How do you prepare? What do you need to consider to not only keep yourself safe but have an enjoyable time?

From what to pack to how to pack, this blog unpacks the best ways to prepare for an overnight hike.

With a little preparation, your first overnight hike will be a great experience. Image: MSR

Keep it Simple

Your first overnight hiking experience should be exactly as described: an ‘overnight’ hike. This means heading off for just one night away – maybe two, if you feel up for the challenge. Keeping your first experience short and simple will allow the opportunity to become familiar with the trail lifestyle without committing to an extended expedition. There is a lot to learn and get used to when hiking overnight, which will shock your body!

Walking while carrying a load is much more physically demanding. For an overnight hike, not only do you need to get used to the extended physical exertion but doing so while carrying your pack! Then, there’s adjusting to a lightweight mat and your other gear: tent, sleeping bag, head torch, hiking stove, poles… not to mention becoming accustomed to hiking foods. Your supplies need to be lightweight and preferably packed with nutrition and ingredients that provide slow-release energy. Quality dehydrated meals, or even dehydrating your own, are a much better choice than 2-minute noodles.

Take it easy and don’t try to tackle too many km’s on your first overnight hike. Image: Salomon 

Don’t Walk Too Far!

Trailblazing with a loaded pack is very different to a day hike. Even those who consider themselves to be quite fit may find walking with a larger pack more difficult than previous experiences. Carrying a load forces your muscles to be used in different ways to accommodate the extra weight.

It’s essential to give consideration to your footwear and socks, and worth taking a moment during your preparation to ensure you have suitable shoes that correctly fit your foot. Your feet are your most important asset when hiking, so being ill-equipped may ruin the trip.

Most walks for beginners are between 5 – 10km’s per day, beginning at morning teatime and ending at lunchtime the next day. Use this timeframe and distance as a guide for your own planning and preparation.

Don’t try to tackle too many kilometres on your first experience. You should be able to walk at a relaxed pace, take plenty of breaks, and enjoy yourself. Stop to appreciate the native wildlife and birds, but aim to stroll into camp with at least an hour of daylight left.

Pick a hike that’s close to home and stay trail smart. Image: Chris Newman

The Gear You’ll Need

It’s very important to get the basics right for your first experience. Further, it’s equally important to realise that you will learn something new every time you head away. This is all part of the challenge and enjoyment of living out of a rucksack!

A Quality Backpack

The Deuter packs makes carrying heavy loads far more comfortable than the other ‘budget’ backpacks on the market.

You may have heard the saying, ‘equipment can be high-quality, light, or cheap – pick two’. This certainly rings true for most outdoor equipment and becomes even more significant when it comes to hiking gear. You often need to choose between hiking light and expensive, or saving money and doing a little more training to carry a 25kg pack of bulky essentials! Taking the hood off the pack saves a little bit of weight – and if you don’t need it, why not? Everything that went in the hood can go into the side pockets, but keep in mind that not all packs have these.

If you have a decent, well-fitted backpack, it matters less if the rest of your ‘budget’ gear is bulky or heavy. It can still be carried in relative comfort, which makes all the difference.

A Quality Tent

Pack a tent large enough for your gear and bedding. Try to keep it under 2.5kg, or share the load with a friend. The Companion Pro Hiker 2 is a fantastic entry level tent, more than adequate for Australian conditions.

Check out the range of hiking tents available at Snowys here >>.

A Groundsheet

Just a simple tarp will do the trick to protect your tent, keep it clean, and waterproof the floor, it also doubles as a lunch mat during the day.

Pack a tent large enough for your gear and bedding. Image: Chris Newman

Lightweight and Compact Sleeping Bag

There are two choices for hiking bags: synthetic or down. Synthetic tends to be cheaper and easier to care for, but a bit bulky. Down can be half the weight and half the size but twice as expensive. If you can get a sleeping bag around the 1kg to 1.5kg mark, you will be on the money – but try not take a giant bag that takes up half your rucksack!

Need help choosing a sleeping bag, read our guide here >>.

A Well-Insulated Sleeping Mat

There are a wide range of sleeping mats on the market from closed cell foam mats to down-filled, high-quality snow mats. You can choose how much you want to spend but the main thing to look for is something that will insulate you from the ground. The comfort level will depend on how much you want to spend and how much weight you want to carry.

Keep an eye out for the highest-rated R-value (a measurement denoting insulative performance) for mats in your price range. For more details on choosing a sleeping mat for hiking, read this guide here.

For more information on R-value read our guide >>. For help choosing the right sleeping mat for your adventure we’ve got more information here >>.

It’s hardcore to sleep on a pile of clothes, but you may soon realise how much better off you are with a little more support! Image: Sea to Summit

Pillow or No Pillow?

It’s hardcore to sleep on a pile of clothes, but you may soon realise how much better off you are with a little more support! The Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow is hard to overlook for a balance of comfort and weight, even for an ultralight gram-counter!

Simple, Cheap, and Lightweight Cooking Gear

You’ll need a stove to cook your dinner. The Trangia 27-1 is a fantastic lightweight yet compact outdoor stove that is perfect for cooking for one to two people. There are plenty of budget options available these days, including gas, spirit, and solid fuel burning stoves. Another option for simple overnight hikes is to boil water before leaving and carry it in a vacuum insulated flask. This is roughly the same weight as a stove, but saves you the hassle of boiling water once you reach camp.

A fork and spoon are needed, and a cup is a good idea, but have a think about whether you need a plate and bowl – you can often eat out of the pot you cooked in, to save space and weight. The Sea to Summit long-handled spork is handy, as everything you need is right there as one utensil.

Don’t forget about clean up too! A scouring pad and a little dishwashing liquid is all you need, or even keeping a cut up piece of sponge in the pot. Let your dishes air dry to negate the need to bring a tea towel.

See our range of lightweight cooking and eating gear here >>

The Trangia is a fantastic lightweight yet compact outdoor stove. Image: Chris Newman

Nutritional Foods

When planning your meals, you will need lightweight food with good nutritional value. Two-minute noodles are lightweight… but if we’re talking nutritional value, you may as well eat the packaging! That said, it’s recommended to carry some emergency noodles. There may not be the intention of eating them, but they’re good to have for peace of mind.

There is a great range of tasty freeze dried meals on the market such as Radix Nutrition, which definitely fit the description of easy, lightweight, and nutritional. Don’t forgo all delicacies – follow an instant pasta course with a luxury instant dessert, like an apricot crumble from Back Country Cuisine. An easy, no-mess breakfast can be had by preparing ham and cheese croissants and wrapping them in foil.

Muesli, nut, and chocolate bars are good snacks to take. Have a good look at what packaging you need, and what can be left behind. For example, you don’t need to take the box the muesli bars came in.

Snack Options:

• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Protein bars
• Lollies
• Beef jerky
• Dark chocolate
• Clif bars

For more reading checkout Snacks for the Track, or Quick and Easy Meals for Camping and Hiking for some easy meals. See our full range of freeze dried meals and hiking snacks here >>

There is a great range of tasty freeze dried meals on the market, like Radix Nutrition. Image: Radix Nutrition

You’ll use a lot of energy when hiking, so snacks are very important. Take a ‘continuously grazing’ approach, rather than sticking to just three big meals per day.

Water

Plan your trip in advance to work out where water is available and how much is there. Water will be the heaviest item in your pack, but also the most valuable – so it’s very important to take enough for what you need (meals and cleanup included), but not too much more.

Two to three litres per person, per day (depending on the weather), is a good rule. This may sound like a lot for a two to three-day hike, but you will be working a lot harder hiking than normal.

For your first time, try to plan hikes that lead to water at each campsite. That way, you can minimise your weight and get to know how much water you require when hiking. Make yourself aware of what’s required to make your drinking water safe and avoid any nasty stomach bugs, read this article for more information >>. 

Check out our range of water filtration and treatment gear here >>.

Prioritise warmth and nutrition on overnight hikes. Image: MSR

Clothing – Kept To a Minimum

Try to choose items that are breathable and quick-drying. Avoid cotton as it becomes wet and cold quickly – and, as always, the lighter the better! As a general rule, you should take one set of clothes for walking in and one warm and dry set to change into at night. Hiking in pants or shorts depends on personal preference – but it might be worth having a pair of showerproof pants to keep wind and rain out in blustery conditions. The longer you head away, the more clothes you may want to take. Just keep in mind that but you’ll need to bear the weight.

A set of thermals is a must too! Pack a warm jacket as well as a raincoat, hat, beanie, and a good set of boots and socks. Instead of a standard bath towel, a couple of cotton tea-towels are light and handy. Use one as a towel after swimming, and the other as a scarf, sunshade, or for drying tents.

A Good Raincoat

Rain, wind, and cold makes for a shivering, average trip at best, or hypothermia at worst! Weather conditions can change very quickly, especially on high-altitude land and in the mountains, such as the Victorian Alps. A good raincoat will cause rain to bead and run-off the outer shell while allowing sweat and perspiration to exit. This prevents getting soaked from the inside while traversing all that hilly terrain!

As a general rule, take one set of clothes for walking in and one warm and dry set to change into at night. Image: Radix Nutrition

Staying dry when hiking overnight is particularly important, as it can be difficult in rainy conditions to properly dry off before hopping into a tent and sleeping bag. A raincoat also provides an outer barrier in windy conditions, allowing insulative layers underneath the chance to trap air and create warmth around your body. 

See our range of affordable hiking clothing basics and accessories here >>.

Comfortable Footwear

Everyone has a horror story about enormous blisters or squashed feet that time they went hiking in twenty-year-old boots handed down by their grandmother. Considering that your feet are with you every step of the way, it’s important to have boots that will keep you comfortable and dry.

Your boots should be what you spend a decent amount of money on – and be sure you wear them in well before your trip, to identify any pressure spots that might require extra padding using hikers’ wool or blister protection.

Ankle support, grippy tread patterns, or waterproofing might be needed depending on the conditions and climate expected. You don’t necessarily need high-cut boots meant for rocky mountain expeditions – just ensure your shoes have been fitted properly, remembering that feet expand slightly when a load is carried.

First Aid

Ensure your first aid kit has everything you need, while keeping the weight down. Think about what you are likely to encounter in the area you are going to. Some of the more common injuries to prepare for are snake or spider bites, rolled ankles, cuts, broken bones, and dehydration.

Your feet are with you every step of the way, so look after them. Image: Black Wolf

The Little Things You Shouldn’t Forget

• Toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste (only enough for a couple nights)
• Toilet paper and a trowel (again, only take what you need)
• Head torch with fresh batteries
• Pocket knife (also used for cooking, hence you only need a fork and spoon)
• Matches / lighter / flint (for lighting your stove and a fire)
• Phone / wallet / keys

The Handy Things You May Not Have Thought About

• Thermal sleeping bag liner, for extra insulation.
• Scrub gloves (thin gardening gloves), for when you need to hold onto weeds or branches on steep terrain.
• Fingerless gloves, for the cold nights at camp.
• Day pack, for heading into town for a resupply or doing a short hike with your camp still set up.

Remember a head torch, with fresh batteries! Image: Black Diamond

If it doesn’t keep you alive, it’s a luxury

Once you have your kit together, pack it all in your rucksack and weigh it. You should not be carrying more than one-third of your body weight. If you’re not happy with the weight of your pack, then pull everything back out again and take a good look at what you are taking.

Example Packing List

Everything considered, your packing list may look like this:

• 3L water bladder
• 2P Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Cooking water
• Long-handled spork
• Water bottle or pouch
• Rain cover (for your pack)
• Trowel
• Toilet paper
• Fleece
• Rain Jacket
• Hiking/trekking poles
• Campsite shoes
• Map and compass
• Groundsheet
• First aid kit
• PLB
• Notepad and pen
• Head torch
• Waterproof matches
• Mini roll of duct tape
• Garbage snap-lock bag
• Spare batteries
• Pocket knife
• Earbuds
• Lip balm
• 2 in 1 sunscreen and insect repellent
• Anti-chaffing balm
• Toiletries

An example pack. Image: Kelly-Anne Burgess

When you come back from your first trip, have a good look at what you used and what you didn’t. You’ll know you’ve got it right when you come back with an emergency meal, half a litre of water, and every item in your pack used!

Start Locally

Keep your first hike close to home, and don’t attempt to stray from the track. It’s wise to stay close to your town or city with easily navigated and clearly marked trails. Save the remote trips for when you have gained knowledge and confidence – otherwise, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Choose a trail that is interesting, picturesque, and allows you to build experience while still ensuring your safety. Look for one with a designated campsite and easy road access. This gives you the option to call for assistance if you need it, especially as you get used to this ‘overnight hiking’ thing.

Walk With a Friend

Your first overnight hike should not be alone. Go with a friend, preferably with experience, who can offer advice and encouragement if needed.

Hiking alone can be a fantastic experience in self-reliance and independence, but it’s much safer for beginners to adventure with a friend or a group. If you decide to travel alone, it’s recommended that you arrange to meet your friends or family at the campsite, or at least ensure you’re walking in an area with full phone reception and sufficient vehicle access.

Take the precautions of notifying any rangers in the area and leaving your itinerary with close family or friends.

Your first overnight hike should not be alone. Image: BlackWolf

Stay Hydrated

Your hydration needs will vary depending on your body, the weather, and the environment. Don’t underestimate how much water you will need, and consider your electrolytes too. Consuming too much water can dilute the sodium levels in your body and lead to Hyponatremia. Learning how to manage your hydration needs and balance your fluid intake with powder or gel supplements is knowledge gained through experience.

A good rule to follow is 3 litres per person, per day. Remember to allow extra water for cooking and cleaning your cookware too. Of course, this can add to your pack weight quickly – so try to pick an area where you can fill up with water along the way, or at least at your campsite.

If neither of those options are available, you may need to organise a ‘water drop’ to minimise the volume you need to carry. This is where a friend or family member meets you at a pre-determined point to deliver a water refill.

We’ve got a range of hydration and energy supplements available here >>.

Choose Your Season Carefully

The weather can be quite unpredictable, but try your best to plan your adventure for when the weather forecast is fair. Check the Bureau Of Meteorology (BOM) website as part of your preparation and consider downloading their app to stay updated.

Temperatures hovering in the low to mid-20s with fine conditions are ideal. Planning your first walk when it’s freezing cold and wet, or in the scorching heat, is unlikely to support the amazing experience you were hoping for. It’s also suggested to be wary of the warmer weather during late spring; at this time, snakes are emerging from their winter hibernation and can be more aggressive.

Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat when walking, even if it’s a cool and overcast day. Keep the fluids up with regular, small sips, rather than guzzling a whole bottle in one go!

Checkout the BOM website and download the app here >>

Don’t underestimate how much water you’ll need, and consider electrolytes too. Image: Salomon

Think of Safety!

Assuming you’ve chosen a local trail with well-defined tracks and a clearly marked route, you will still need to take a map and compass to ensure you are heading in the right direction. For this reason, some basic map reading skills will be necessary. Alternatively, this is another benefit of walking with an experienced friend or group.

A compass doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, check out our range here >>.

There are helpful mapping apps like Strava or Avenza that are GPS-enabled and allow you to both plot your route ahead of time and navigate as you go. Strava includes access to an online community and performance tracking features, but the extent of your usage can be tailored in your privacy settings.

Ensure you have a way to communicate, be that to check in with mates and loved ones or to keep an emergency device for peace of mind. For your first trip, try to pick an area that has good phone reception. If this is not possible, you may need to consider an alternative.

Devices like Satellite Phones, UHF handheld radios, PLBs, and Satellite Messengers provide extended coverage when mobile phone service is inadequate. PLBs are fantastic in emergency situations when you need to be rescued. Satellite Messengers allow the flexibility of being able to send an SOS alert, but also a text message to someone to notify them that you’re okay.

If you intend to hike regularly, it may be worth purchasing your own. Some are also available for hire from most good communications stores, or even some ranger stations.

Check out our range of basic survival essentials here, and read our guide to PLB’s and Satellite Communication here >>.

Hiking provides us with the opportunity to reconnect with nature, and each other. Image: BlackWolf

Record Your Experience

One of the main reasons for hiking in the first place is the thrill of venturing out into the wild. It provides us with an opportunity to reconnect with nature and appreciate some amazing scenery, as well as improve our fitness and mental health. So, take a camera or just your phone, and capture those beautiful moments to share with your friends and family when you get home.

A photo may speak a thousand words – but don’t let that discount the value of journaling too. Remember to take a notepad and pen or, if you have an artistic flair, a small sketchbook and a few pencils!

As well as recording your inspiration and thoughts, you can also make notes on what you wish to improve upon in future trips. Details about your walk, location, or gear are all useful – or you might cross paths with another hiker who has tips to share too.

Practice Minimal Impact Hiking

Quite simply, this embraces the concept of ‘take only pictures and leave only footprints’. This means leaving no trace of being there, and taking out everything that you took in. Leave no rubbish or food scraps behind.

No, the animals will not enjoy your scraps, nor will the scraps simply rot away. In fact, some native animals can develop diseases from eating food that is not typical of their intended diet. This also extends to toileting. Some areas even require you to carry out your ‘droppings’… so when planning your first overnight hike, it can be a good idea to stick to an area that has toilets at the campground.

If nature calls along the trail, ensure you go at least 100m from any stream or waterway. Everything should be buried completely. Ben and Lauren discuss taking care of business off the grid in Episode 51 of the Snowys Camping Show.

You may be interested to learn more about Leaving No Trace here, or more on Camp Toilets here >>.

Sleeping out overnight can add something special to your hiking experience. Image: MSR

Time to Explore!

Lightweight overnight hiking is a fantastic experience, taking you to some of the most untouched and picturesque places in the world. If you are new to it, remember to take it slowly and gently. Ease your way into it so your body and mind have time to adjust to the physical and mental challenges.

These tips will help promise a safe and enjoyable experience. There is a lot to learn, but once you get started you can aim to explore more challenging and remote areas.

Overnight hiking takes you to some of the most untouched and picturesque places in the world. Image: Chris Newman

The post How to Prepare for an Overnight Hike appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Maybe you’re concerned your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough, but your not in a position to buy another one?

If this sounds like you, this blog lists 5 toasty tips for a warmer sleep – but first, let’s bivvy down and learn a little more about the humble sleeping bag…

Brrrr, winter camping can get positively arctic if your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough! Credit: Sea to Summit 

The Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are one of the only products on the market that have a temperature rating. Think about it, it’s not common to buy a jacket or even a quilt for your bed at home with an actual temperature rating.

As a general rule, if we feel cold we put an extra jumper on or another blanket on the bed. Despite this, we expect that a sleeping bag with a ‘temperature rating’ of 0 degrees will keep us toasty warm in the snow, no matter what type of person we are.

The reality is that this temperature rating is only a guide. We all feel the cold differently, so we simply cannot expect a sleeping bag to reflect such science – or that one temperature rating fits all.

So, what does temperature rating mean? How can we use this roughly equated number to help us choose an appropriate bag for the job?

We all feel the cold differently. Credit: Sea to Summit

Sleeping Bag Temperatures

Before delving in – ask yourself:

• Do you usually go camping during cold weather, when it’s warm, or both?
• If the weather is forecast to be cold – how cold? Is there a chance of frost or snow?
• Are you sleeping outside, or in a tent? How large is the tent? Is it just for sleepovers?

With those considerations in mind, let’s talk sleeping bag ratings:

You will feel cooler as the external temperature approaches the sleeping bag’s rated temperature. Credit: Sea to Summit

EN/ISO Temperature Rating

Sleeping bags must be independently tested by the manufacturer to obtain this rating. The rating is often based on an R-value, which is a measurement of insulation – just like the insulation in the walls of your house.

Some manufacturers will do real world testing on one sample of their insulation, and apply a formula to the different sleeping bags. On the other hand, sleeping bags tested to an EN (European) Standard (or an ISO or international standard as of 2016), are the most accurately tested bags.

That said, keep in mind that this testing is done in a controlled and static environment where a dummy is placed inside the sleeping bag with temperature sensors. So, unless you’re a motionless dummy sleeping in an environment void of variables, you’ll need to allow for your own physiological makeup and the equipment you are using.

What is the EN or ISO Standard?

There are no testing guidelines here in Australia, so look out for bags that have been tested according to EN Standards. The EN Standard for sleeping bags is marked EN13537, which was superseded by the ISO 23537-1 international standard in 2016.

The standard measures three temperature ratings:

Not all manufacturers will list all three ratings – ensure you’re considering the correct one. Ultimately, no amount of laboratory testing is going to be 100% accurate to your body. Less expensive sleeping bags will advertise a more generous rating that may not be accurate. Bags that list the EN/ISO Standards will be more accurate and provide a good point for comparison between bags. As that process is expensive though, it will affect the price tag.

You can always shed a layer or unzip your bag if you’re hot – but if you wake up freezing cold in the middle of the night, there won’t be much you can do to get warm!

