STORIES FROM THE TRAIL
It has become almost a dove tail relationship for me, hiking and photography. Over the years I found myself wanting to reach more remote places with my camera and often the only way in and out was with two feet and a heart beat. I have learned some lessons, purchased the gear I needed and seen some pretty amazing places along the way.
This is an opportunity to share all of those things and the resulting photographs from time on the trail.
This is an opportunity to share all of those things and the resulting photographs from time on the trail.
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LAKE OBERON
In January 2019 I will be undertaking one of those journeys, one that I have been working towards for some time, maybe 18 months. A 6 day hike into the Tasmanian south west wilderness. |
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MY HIKING GEAR
Clothing
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It is pretty obvious that when I venture to my hiking clothing there is a dominant trend towards everything Macpac, I just love the clothes that they produce. It hasn't always been this way, I have tried many different brands and combinations but in many cases I was let down by low performing products. The items I grab for the most would have to be my (form left to right above) extremely light fleece pull over that is incredibly warm for its thickness, my very trusty outer layer jacket that breathes beautifully but keeps me very protected from rain, wind and snow. And the third is my very trusted goose down jacket that is very versatile and I am not sure how I ever hiked without one.
For me one of the most important lessons has been learning what to where when, as to create the appropriate layering affect. I always used to wear too much in the snow, I would sweat and get dehydrated very quickly. I now always try to wear the appropriate materials, like 100% nylon or merino wool, as a way to let my body stay at cooler temperatures and allow me to dry out quickly.
For me one of the most important lessons has been learning what to where when, as to create the appropriate layering affect. I always used to wear too much in the snow, I would sweat and get dehydrated very quickly. I now always try to wear the appropriate materials, like 100% nylon or merino wool, as a way to let my body stay at cooler temperatures and allow me to dry out quickly.
Sleeping stuff
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I struggled with the right sleeping set up for years. I have done a lot of my hiking in the snow, this has allowed me to find the right combination of products and has also allowed me to adapt what I have to suite other, warmer environments. A few years ago I promised myself that I wouldn't spend another night staring at the roof of the tent wondering if I would actually get some sleep, so I invested in an Exped sleeping mat and everything changed. Once fully inflated, the thickness of this wonderful mat is 9 cms, it is like carrying a mattress around with you though it packs down to virtually nothing. I also always use an older down filled Salewa sleeping bag. This is my wife's and it has served us very well over the years. To compliment the down bag, I also have a Sea to Summit Thermo Lite sleeping bag liner which helps to increase the temperature inside the sleeping bag by up to 15 degrees if required, it works a treat.
Boots and socks
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I have been using Keen boots for about 12 years, I love them and they are really comfortable and light. These boots are supple to wear, they offer a waterproof cell, great grip and dry relatively quickly. My feet get hot, so I need a lining that can breath and an outer that is leather. I strictly only use thinner based Merino wool socks that are padded on the heel and toes. I have problems with my feet if they stay too wet for too long and the right socks are really crucial to my comfort and ability to hike for multiple days at a time.