February 2017. To get the most benefit out of this episode listen to episode 15, part 1 first.

This is the first episode of a two part series on my recent three day walk on the 145km (90 mile) Canberra Centenary Trail. Usually undertaken in seven days this greatly condensed walk was undertaken as a training exercise to find my limits as part of my planning for a 1000km walk I will be doing towards the end of 2018.

This is the second episode in our series on photography. While our first episode discussed basic skills for improving photography this episode looks as some basic camera accessories that will contribute to improving your on trail photography. In our second segment of todays show we review the Power Traveller Powermonkey Explorer 2 portable battery charger. This charger will fulfil a number of functions including charging your rechargeable camera battery.

Episode 013 - In the first segment of this episode we discuss 10 tips to improve your photography on the trail. We then review two pieces of photography equipment; the Sony RX100 mark 1 compact camera, and the Stick Pic Selfie adaptor that allows you to turn your trekking poles into a selfie stick.

The second episode for the year and our bonus episode for January 2017. This episode is a series of recordings from a one day, 53km hike that I did just before Christmas 2016 to Mt Bimberi, located just south of Canberra. For me this hike was mainly about testing my limits and abilities to aid is some planning for both short term and long hiking plans that I have over the next few years. This hike is extreme for most people listen so listen to this as a 'three day hike' and it will provide an overview of one of Canberras most rewarding multiday hikes. Enjoy

In the first segment of this weeks episode we will be discussing the benefits, and the pitfalls, of hiking as a couple. In the second segment we will review what I consider to be one of Australias best beef jerkys

Episode 010 In todays episode we discuss some of the more common reasons for why we hike as well as some of the more extreme reasons. In the second half of the episode we review the Campers Pantry freeze dried vegetables that now provide Australian hikers with a greatly increase choice for their hiking adventures.

This is the bonus episode from the trail for December 2016. In todays episode we review the Spit Bridge to Manly walk in Sydney, New South Wales. This walk, located within the city is one of Sydney's best kept secrets with many locals being unaware of its existence. This episode is a series of recordings along the trail designed to give you an idea of what the trail is like.

As the proud owner of size 14US feet I struggle to find a good selection go hiking shoes. This episode goes through 14 considerations for buying hiking footwear. In addition we review the Superfeet Premium Insoles and my hiking shoe of Choice the Salomon XA Pro 3D hiking shoe.

Episode 007 - Discussion on the concept of 'Take only memories, leave only footprints' and how to minimise your impact on the environment as a hiker.

Episode 006 - Final thoughts on their recent Larapinta Trail Hike. This episode looks back at our thoughts before we commenced our walk and compare them to the reality of the trail.

Episode 005 - A series of interviews with hikers from the Larapinta Trail. Listen to a range of people describe their experiences on the trail.

Episode 004- In todays episode we are listening to a series of recordings on a typical day on the trail starting from waking up in the morning and finishing at the end of the day at bedtime.

Episode 003 - Today we discuss the 10 steps to planning a safe hike and then we review one of Australia's best known trails, the Lapainta Trail located in Australias north.