Want to delve into the nitty gritty of sleep system ratings, have a listen to our interview with Sea To Summit on the Snowys Camping Show here >>

Look out for bags that have been tested according to EN Standards. Credit: Sea to Summit

Choosing Your Sleeping Bag

The temperature rating is the point at which you will likely wake up to. You will feel cooler as the external temperature approaches this rated temperature, so it’s important to allow yourself a temperature buffer. The below factors are worth considering to help select the right bag for you.

1. First, determine the lowest temperature you will be using the sleeping bag in most of the time.
2. From here, we recommend adding a buffer to ensure you sleep warm. This is dependent on how you sleep:
   • Warm sleepers: refer to the EN/ISO tested ‘Comfort’ rating as a starting point, and choose a bag with a rating at 5 degrees below the lowest temperatures you plan to use your sleeping bag in.
   • Cold sleepers: refer to the EN/ISO tested ‘Lower Limit’ rating as a starting point, and choose a bag with a rating at 5-10 degrees below the lowest temperatures you plan to use your sleeping bag in.
3. Keep in mind that you can expand the comfort range of a sleeping bag by adding liners for extra warmth, or use the sleeping bag unzipped as a doona to cater for temperature extremes you may occasionally encounter.
4. Finally: this is not an exact science. We are all different, with varying metabolisms. You’ll need to use some of your own judgement in your selection.

Need more help choosing the right bag, read our How to Find the Perfect Sleeping Bag guide here >>

Our 5 Tips For A Warmer Sleep

1. Wash Your Sleeping Bag

If your sleeping bag is on the ‘well-used’ side and doesn’t seem to be as warm as it once was, you may need to simply give it a good wash. Over time, the oils from your skin together with moisture caught in the filling can cause the stuffing to clump together. This prevents it from ‘fluffing up’, which keeps you insulated and warm.

The filling in the sleeping bag needs to ‘puff up’ and expand with air, which then traps the body heat of the person sleeping inside. Washing your old sleeping bag will clean the filling and enable it to do this more effectively, thus trapping more warm air and increasing the insulation between the person inside and the cold air outside.

Wash your sleeping bag to restore its warmth. 

How to Wash Your Sleeping Bag

The washing process differs between down and synthetic bags, he below process is best for synthetic bags, for down bags see our guide on How To Wash Down Sleeping Bags here >>

1. Put your sleeping bag in a pillowcase to protect the thin outer material from tearing.
2. Using a front loader, wash your sleeping bag on a warm, gentle cycle (if you have a down sleeping bag, use Down Wash).
3. Dry your sleeping bag in a large tumble dryer on the lowest setting. Place a few tennis balls inside the dryer too; these will smash into the sleeping bag, breaking up the filling and fluffing it up again.
4. If you don’t have access to a dryer, simply dry the sleeping bag on the clothesline in the sun. Every half an hour or so, beat it with a tennis racket to break up the filling.

2. Use a Thermal Liner and Hot Water Bottle

Thermal Liners

If your sleeping bag isn’t rated low enough for the conditions you’re using it in, or if you’ve discovered you’re a cooler sleeper – rather than purchasing another sleeping bag, consider adding a silk, cotton, or fleece liner.

A thermal liner is made of the same material as thermal underwear, specifically designed and rated to boost the warmth of your sleeping bag. While there are many on the market, the cotton and silk liners by Sea to Summit are a personal favourite.
By adding a liner to your bag, you not only have a sufficient winter sleep system but can still use the sleeping bag on its own in average conditions. The liner can then be used on its own in warmer weather! A removable liner also keeps your sleeping bag cleaner, and thus your filling in better condition.

On the contrary, avoid adding extra blankets on top of your bedding. The weight will crush the filling, rendering it ineffective for trapping the air. Use them beneath you, or under your mat instead.

Hot Water Bottles

If you’re heading away for a particularly cold weekend, it may be worth packing a good ol’ fashioned hot water bottle too. You can also use a regular water bottle – just ensure it has a quality seal so it won’t leak, and the water inside isn’t too hot. If oyu are using squeeze style water bottles make sure it has a lockout feature to avoid it leaking all over your gear. Checkout the range of water bottles at Snowys here.

Heat the billy before bed and pour the hot (not boiling) water into your bottle. Tuck it into your sleeping bag with you – and enjoy some seriously snug comfort! Better yet, if you prepare it ahead of time, you’re pre-heating your bed so it’s warm by the time you officially hit the sack!

3. Wear Thermal Clothing

Thermal underwear are the warmest pyjamas you will ever need when camping in cold conditions! Known as a ‘base layer’, they will trap warmth directly against your skin and make a huge difference to your comfort in cold conditions. Layering clothes on top of your thermal base will trap air between the fabric, keeping you warmer than simply adding a single thick layer of clothing.

Ensure you add your layers and warm up by the campfire well before lights out too, so the heat has time to build. This will also have it easier to maintain, as it will be trapped with you when you slide into your sleeping bag.

4. Don a Beanie, Gloves, and Socks

Humans lose about 30% of their body heat through their heads! By wearing a beanie to bed or tightening the hood of your sleeping bag, you’re trapping more warmth. Simply keep your mouth and nose free so you’re not breathing into your bag – this creates moisture throughout the night.

When your body becomes cold, it takes blood from the extremities such as your feet and hands to instead keep it surrounding your vital organs. By heading to bed with warm socks and gloves, you’re keeping your feet and hands warm, which maintains the blood flowing to them. This makes for a better night’s sleep!

Socks, gloves, and beanies are an easy way to stay warmer in your sleeping bag

5. Eat a Big Dinner!

Your body uses a lot of energy to digest big meals. In the case of a large dinner, all this energy will produce heat and keep you warm come bedtime. By eating a decent sized dinner packed with low GI carbohydrates, your body will continue to burn fuel all through the night!

Two-minute noodles give you enough energy for… well, two minutes. On the other hand, a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese will ensure a good night’s sleep! Just don’t eat too much…and go easy on the garlic, or you’ll be awake with indigestion! Contrary to popular belief too, if nature calls during the night you are better off surrendering to it; holding on will override your kidney’s signal to your brain. Through a chain of technical temperature regulation measures, our bodies feel colder when our bladder is in need of relief!

Keep Warm on Your Next Adventure!

No matter the age or quality of your sleeping bag, these tips will help you achieve the best from it.

It’s worth noting too that your sleeping bag is part of a whole sleep-system. This means that your choice of sleeping mat will also influence how cold or warm you will be throughout the night.

An airbed is not one to keep you warm, as the air within the mattress will remain cold. Instead, choose a closed-cell foam or filled mat, which traps air and helps insulate. Sleeping inside a smaller tent that is double-walled (ie. using a fly) and having decent ventilation to reduce moisture build-up are also tips worth bearing in mind.

Here’s hoping you can get a good night’s sleep, even on those freezing cold winter nights! With the above tips, you’re less likely to resort to the dangerous (and not recommended) tactic of using a heater inside your tent… or to the ancient Native American method of creating a hot rock bed!

Looking for a new sleeping bag? See our top sleeping bag picks for 2026 — or browse the full sleeping bag range at Snowys.

The post Toasty Tips for a Warmer Sleep appeared first on Snowys Blog.

To put it simply, R-value is a measurement of the thermal resistance of a material, or how well it resists the transfer of heat. The higher the R-value, the more insulation it will provide.

More about R-value

R-value isn’t just for sleeping mats, it’s also commonly used in the construction industry. In particular, for those pink insulation batts in the ceiling of your house, they all have an R-value.

R-value isn’t something you need to be overly concerned with in summer when the ground doesn’t get very cold. Using a high R-value mat in warm weather won’t make you hot, it’s only going to put a thermal barrier between you and the ground. However, when the temperatures drop and you find yourself setting up camp on wet or icy ground – R value becomes a very important consideration.

R-value is a factor you should consider when choosing a sleeping mat. Image: Sea to Summit

The new ASTM F3340-18 standard

Back in 2016, a group of leading outdoor companies started developing a standard of testing R-Value in order to create consistency across the industry. This new standard is known as  ASTM F3340-18 and has been introduced across several ranges as of this year including Therm-a-Rest, Sea to Summit, Exped, Black Wolf and more. 

As a result of this methodology being implemented, some R-values on sleeping mats have/will change. This does not mean that the mat will be warmer or colder than before, the value is now just represented on a universal scale for an apples-to-apples comparison to other mats.  

Some brands may not test their products to the ASTM standard, or will choose to only implement this testing at a future date. There will be a transition period with the new testing as we cycle through our inventory. So, in the meantime, check the product details tab online for each model and size, or the product itself in-store to confirm it’s been tested to the ASTM standard.

For more details on the nitty-gritty of ASTM, head here >>.

How is R-value tested?

The method for testing R-Value is extremely similar to how it was previously tested, it has just been updated to be consistent across different manufacturers. It involves a hot plate on one side of a mat and a cold plate on the other, then electronic sensors determine the energy required to keep the hot plate at a consistent body heat to measure the R-Value.

We cover off on more detail in our interview with Sea To Summit here >>

Does R-value correlate to a temperature rating?

No. R-value is a measure of the transfer of temperature from one side of a material (in this case a mat) to the other, or a more technical term is ‘thermal resistance’. These values can’t be correlated to a temperature, but there are some guidelines for which R-values are suitable for each season.

Sleeping Mat R-Value Recommendations by Season

As a rough guide, here is what R-value we would recommend when choosing a sleeping mat.

Winter camping or hiking requires adequate insulation from the cold ground. Image: Sea to Summit

What R-value sleeping mat should I use in alpine conditions?

For alpine conditions, you will need a mat with an R-value of 6+ and you’ll want to make sure you team your mat up with an appropriately rated sleeping bag and suitable clothing.

Most mats you’ll see are between 0 and a 9.5 R-value rating. An example of the highest-rated mats we carry h have a value of 8-9.5. These self-inflating foam mats are too heavy for hiking and trekking adventures and are best kept for car camping.

If you’re trekking or hiking in icy conditions, you will likely be looking at a lightweight and compact mat. These can range between 0.7 for an ultralight non-insulated design, to a 5.9 for a down-filled model.

Usually, the lighter the mat is the lower the R-value. So, you may need to stack a few mats together to reach a suitable R-value for alpine use.

For example, a mat with an R-value of 4 or 5 on top of a lightweight closed-cell foam mat with a 1-2 R-value will give you the insulation you need without the bulk and weight. It will also make your sleeping system more versatile.

This chart gives you a full overview of R-Values for all kinds of conditions.

If the mat doesn’t have an R-value, is that bad?

There are plenty of high-quality mats that provide decent thermal resistance but don’t have a value listed. This is likely due to the fact that testing can be an expensive process for the manufacturer.

However, if you want to use your mat for technical expeditions you might want to choose one that is rated to be on the safe side.

How can I increase the R-value of my current sleep system?

There are ways to improve the thermal resistance of your current sleeping system depending on the time of year you want to use it.

You can add a thin foam mat underneath or use an emergency survival blanket or bag to reflect heat back into the mat or your body. Essentially, you just need to add more layers between you and the cold ground. This could even be in the form of leaves or pine needles in an emergency situation.

We hope this has answered all your questions on R-value and that you sleep well (and properly insulated) on all your future adventures.

How do you keep warm on your adventures when the temperatures drop?

The post R-Value & ASTM Standard for Sleeping Mats Explained appeared first on Snowys Blog.

In this blog, we bivvy down on how to effectively wash a down sleeping bag for sweeter dreams and squeaky-clean camping trips.

Let’s get down to it…

Your bag is built for adventure, but it’s important to keep it clean. Image: Sea to Summit

What’s Required?

1. Down wash – specialised down wash is formulated to clean and restore the water repellency, without damaging the fill. This is why it’s important to use it instead of conventional detergents.
2. Large front-loading washing machine – Yep, you’re going to have to get yourself down to the local laundromat! Home washing machines are too small, lacking enough circulation of water to clean the bag efficiently. Top-loading washing machines generally also have an agitator, which can damage the baffles on your bag. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid them.
3. Front-loading dryer – It’s ideal to use the biggest dryer you have available to you. If you’re finding you need to stuff it into your dryer, it’s too small and the bag won’t dry efficiently. This can cause damage to your bag.
4. Tennis balls or wool dryer balls – this is to ensure that the down doesn’t clump together as it dries.

You’ll need some down wash, tennis or dryer balls, a large front loader, and a front-loading dryer.

What to Avoid When Washing A Down Bag

• Bleach, conventional detergents, or washing powder
• Top-loading washing machines
• Dry-cleaning

How To Wash Your Down Sleeping Bag in a Front Loader Machine

Check the wash instructions on your sleeping bag, as this will provide specific information about what temperature to set the machine and the settings to apply.

1. Turn the bag inside out and put it in the machine
2. Ensure there isn’t residual washing powder in there first, before adding the volume of down wash according to the label
3. Set the machine to the correct temperature, and set to the ‘delicate’ or ‘gentle’ cycle
4. Remove when the cycle has finished, and check it over

Add to the tumble dryer on the ‘low heat’ (‘gentle’) setting, with dryer or tennis balls to prevent clumping

After washing, pop your sleeping bag in a dryer with some tennis balls to prevent clumping.

How To Handwash Your Down Sleeping Bag in a Bathtub

1. Turn the bag inside out with all the zips and tabs closed
2. Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water (or whatever temperature the bag’s instructions suggest)
3. Add the recommended volume of down wash
4. Lie the bag out flat in the tub, and gently massage in the wash
5. Leave it to soak for about an hour
6. Drain the tub and fill it will water to rinse the bag
7. Leave to soak in the water for around 15 minutes
8. Gently press on the bag remove the soap, and repeat this a couple of times until no suds remain
9. Drain the tub, then press on the bag gently to remove excess water
10. If your dryer is not big enough, you can take it to your local laundromat. Or, lay it out flat on a drying rack or clothesline in a warm, ventilated area – indoors or outdoors. You will need to give it a gentle shake every now and again to ensure the down doesn’t clump.

A down sleeping bag needs to remain in good condition to perform ideally in severe weather conditions. Image: Sea to Summit

How To Keep Your Down Bag in Good Condition

Use A Sleeping Bag Liner

Use a sleeping bag liner every single time you use the bag. This will minimise the sweat and oils from your skin that tarnish the bag and affect its insulation.

Go to Bed Clean!

On a longer trek, this may be tricky to avoid – but try not to sleep in your bag wearing dirty clothing. Wipe down your face and neck with a baby wipe too, as this is where most of the oils can rub off and onto the hood. Essentially, the cleaner you are in your bag, the less dirty your bag will become.

Using a clean liner will prevent oil and dirt from building up inside your newly clean bag. 

Spot Clean Regularly

If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can with a damp cloth.

Air it Out After Use

When you arrive home from a trip, spread your sleeping out to air-dry for a couple of hours. This will dry any residual moisture from sweat or condensation.

If you do spill or smear something on your bag, spot clean it as soon as you can. Image: Sea to Summit

Store it Properly

Avoid storing your bag in its compression stuff sack, as this can damage the down and reduce its performance. Instead, stash it in the larger storage bag that it comes equipped with. This will help to keep the fill in good condition for as long as possible.

That’s all, Folks!

Don’t put off washing your down sleeping bag any longer – just like the feeling of fresh sheets, a freshly laundered bag is going to feel amazing after a vigorous day of adventure!

Just like the feeling of fresh sheets, a freshly laundered bag is going to feel amazing after a vigorous day of adventure! Image: Sea to Summit

When was the last time you washed your down bag (if ever)? Go on, be honest!

The post How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Beyond the books, school bags, and lunch boxes, there’s the outdoor classroom offering lessons to be learned in self-discovery, life skills, and leadership – and with the right kit comes the confidence to kick butt! If you’re reading this, chances are your child is embarking on a school, Cadets, Scouts, or Guides hiking trip – maybe even starting their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award! Your task? Getting the gear to kit them out!

We know the conundrum: you want the gear to be functional, warm, and comfortable… but you’re not confident that they’re ever going to use it again. In this blog, we’ve unpacked the ultimate checklist for your child’s upcoming outdoor camp or expedition, having rustled up some advice on the most important and expensive items you’ll need (sleeping bags, mats, packs, and shoes), as well as other affordable, middle-of-the-range, and premium gear for beginner hikers.

Put the pencils down, lace up, and let’s hit the track!

In this guide, we’ve rustled up some advice on the most important and expensive items you’ll need. Image: Caribee

Sleeping Bag

Consider Packed Size, Weight, and Warmth

A sleeping bag is one of the most critical pieces of gear, as it’s the difference between a comfortable sleep and a cold, sleepless night. Packed size, weight, and warmth are the most important considerations here.

Avoid Bags Designed for General Camping

These are heavier and have a bulkier packed size, so not suitable for carrying in a rucksack. Instead, look for sleeping bags that are between 1-1.5kg if possible, with a suitable packed size. For more information on how to choose lightweight sleeping bags for hiking, check out this article here.

Pick a bag that’s as warm, light, and compact as possible for your budget. Image: Alamy

Bag Rating

If you’re unsure about the temperature rating, we recommend choosing a bag with a comfort rating (not a ‘lower limit’ or ‘extreme’ rating) that is 5 to 10 degrees lower than the average temperature it will be used in.

Synthetic for Affordability, Down for Longevity

Synthetic sleeping bags are popular with campers and hikers alike, as they’re inexpensive, faster-drying, and will still provide some insulation when damp (compared to down).

A down-filled sleeping bag will offer more warmth for weight than a synthetic bag. When taken care of, a quality down bag can last for years – so it is a good investment if it’s going to be used over and over again.

A sleeping bag is the difference between a comfortable sleep and a cold, sleepless night. Image: Goal Zero

Accessorise for Extra Warmth

A thermal sleeping bag liner is a lightweight way to increase the warmth of a bag by a few degrees and is extra insurance should the temperatures drop unexpectedly.

An emergency or space blanket comes standard with most first aid kits, so that can always be used to add insulation under a sleeping mat, or on top of a sleeping bag for extra warmth in a pinch.

We’ve also got some extra tips on how to make a sleeping bag warmer, which might be handy to read here.

We Recommend:

Sea to Summit Circuit or Trek Sleeping Bags

A step up in durability and price is the Trek and Circuit range from Sea to Summit – high quality and affordable down bags available in multiple temperature ratings. This bag is a top-quality all-rounder, suitable for hiking, travel, and camping.

Closed-cell foam mats offer limited comfort, but are super lightweight and don’t cost a lot. Image: Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures

Sleeping Mat

The Same Goes…

For a more technical trip where weight, warmth and packed size are again very important considerations – a bulky and heavy mat will be uncomfortable to carry.

Air-filled mats are generally the most compact, lightweight and compressible options for lightweight adventures. In cold conditions, however, air beds do not offer adequate insulation – so you will need to choose one that does.

Self-inflating mats have open cell foam which has cores or holes cut out so they can be compressed down, which are a bit more luxurious but are slightly heavier than air-filled mats.

The third option is closed cell foam mats which are dense rolls of foam that can’t be compressed. These offer limited comfort, but are super lightweight and don’t cost a lot.

We Recommend:

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat

A go-to option here would be the Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Mat from Sea to Summit, as this packs down to 23L x 11W x 11H cm, is 5cm thick (providing decent padding) and has an R-value of 3.3 to insulate against the cold from the ground.

It represents great value for money, as it’s insulated, compact, and offers enough thickness even for side sleepers to be comfortable. Plus, it’s consistently a top seller with great reviews, and we’ve had it in our range for years.

Some schools won’t allow air-filled or self-inflating mats, as both of these styles can be punctured. If that’s the case, a closed-cell foam mat is the only sleeping mat option. This can also be used under another mat in colder conditions for extra insulation, and for other activities such as yoga or gym – so it won’t gather dust in the shed after the trip!

If you can fit all your gear in a smaller pack, you’re on the right track! Image: Sea to Summit

Packs

The Right Style and the Right Fit

Look for a long, thin top-loading pack, not a zippered travel pack. Harness fit is the most important factor, so have your pack fitted in person if you can.

The hip belt must be snug as it carries 60-70% of the weight, and the shoulder straps need to be rounded over the top of the shoulders. A pack should also have an internal frame that distributes weight onto the hip belt.

Need help? Check out some of our best-selling daypacks for this year.

A Big Pack is a Heavy Pack

A 65L size rucksack should provide plenty of space to carry a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, clothing, first-aid kit, and basic kitchen gear. If you can fit all your gear in a smaller pack, you’re on the right track (see what we did there?). However, if you need much bigger than 65L, you may need to reconsider the gear you are packing.

Check out this blog for more on how to pack a rucksack.

We’ve got a selection of gear options for all budgets. Image by Snowy Mountains Grammar School

Accessories Aren’t Always Necessary

A detachable day pack or removable rain cover are handy, but these features add weight.

We Recommend:

Caribee Cadet 65L Auscam Rucksack

The Caribee Cadet 65L Auscam Rucksack is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a basic design that fulfills the standard requirements. It features a padded back and hip belt, an aluminium frame for distributing weight, and molle webbing attachment points for carrying gear externally.

Deuter Aircontact Rucksack

The Deuter Aircontact range offers premium comfort and durability out of all the packs in our range, available in a variety of sizes with slimline fit options too.

The Aircontact back system provides padding and ventilation, and you can get achieve your ideal fit with the pivoting help belt. An adaptable shoulder harness also provides maximum comfort when carrying gear. This is the best option for those who are confident it will get used repeatedly in the future.

For more on the Deuter hiking pack range, tune into Ben and Lauren’s interview on the Snowys Camping Show podcast with Manfred from TMO Sports:

Hiking shoes and trail runners are appropriate for day hikes, but higher-cut hiking boots are better for multi-day expeditions. Image: Keen

Footwear

Fit Your Footwear (If Possible)

Sneakers are not going to be heavy-duty enough for hiking. In general, hiking shoes and trail runners are appropriate for day hikes with a daypack. For a multi-day expedition with a heavier rucksack, sturdier and higher-cut trekking boots are required.

If you can, have your child’s hiking boots properly fitted. Take the time in-store for your child to try them on with appropriate socks, walk around the store if possible, and up/down stairs etc. Pay attention to slippage and rub spots.

Allow Wiggle Room for Toes!

There should be space for toes to wiggle and enough volume in the shoe to adjust for feet swelling in warm weather. The heel should not slip up and down, and the sides of the shoe should be snug against the foot without crushing toes, to avoid sideways slipping.

Break in the Boots

Allow plenty of time for the shoes or boots to be broken in before the trip, to ensure they’re comfortable. For more information on how to choose footwear, have a read of our hiking shoes and boots guide here.

Allow plenty of time for the shoes or boots to be broken in before the trip. Image by Limavady Grammar School

Tents

A basic, 3-man dome is suitable, at approx. 3-4 kg. For a hiking-specific expedition, aim for a 1-2P tent weighing no more than 2kg. For more information, read up on our top 10 best-selling hiking tents for this year.

Stoves

The brand Trangia is safe to use, and includes pots and pans. For hiking, gas stoves are light, simple, and compact, but pots and pans are extra weight. For more information, read up on our top 10 best selling hiking stoves for this year.

Pots and Pans

Alloy is light, but not the safest to eat from. Hard anodised is better, yet expensive. Stainless steel is a good balance. For hiking, you can probably manage with a bowl and cup that you can both cook in and eat out of, to save space. The Sea to Summit X-Pots are collapsible and lightweight, as are their new Frontier range:

Cutlery

Again, consider weight. You probably only need a fork and spoon, depending on what is being cooked. The Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Set is a fantastic lightweight but durable option. Sea To Summit have a fantastic range to suit every adventure, see the video below for a walkthrough of what’s available.

Rain Coat

Look for a basic, seam-sealed jacket that allows a few layers to be worn underneath.

Thermals

Not cotton! Look for polyester, polypropylene or merino wool.

Extra Set of Warm Clothing

As with other camp clothing, look for merino wool or synthetic fabrics. For hiking, lightweight is best. Lots of layers are the most versatile way to achieve adequate warmth.

Toiletries

Just the basics, don’t go overboard: toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. For laundry, the Scrubba Washbag is the ultimate portable washing machine for getting rid of off-grid grime! For hiking, keep the weight down: simply a toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste is more than enough.

Check out our guide to doing laundry in the outdoors!

The Scrubba Washbag is the ultimate portable washing machine for getting rid of off-grid grime! Image: Scrubba

Don’t go overboard with toiletries, you just need the basics. Image: Sea to Summit

Sun and Insect Protection

Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent. For hiking, look for small sunscreen containers, or transfer some from a large container into a smaller one to save weight.

Water

A 1-litre water bottle is versatile – just make sure they don’t leak. For hiking, consider a water bladder that fits into the pack. This allows for easy efficient drinking whilst hiking.

A 1-litre water bottle is versatile. Image: Nalgene

First Aid and Medication

A basic kit with adhesive plasters, cleaning swabs, resuscitation mask. An elastic bandage is also very useful. For hiking, keep weight and size in mind – only take what you will need. You should be able to make a kit that fits into one hand. For how to manage spider and snake bites, check out this blog – or tune into Ben and Lauren on the Snowys Camping Show:

Camera

A basic, lightweight digital camera will capture all the memories. For hiking, just focus on what’s compact and light.

Torch

Hand-held torches or a head-torch. Head-torches are lightweight and versatile, keeping your hands free for camp duties.

Need us to shed more light? Check out this year’s top selling headlamps for camping and hiking.

A basic, lightweight digital camera will capture all the memories. Image: Sea to Summit

What do you remember most vividly about your first hiking trip?

The post The Ultimate School Camp Checklist appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The structure, waterproof properties and condition of the leather on your shoes are all important elements to maintain so that they perform properly. Plus you paid good money for your fancy hiking boots, so there’s no use trashing them!

In this article, we’re going to talk you through how to clean, condition and waterproof your hiking boots or shoes so that they’re always adventure-ready. We also tackle a bunch of the frequently asked questions we get about caring for your shoes, so read on for more.

Heads up, before we get down to it: our footwear range is now only available online, with limited stock left! Head here to check out what remains of the range (at ridiculously low prices) – plus, more in our Mid-Year sale (ending in a matter of DAYS)!

After Each Wear…

Your boots are designed and made to withstand dirt, mud, rocks and water but that doesn’t mean that they are indestructible.

It’s really important to give them a quick wipe down after each time you wear them. This is because dirt and mud will wear down your shoes and dry them out over time, which can lead to cracked boots.

Dirt also attracts water. This makes the waterproof coating less effective making it more difficult for moisture from sweat to escape. You don’t have to give them a thorough scrub, just make sure they’re dirt-free before you put them in storage again.

Check your boots after each wear, and make sure you brush off any dirt or mud. Image: Alamy

Cleaning the Upper of Your Hiking Boots

If they’re encrusted in mud, get your hands on a soft boot brush, or a toothbrush and use circular motions to slowly buff off any dirt that’s stuck on there.

To give them a thorough clean, you may need to use a specialised outdoor footwear cleaner. This is because conventional detergents can leave behind a residue that can negatively affect the water repellency of your shoes.

Proper and regular cleaning is going to keep the waterproof treatment on your shoes performing properly. Though over time the DWR treatment will wear off and will have to be reapplied. For details on waterproofing, keep scrolling.

Use a specialised cleaning gel to give your outdoor shoes a thorough clean. Image: Nikwax

Cleaning the Outsole of Your Hiking Boots

Dirty soles can be a risk to native wildlife and plants as it’s possible to track in and introduce species from one area to another from your soles.

This could end up causing damage to a delicate ecosystem or environment, which is why it’s important to give your soles a scrub after each trip.

A dirty outsole won’t affect performance, but be considerate of how that impacts the environment. Image: Shutterstock

Drying Your Hiking Boots

When drying out your shoes after cleaning them, it might be tempting to stick them outside on a warm day or pop them in front of the heater.

But, you should just dry them in a well-ventilated place that’s out of direct heat or sunlight. You could even put them in front of a fan if you need to speed things up.

We’ve had a Snowys teammate ruin their leather boots by leaving them out in the sun to dry in the middle of a long-distance hike. This made them shrink, which meant hobbling the rest of the way in too-small boots. As you can imagine, this was a blistery, painful disaster – so keep your shoes away from heat!

Keep those damp shoes out of the sun when drying them.

Waterproofing Your Hiking Boots

Hiking boots or shoes will come with a factory applied durable water repellency treatment (or DWR treatment for short) on them. During use, the exposure to sun, dirt, water and abrasions will eventually make the coating lose its effectiveness.

There isn’t a strict timeframe that we would recommend for how often you need to apply a waterproof treatment to your boots. The best advice we can give you is that when you notice that water is no longer beading off of your shoes, and is soaking in instead – then it’s time to waterproof them again.

You can get specialised waterproofing products for nubuck and suede, combination (synthetic and leather) and smooth leather.

It’s essential to choose a product that caters to that material, as for example – using a waterproofing wax meant for smooth leather on suede will completely ruin the texture of it.

It’ll be obvious that you need to waterproof your boots, as the leather will soak through and darken. Image: Keen

Conditioning Your Leather or Suede Hiking Boots

Nubuck, suede and synthetic are all materials that don’t need to be conditioned. However, if your shoes are made of smooth full-grain leather, you will need to condition them. Full grain leather can dry out which can cause cracking, and reduce the effectiveness of the waterproof coating.

Conditioning the leather on your boots will not only keep it supple and supportive, it will also top up the waterproof repellency. When conditioning, brush off any dirt that’s stuck to your boots so that they’re clean before you start.

It’s best to follow the instructions for the conditioner that you choose as the instructions might differ across the brands.  Don’t condition them too frequently though as if you oversoften them, they will lose their structure and support.

If you need to break your shoes in quickly, a conditioner will also help to soften your boots up so that they’re trail-ready in no time.

Leather boots need conditioning every so often to prevent cracking. Image: Desiree Stimpert

Shoe Care FAQ’s:

1. If my shoes have a waterproof membrane, then why do I need to keep waterproofing them?

Exposure to dirt, sun and general wear and tear will make the upper of your boots lose their water repellency. This will mean that the moisture from sweat that evaporates out of the membrane won’t pass through the upper, which will eventually cause your feet to get damp.

This is why you will need to revitalise the DWR coating when necessary.

2. Can I make non-waterproof shoes waterproof?

Unfortunately, you can’t. In order for your shoes to reliably keep out water, they need to have a waterproof membrane, so putting a coating of waterproofer on them isn’t going to protect you from rain or puddles!

3. Can I use normal waterproofing spray on my hiking boots?

The aerosol waterproofers that you get from shoe stores aren’t going to cut the mustard for this. These sprays are often silicone based which will actually make your shoes less breathable. Something water based is going to be your best bet here.

4. I’ve just bought a pair of boots, do I need to do anything to them?

No, you don’t. Your shoes should already be waterproofed, and they should already be clean and conditioned. It’s only after you’ve worn them for a while that you need to re-waterproof, clean or condition them.

Next time you buy a new pair of trail boots or shoes, we hope that this guide helps you figure out to keep them in good condition for many future uses.

How do you keep your hiking shoes and boots in good condition? Do you have any tips? Let us know!

The post How to Waterproof, Clean, & Condition Hiking Boots appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Keeping yourself dry when hiking in the rain is one thing; just don a pair of waterproof pants and a jacket, and you’ll be pretty comfortable. But what about all the precious gear in your backpack just begging to get wet? Yep – I’m talking your down sleeping bag, charged iPad, that pita bread, those dry clothes?

In this blog, I’ll share 5 easy ways to keep both your backpack and the hiking gear inside safe and dry, hike after hike!

1. Use a Rain Cover

Most hiking backpacks include a rain cover, usually stowed in a small pocket at the bottom of the pack. It unfurls and covers the entire pack, cinched in by elastic around the harness. While rain covers won’t keep all the water out, they’re a handy first line of defense.

The downside of rain covers is that they create a little more difficulty in accessing gear in your pack. As they’re made of a lightweight material, they can also get snagged on foliage and tear easily. If your rucksack didn’t come with a rain cover, you can buy one separately.

“Yep, that’ll keep it dry” says Kym. Most hiking and travel backpacks come with a built-in rain cover that tucks away neatly into the base of the bag. 

2. Line Your Pack

Lining your pack with a heavy duty plastic bag or liner is a more reliable way to keep your gear dry. Even if your pack gets soaked – it’s the stuff inside that matters! I tend not to use a rain cover – but at a minimum, even if no rain is forecasted, I line my pack with a strong plastic bag.

The trick is to choose a liner that is much larger than your rucksack. For example, if your pack is 65L, use a 100L plastic bag. That way, you can push it into the corners of your pack and maximise space. Plus, you’ll have plenty of bag left to roll shut.

Always choose a pack liner that’s a fair bit bigger than the pack. That way you’ll have plenty of the bag to roll up and tuck snugly down the side, to ensure a nice watertight seal. 

3. Pack Gear into Dry Bags

If you have expensive electronic gadgets, it’s a good idea to go the extra mile and stow them in quality dry bags (perhaps a bit overkill for your socks and jocks).

Other benefits of dry bags is that they allow you to organise and even colour-code your pack. For example: blue for cooking gear, and red for clothes. Should your rain cover or liner bag fail you too, you have an extra line of defense – even if it is just protecting the important stuff!

I carry gear like my first aid kit, headlamp, lighter, battery pack, and a notepad and pen in a small 2L lightweight dry sack. These are items that I really don’t want to get wet – so it’s worth it!

4. Go Crazy with Ziploc Bags

I’ll admit it, I’m a little obsessed with Ziploc bags. I use them for everything, and love that they come in all different shapes and sizes. They do pretty much everything a dry sack does, but are far less expensive.

My first aid kit lives in a small sandwich-sized Ziploc bag, as do my camera accessories. These then go into my dry sack. Books and maps get the Ziploc treatment too. Rubbish goes in a large Ziploc, clipped onto the outside of my pack with a compression strap. My individual serves of oats and nuts, as well as my daily rations, also go into ‘baggies’ (as our American friends call ’em!).

Ziploc bags are especially useful for protecting the gear in your backpack’s lid and hip belt pockets. Best of all, they’re available almost everywhere.

Just a few of the items you can use to keep the stuff in your backpack dry on a drizzly hike.

5. Double-Line Your Sleeping Bag

Get your precious down sleeping bag wet, and it won’t be much use to you. When down gets wet, it clumps and doesn’t provide the ‘loft’ that keeps you warm – so it’s really important to keep it dry!

If there’s anything in your pack that you should make the time to waterproof, it’s your sleeping bag. Perhaps you’re off hiking in nice weather with little chance of rain? It may be reasonable to leave the dry sacks and liner at home, but don’t risk your sleeping bag. I had a water bottle leak all through my pannier on a recent bicycle tour… thankfully, it was only the pannier I kept things like my sleeping mat, tool kit, tent fly, poles, and cookware in!

Below is a nifty video that demonstrates how to make your sleeping bag nice and waterproof:

The post 5 Tips to Waterproof Your Hiking Backpack appeared first on Snowys Blog.

During a shower, you might notice that the water on your rain jacket is no longer ‘beading off’. If you’re seeing where some spots have ‘wet through’, the good news is that it’s not quite ready for the donation bin! You likely just need to revive the DWR (Durable Water Repellence), which is easily done!

Oil or dirt build-up lessens a jacket’s breathability and water repellence, so giving it a good clean should have it back to normal again. That said, before you chuck it in the washing machine with this week’s dirty clothes, ensure you know how to give your garment the proper care it requires.

This blog outlines the steps for reviving your waterproof jacket. To ‘bead off’, read on!

If you’re hiking in winter, you’ll need to stay dry and warm in your rain jacket. Image: Sea to Summit 

1. Check the Pockets, Loosen the Drawcords, and Zip it Up

From leftover trail mix, to tissues and other bits and pieces that you’d rather weren’t washed in with your jacket – be sure to dig about in your pockets to retrieve them first. Loosen any drawcords on the hood or sleeves, and close all zippers.

2. Prepare Your Washing Machine

Clean out any leftover detergent or laundry powder in the machine tray. This step is important, as conventional detergent can actually be detrimental to your waterproof garment. In some instances, the ingredients actually absorb water instead of repelling it… which isn’t the aim of the game here!

Make sure you use a specialised cleaner for maximum efficiency.

3. Add a Waterproof Textile Wash

Add the amount of specialised Nikwax Tech Wash (or similar product designed to clean Gore-tex, SympaTex, eVENT, Permatex, and other wet weather fabrics), according to the instructions.

4. Set to the Correct Cycle

Set the machine to the cycle and temperature stated on the care label.

5. Air- or Tumble-Dry

…and voila! Your jacket is ready for your next wintry adventure.

Once you’ve washed the jacket, the DWR coating should be rejuvenated. 

More Tips for Hiking in the Rain

1. How Waterproof are Your Shoes?

If your boots are looking a little weather-beaten, test their performance by chucking them under the tap in the sink to ensure the water is still beading off. If they’re not repelling water properly, you can follow our guide to waterproofing and conditioning your hiking boots here.

Check the tread as well, to ensure you still have plenty of grip when hiking on wet ground and rocks.

2. Gaiters

If you’re likely to be wading through creeks and rivers, gaiters will offer additional protection against moisture. It will also shield your shoes and legs from mud, which you’re sure to encounter if hiking in winter.

Gaiters come in handy for keeping off rain and mud. Image: Sea to Summit

3. Lightweight Gear that Keeps the Head and Neck Warm

Once you warm up on the trail, that thick scarf or beanie is going to be too bulky and awkward to keep in your day pack. Save on space and weight by looking into a Buff instead. Wear it as a beanie or as a scarf (plus more) and, thanks to its moisture-wicking material, it dries very quickly if dampened.

4. Layer Your Clothing

Light, warm, and slim fitting layers are best for cold weather hiking, as they’re easy to remove one by one when warm enough on the trail.

Generally, when it comes to thermals, merino wool is going to provide the best performance in cold conditions. This is because it regulates your body temperature well, is naturally odour-resistant, and layers well thanks to its lightweight qualities.

Layer your clothes to keep nice and warm when out and about. Image: Icebreaker

5. Keep a Spare Layer + Pair of Socks in your Daypack

Just in case all else fails, and you get caught out in a freak storm! Wet feet are also (literally) a pain, as the moisture creates friction in your shoes which can cause pretty nasty blisters. For more on blister care and prevention, check out this guide here.

6. Keep Your Phone and Electronics in a Waterproof Case

A waterproof case could also be a dry sack, even if you are storing it inside your daypack. Your pack may be waterproof, but there’s only so much you can do if your phone slips out of your hand or pocket and ends up in a puddle. A ziplock bag is also a cheap and effective option you could use in a pinch – but the downside is that you likely won’t be able to effectively use the screen through the plastic.

Your phone isn’t any use to you wet, so pop it in a waterproof case. Image: Sea to Summit

7. Keep Up the Energy and Fluids

When hiking in the cold, you probably won’t notice dehydration as much as you would in warm conditions – but it’s just as important as ever to stay on top of your fluid intake. Same goes for your energy levels, by fuelling up regularly with snacks.

Monitor your fluid intake, even though you may not feel as thirsty in the cold. Image: Sea to Summit

8. Don’t go Without a Light Source (Even for a Day Hike)

If things don’t go great, and you need to rest for longer or take shelter, a head torch is a must. There is less light during the day in winter, so it’s recommended to have a light source in case you’re delayed in any way. The same goes for carrying basic lightweight survival gear.

What are your tips for keeping dry and safe when hiking in winter?

The post How to Re-Waterproof Your Rain Jacket appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Let’s revisit the Leave No Trace principles. Image: Sputnik

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

It seems like a no-brainer, but next time you decide to head out for a spontaneous weekend away, take a few extra steps to ensure you’ve done some planning. This includes researching the place you’re visiting, in case there are special rules or requirements that you need to follow.

Always take everything you could need in an emergency. This includes:

• A PLB
• A lightweight emergency shelter
• A first aid kit, emergency blanket, and
• An extra day’s worth of food.

This way, you won’t have to resort to improvising or making decisions that have the potential to negatively impact the local environment (such as building a makeshift shelter or lighting a campfire in a restricted area).

Sand is considered a suitable surface to pitch your tent on. Photo: Black Wolf

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Travelling and camping on resistant, long-lasting surfaces is an important one. If you’re camping in an area that has designated campsites or platforms, make sure you use those. When hiking or exploring, always walk along the designated tracks to keep activity to one area.

According to Leave No Trace Australia, soft plants, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers are non-durable surfaces and should be avoided. Instead, rock outcrops, sand, gravel, dry grasses, snow, and tent platforms are considered durable to travel across and camp on.

Only use biodegradable soap and strain and scatter dishwater when you’re done with it. Photo: Sea to Summit

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Everything you bring with you must be taken out. Don’t burn or bury rubbish, as this will still attract animals and put them at risk – not to mention the fumes a fire will emit, and the greater risk of bushfires that will create. Take all your rubbish and waste out with you in plastic or leak-proof trash bags. Alternatively, use a spare wheel bin bag – this will keep native wildlife out of your rubbish as well as the stink out of your car.

Ensure that you dispose of human waste properly too. If you’re using a portable camp toilet, only rid yourself of waste at a designated waste dump point. Otherwise, pack a trowel with you for bathroom visits. To go to the toilet in the bush responsibly, dig a hole away roughly 20cm deep away from water sources, campsites, and trails – then cover and disguise properly. You shouldn’t bury toilet paper, so take it with you in a Ziploc bag until you can dispose of it properly.

Hot water works really well for washing dishes – but if you must use detergent or soap, only choose the biodegradable kind. After you’ve finished washing your dishes, strain the water to catch food scraps and scatter it at least 50m from water sources.

If you see rubbish when you’re out and about, be a good citizen and take it with you. It’s not nice to clean up after others, but it’s better than leaving it for an animal to find.

Pack it in, pack it out – simple! Photo: Sea to Summit. 

4. Leave What You Find

Despite that last line…

When you’re out exploring or hiking a trail, there are so many incredible things to discover along the way. While it can be tempting to pick up a perfectly shaped pebble, a feather from a rare bird, or a wildflower in bloom – if you remove it from its environment, it robs the next person of the experience of discovering it too. If you’re going to be travelling across an area where you know there is a site of cultural or spiritual significance, it is still possible to absorb it all without touching or interfering in any way.

Another example of leaving what you find is cleaning your boots and tyres thoroughly. This avoids introducing anything new into a fragile environment.

There are so many incredible things to discover – just make sure you leave them be. Photo: Eve Woods. 

5. Minimise Campfire Impacts

Campfires are a predominant aspect of camping. They add warmth, atmosphere, and a means of cooking delicious meals. However, they pose a risk for the habitats of local wildlife, char and damage the landscape, and – of course – can greater the chance of bushfires.

While a camping stove and lantern don’t necessarily provide the same atmosphere of a campfire, they’ll help in leaving as little impact as possible. Only light a fire in a permitted area and, if you do so, use an established fire ring or pit. By doing so, you’re keeping the damage to the areas that are arranged for that purpose.

In regards to fuel for your fire, use eco-friendly timber options such as compacted wood briquettes to prevent depleting and destroying native habitat. For more on campfire etiquette, head here.

Keep the impact from your campfire to a minimum. Photo: Darche

6. Respect Wildlife

If you happen to spot native animals out in the wild, it can be quite special to observe them. That said, keep a respectful distance so as to not disturb their instinctive and natural behaviours, or frighten them from their own habitat.

It is essential to keep your food secure and not intentionally feed local animals. Foraging for and eating ‘human’ food can be damaging to both the health and behaviour of native species. This circles back to an earlier-mentioned principle: ensuring you leave everything as you find it. Take all rubbish and food with you to both limit its risk to animals and to avoid an unsightly mess!

If you’re keen to observe the animals, bring a pair of binoculars to watch from a distance without disturbing their normal way of life.

While it is exciting to spot an animal in the wild, keep a respectful distance. Photo: Coleman

7. Be Considerate of Your Hosts and Other Visitors

Whilst we all want to feel a sense of freedom and escape when we head outdoors, we’ll always be sharing our space with other people and animals on our travels. With this in mind, here are some things to think about to remain considerate.

• If you bring your pets along, keep their behaviour under control so they don’t disturb others. This includes averting them from local wildlife, and preventing them from foraging and digging.
• Consider how bright lighting at night may affect someone else’s experience – not to mention how it disturbs the nocturnal animals pre-existing in the area.
• Generators can make a lot of noise, so try not to run them at night or in the early hours of the morning. The same goes for loud music; this will keep others from sleeping or enjoying their night.

Keep a respectful distance from wildlife so as to not disturb their instinctive and natural behaviours (shouldn’t be hard to do when it comes to snakes!). Image: Sputnik

So, there you have it!

The 7 Leave No Trace principles. We all want to continue camping, hiking, and exploring what this great country has to offer for many years to come. A little more mindfulness means that we can keep the natural environment in as pristine condition as possible.

Happy adventuring, everyone!

A little more mindfulness means that we can keep the natural environment in pristine condition. Image: Sputnik

What else do you do to ensure that you’re minimising your impact on your outdoor adventures? Let us know in the comments. 

The post The 7 Leave No Trace Principles appeared first on Snowys Blog.

No matter how spontaneous a traveller you are though, there are must-know tips, tricks, and tools to make our dollar (and itinerary) go a little further.

Wherever you travel in the world, these tips will come in handy. Image: Caribee 

Before You Go

Book in Advance

The Aussie winter is the high season for travelling to places like the UK and USA, as it’s leading into summer there. Checking the price of the Eurostar from London to Paris and putting it in the travel budget is great organisation – but booking it two months later could see you paying over $100 AUD more than you budgeted for!

If you’re the sort of traveller that generally likes to wing it and wake up in the morning and see where the day takes you – be aware that the weather can change rapidly, so you need to be willing to change plans. This means making changes to transport and accommodation, which can be hard and expensive if you have booked it all in at a good price and on some ‘non-refundable’ option!

For accommodation at least, apps like Booking.com make it easy. Most hotels and rooms can be booked on a ‘pay later’ basis, which often allows until up to three days before check-in to alter or cancel the booking without a fee. This is handy if you want to secure a good price but remain at least a little flexible to change your plans. Many other online booking apps and sites require a payment upfront to secure the best price.

The No-Fee Bank Card

A good option is the Qantas Travel Money Card. For every Australian dollar loaded, you receive a Qantas point. That said, it can be a hassle figure out how much to put on the card – plus, the bank charges a fee and locks the user into one currency.

Have a look online for what banks may offer that best suit your travel needs.

The Aussie winter is the high season for travelling to places like the UK and USA. Image: Caribee

Travel Insurance

Yes, this is an essential!

We’ve all been there: trying to save money by flirting with the idea of just risking it without insurance.

‘Oh, but I’m just going on a short trip to Bali. I won’t need it.’

Well, as it tends to unfold, that can be the trip when you actually need it! For example, a few years ago, a volcano erupted on Bali’s neighbour island, Lombok. All flights were cancelled for a week – but thankfully, that’s the sort of thing that can be covered under insurance policies.

We suggest finding a company that offers a hybrid coverage of both health and travel. Ensure you have got full protection in an emergency, and pay a little extra to secure your valuables. A recommended insurer is the ‘Qantas’ of travel insurance: World Nomads. They’re Australian, totally helpful, and donate part of their profits to third world countries.

Google Flights

Google Flights not only delivers on price or partner airlines, but functionality. A calendar view allows you to quickly work out which day is best to fly (as opposed to having to reload the page, isolating a specific day). If you can be flexible with the day you fly, check out Google Flights.

No matter where your travels take you, travel insurance is important. Image: Knog

During Your Travels

Travel Adapters

If you’re travelling through many different countries, which is common when you’re travelling Europe or Asia, make sure you have a suitable adapter for each country. For example, if you’re travelling to Europe via London, you’ll need an AU/NZ > British adapter as well as an AU/NZ > Europe adapter. There are also adaptors available for those travelling to Japan and the USA.

Most of these also have USB ports. This means you can have your laptop plugged in and still be charging your smart phone. Usually, the universal adapters are slightly bulkier than the single country products – but if you’re continent hopscotching, you’ll love it.

The Right Luggage

In determining the right luggage, take into account the variety of activities you’ll partake in. For those who won’t be doing any extreme adventuring, there is the option of a straight wheeled bag or a wheeled pack with a daypack for sightseeing. If you like to travel light, a duffle bag with multiway straps might be a good choice. This also bodes well for grabbing your gear, slinging it over your shoulder, or carrying it on your back.

For the backpackers, a travel backpack is a must to ensure that you can trek and explore without wheels holding you down (literally!). Just make sure you find the right size and volume for your frame, and that it has a comfortable and supportive harness.

Then there’s your carry-on. You don’t want to rock up to your flight only to find that your carry on bag is too big to take on the plane. This is why it’s important to ensure that your carry on is the correct size. This and other requirements vary from airline to airline, and country to country – so be sure to call ahead and check before you invest.

Ben and Lauren also ~unpack~ hiking packs with Deuter on the Snowys Camping Show:

For those who won’t be doing any extreme adventuring, there is the option of a straight wheeled bag or a wheeled pack with a daypack for sightseeing. Image: Caribee

For the backpackers, a travel backpack is a must to ensure that you can trek and explore without wheels holding you down (literally!).

Fit Your Pack Correctly

More on this further down, but for now – here are a few things to remember:

• Consider the Length of Your Torso

Most travel packs have an adjustable harness that allows you to lengthen or shorten the harness, depending on the size of your torso. If your harness has a measuring guide, take note of your measurement. That way, if you lend your pack to somebody, it’s easy to adjust back to your size.

• Detach the Daypack

If your travel pack has a detachable daypack, make sure it’s clipped off. It’ll make you too top-heavy and is likely to whack somebody in the face if you turn around abruptly! Instead, carry the daypack by the top handle, or clip it onto the front of your harness by the shoulder straps.

• Heavy Items Go in the Middle

A well-balanced pack will allow your harness to do what it’s meant to, and that is to distribute 80% of the weight to the strongest part of the body: your hips. The last thing you want is for your pack to be hanging off your shoulders – this will be uncomfortable over time and may lead to an injury (or lots of cussing)! By placing heavy gear in the middle of your pack, you prevent it from being top- or bottom-heavy.

TSA Padlocks and Luggage Tags

There’s nothing worse than being frantic in an airport. No matter how organised you are, items like padlock keys just seem to vanish. If you’re travelling to countries that need to inspect your luggage, switch to TSA locks to make life a little easier – just don’t forget your four-digit code! If you find it hard to remember your passwords at the best of times, that code might just fly out the window when you’re under stress in transit. If this sounds like you, choose a lock with a key instead of a pin code.

It’s amazing how similar luggage can look when they’re all rolling out in a row on the conveyor belt. When you’re tired and bleary-eyed from a long haul flight, use luggage tags to make locating your bags easier at baggage claim.

Luggage tags make identifying your bag a little easier during your travels. Image: Knog

Pack Light

Do you really need to take the kitchen sink with you? Travel should be about the places you go, the experiences you have, and the people you meet. Too much gear will impinge on this sense of freedom.

Try to pack gear that offers multiple uses, and is lightweight. Rather than a bottle of shampoo and bar of soap, consider something like Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wash – it’s concentrated, and will last you around a month. Instead of nail clippers, scissors, a pocket knife, screwdriver, and so on – pack a Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife (more on this further down). Rather than carrying a pack full of clothes, choose quality, hard-wearing items that dry quickly so you can wash on the go (with your Wilderness Wash!).

Travel Comfortably

On those long 10+ hour flights, a good trick is to break up the time. Watch a couple of movies for the first three hours, sleep the next chunk, then either write or read for the last leg. This way, you can focus only on the three or four hours ahead. Turn off the flight path (this is as painful as watching paint dry!). When you’re ready to be (slightly) productive, or shift the boredom – pull out your headphones and open Audible. Pre-download a book before your leave, so you don’t need WiFi.

There’s nothing worse than trying to catch some shut eye when the lights are on in the plane, your pillow keeps slipping down the side of the seat, and there’s an adorable baby screaming bloody murder at your end of the plane. You can’t control what other people do on your flight – but you can pick up an eye mask for blocking out light, some ear plugs for cancelling noise, and a neck pillow to support your head while you try to catch some shut-eye!

If you’re one to feel motion-sick, there’s no need for you to spend the whole flight with a churning stomach. Do yourself a favour and pick up a pair of motion sickness straps, and some air sickness tablets for good measure. That way you can kick back and enjoy the in-flight entertainment, or catch up on a good read.

While the fun is in the journey – find items, tools, and little tricks that’ll offer helpful shortcuts or a welcomed ‘travel companion’!

Travel should be about the places you go, the experiences you have, and the people you meet. Image: Salomon

Top 5 Essentials for Outdoor Adventuring

1. Comfortable and Lightweight Daypack

Even if you’ll spend most of your time relaxing, there are likely to be times when you head out-and-about.

While many travel packs come with zip-on bags, these tend to be small and lack useful features. Daypacks range from 15-40 litres, making them light but roomy enough to fit the necessities (e.g., phone, money, and camera).

Look for:

• Comfort

Comfortable and adjustable harness with padded straps and good ventilation

• Rainproof cover

This will protect valuable electronic gear that you have in your pack

• Hydration compatibility

So you don’t have to buy or pack bulky water bottles

• Laptop compartment

If you simply must to catch up on those emails while on holiday…

• External or side pouches

Where you can store wet or muddy gear and snacks

Look for a daypack that’s as comfortable as it is useful. Image: Caribee

Even if you’ll spend most of your time relaxing, there are likely to be times when you head out-and-about. Image: BlackWolf

2. Hydration System

A hydration system can very valuable, as it negates the need to stop to retrieve your bottle from your pack. They come into their own when riding a bike, motorbike, or horse. Salomon’s XA 25 and 35 Hiking Bags are also a small, slimline, and lightweight option for hydration on the go.

Look for:

• Sufficient size

Typically options are between 1-3 litres, but this will depend on how much you drink, how far you are going, and how long you’re travelling for

• A good mouthpiece

Many cheaper ones are poorly made, leak, and don’t withstand knocks

• Pull-apart and easy-to-clean components

Look for hydration packs that have service kits available, like those from Camelbak

A hydration pack negates the need to stop to retrieve your bottle from your pack. Image: Salomon

3. Lightweight Cooking Stove

While some may say it’s a little over-the-top, many pack their lightweight cooking gear when heading overseas.

It’s a particularly good idea for longer expeditions, or when on a tight budget. Lightweight cookers typically operate on gas, pressurised liquid fuel, or simple liquid fuels i.e. methylated spirits.

Look for:

• Gas stoves

Gas types are the simplest (and cheapest), but you can’t take cylinders on a plane. Plus, finding them when you arrive can be difficult (especially in less-developed countries).

• Pressurised multi-fuel styles

The MSR Whisperlite is a good example, though they can be a little daunting to learn to use.

• Liquid fuel stoves

Liquid fuel types, like Trangia, are indestructible and simple to use – but bulkier, and don’t heat as efficiently.

The Trangia is simple and indestructible, but bulkier. Image: Chris Newman

4. Head Torch

From finding the light switch in a dark hostel room to searching for that bottle opener behind the back seat of the car, a head torch is one of the items you’ll find you reach for the most. LED technology has come a long way, and the head torch range available today is extensive. However, beware of cheaper models that drain batteries – they will let you down when you need them most.

Look for:

• Comfort and ease of use

Comfortable head strap and up-down pivot adjustability

• Sufficient power

A 100-lumen output is the benchmark for an average, good-quality head torch

• Adjustable LED beam

This feature is handy, as it will conserve battery life

• Water resistance

This ensures that the head torch will perform in all kinds of weather

LED technology has come a long way, and the headtorch range available today is extensive. Image: Knog

5. Multi-Tool of Swiss Style Pocket Knife

Arguably one of the most useful items you can take with you. Whether you prefer a multi tool (like a Leatherman or Zippo) or a traditional Swiss style pocket knife (like Victorinox) there’s sure to be a model that has the tools and size you are after. The differences between multi-tools and Swiss styles? Multitools are preferred by tradies as they include pliers and wire strippers, while the Swiss designs tend to be more for travellers as they have a corkscrew, scissors and other novelty features like a toothpick.

Look for:

• Precision and a high-quality steel construction

This is where the extra money you pays off when it comes to a multitool

• Lockable blades

These can be an advantage, as it is an extra safety measure to ensure the blade stays put when in your pocket. Just remember not to put it in your carry-on bag!

Instead of carrying a fire lighter and tinder shreds, save space with the Zippo Surefire Multi Tool – featuring flint wheel ignition and a tinder grater. Image: Zippo

Venture Off-Track

It can be tempting to stay on the path well travelled. After all, we tend to head to places like Paris or New York to see the sights we have heard so much about. Often though, by straying from the path by just a little we see the ‘real side’ of a place. The Paris that the Parisians live in. The Las Vegas where the roulette dealers spend their weekends. The tavernas of rural Greece where elderly Greeks play backgammon with old mates.

By all means, take in the tourist attractions. But explore a little further afield too. See what you discover.

Be sure to explore a little afield!

This blog was updated for 2024, comprising of content from bloggers Amanda Smith, Paul Goodsell, Daniel Gorman, and Bob West.

What are the essential items you always take when you travel?

The post Tricks and Tools for Every Traveller appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Nonetheless, there are many tips and tricks you can implement to promise a successful hiking trip. Read on for my top ten pointers to kick-start your next outdoor expedition.

Read on for my top ten pointers to kick-start your next outdoor expedition. Image: Sea to Summit

1. Bags, Bags, Bags

You need bags. You need more bags than you think. A garbage bag. A dirty laundry bag. A wet-stuff bag. A dry-stuff bag. A bag-to-keep-the-spare-bags-in bag.

Plastic garbage bags weigh absolutely nothing, but become the handiest items you’ll ever need on the track. Pack at least three or four, and you’ll thank me later.

2. Pack Right

I’ll keep this simple because I could write a whole article on this.

Put your heavy, least commonly used items down the bottom of your rucksack. This could include your sleeping bag, tent, mat, some food or fuel, and spares.

Stick your water and hiking food in the middle, so you can easily hydrate and eat on the track without having to dig.

Finally, pack your essential items at the top: a map and compass, an extra layer/outer shell of clothing, first aid kit, camera, and maybe some snacks.

The more bags, the better! Photo: Exped

If you take your time packing your bag properly, so you can access everything easily on the trail. Photo: Sea to Summit

3. Light it Up

One more thing for the top of your rucksack: your head torch. Trust me, the times you need this item are the times you don’t want to be rummaging around blindly for it. It’ll be dark. So put it in a spot you know you can easily find it by feel.

I always put my head torch in the top lid compartment of my rucksack, where I know I can find it with minimal fuss in a dark, cramped tent.

4. Easy-Use Hydration System

Instead of carrying more than one water bottle or container, kit out your rucksack with an easy-to-use reservoir. That way, you can have easy access to your water supply without having to reach around your pack.

When the sky gets dark, you’ll want to be able to get to your headtorch easily. Photo: Sea to Summit

Kit out your rucksack with an easy-to-use reservoir. Image: Exped

5. Sharing is Caring

The smart hiker knows they might forget something, which hopefully your hiking buddy will have. You are going to need bargaining power to get this coveted item off them, without being reminded of it for the remainder of the trip!

Pack something you know your buddy is going to need or like, but you have no interest in whatsoever. Snacks or drinks are the obvious commodities here.

6. Skin Deep

Try wearing a pair of old skins, at least on your legs.

Here’s why: they provide your legs with low-friction and lightweight scratch-resistance from low-level shrubs. As any cyclist will tell you, they also breathe exceptionally well but allow your legs a little insulation against cold conditions (at least long enough for you to fetch your pants from your rucksack).

Another advantage is the exceptional flexibility they grant you. When you’re climbing and rock-hopping, you can sometimes be restricted by conventional clothing.

Your buddy will probably have something you need and vice versa. Photo: Sea to Summit

7. First Aid

Most good first aid kits cover the basics of wound dressing: sterile swabs, saline water, and various bandage options. Keep this maintained every trip, but add in the following over-the-counter medications:

• Anti-inflammatory gel and/or tablets
• Pain relief
• Blister relief pads
• Muscle relief gel
• Antihistamines
• And of course, any other prescribed medication you might need

Just make sure you don’t take any contraindicated medication, and consult your doctor if you’re not sure. You see where I’m going with this. Hiking is physical; it’s hard and it’s rough. You need to make repairs and maintenance on your body as you go. Part of that is pain relief, inflammation relief, or just helping your body relax and repair overnight – so stock up on whatever ‘help’ you can give it and thank me in the morning.

8. Carabiners

Get your hands on some small spring-clip carabiners. You’re not trying to look like a grade-32 rock climber, you just need a couple of small cheapies. They are super convenient for clipping stuff on to your rucksack securely: mugs, gloves, even a camera strap if you have to.

Also, clip one on to that rucksack zipper you can never find in a hurry. You’ll never lose it again!

Make sure you stock up your first aid kit with hiking specific essentials. Image: Exped

9. New Cologne

This tip is my personal favourite. Pack a unique, previously unused deodorant, cologne or perfume. Your brain is wired with strong neural connections between scent (olfactory) and memory functions. By using a brand-new scent, you’ll grow strong associations between your new experiences hiking, and the new smell.

Months or even years later, your memories of good times on the track will come back vividly with the mere whiff of the ol’ cologne.

10. The 3:30 Rule

It’s time to start looking for a campsite at 3:30 in the afternoon. Trust me, years of research have been devoted to figuring out this magic, ‘Goldilocks’ moment in the day.

Three o’clock is too early. You can still be moving, making ground. Four o’clock is pushing it. The sun will be down over those mountains in an hour – are you gonna have your tent up, fire set, and be in position for your scenic sunset photography session in an hour? Well, maybe. But you’ll be pushing it.

So trust me, 3:30pm is campy-time. Mmkay? Break the rule, and refer to Hack #3!

When it starts to get closer to sundown, be sure to scout out somewhere to camp. Photo: Sea to Summit. 

This article was updated for 2024. 

Got any other camping hacks to share?

The post 10 Hacks for an Easier Hike appeared first on Snowys Blog.

1. Beer

Yes, you read that correctly – beer. While many hikers opt for lightweight, space-saving beverages, I can’t resist packing a couple of my favourite beers. On a good day there will be a bubbling cold creek close to camp to chill my beers a little, but often they are a touch on the warm side. Despite this, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a beer while taking in the breathtaking views at the end of a challenging hike. In fact my passion for beer is probably what got me into ultralight hiking in the first place.

My friends love pointing out that I’ll pay $1,000 for an ultralight tent and weigh my undies but the beers in my pack never get weighed. I have tried venturing out to alternatives like port or whiskey, but I just don’t enjoy them as much. Everyone has their own hiking style and there is no right or wrong way to hike. So long as you are getting out there and enjoying yourself, that’s the main thing!

I’ll pay $1,000 for an ultralight tent and weigh my undies but the beers in my pack never get weighed!

2. 3.5kg of Camera Gear for YouTube Videos

As a hiking and adventure enthusiast, I love capturing my experiences and sharing them with my community. My camera gear, including tripods, gimbals, and audio equipment, may add weight, but the reward of creating films of my adventures is well worth it. While out there filming, it forces me to look more closely at nature so I can try to capture its beauty and share it with the viewer. I believe hiking is a great way to deepen our love and curiosity for the natural world and hope to share that through my videos. The gift of sharing these videos with my YouTube community is definitely worth the 3.5kg weight penalty!

My camera gear may add weight, but the reward of creating films of my adventures is well worth it.

Everyone has their own hiking style, and there is no right or wrong way.

3. Bushcraft Knife with Ferro Rod

Starting a fire with a ferro rod might take longer than using a lighter, but there’s something deeply satisfying about the process. Using basic tools to create fire, I feel more connected to nature. I have to think more deeply about the fire I am going to make that evening; perhaps collecting tinder during the day and processing it into fine fibres that will take a spark easily. Nurturing that spark into a flame requires your full focus. I find it to be a meditative and calming activity. It helps you to appreciate the fundamentals of fire, which has been crucial to human survival for millennia. Watching the fire grow from a small spark into a warm, comforting blaze always lifts the spirits. For these reasons and so many more, I’ll always reach for my ferro rod and bushcraft knife when heading outdoors.

Starting a fire with a ferro rod might take longer than using a lighter, but there’s something deeply satisfying about the process.

4. Lightweight Trail Shoes (Altra Lone Peak)

I’m a massive fan of ditching the rigid heavy boots for minimalist trail shoes. Trail shoes are typically much lighter than boots, which can make a significant difference to your comfort and reduce fatigue, especially on long hikes or trail runs. I swear by the saying that a pound on your foot is equivalent to 5 pounds in your backpack. My trail shoes also have amazing breathability and ventilation, which keep my feet cool, preventing moisture build-up that can cause blisters. They also dry quickly if you get them wet. I don’t even bother to take my shoes off for stream crossings, which is safer and faster.

My trail shoes also tend to be more flexible and provide better freedom of movement for my feet and ankles. I love being able to feel the terrain under my feet; I feel more connected to the land I’m walking on, but it also gives me greater agility. Transitioning to minimalist shoes should be done gradually to allow your feet and lower legs time to adapt, as sudden changes in footwear can lead to discomfort or injury. Now that i’ve found trail shoes I’ll never go back to regular boots.

Trail shoes are typically much lighter than boots, which can make a significant difference to your comfort and reduce fatigue.

5. Toothbrush Tablets

To balance the weight of my beloved beer, I’ve invested in a heap of ultralight gear and one of these great discoveries is toothbrush tablets! These little tablets not only save me space and weight, they are also environmentally friendly. Many toothbrush tablets come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging, reducing the environmental impact of disposing of plastic toothpaste tubes. Additionally, the tablets themselves are often more environmentally friendly compared to traditional toothpaste, therefore leaving less harmful residues in the environment when you are hiking. Toothbrush tablets can also be used without water as you don’t really need to rinse your mouth after use, helping to conserve this valuable resource. I also really enjoy using toothbrush tablets – it took me a couple of different brands to find one I love, but now that I’ve found it I’ll never go back to regular toothpaste when outdoors!

These little tablets not only save me space and weight, they are also environmentally friendly.

Toothbrush tablets can also be used without water as you don’t really need to rinse your mouth after use.

In the world of hiking, connecting with nature in your own unique way is what makes the experience so special. While some may laugh at the contents of my pack, each item has a story and a purpose, adding to the enjoyment of my time outdoors. My favourite saying is: “hike your own hike’. Do what works for you, not what others do. I have a friend Julia who carries a very big and heavy pack. I initially thought she was crazy but now I just keep quiet and enjoy the chocolate pudding and hot cups of tea she provides along the walk.

My favourite saying is: ‘hike your own hike’. Do what works for you, not what others do.

What’s the weirdest item in your hiking pack? Let us know in the comments below!

The post ‘You’re Taking THAT?!’ – The 5 Weirdest Items in my Hike Pack appeared first on Snowys Blog.

With worries about the family and in-laws, fitting in all the silly season shenanigans, and thoughts about what you didn’t achieve in the last year that you wanted to – you don’t need yet another article to make you feel bad.

This one is different, and I invite you over the holiday period to jump off the hamster wheel and ‘do’ with intentionality, ‘be’ more, relax, enjoy and consider your purpose and values when making plans, and maybe – just maybe – finish the year feeling good, and go into the holidays feeling excited about the possibilities. Not just for the holiday season, but for the year ahead.

Firstly though, I need to take a step back and explain a few concepts that I want to base this discussion on. Some very key concepts that really shape the way we take action, and the things we do.

Over the holiday period, jump off the hamster wheel and ‘do’ with intentionality, ‘be’ more, relax, enjoy, and consider your purpose and values when making plans.

Having, Being, and Doing

If you hang out with me enough, you’ll hear me talking about BE-ing, DO-ing, and HAVE-ing. Whenever we speak of motivation, goal setting, or trying to figure out how to move forward, we must consider these three concepts; starting with figuring out what we want to HAVE, we then figure out who we need to BE – and finally, we base our DO-ing on that.

Now we’ve got those basics down, let’s talk about using them to have the best holidays ever (oh, and be motivated… if that’s what you want!?).

Whenever we speak of motivation, we must consider these three concepts: ‘Have’, ‘Be’, and ‘Do’.

The ‘Have’

What do you want to HAVE this holiday season? What do you want to achieve?

Maybe there’s a particular hike you want to go on, or a new tramp you’ve been meaning to try and you’ll have some time to over the holidays. Maybe you just want to have a relaxing holiday break, camping somewhere with books and friends, feeling relaxed, happy, and free.

Let’s also keep on topic and say that you do want to have the motivation to continue moving towards a specific goal, in a time full of indulgence, festivities, and holidays. Or perhaps you just want to have peace, calm, and joy in whatever you do – that’s cool too.

Either way, you know what you want to HAVE. Perfect.

Now to HAVE the thing you want to HAVE… who do you need to BE?

What do you want to HAVE this holiday season? What do you want to achieve?

The ‘Be’

When we consider that all the ‘doing’ we do comes from our thoughts, beliefs, and values, this step is the vital one for your success.

The question to ask yourself here is: to HAVE what I want to HAVE, what thoughts and beliefs do I need to hold about myself, the situation, and my goal? In other words, what would that future self who has achieved the goal think and feel? What would they value? How do they show up?

If you want to have that awesome camping trip, try that new tramp, or complete that specific track, you have to believe that you have the time, skills, and knowledge to do it. You have to believe you are capable of doing it, or learning to do it.

This step is about thinking the thoughts that the person who has the thing, thinks! If you want to have motivation, you have to believe you can be motivated, that you can prioritise the thing that’s important to you, and that you are, in fact, motivated!

If you want to have that awesome camping trip, try that new tramp, or complete that specific track, you have to believe that you have the time, skills, and knowledge to do it.

The ‘Do’

When you’ve got a good list of thoughts and a good list of beliefs, you move to the final step: the DO-ing.

What does that person DO? How is that different from the person you are now, and the thoughts and beliefs that might be driving your behaviour currently?

Maybe these days you think there is no time, it’s too hard, you can’t fit it in, and your family won’t understand. Eeeekkk…

Continuing down the spiral of doom, you don’t think you are capable of trying that new tramp, and you don’t believe you have the skills to tackle that new trail. Or, in regards to that relaxing camping trip reading books, you tell yourself you’re no good at relaxing, or it’s a waste of time.

None of this will get you where you want to go – you’ll likely end up feeling bad and heading into the new year thinking you just haven’t got it in you to have what you want.

But you, my friend, now know better!

You know that you need to just try on the thoughts and beliefs that align with what you want to have – and by doing that, you can stay motivated through the holiday season. Heck, you can go one better and set yourself up for a bangin’ new year with your new superpower of BE-ing!

So, you’ll trade the ‘no time’ excuse for ‘I can make time’. Gone is the ‘too hard’, and ‘not capable’, replaced instead with ‘I can learn’ and ‘I’m probably way stronger than I think… it would be fun to find out!?’.

No more spirals of doom – instead, intentionally BE-ing from a place of possibility! HECK YES!

Just try on the thoughts and beliefs that align with what you want to have – and by doing that, you can stay motivated through the holiday season.

The Outcome

The cool thing about starting this process now is that you can create some space over the holiday season to really tune into what is important to you. You can start to show up for yourself and create the experiences you want to create.

So, let’s DO the things that are meaningful in moving us towards our goals, and enjoy the journey. Create the reality you want this holiday season, and have the experiences you want to have by BE-ing the person who has those experiences.

This might just be your best holiday season yet!

Quick Bites

The 3-step process for staying motivated and doing cool stuff this holiday season

Decide what you want to HAVE that is really important to you this holiday season. For example:

• Completing a cool hike or tramp that will stretch your skills
• Camping in a new spot, chilling, and relaxing with friends and family
• Keeping your training going through the holiday period

Figure out the thoughts and beliefs you need to have the goal; who you need to BE. For example:

• I can make time for this
• I am motivated!
• I have the skills I need, or I can learn them
• I can be brave
• My family will understand and support me
• I am capable of anything I put my mind too
• I can find a way

Take action from the place of those thoughts and beliefs, and base the DO-ing on them. For example:

• Actively planning your calendar with the things that are important to you
• Doing the thing you want to be motivated to do!
• Booking the holiday or track, and boldly going to do it
• Researching gaps in your knowledge
• Reaching out to people who can help
• Saying ‘no’ to the things that aren’t aligned with what you want
• Talking to family and friends, and telling them what you want to do – and why!
• Surrounding yourself with people who are achieving what you want to achieve
• Noticing ways of thinking that do not support your goals, and actively changing them

The cool thing about starting this process now is that you can create some space over the holiday season to really tune into what is important to you.

I’m at @runliketanya on socials. Tag me and hashtag #possibilityproject #whatelseispossible, so I can see what you are up to and share the adventures!

The post How to Stay Motivated During the Holiday Season appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Hello fellow outdoor adventurers! I’m thrilled to introduce myself and share a little about my world of hiking, solo explorations, YouTube and television adventures, and a deep passion for all things nature and environmental conservation. So grab your favourite trail snack, spark up the JetBoil, and let’s embark on this journey together.

I’m an environmental scientist who is passionate about creating YouTube content focused on equipment, techniques, and hiking. Being in the great outdoors brings me immense happiness and my goal is to help anyone else looking to deepen their connection with nature. I firmly believe that spending time in nature yields significant mental health benefits, and by nurturing our connection with the natural world we can inspire greater efforts to protect the environment.

I have a deep passion for all things nature and environmental conservation. Image: Elsie Percival

Solo Hiking

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of hiking numerous trails across Australia, including the Cape to Cape, Larapinta, Jatbula, and the Great South West Walk. However, my favourite hiking experience was an informal 700-kilometre trail that follows the New South Wales coast from Sydney to Mallacoota in Victoria, often called the Great South Coast Hike. I had to plan the route I’d take each day, including working out how to cross the many rivers along the way. Sometimes I’d get lucky and I could hitch a lift with a local fisherman or jet ski rider, but other times I had to inflate my airpad and paddle across with my backpack. These days I love off-tack walking around NSW, especially Morton National Park. The self-reliance and the profound connection with nature that solo hiking offers is addictive. However, I also find a lot of joy in car camping with my loved ones, sharing the experience of connecting in nature with them.

I’ve had the privilege of hiking numerous trails across Australia. Image: Jimmy Walsh

My Channel

Capturing the emotions of my hiking adventures and sharing them with the world is something I love doing. On my YouTube channel, I document my hikes, and try to capture the essence of what it’s like to be out there, the stunning views, wildlife encounters, the highs and lows of hiking. I’m also passionate about helping people get outdoors, so I share videos on hiking skills and equipment reviews – from how to go to the toilet outdoors, to what’s in my pack and how to dehydrate your own food. I love making these videos. From the discussion that these videos generate, I’ve also learnt a heck of a lot from the YouTube community.

Want more on that? Ben and Lauren sit down with Kate Grarock in Episode 55 of the Snowys Camping Show:

Bush Blitz

When I’m not out hiking, I’m an expedition Leader at Bush Blitz. We travel to remote parts of Australia looking for new species of plants and animals. My work revolves around learning more about the natural world, which aligns perfectly with my love for hiking and nature. We work with a range of land managers and it’s so special to be in a County with Traditional Owners and see their connection to the land. This work helps me realise there is so much more to learn about the natural world and that’s exciting. I’m dedicated to understanding our environment and advocating for its protection.

My work revolves around learning more about the natural world, which aligns perfectly with my love for hiking and nature. Image: Jimmy Walsh

On my YouTube channel, I document my hikes and try to capture the essence of what it’s like to be out there.

‘Alone Australia’

One of the highlights of my outdoor journey was the opportunity to test my survival skills on the SBS television show ‘Alone Australia’. Ten people were dropped in the wild in lutruwita (Tasmania) in winter – all alone, with ten items to survive for as long as they could. I had to build my own shelter, find my own food, and self document it all with a camera and a couple of GoPros. It was both a deeply rewarding and challenging experience. Witnessing the impact I had on that small patch of land was eye-opening to me as an environmental scientist. When do we ever camp in one spot more than a few nights? I very quickly had to start walking further and further to harvest plants for food and collect firewood. It was shocking to think about the impact we must have in our modern day lives, when I was seeing significant impacts in my little area after a few days. Sadly, we are so disconnected from the environment and our impacts in our modern day lives – for example, we don’t see where our rubbish gets taken or how our power is generated.

My time on ‘Alone’ was truly life changing. In our fast-paced lives we seldom get time to stop, think, and reflect on how we are living our lives and what, if anything, we might change. Living without basic things such as running water, a bed, food, or even people was incredibly powerful. It helped me appreciate everything I have in the modern world. It has also deepened my connection to nature. I love getting outdoors whenever I can.

In our fast-paced lives we seldom get time to stop, think, and reflect on how we are living our lives and what, if anything, we might change. Image: Elsie Percival

Watch This Space…

I have recently started a project to help people get out into nature. I knew when I wanted to start hiking there was a very steep learning curve around what gear I needed, how to plan a trip, and how to stay safe. So I want to help break down some of these barriers so people can enjoy their time outdoors. Seeing the joy people get from being in nature is what inspires me to keep working hard. I believe hiking is a great way to deepen our love and curiosity for the natural world.

So get out there and get curious about all the amazing places we have here in Australia. What do you love most about getting outdoors?

The post Introducing Kate Grarock appeared first on Snowys Blog.

We see you. We hear you.

As heard in Episodes 65 and 66 of the Snowys Camping Show, your trusted Snowys gear experts Ben and Lauren answer more of your campsite questions in the second and final part of our Campsite Q&A’s blog series.

Your trusted Snowys gear experts Ben and Lauren answer more of your campsite questions. Image: Coleman

Gear and Maintenance

Essentials for Beach Camping, and Tips for Keeping the Sand out of the Swag / Tent?

To first address sand, Ben and Lauren recommend a mesh ground sheet which, while expensive, is worth the investment. Double-layered, the mesh allows for any sand on top to fall through without resurfacing, ensuring a sand-free environment. These ground sheets were initially invented as portable helipads, designed to be positioned on loose desert surfaces to prevent sand from blowing and flicking upwards as the helicopter lands. OZtrail manufacture a less expensive model, which still adequately serves the same purpose.

Lauren also recommends EVA foam floor mats at the doorway, and a dustpan and brush to sweep away sand from legs and feet. A Muk Mat – a large, well-finished slab of Astro Turf – works wonders in sandy, beachy environments too. Lauren also suggests washing away the grit and debris in a tub of water, large enough for someone to stand in. Ultimately, allocating a ‘zone’ nearby your setup to clean away sand before entering the living area is the suggested approach. Sand in a tent and living space is often only a problem if we allow for it to build up – so control it from the beginning! 

Broadly speaking, beach camping also requires some sort of wind management. That said, setting up a wind break in sandy environments can encourage sand to whip upwards in a whirlwind. To control this, Ben and Lauren recommend choosing tents with fine mesh, and sealing windows and openings during the day to prevent sand from making its way into bedding.

Lastly, adequate sand pegs and guy ropes are paramount when beach camping, as well as trace springs for added stability in windier conditions.

Securing Food from Pests?

…Try literally anything.

In a previous podcast episode, Ben and Lauren detail how to manage critters and pests at the campsite.

Ultimately, they recommend Tupperware that seals tight. Ben is content with leaving unopened food packets in a tub with the lid sitting on top. On the other hand, opened packets should be kept in an airtight container to prevent ants from making their way in.  

In Ep53 – Kangaroo Island, Lauren describes the relentless possum raids as a result of leaving her doors open at night. Generally though, she manages well by keeping her food in storage draws under the bed and recommends solid plastic tubs. Even for a grain of rice, mice will chew through soft silicon and thin plastics, so be aware of the quality of your storage options too. Again, Ben can advocate for this in Ep44 – Ben’s Half Lap, where he resorts to creating a trash contraption mouse trap to catch a critter than chewed its way into his 4WD!

For the unique nomads who hoped for more than just ‘use good storage containers’ – ever tried suspending your food from a tree using squat straps? Learn more about this in Ep57 and Ep96 on Weird and Wonderful Camping Gear!

Can you repair a sleeping mat if it leaks at the seams or valves – and if so, how?

Ben and Lauren have recorded a video that lives on the Snowys YouTube channel, elaborating on material relevant to this question – though not in detail.

Usually, only a leak via a seam or valve is guaranteed under warranty. This is because inconsistencies or fissures at these points are more than likely attributed to manufacturing faults. Ben and Lauren recommend getting in touch with the retailer of your defective sleeping mat to receive a warranty assessment.

While not the prettiest fix, Ben suggests Stormsure adhesive or seam grip glue to mend your mat DIY-style. Specifically, heavily smother the hole before spreading the glue at length along each side to create a seal. For an even stronger hold, apply the glue to a nylon ripstop-type material (from a place like Spotlight), as a foundation. This works particularly well with longer tears; Ben recommends incorporating fabric or gauze in and amongst the glue by placing a large strip over the top of the gash. When stretched, the fabric separates – but the seam grip covers it.

Personal camping essentials, upgrades, original gear, current gear, and reasons behind any alterations?

Before we unpack this question – yes, Ben. We get it. You love your coffee kit bag.

As much as this is true, Ben points out that he considers ‘personal camping essentials’ the items that mostly sit beneath the ‘hygiene’ and ‘medication’ umbrella. Lauren rarely washes her hair on a camping trip, instead relying on Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wash as both soap and body wash. Other essentials include her quality base layers and socks, sheep skins to drape over her camp chairs for warmth, Crocs (which she insists are the most bomb-proof, ideal footwear to slip on and off around the campsite), a head torch, and a bird book with binoculars to watch and learn of the pretty birdlife that often surrounds her on her travels.

On the other hand, Ben reveals the gear he’s replaced over the years. He now avoids rounder table lanterns and instead opts for 12V LED strips or hanging lights, having decided that they light his table setup more effectively. As well as lighting, Ben has reconsidered how he operates his stove, now opting for multi-fuel over gas. Unlike large, heavy gas bottles, multi-fuel systems are easy to transport and assemble, eliminating the need for hoses and other accessories. While it may take longer, Ben confirms that this is the trade-off he’s willing to sacrifice. His cast iron camp oven – whilst a favourite – is also soon to be replaced by one of spun steel for both weight and portability reasons. Lastly, he’s removed his awning from his 4WD. This was after deciding it was too tedious to set up and take down on trips where he was driving more frequently than he was pulling over. It now sits in his shed at home… and he doesn’t miss it!

Ben now avoids table lanterns and instead opts for 12V lighting. Image: Hard Korr

Lauren hears of new and improved gear through the grapevine from as often as monthly to even weekly. For this reason, her setup reflects constant evolution as opposed to a ‘before and after’ project. An example of this is her transition from a Waeco 45-litre fridge to a myCOOLMAN dual zone 85-litre fridge, after discovering more room in her van to store it. Now in the process of fitting out their camper van, she reflects on why she didn’t consider two drawer fridges to stack on top of one another – an arrangement she’s keen to progress to when the vehicle renovations are done. The drawer fridges she’s interested in are 10 centimetres wider than the current fridge, but are stackable and each capable of running as either a fridge or freezer.
Overall, settling on a sprinter van instead of a 4WD or caravan – as much as Lauren and her partner love it – has its limitations. Lacking features such as 4WD access or adequate clearance can sometimes be more significant issues than not, especially when she plans to go far beyond her backyard and get wild! As a result, Lauren finds herself wondering what she may opt for further down the line, and what differences it will pose regarding setup. Better or worse – at the end of the day, the grass will always seem greener.

Advice on Tent Security (and Storing Spare Keys)?

The simple answer is: don’t keep your keys in your tent.

With his minimalist setup, Ben has spent many camping trips probably appearing as one of the less wealthy campers at the campsite – which likely explains why he’s yet to be robbed! In some ways, locking everything away can suggest that you have something to steal.

An effortless solution is to not store valuables inside the tent, where Ben tends to only leave his bedding. While there’s always a chance, the likelihood that his sleeping bag will be stolen is relatively low, with fewer repercussions if it was over his wallet or phone.

As for Lauren, theft has never been on her radar. In her experience, there’s an unspoken rule in the camping community to not steal from other setups. Ben admits that National Park spaces are relatively theft-free, though some caravan parks in particular are more prone to it. This is often not as malicious as it is purely opportunistic; young, ratbag kids are usually just out for a thrill, looking to snatch up some loose change or something valuable. This is often the case in most areas alike.

Ultimately, the chance of theft at a campground depends on its location. To address any concerns you may have, simply lock your vehicle and avoid leaving loose change or valuables in exposed places. For instance: at night, Ben tends to store his car keys in the small internal tent pocket just above his head.

Gazebos – Necessary Additional Family Shelter, or Storage Space Waster?

The short answer? It depends on who you are, the storage space you have, and the nature of your desired setup.

For a more detailed response, Ben and Lauren cover relevant information extensively in Ep7 – Gear You Don’t Need for Camping and Ep59 – Shelters for Rainy Days.

What is Safer: to Keep Your Lithium Battery (Plugged Into Solar Panels and a Fridge) in a 6 x 4  Trailer, a Tent, or on a Blanket on the Ground?

If the battery is lithium, it’s generally safe either way.

On the other hand, other lead acid batteries (including sealed) emit hydrogen and generally don’t operate well in extreme temperatures, so best kept in a ventilated space. Keeping it by your fridge shouldn’t be a concern in this regard, as the fridge itself also requires adequate aeration due to its compressor.

Albeit, Ben and Lauren aren’t experts on batteries. Initially, they suggest using common sense; keeping a hot battery close beside you within a tent isn’t ideal! Those who are still unsure should note the warnings in the instruction manual of their respective power station (for instance, the Companion Lithium Rover), or talk to the experts (e.g. Battery World).

Items you Thought Would be Useless but Were Useful, and Vice-Versa?

For Ben, he never expected to need a paintbrush on a road trip – but has found it useful in sweeping away dust and debris from his car or tent interior, especially in outback travelling!

On the other hand, the few opportunities he’s found to use his awning don’t warrant transporting it about as often as he once did. For this reason, it now lives packed away in his shed indefinitely. As well as this, he’s allocated his ‘Grandpa Fork’ to the box of untouched tackle. The tool is simply a fork-like piece that attaches to the end of a stick, designed for toasting marshmallows. While Lauren thinks they’re a nifty invention, Ben would rather just use a stick…

For Lauren, her set of four collapsible tubs are the most unexpectedly delightful addition to her camp clobber. She uses them regularly, and plans to soon purchase another set.

As for the presumably great gadgets that have turned out to be sub-par, she keeps a large collection of items alike in her shed which simply haven’t suited her setup as much as she initially thought. At this stage, nothing in particular springs to mind – but keep an eye out on the Snowys Camping Show Facebook group while she sets this question aside to marinate…

Ben finds he doesn’t use his awning enough to warrant transporting it around as often as he does. Image: Darche

Camping, Caravanning, and 4WDing

Funniest Camp Fail?

… On par with Ben’s ‘green ant’ story, as told in Episode 44? Lauren may just match it.

There’s a place she and her family love to go, the track to which is recommended for 4WDs only – especially when wet. That said, Lauren claims her Sprinter van can tackle more than one may think… but in this instance, these were her famous last words.

Lauren and her family were due to meet with another two groups. Given the substantial room in her vehicle compared to others, she was transporting enough gear for six people – plus more to lessen the load for other families. This added significantly more weight to the van… which didn’t bode well on the track after recent rainfall. When they approached the track, it was a slurry of cold, grey mud. By the time they realised it wasn’t a good idea to proceed, it was too late to turn back!

Initially, they were hopeful… before the van began to slip and slide perilously in the sludge. Eventually, they were left steadfast in sticky mud, stranded in the middle of the Riverland. The sun had set; it was 9:30pm. Lauren directed the kids to toddle off into the inky blackness with a torch to find help, while she and her partner began the exhaustive process of attempting to nudge the van, stubbornly wedged in the thick mud.

After some time, their friend arrived, and together they discovered the root of the problem; the vehicle’s diff was lodged firmly into a large lump of clay. To first alleviate some of the weight, Lauren had the kids carrying camp clobber from the van to the campsite, piece by piece like a row of ants. Next, her partner stripped down to only his shorts and primely positioned himself well underneath the van. The track soon became a mucky mess of footprints as Lauren’s family gathered sticks, logs, and debris to dig away at the diff buried deep in the sludge.

Time moved fast – but the van remained resolute. By midnight, Lauren and her crew attempted one last tactic. After removing the wheel, they packed in the space underneath with sticks and bark, inserted the jack, and pushed as hard as they could while one of them took the driver’s seat. Eventually, Lauren and her family were a wholesome blend of filthy, relieved – and with a vehicle in motion!

For a camp fail equally as chaotic involving a snake, a floating tent, and a mass of green ants – check out Ep44 – Ben’s Half Lap.

Practicality of Extended Overland Trips in an SUV/Wagon/Car, Versus the More Built-Out 4WDs/RVs/Camper Vans/Caravans?

The key consideration that distinguishes one from the other is preparation. Travelling in a 4WD, RV, or camping vehicle requires less given that, in many ways, they already account for half of your setup. With an SUV or smaller vehicle, space is more limited.

As much as it bodes well to first do your research before purchasing a more built-out camper van, don’t let your current wagon or car be a roadblock to hitting the road and seeing the sights. While it may not be wise to travel through the Bungle Bungles in a Sedan, there is still so much to see and do in the great outdoors without a 4WD setup.

Do Either of you Own a Camper Trailer or a Caravan? What are Your Hacks?

Ben and Lauren do not – but Snowys’ resident caravanning expert, Kevin, certainly does!

Kevin has frequently featured in episodes of the Snowys Camping Show, such as Caravan Water Tanks 101, Caravan Refrigeration, and Caravanning the Oodnadatta Track. Given how many caravanning hacks there are, Ben and Lauren suggest advising us of any specifics for Kevin to address from his fountain of knowledge.

Travelling in a 4WD requires less preparation given that, in many ways, they already account for half of your setup! Image: Darche

What are the essential spare items that Kev would take for extended caravan travelling, off-road?

We’ve addressed this in detail in Episode 68 with our caravanning expert, Kev.

While the list extends further, and excludes the various considerations and details depending on the off-road situation – Kev recommends the following as a guide:

• A standard toolkit
• Wheel bearings
• A hub seal
• Irrigation joiners, straights, and elbows etc. for the hoses and connectors beneath the van
• Two spare wheels, as well as plugs for any minor punctures
• Turn buckles and chains to secure broken springs and axels (this becomes complicated, and depends on the situation!)
• A roll of duct tape, insulation tape, and wire
• Replacement fuses to suit those existing in your car or caravan
• So much more!

Food

Favourite Meal to Cook When Camping / Meal Ideas?

Ben and Lauren elaborate on relevant information throughout both Ep2 – Tips for Keeping Camping Food Fresh, Ep13 – Camping on a Budget, and Ep27 – Camp Kitchen Essentials.

In addition to this specific content, Lauren confirms that her favourite camping food – especially in Winter –  is a cooked brekky. For her, nothing beats smoky bacon, eggs, and charred toast by the campfire coals first thing in the morning!

On the other hand, Ben tends to cook modified versions of the meals he eats at home. For example, when cooking a pasta at the campsite that would usually include fresh tomatoes, he’d add tinned instead.

Another winner for Ben is damper. A doughy, buttery, body-bolstering blend of simple and versatile – damper requires only staple ingredients, elevated even more with bits and pieces of sweet or savoury. By the same token, a jaffle iron is one of Ben’s favourite appliances at the campsite. As well as cooking mini dampers, Ben uses his iron by pressing dough into the moulds, filling it with either baked beans, chocolate, or other fillings of choice, and toasting to create little dough pouches for his kids to carry around camp.

In the meantime, she suggests preparing as much food in advance as possible. This includes pre-chopping vegetables, and pre-cooking meals to then vacuum-seal and re-heat in boiling water at the campsite. Storing pre-cooked rice and chopped vegetables such as onion, pumpkin, or carrots in vac-sealed bags also keeps food fresh and maintained.

In Lauren’s experience, meal-prepping for only herself and her partner versus her entire family are two very different processes. So again – watch this space for more content specific to this aspect of adventuring!

What are the recommended meal and preparation ideas for camping, specifically for stove cooking?

For a little while, Lauren has been keen to produce an episode purely centred around campsite meals. In it, she’d aim to cover meal planning, preparation, and cooking for camping.

In a previous episode with Dr. Kate Grarock, ‘Food for Adventure’, Ben and Lauren kept the content hiking-focused. Episodes alike include ‘Food for Hiking‘, as well as content that explores camp kitchen essentials and how to keep food fresh. Considering this, Lauren has identified the absence of an episode solely dedicated to recipes and meal ideas.

Fridges

Use-case tips on Dometic icebox sizes – including packing standard-sized items to assess how they fit, and how to subsequently determine a suitable size?

This has been an angle on iceboxes from which both Ben and Lauren have wanted to approach for a little while. In a previous podcast episode, ‘Fridges Vs Iceboxes’, they discuss the pros and cons of each and consequently which option is more suited to various setups.

For now, our gear gurus confirm that it depends on the purpose for which your icebox is being used; be that solely cooling, or in conjunction with a fridge. Granted, a YouTube video on our channel may be the perfect way to further elaborate on this question and demonstrate visually… so for the last time, watch this space!

In a previous podcast episode, Ben and Lauren discuss the pros and cons of both iceboxes and fridges. Image: Dometic

OK, now let’s be real for a second…

Will Snowys ever open a store in Victoria or Sydney?

Unfortunately, this isn’t on the radar. Ben says that Snowys aim to continue to focus on what they do well, as opposed to expanding and subsequently increasing the prices of products. That said – never say never!

Nonetheless, this isn’t a conversation Lauren and Ben are ultimately involved in, instead determined by a higher level of authority.

Do you two each have an Instagram account, so we can see your setups as well?

The short answer is: not really.

Why? Lauren’s answer for Ben is simple: he’s ‘lame’!

Ben’s explanation for his lack of internet sharing is a little more sentimental; when he’s on holiday, he unplugs almost entirely. Instead of watching the number of views rise on his Instagram stories, he watches the view of the sunrise instead. While some reach the end of a demanding day outdoors and choose to take the time to share photos with their family via WhatsApp, Ben watches the sun set instead. On his half-lap across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Ben became so emersed in his surroundings that his wife would update his family for him!

Nonetheless, Ben and Lauren admit that they reference their own setups a lot throughout their Snowys podcasts and content. Those who listen to the Snowys Camping Show podcast have insight into Ben and Lauren’s identities in a work-based capacity, with little reference to their personal life.

Lauren has a personal Instagram account that she rarely uses, but has considered creating one that is more relevant to her camping life for public observation. Where she’ll continue to ponder the idea, Ben is certain that a personal account will be disappointing for his followers due to the simplicity of his setup!

More questions? Hit us up! Image: Sea to Summit

Got a question for Ben and Lauren? Check out Episodes 23, 30, 48, 65, 66, and 92 of the Snowys Camping Show to hear whether it’s already been answered!

The post Campsite Q&A’s (Part 2) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

From wet weather tips and coffee at the campsite, to the best bags, mending swags, what they can’t camp without, and how to get around – this blog covers the first of a two-part series on the questions asked of our resident gear gurus – Ben and Lauren.

From wet weather tips to coffee at the campsite – read on for answers to some of our most-asked questions! Image: Sea to Summit

Camping

‘What are your favourite items of camping equipment?’

Ben’s favourite is his Aeropress coffee maker and X-Pot kettle from Sea to Summit, plus his solar panels so he can travel further off the grid. Lauren is very fond of her Cecil & Co Campfire Water Boiler which she uses with her 12V shower for steaming hot bush showers, her trusty Scrubba wash bag for cleaning clothes, and her Hillbilly cookstand for campfire cooking.

‘What do you look for when choosing a campsite? Do you have any local favs?’

Lauren admits that she doesn’t like to share her favourite spots, as there have been some great campsites in the past that have become trashed after gaining popularity. In terms of finding a good spot, she says WikiCamps has been helpful as you can filter both your region and requirements. Lauren now looks for bush camps / campsites with minimal amenities, are nearby a water source, offer space for kids to roam, and allow both dogs and campfires (within fire season). Ben largely feels the same, as he prefers more remote camping where there is plenty of space and solitude.

‘It would be cool to see your setups – Ben’s sounds quite interesting.’

You can hear more about Ben and Lauren’s setups in the Episode 71 and Episode 72 of the Snowys Camping Show:

‘There are many women camping solo these days. I am 59, and I would love to know what products make camping easier and safer for me.’

Instant Up Tents are a good example of easy, user-friendly camping gear. Lauren hasn’t solo-camped much in her time, but some contributors in our Facebook group have shared tips like taking an extra chair and leaving an empty can or beer bottle to give the impression of another camper’s presence. Also, having a way to communicate in terms of safety, be that some sort of messenger device to connect with your loved ones or a UHF radio for calling for assistance. This will provide some peace of mind.

‘Tips for taking toddlers camping?’

Having touched on both camping with kids and camping with teenagers, Lauren and Ben maintain their suggestion to allow children the freedom to explore in safe areas (i.e. away from spaces prone to snakes). Navigate the nooks and crannies with them, and foster a respect and wonder for natural environments. 

Along with old, worn clothing, Lauren recommends packing your child/ren a waterproof over-suit for winter camping, thrown on with a pair of gumboots for perfectly protected play among the mud puddles. She also comments that camping in caravan parks often presents more problems than setting up out in the open, where cars and other children tearing up the tracks on bikes can create a cramped and crowded space for toddlers. In the bush, parents can instead establish the clear perimeters their children can roam to, and eliminate any worries about washing. On that, Lauren suggests doubling a trug as both a washing basin and a bath.

For sleeping, Ben recommends creating a barrier either side of your child to prevent them from rolling off their mat. Especially in the winter, waking up in the middle of the night on the cold, hard floor can make defying the outdoors the following day difficult – and in some cases, cause sickness. Additionally, Lauren strongly suggests avoiding kids’ sleeping bags. In her experience, they’ve never offered the same level of warmth, longevity, or adequate length as the adult designs. Instead, simply purchase a standard sized bag, and either fold in half or block off at the end to prevent your pocket-sized humans from slipping too far into the sack.

Oh, and of course – be sure to not to skimp on the snacks!

‘What’s the right way to stake a tent?

Some say 45° away from tent, others 45° toward the tent, and some say vertically. Confusion reigns. For me, it’s critical the tent remains secure in wind!’

The top of the peg should be pointing away from the tent – so when you’re hammering it into the ground, it’s angled away from the tent.

‘On my lap around Australia, what is recommended: ute canopy, camper trailer, or caravan?’

For those travelling as a couple without children, Lauren and Ben suggest using a Ute canopy as opposed to attempting to tow a camper trailer or caravan. Nonetheless, in cases where campers feel comfortable leaving them stationary somewhere for long periods of time, caravans and trailers can provide a roomy, humble alternative.

That said, Ben agrees that an easier-to-set-up sanctuary is more economical and beneficial for a dynamic duo. The money saved on a camper trailer can instead be invested in upgrading your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) to accommodate a substantial rooftop tent. Ben suggests a thorough investigation into the style of rooftop tent you purchase, given some are easy to set up while others require the use of pegs and guy ropes.  

‘Do you consider using a caravan “camping”?’

In short, no – but it doesn’t matter what it’s called, doing what you enjoy is what matters. At the end of the day, it’s still a valuable pursuit. According to the Oxford Dictionary, camping is defined as: ‘The activity of spending a holiday living in a tent’. So, there you have it!

‘What are your thoughts about the future of Australian manufacturing within the camping/hiking and touring sector?’

Both Ben and Lauren believe that it’s important to support Australian-made and Australian-owned companies whenever possible. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted many supply chain issues in every industry, but the market has been that way for quite some time in regards to overseas manufacturing. Keep in mind that just because a product is made offshore doesn’t mean it’s poor quality. Many Aussie family-owned brands choose to manufacture overseas due to the limited options in Australia with technology and machinery, so it’s a complex topic that should be considered from all angles.

Ben and Lauren chat with Laine and Erin Wescombe of Blacksmith Camping Supplies about everything Aussie Manufacturing:

‘Regarding First Aid, what knowledge is essential for campers and what items do you never leave without in your first aid kit?’

It’s good to have as much knowledge as you can if you’re heading somewhere remote, with a basic first aid course as the minimum. Keep some extra items in your first aid kit to cater for your specific needs as well. Lauren also mentions that it’s important to have an alternative method of communication if you frequently travel to areas where there isn’t a reliable phone signal. This could be in the form of a satellite communicator, satellite phone, or PLB. Even with some First Aid training, if there’s a life-threatening emergency, urgent medical attention will be required.

‘Ben – you always seem very focused on weight and functionality (rightfully so), but what do you take camping that isn’t necessary and something you consider a luxury?’

If it’s a luxury item, Ben usually doesn’t take it. That said, when he travelled up north (where it’s hot and humid), he carried a 12V Breezeway Fan from Outdoor Connection to keep his family cool.

Navigate the nooks and crannies with your kids, and foster a respect and wonder for natural environments. Image: Coleman

Sleeping Gear

‘I currently have 50mm thick, self-inflatable sleeping mats for my family car-camping trips.

I am finding lately that the mats don’t self-inflate as much as they used to, and aren’t as comfortable. I was thinking of going for hiking air mattresses with insulation, so they can be also used for canoe camping and the odd hike. Are these a good option, or should I consider something else?’

You could certainly use an air mat – but one of the main benefits of a self-inflating foam mat is that if there’s a puncture, you will still have some insulation to sleep on. Consider that you might have different comfort standards when you’re hiking compared to when you go family camping. You might want to go for a self-inflating mat designed for hiking, as they’re more durable and comfortable but still fairly lightweight.

‘Where can I find mattress toppers for swags?’

For those who are unfamiliar with a mattress topper – this is a corresponding product that provides added padding and comfort to an existing mattress. Where some have walls like a fitted sheet, others are simply a mat of synthetic fibre, down, merino or wool. Lauren recommends merino for adequate temperature regulation, while Ben simply utilises a fitted bed sheet that he tucks beneath the mattress sides.

While residential mattress sizes don’t align with those of swags, Lauren suggests visiting Target, K-Mart, Spotlight, or other hardware and homeware stores for adequate options.

‘Stretcher bed Vs air bed Vs self-inflating mat?

Particular consideration for those with back issues, knee issues, hand issues (i.e. comfort, getting up off the ground, assembling equipment, or closing valves)?’

Ben and Lauren reckon the best option for someone who might have limited mobility would be a stretcher that provides elevation, plus a self-inflating mat with a two-way valve so it’s easier to set up and pack away.

Consider that your comfort standards when you’re hiking will be different compared to when you go family camping. Image: Exped

‘What’s the best sleeping bag for men, and what’s the best for women?’

This is a complicated question as there are many factors, and most bags in the higher price bracket will perform similarly. Once you decide on either a synthetic or down bag, narrow it down to the fit, look for an EN rating, and consider size and packability.

Ben and Lauren also recommend listening to their interview with Sea to Summit discussing sleep systems, which might help with the decision-making process.

‘I bought a brand new down sleeping bag but it has a strong smell, like a wet dog.

I’m wondering if the down inside is bad, or something’s wrong with the bag? Is it normal that new down bags stink?’

This is totally normal and very common. Keep in mind, feathers are a natural fibre, so they will have a natural scent that will fade over time. Some people are more sensitive to it than others, but there are some things you can do to minimise it like taking it out of its storage sack and hanging it up in your wardrobe to ventilate. You also have the option of washing your down bag, but wetting the feathers can sometimes intensify the smell. We recommend keeping it dry, airing it, and just being patient.

‘Best sleeping bags for bigger people?’

For the taller campers, Sea to Summit offer longer-style sleeping bags. At 185cm, Ben fits a regular sized bag, while at 191cm tall Lauren’s partner is better suited to a longer design.

For those who are simply broader – or as Lauren calls it, ‘cuddlier’ – women-specific designs by Sea to Summit are narrower in the shoulders but allow more room in the hip area. Additionally, their Amplitude and Basecamp series mirror a large sack, feature two warmth ratings, and are significantly more spacious. Lauren describes their appearance as a fluffy balloon, boasting a huge internal circumference for star-fishing and spreading wide. These particular styles are popular among motorcycle tourists too.
Unlike the Mummy shaped design – wide at the shoulders, tapering at the feet – the rectangular fit maintains the same measure of room from head to toe. The Sea to Summit website indicates the internal circumference of their sleeping bags, as well as hip and shoulder measurements.

Like Sea to Summit, Darche also offer a 1100 sleeping bag that aligns with a King-King-Single size. While this doesn’t quite meet the same volume of space as a double, it is larger than a single and thus still offers a roomy alternative.

Weather Protection

‘What is the best rain jacket and best down jacket for men, what’s the best for women?’

This is a tricky one, as we don’t sell clothing at Snowys; it’s not our area of speciality. Essentially, when it comes to the top-of-the-range, high-quality clothing (where you’re spending $500+), the differences will likely be minor.

Generally, we would say that the hallmark of a high-quality rain jacket would be breathable waterproof fabric with ventilation and a good hood.

In terms of down jackets – if you’re just looking for one to wear around town, you could definitely go for something more affordable. However, if you’re using it for technical applications, look for models that use responsibly sourced down, have a good warmth-to-weight ratio, and feature water-resistant fabric.

‘Has anyone made up their own windbreak?

I was thinking of using shade cloth and star droppers. I think star droppers might be on the heavy and awkward-to-store side of things though – are there aluminium poles that would be suitable?’

Definitely – but we would suggest not taking star droppers as they are heavy, so could be dangerous in an accident. Even if strapped on tightly, it will become a spear if it begins to move with too much weight around it. Whatever you put on the roof rack must be secure. Aluminium poles will help save weight, so they are a good choice – plus, you’ll need good pegs and guy ropes. Ben recommends taking a mesh tarp folded in half, as this will mediate and slow the wind without putting too much stress on the poles.

‘Do you always pack clothing for any weather, or do you only ever pack for expected weather?’

Ben is a light packer, so he plans based on the expected weather forecast – although he might take a pair of pants and a light jumper sometimes, just in case. Lauren follows the same principle, though she might occasionally throw in a pair of comfy longer pants for wearing around camp. Regardless of the weather, she always packs a thick pair of socks to help her stay warm.

‘Tips or tricks for camping in the rain?’

In previous episodes, Lauren and Ben have touched on some logistics surrounding camping in wetter weather. Nonetheless, Ben encourages campers to enjoy the pitter-patter of raindrops on the still, damper days.

To prepare for the no-so-pleasant occasions, assess the weather predictions via the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) or your local agency. At the campsite, ensure guys ropes are taught, the fly is fully tensioned to ensure efficient funneling of rain, and establish a sheltered space for cooking and socialising, such as a spare tarp or gazebo.

Stick to lighting brands that are known for quality, such as Ledlenser. Image: Ledlenser

Electronics, Lighting, and Power

‘I’m thinking of buying a good head torch, but I don’t know if it’s worth spending good dollars on one or just replacing cheap ones as they stuff up…’

Ben’s approach to gear is that the fewer items thrown away, the better. Generally, with head torches, you get what you pay for. Ben has had a Princeton Tec head torch for 15 years which cost around $100. It has been on many adventures with him, and is still going strong! Stick to brands that are known for quality such as Black Diamond, Petzl, Silva, Ledlenser, or Nitecore.

For Lauren, the most important factors are that the unit is rechargeable and the battery can be replaced. She has used BioLite torchs in the past, but the internal battery can’t be replaced – this means that eventually it will end up in landfill. Instead, she now uses a Petzl Tikkina headlamp with a replaceable battery.

‘How do I determine the best small option for recharging my phone when camping, away from power points and a stationary vehicle, for 4-5 days?’

We would say start by working out what devices you’re going to use (e.g. just your phone, or other gear) and how much you want to use each device. Generally though, a small 20mAh powerbank should be suitable as something you can charge at home or while you drive.

Tents

‘Thoughts on camper trailers Vs tents for young family camping?’

Camper trailers are great for those who have the space at home to store them, are happy to tow, and also spend the initial investment by purchasing one. However, some limitations are that they can be time-consuming to put up, involve more maintenance, and require space for storage at home. That said, camper trailers are convenient and easier to get going with on your adventures –especially with kids.

‘Here’s one for Ben: would you take a hiking tent on your regular car-camping trips, or a larger tent?

Also, do you have an AGM battery in the car, or Lithium? If not Lithium, will you make the switch eventually?’

In his younger days, Ben was a hiker who took his lightweight tent on camping trips – but as his family grew, he upgraded to an older-style Black Wolf Tuff tent. He then upgraded to an Oztent RV5 tent for outback adventures, which is what he and his family still use now.

Currently, he has a lead-acid auxiliary and main battery, so he can charge them both with the same profile. That said, he would like to switch to lithium in the future to save weight.

Which tents on the market are the easiest and most efficient to set up and pack down for a newbie?

Lauren believes that the easiest to set up would be an air tent or an Instant Up design. Ben recommends checking out a basic dome tent, as you can’t really go wrong with good quality construction and thoughtful design.

‘What do you think of cheaper tents found at department stores?’

If you’re looking for a tent to survive a couple of uses, they will be fine – but if you want something that will stand up to many years of use, generally you do get what you pay for. If you were to have an issue with it, it’s unlikely that spare parts would be available, so even though the tent can be replaced through warranty the broken one will end up in landfill. We’d say the better approach is to buy once, buy right – so you can enjoy your shelter over many adventures.

A Muk Mat will help to prevent beach, bush, and campground grit from making its way indoors. Image: Muk Mat

Gear, Campsite, and General Maintenance

‘How can we limit the amount of sand and dirt little feet bring into our swags?

We have a 3-week trip planned with a mixture of beach, bush, and campground swagging with a 2- and 5-year-old!

You probably won’t be able to prevent this entirely, but you can manage it by keeping your shoes outside the swag. Putting a Muk Mat or some sort of foam matting outside as a doormat will help, as well as keeping a dustpan and brush on the inside to help get rid of any dirt on your bedding.

‘How can we keep pesky pests at bay? Wildlife sure are experts at penetrating defences!’

Lauren hasn’t really experienced issues with wildlife, as she camps with dogs and kids (so the noise probably keeps them at arm’s length). Neither has Ben. However, some general tips would be to keep food scraps secure, cover up and use insect repellents, set up orange lighting to deter bugs, and keep your tent zipped closed.

‘What is the best option for managing mozzies in particular when camping?’

As Ben’s wife is a mozzie-magnet, he suggests using EVERYTHING!

Some repellants include Thermocells, DEET, mosquito nets, sprays, and coils in still climates. For chemical-free prevention strategies, cover bare skin with long-sleeved clothing, keep screens and panels securely zipped, and simply factor a barrier of any kind into your camp set-up. For more tactics, check out Ep31 – Creepy Crawlies at the Campsite – or this blog on the many ways to repel bugs while camping.

‘How can I fix a snapped swag pole?’

For snapped fibreglass or alloy poles, the swag pole repair kit by Darche is a helpful henchman. For aluminium repairs, Darche offer two different kits – one for angular, segmental swags, and the other for arched hoops found in dome designs.

Replacement fibreglass poles of the same diameter can be sourced and simply cut to length, while repairing a breakage or snap is often done using the small tube-like sleeve (ferrule) included with most swags. Simply slide this over the top of the rupture and secure with duct tape for a temporary, stable fix lasting the remainder of a trip. Lauren demonstrates how to approach this in a Snowys YouTube video.

As for alloy poles, these are more difficult to repair or replace. Lauren and Ben suggest returning to the respective manufacturer for assistance.

‘Any unpacking, at-home rituals? Tips on gear checks and maintenance? Wet or windy weather activities?’

Ben and his family try to unpack straight away following a camping trip, before they do anything else. He generally makes notes while camping of anything that needs to be addressed or refilled, so it’s easy to sort everything upon arriving home. Lauren tends to leave it to the next day as she usually arrives home from her trips quite late. As her van is not their daily car, it doesn’t need to be unpacked straight away – however, she does take out the laundry, rubbish, and any leftover food.

In terms of activities on a rainy or windy day, Ben and Lauren suggest playing cards, games, reading a book, or listening to music to pass the time.

Ben loves making pizza and damper on the campfire. Image: Campfire

Camp Cooking and Food

‘Best coffee makers for camping?’

A good question for Ben, who maintains that the AeroPress or Wacaco are the most ideal coffee brewers out bush. While an AeroPress can simply be filled with water before a dash of cold milk, the Wacaco produces a traditional espresso shot that requires heated milk to produce an equally hot, hearty cup.

For the super hardcore hot coffee fanatics, some large silver stove-top setups produce espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Boiling the water builds up pressure, creating the shot and concurrently steaming the milk.

‘What’s your favourite recipe for camp stoves and open fires?’

In terms of campfire recipes, Ben loves making pizza and damper, while Lauren is a fan of a bacon and eggs brekkie or stewed lamb shanks in a camp oven. If you’re looking for inspiration, the Fire to Fork cookbook is a good place to start.

Camp stove cooking can be restrictive, but you could get fancy with pasta sauces or use a hotplate to cook a BBQ. Lauren mainly just pre-cooks meals at home and vacuum seals them to reheat in boiling water. This saves gas, time, and cleaning up.

Ben and Lauren chat with Fire to Fork’s Harry Fisher about all things campfire cooking:

‘What food is best to leave in the pantry for short overnight stops (product review on Back Country or Outdoor Gourmet food brands)?’

While Lauren and Ben have previously tapped into freeze-dried and dehydrated meals, they plan to present a more hands-on, detailed demonstration that offers a better sense of how these packet foods look, taste, and cook. Until then, Lauren offers her opinion, essentially describing them as hit-or-miss. Ben and Lauren often have opposing views depending on the brand or choice of meal, which is ultimately suggestive of how subjective freeze-dried and rehydrated food reviews really are.

The appeal of freeze-dried meals comes from their convenience on lightweight adventures, and so aren’t a pleasing enough substitute for a meal on occasions when standard food would otherwise be consumed. For example, Ben’s go-to pasta recipe on his most recent camping holiday used canned vegetables which, in comparison to packet meals, allowed a ‘fresher’-tasting dinner. That said, the Radix brand of freeze-dried food is commonly preferred over others, with a greater resemblance to standard meals.

Overall, Ben suggests canned or long-life food to keep overnight in the pantry, given no refrigeration is required. On that, products displaying a ‘best before’ date often has greater flexibility around the consumption timeline than that of a ‘use by’. That said, the further it surpasses its date stamp, the more it drops in quality and flavour.

Other alternatives include the Offgrid and Go Native brand of heat-and-eat packet food. Go Native is preserved via ‘retort packaging’. This method involves sealing the cooked food while still hot, as opposed to dehydrating. From here, the packet simply requires reheating with boiling water. Ben recommends this as a hearty alternative to other packet meals.

‘Best ultralight cutlery and crockery for hiking, at the lowest price?’

Our podcast hosts both agree that the Sea to Summit polypropylene set is the most cost-efficient and effective hiking cutlery, at just under five dollars per set. Bundled as a fork, spoon, and knife, simply link with a carabiner for a no-fuss food-friendly system. The Delta range of cutlery is shorter, constructed with durable polypropylene and the same reinforced nylon plastic, finished with a flexible plastic carabiner for keeping neat and collected amongst your clutter.  

For crockery, the Sea to Summit Delta bowl and/or plate is a lightweight option. When hiking, a bowl is generally all that’s required, while the additional plate often bodes better for a camping-style holiday.

Ultimately though, Lauren insists that if your camp cutlery isn’t comfortable to hold, the eating experience is thrown completely off course! For that reason – and all lightweight, cost-effective suggestions aside – she carries a set of standard steel cutlery in her camping kit.

Offgrid is an example of fresh, heat-and-eat packaged food, great for overnight stops. Image: Offgrid

OK, now let’s be real for a second…

‘The Snowys products Ben and Lauren couldn’t go without?’

A coffee connoisseur at the campsite, Ben’s response – an AeroPress – is hardly a surprise. His commonly coined nickname ‘Safety Ben’ has him sheepishly admitting that his choice should probably be something more along the lines of a first aid kit or a swag. Nonetheless, he can’t go without coffee – and wasn’t that the question?!

On the other hand, Lauren claims that her Scrubba Wash Bag and Collapsible Space Saving tubs are the most-used, well-loved, not-to-be-forgotten tackle in her pack. After not taking her washbag on her last getaway, she missed it more than she expected – while her collapsible tubs now allow far more room in her kitchen, holding large pats of butter, avocado halves, and wads of bacon.

‘Favoured Snowys products by Snowys staff?’

Jess from Customer Service: a sleeping bag liner. Versatile throughout both warm and wintery weather, this product also keeps her sleeping bag clean.

Sam from Customer Service: trekking poles. Be it for relieving pressure from the knees, hoisting herself up hills, checking the levels of mud holes before heaving across hip-deep, or flipped upside-down for use as tent poles – Sam believes that trekking poles offer true camping comradery.

Laine from the Web Team: a soft-sided cooler and luggage scales. Too often has he left beers behind at a BBQ in someone else’s fridge, so his cooler is now his personal, portable cranny for the cold ones. Thanks to his luggage scales too, he now beats getting burnt at the JetStar luggage check-in, previously packing too much tackle that wavered over the ideal weight.

Cory from IT: his fridge (for keeping his beer), Sea to Summit collapsible X-Cup (for drinking his beer), and Pacsafe waist wallet (…for buying his beer).

Leece from Customer Support: like Ben, an AeroPress – plus a Delta insulated cup.

Michael from the Web Team: a round jaffle iron! Leading up to his travels, Michael would purchase McDonald’s cheeseburgers to keep in the fridge. At the campsite, he simply cooked them in the jaffle iron over the campfire for an even faster fast-food fix!

Brett from the Web Team: the JetBoil Zip. Simply fill, clip, and boil – the perfect stripped-down, lightweight option for fast adventures, covering your coffee fix or for reheating a Radix meal. Lauren owns the JetBoil MiniMo – a short, stocky alternative – which perches perfectly and patiently for her prior to brewing a coffee or tea. An all-round, well-loved product in the Snowys family!

‘When will Snowys open a store in Sydney?’

Unfortunately, to Ben and Lauren’s knowledge, this won’t be a move Snowys will make in the foreseeable future. That said, the ever-evolving, ridgy-didge website successfully accommodates every Snowys supporter around the country!

From swags to Scrubba wash bags, there are some key items that Ben and Lauren can’t go camping without. Image: Darche

For an audio experience, tune into the following episodes as Ben and Lauren address the above questions:

Got a question for Ben and Lauren? Check out Episodes 65, 66, and 92 to hear whether it’s already been answered!

The post Campsite Q&A’s (Part 1) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Staying cool and hydrated not only prevents discomfort, it also helps prevent more serious medical conditions such as heatstroke.

Read on for our tips on what to bring, how to stay cool and hydrated, and how to recognise the symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke when hiking.

Drinking enough water is important, but there are other factors to keep in mind too. Image: Grayl

What to Bring

1. Electrolyte Tablets/Powders

Replacing lost fluids is essential, but that’s not all you need to replenish. Electrolytes are very important for your body to maintain proper functioning.

Carry an electrolyte supplement in your rucksack at all times, whether it be in concentrate, powder, or tablet form. Also, add salty snacks like nuts or pretzels to your hiking menu to help your body retain water.

If weight is a problem, compact and lightweight electrolyte powders are the way to go. The Thorzt Solo Shots come in small 3-gram sachets, each making 600ml of hydration drink. These are perfect, as they take up minimal space. Skratch Labs also offer a good range. You can also find electrolytes supplements in tablet form.

Electrolytes are important, so incorporate them into your hydration routine. Image: Nuun

2. Easy-To-Use Hydration System

It’s important always remain motivated to hydrate, but this can be a little tricky when you’re exhausted and hot. If your current hydration system isn’t working for you, it’s worth changing it up.

Whether your bladder or reservoir is uncomfortable to use, or your soft bottle is too cumbersome – ensure that hydrating is as easy as possible, so it doesn’t fall by the wayside.

If the mouthpiece isn’t right, or the bottle isn’t comfy to hold then change it before your trip. Image: Kelly Thompson

3. Use a Cooling Necktie or Towel

If no-one agrees to following you around with an oversized banana leaf to fan you, or your air conditioner doesn’t quite fit in your rucksack – the next best thing is a Kool Tie.

Kool Ties are neckties filled with polymer crystals. Just soak them for 30-45 minutes, and the crystals will absorb the water. Simply hang it around your neck and the water will evaporate, cooling you down. For a similar effect, you could also wet a bandana, or use a Chill Towel.

A Kool Tie is basically a personal evaporative cooling system. Image: Erin Wescombe

3. Instant Ice Packs

If you suspect that you or your hiking buddy has heat stroke, call for medical attention immediately. In the meantime, you’ll need to attempt to cool yourselves down.

Seek shade immediately, lie down, and apply an instant ice pack to both the back of your neck and under the arms.

Instant ice packs are readily available at pharmacies, or in larger first aid kits. If your kit is missing one, definitely add it.

An instant ice pack can cool you down in an emergency.

How to Avoid Dehydration & Stay Cool

1. Drink Before You Hike

Anyone who has completed a multi-day hike will tell you that drinking a litre of water every morning helps you to stay on top of hydration. This way, you’re not just replacing fluids when your body needs them. For more on hydrating on a multi-day hike in hot and dry conditions, check out this article.

Drink water before you leave your campsite in the morning. Image: MSR

2. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wear lightweight and loose long sleeves to shield from the sun’s heat and keep you cool. It’s generally best to avoid fabrics such as cotton, as this fabric doesn’t wick away sweat. Instead, choose nylon or polyester fabric in clothes designed especially for hiking.

Longer sleeves may seem counterintuitive, but they’ll act as a sun shield. Image: Biolite

3. Seek Shade

This may not always be possible depending on the terrain – but when stopping for a snack or rest break, do so in the shade. If you can coordinate your rest periods under a tree, you’ll give your body the break it needs from the sun.

Research the area in advance, and check out other blogs and forums to find where offers shelter. Also, when the weather is warm, take a longer rest than you normally would.

If shade is scarce, make the most of it when you see it. Image: Ben Collaton

4. Sun Protection

You should wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin. This will not only prevent UV damage and sunburn, it’ll also help shield you from the heat.

For shorter-day hikes where mobile reception is available, one of the best apps to use is SunSmart. It indicates when the UV levels are high, will notify you when to reapply sunscreen, and provides you with the UV levels of your location.

5. Get a Head Start!

If you start your hike early, you’ll finish in the early afternoon and avoid the hottest part of the day. Spending less time in the heat means you won’t put your body through as much stress.

If you set off early, you can beat the hottest part of the day. Image: Grayl

How to Recognise Dehydration

Symptoms to be aware of are:

• Infrequent urination
• Dark and small volumes of urine
• A headache
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Rapid breathing

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Take note of how your body is faring every step of the way, especially if you experience:

• Confusion
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• A headache
• Muscle or abdominal cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a very serious condition. Take note if you see anyone on your hike showing these signs:

• Dizziness
• Light-headedness
• A throbbing headache
• Lack of sweating, despite the heat
• Red, hot skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid heartbeat

Some multi-day hikes like Larapinta or Kokoda are always warm, so prepare accordingly. Image: Eve Woods

Keep in mind that here at Snowys, we are not medical experts. We can only give you guidelines about what to do and look out for in these situations.

If you have any medical conditions or requirements, get in touch with your GP for more information. Before a multi-day hike, ensure you have the go-ahead from a medical professional.

If you like to explore off the beaten path frequently, it’s also worth updating your First Aid skills. A PLB or satellite phone should also be on you at all times.

Stay Cool, Hydrated and Safe on the Trails

Whether you’re out in the heat at work, spending a day at the beach, or going for a run – it’s essential that hydration is factored in.

No-one wants their well-planned adventure to go awry. So, pack the right gear, stay cool, and keep hydrated.

Happy hiking!

Have you ever experienced dehydration or heat stroke on the trail? How did you deal with it? 

The post Prevent Dehydration & Keep Cool When Hiking appeared first on Snowys Blog.

A new bottle or bladder can sometimes have a plastic taste or odour – which is perfectly normal and will often disappear after the first few uses. However, if you’d like to eliminate that bad taste or odour straight away, there are a few household items you can use to help speed up that process.

Let’s run the tap on the tips and tricks to keep your bottle or bladder reservoir fresh and ready for use. Image: Grayl

Removing Flavour and Odour in Your Bottle or Bladder

1. Scrub

Start by scrubbing your new water bottle or reservoir with warm water and detergent, then wiping it dry.

2. Soak

Fill your bottle or bladder with hot water and add a few teaspoons of either vinegar or baking/bi-carbonate soda. Mix it through and allow to soak overnight.

3. Repeat

In the morning, empty your reservoir and give it another good clean with warm soapy water. You should be good to go!

Give your bottle another good clean in the morning, and it should be good to go! Image: Nalgene

Vinegar and baking soda are a fantastic combination when it comes to bacteria, or unpleasant smells and flavours.

Caring for Your Water Bottle

1. Rinse – Every Time!

The best way to maintain any bottle or bladder is to rinse it out with warm water after every use, and allow it to air-dry completely.

2. Scrub

On a frequent basis, you should look to undertake a more thorough clean using a brush, hot water, and detergent. Give your bottle or bladder a good scrub including the inside, outside, and all fittings and attachments. Scrubbing is the important part, as it’ll physically remove any visible or invisible bacteria.

3. Leave Open When Not in Use

Most odour and taste problems occur when bottles are stored in wet areas or kept sealed for long periods of time with liquid inside. This allows bacteria to develop – so try to drain and air out your bottle after each use.

4. Check the Cleaning Instructions

Some bottles can also be placed in dishwashers, which makes caring for them a little more convenient. Bladders and reservoirs, however, should be kept out of the dishwasher to prevent damage.

Give your bottle or bladder a good scrub including the inside, outside, and all fittings and attachments. Image: Salomon

There are so many household items that you can use to de-funk your dirty bottle or bladder. 

Cleaning a Dirty Bottle or Hydration Reservoir

If your water reservoir develops a funky taste or odour, or if you just want to give it an exceptional clean, there are a range of methods you can try.

1. Hot Water & Detergent

Wash the bottle or bladder using a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent. The bottle brush physically removes the funk from the water bottle with a scrubbing action. Ensure you rinse it well after cleaning, then allow it to air-dry.

2. Baking/Bi-Carbonate Soda

Add a few heaped teaspoons of baking or bi-carb soda into the bottle or bladder and fill with hot water, before allowing it to soak for a few hours. After the soak, wash vigorously with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent. Rinse, and allow to air-dry.

3. Vinegar

Fill with hot water, add a few teaspoons of regular white vinegar, and allow to soak overnight. If you’ve used baking soda previously, make sure this has been removed – otherwise, you’ll have a DIY volcano explosion on your hands! In the morning, wash out the vinegar with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent, then rinse and allow to air-dry. The bottle will have a slight vinegar odour for the first few minutes – this will quickly dissipate, and the water bottle should smell fresh and clean.

For an exceptional clean, there are a range of methods you can try. Image: Grayl

4. Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash

Place 2-3 capfuls of anti-bacterial mouthwash per litre of bottle or bladder capacity, and shake for 5 minutes. Empty the bottle or bladder, and wash with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent before rinsing and allowing to air-dry.

5. HydraPak Bottle Bright Tablets

These tablets are really easy to use. First, wash the bottle with a bottle brush, hot water, and detergent, then rinse. Fill a bottle or bladder with water, and add a cleaning tablet. Shake until dissolved, then let it stand for 5 minutes. Lastly, empty and rinse with clean water.

6. Cleaning Kits

Many hydration brands provide cleaning kits, which come with precise tools to reach into all the nooks and crannies household brushes can’t.

7. Freeze It!

If you’re still not satisfied with your cleaning job, pop your bottle or bladder into the freezer to kill off any remaining bacteria.

Now that you’ve done all the hard work in cleaning it, how do you keep your reservoir this clean? Image: Salomon

Don’t negate all that elbow grease! Take the extra steps to prevent mould and bacteria.

Storing Your Bottle or Bladder

Now that you’ve done all the hard work removing the gunk and taste from your portable hydration station, how do you keep it that clean?

1. Drain the Water

Store your bottle or bladder dry, and avoid leaving water in them for extended periods of time. No matter what cleaning method you adopt, you should always give your bottle a thorough rinse with clean, warm water as soon as you finish. Then, allow it to air-dry completely.

2. Use a Rack for Drying

Air-drying in a well-ventilated area is the most hygienic way to ensure that your bottle or bladder doesn’t develop bacteria, odours, and/or mould. Use racks for bottles, or hooks for bladders so you can dry them upside down. Once you are sure that your bottle or bladder is 100% dry, seal it with the lid and pack it down, before storing it in a dry environment.

3. Remove Any Air

Take extra care with bladders and flexible/collapsible bottles to ensure that no pockets are air-locked with water. You can prevent this by shaking, separating, or using a brace such as the Camelback Reservoir Dryer throughout the drying process.

4. Keep in the Freezer

If you want to next-level with your bottle or bladder, consider storing it in the freezer. This will not only assist in restricting bacteria development, but also keep it cold for when you next choose to use it.

Avoid leaving water in your bottle or bladder for extended periods of time. Image: Nalgene

Do you have any other methods for keeping your reservoir or bottle sparkling clean?

The post How to Clean Your Bottles and Bladders appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The title of this article, let alone the content, makes us shudder. However, it’s an irrational fear; there are rarely any deaths by snakes in Australia. According to official records too, it’s been over forty years since anyone in Australia died from a spider bite!

It’s vital for any camper or hiker to know what to do if a snake or spider bites you – and even more so, what to do to avoid that situation in the first place. 

It’s vital for any camper or hiker to know what to do if a snake or spider bites you. Image: Exped

Snake Survival

Knowing a little bit about snake behaviour and adopting these easy tips could not only save your life but also help you camp with more confidence.

1. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Nearly all snake bites occur on the ankles, hands, and lower parts of the legs so covering these areas will significantly reduce the possibility of snake venom entering your bloodstream.

You might think you need to wear metal armour to prevent a snake from injecting venom, but most venomous snakes in Australia have relatively short fangs and tend to wipe venom into the wound rather than inject it deep into the skin. A good pair of gaiters or jeans will further help to prevent an Australian snake from penetrating the skin.

It goes without saying that you should wear closed footwear. Not only will this protect your feet, but create more vibrations than sandals or thongs. Vibrations help to scare snakes away before you reach them.

2. Carry First-Aid

Whether you’re going for a short hike or a long camping trip, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the possibility of a snake bite. Your first-aid kit should contain compression immobilisation bandages. In fact, heavy crepe bandages are ideal.

Closed shoes and gaiters are a must when heading into snake territory. Image: Keen

3. Carry Some Form of Communication

If you’re in an area with no mobile reception, try to source another form of communication – or at least let someone, such as a Park Ranger, know your movements. A PLB is an important piece of kit to carry if you’re heading to remote areas.

If bitten, one of the crucial things is to keep the injured limb immobilised. You’ll need to stay still, then use a PLB to call for help.

4. Be Vigilant When Hiking

Snakes are incredibly shy creatures. Most will feel your foot vibrations and get out of the way before you even see them. There are exceptions though – when snakes are just warming up, they can be slower to react to your presence. If taken by surprise, they can strike without warning.

The main tip for hiking is to watch where you’re walking. When hiking over logs and rocks, it’s a good idea to step on the log and then over it to ensure you can first see the other side. Some snakes may also hide in nooks of rock faces, or sun themselves on rock ledge. Always make sure you can see where you’re putting your hands, or wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt if you’re climbing a rocky path.

Of course, watching where you walk is easier said than done. When you’re bushwalking, you’re usually looking at your surroundings, not where you’re putting your feet – which is why it’s important to carry first-aid equipment and wear proper protection.

Keeping your site clean is hugely important to prevent snakes from hiding in and under your gear. Image: Coleman

5. Keep Your Campsite Clean

Snakes love mice. Leaving rubbish around the camping ground can attract rodents and, by extension, snakes. There are many reasons to keep your campsite clean – but if you ever needed an additional incentive, this is it! Snakes also like to hide under things, so keep picnic rugs and other items off the ground when you’re away from the campsite.

6. Check Your Sleeping Bags & Boots

As snakes see humans as a threat, it’s incredibly unlikely that one will enter a campsite while you’re there. That said, they could curl up in warm places like sleeping bags if left out in the open while you’re away. It’s always a good idea to keep sleeping bags closed in your tent or the back of the car while you’re out hiking. If you forget, shaking them out is good practice… just to ensure you don’t cuddle up with any unwanted visitors at night!

The same goes for shoes. Boots are a bit like hollow logs, and even a metre long snake could hide inside one. If you’re paranoid (like me), stuff socks in your boots at night and shake them out in the morning.

7. Be Careful When Collecting Firewood

If you have permission to collect firewood, it’s a good idea to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves. 

If collecting wood at night, I always carry a torch or wear a headlamp to ensure I can see where I’m putting my hands… and that the stick I’m picking up is indeed a stick!

As snakes see humans as a threat, it’s incredibly unlikely that one will enter a campsite while you’re there.

Treat All Snakes With Caution

Even if they’re tiny, treat all snakes as potentially dangerous. Baby snakes are just as dangerous as adults – if not more so. This is partly because they’re more difficult to spot, but tend to be more skittish and unpredictable too.

Even dead snakes should be considered dangerous. Snakes can still have biting reflexes, and venom can remain on the fangs long after death.

Steps to Take When Encountering a Snake

1. Stay calm, back away, and wait for it to move. Snakes will only strike humans when they feel threatened.
2. Don’t provoke it or make any sudden movements they could perceive as a threat.
3. Never try to kill a snake. Like all native animals, they’re protected – but the majority of bites occur when people try to kill them.
4. If the snake doesn’t move, don’t poke it with a stick or shovel. Many snakes can strike quickly from a distance.
5. While foot-stamping might encourage a snake to move off a track, only do this if you are a far distance from it (i.e. at least several metres). It can still be seen as a threatening action, especially if the snake is cornered.

Heads up! Ben and Lauren also discuss how to handle creepy crawlies at the campsite in Episode 31 of the Snowys Camping Show:

Treating a Snake Bite

1. Treat all suspected snakebites as life-threatening.
2. In Australia, bites might just look like a superficial scratch and not the two puncture wounds you might expect.
3. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage to the limb immediately, splint the limb, and call an ambulance.
4. Even in a remote location, you should keep the limb immobilised, and stay calm and still.
5. The bandage should be applied to the whole length of the limb, and be as tight as you would strap a sprained ankle.
6. Never wash or cut the wound, as the hospital uses any venom on the skin to identify the snake.
7. Don’t suck out the venom, and don’t apply a tourniquet instead of an immobilisation bandage.

For more specific information, first-aid courses are a good idea.

Managing Your Fear of Snakes

It might be reassuring to know that even though Australians love the outdoors and their country is infamous for its venomous snakes – there are far fewer deaths in Australia than there are in America, India, Africa, and many other countries.

It’s rare for Australian snakes to strike. It’s even more uncommon for the fangs to penetrate clothing and the skin. When they do, most snakes don’t actually inject any venom – and if they do, it’s in such small volumes that antivenom isn’t needed.

Bites from redbacks are far more common than those from funnel-web spiders.

Spider Safety

There are an estimated 10,000 species of spiders across Australia. Six of which are deemed to be dangerous, but only two have lethal venom that can be life-threatening to young children, the elderly, people of ill-health, and your beloved pooch. Unsurprisingly, these two are the funnel-web spider and the redback spider.

Bites from redbacks are far more common than those from funnel-web spiders but this is likely due to their preference to inhabit more populated areas. It is only the female redback whose venom is toxic to humans, and antivenom was introduced in 1956 with a funnel-web antivenom following more than 20-years later in 1980. Both antivenoms are very effective and, in most instances, bites are now successfully treated.

Being able to identify a type of spider and having some understanding of how they behave is worthwhile knowledge. Adopting basic preventative measures will lessen your risk of being bitten, but recognising the signs, symptoms, and knowing how to treat a bite is essential for all adventurers.

Prevention

Keeping your gear maintained and stored well will help to detract these eight-legged arachnids from settling in areas regularly interrupted by you.

Be extra vigilant during the warmer months when spiders are most active. Awareness is key and understanding where spiders are most likely to hang out is the best way to leave them alone and prevent getting bitten.

Spider Hotspots:

• Funnel-webs prefer to be close to the ground and burrow under logs and rocks where it is cool and moist.
• Redback spider webs are created by the female and can be recognised by the dense matrix of threads with channels leading downwards from the surface. They are found in dry, dark and sheltered spaces.
• Home – letterboxes, discarded toys that have been left outside, the folds of a camping chair, the exterior corners of a caravan or camper trailer that’s been stored for a while, inside helmets, work gloves, tools, etc.
• Camping – old tin cans, sheets of corrugated iron, farm machinery, old tyres, fences and gates, bush amenities like long-drop toilets and donkey shower setups, etc.

Old sheds and forgotten tools are hotspots for spiders. Image: Franz W

How to Avoid a Bite:

Do:

• Keep your campsite clean and tidy
• Chat with your kids about spiders (and snakes) – show them pictures of what to look out for
• Check your gear – give it a shake before putting it on or packing it away
• Care for your gear, store it properly, and use lidded tubs
• Keep your tent or swag zipped up
• Wear shoes
• Keep an eye on your dog and check their bedding regularly

Don’t:

• Leave your work or hiking boots on the ground outside your tent or swag, especially overnight
• Manage firewood without gloves
• Never put your hands and feet where you can’t see
• Flick a spider with your hand

Encountering a Spider – and Managing it!

• Take a deep breath!
• Stay calm and assess the situation – reacting recklessly through fear will likely end with you being bitten.
• If the spider is on an easily transportable bit of kit i.e. your jacket, chair, table, or bag, place it on the ground away from where you are. If the spider doesn’t crawl off and away of its own accord, you can gently encourage it to do so with a fallen branch, stick or roll of newspaper. If the spider becomes aggressive and rises ready to attack, walk away and leave it alone! You can go back and check on it later as it will probably crawl away on its own. Look over your item carefully before picking it back up.
• If the spider is inside your tent or on your vehicle, a dustpan and broom work well to brush the spider away, or carefully trap it for long enough that you can move outside and flick it off into a bush.

I know your first instinct may be to kill, kill, kill but remember… funnel-web spiders can become aggressive if/when they feel threatened. Redbacks too, but to a lesser degree.

Common spider bite symptoms include itchiness, redness, and mild swelling.

Signs & Symptoms of a Spider Bite

It is not a spider’s intention to ‘take on’ a human! They are far more scared of us than we are of them. But when they sense a threat, they react with the universal survival response – attack or defend! For spiders like the redback or funnel-web, they defend themselves in the same way they attack their prey – by injecting venom to paralyse/immobilise.

Spider venom is a concoction of many different chemicals and broadly speaking, these are grouped into two main categories:

• Necrotic – this is the type of venom that affects the cells and skin tissue around the bite. Reactions vary from the skin becoming topically inflamed, to blisters and/or abnormal growths on the skin’s surface. There’s a popular myth surrounding the white-tailed spider whose venom is necrotic. Despite the fear and stories, there is no evidence that the bite from a white-tail creates a ‘flesh eating’ reaction. Instead, you are more likely to experience some redness and a mild burning sensation, followed by itching.
• Neurotoxic – this venom is fast-acting and attacks the nervous system. Funnel-webs and redbacks both possess this type of venom and in extreme cases, it can lead to respiratory issues or cardiac arrest.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain – mild burning sensation or a pulsating ache with swelling
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Mild swelling

More Severe Symptoms:

• Profuse sweating
• Severe escalating pain that emanates and progresses from the bite site
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Muscular weakness
• Fever
• Headaches
• Abdominal or chest pain
• Increased blood pressure

Particularly Acute Cases:

• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Respiratory failure

If you’re bitten by a funnel-web spider, apply a compression bandage over the area of the bite.

Treating a Spider Bite

For most spider bites, treatment is straightforward. However, for spiders that inject highly toxic venom which acts rapidly, it’s essential to respond immediately with the right treatment.

Basic First Aid:

• Stay calm and reassure the person who has been bitten whilst also making them comfortable.
• Spiders can bite repeatedly so make sure there is no further danger or threat.
• Try and identify the spider – take a photo or capture it inside an empty jar using the technique described here.
• Seek medical assistance especially for babies, young kids, the elderly, anyone with existing health issues or for those showing severe/acute symptoms.

Funnel-Web Spider Bite:

You want to slow down the movement of venom through the lymphatic system by doing what is known as the pressure immobilisation technique. This treatment is the same for mouse spiders.

• Apply a compression bandage over the area of the bite.
• Use a second bandage to wrap from the lower limb upwards – you’re aiming to cover as much of the entire limb as you can, and to wrap as tightly as possible without restricting blood flow.
• Apply a splint to the leg or arm – you may need a third bandage to secure the splint or whatever you can find.
• Keep the patient comfortable, calm and rested.
• Monitor them closely and watch for signs of deterioration or disorientation.
• Call, radio, or send an alert for emergency assistance – PLBs or Satellite Messenger devices can save your life when you are remote and without a mobile signal.

It’s recommended by St John that you do not apply pressure if the bite is on a person’s head or torso. Their First Aid Fact Sheet for Spider Bites can be found here and may be worth printing off and stashing inside your kit.

The redback and funnel-web spider defend themselves by injecting venom to paralyse or immobilise.

Redback Spider Bite:

Redback spider bites are treated in the same way as most other spider bites and differ from the treatment for funnel-web bites.

• Do not use a compression bandage or immobilisation techniques.
• Apply ice or an icepack to the bite area – no longer than 20 minutes.
• Monitor them closely and watch for signs of deterioration or disorientation.
• Keep the patient comfortable, calm and rested.
• Call, radio, or send an alert for emergency assistance – PLBs or Satellite Messenger devices can save your life when you are remote and without a mobile signal.

FYI:

Let’s get a couple of things straight.

• Vinegar is an effective treatment for jellyfish stings but not for spider bites.
• Do not wash the wound/bite area – if there is any venom residue on the skin’s surface this can be used by medical professionals to determine the type and appropriate treatment.
• Some say vodka is effective on spider bites however this is not recognised as an official treatment and professional first aid advice should always be followed.

Always carry a first-aid kit. Image: Exped

Whenever you’re camping, hiking, touring or road tripping, it’s always smart to carry a first-aid kit. Some, like Mediq, include components for different situations so in the event of a spider bite you can just grab the Snake/Spider Module and have basic first aid on hand.

The majority of spiders are harmless to humans so when you come across a spider, your best response is to give them space and leave them alone. According to the Australian Museum, there are approximately 2000 people bitten by redbacks per year in Australia, and 30-40 people suffer from funnel-web spider bites. These have all been successfully treated since the introduction of antivenoms.

In Summary

If you wear the right clothing, go prepared, and stay vigilant, it’s unlikely you will ever find yourself in a situation where you won’t confidently enjoy your holiday.

In regards to snakes – simply be prepared. Ensure you have both a snake bite and first-aid kit on you at all times. You might even come to love our slithering friends. After all, they really are beautiful creatures – and crucial to the Australian bushland.

Spiders are also beautiful and an essential part of the ecosystem. Let’s respect them and use our knowledge to act during the warmer months to come. Brush up on your first-aid knowledge and in any emergency situation, remember DRS ABCD – Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.

Wear the right clothing, go prepared, and stay vigilant. Image: Keen

This article should be used only as a guide. If you do get bitten by a spider or snake, please seek professional medical advice. Special thanks to the Australian Museum and St John Ambulance Australia for their comprehensive online resources when researching this article.

The post Snake and Spider Safety: What Everyone Should Know appeared first on Snowys Blog.

For this reason, I’ve put together my top 10 facts about effectively purifying a water source so you can hydrate safely off the beaten track – plus, my top recommendations for waters treatment systems.

I’ve put together my top 10 facts about effectively purifying a water source. Image: LifeStraw

When it comes to safe hydration, the essentials that every adventurer should know are:

1. All surface water, still and flowing, contains some form of viruses, bacteria, or protozoa.
2. Bacteria and protozoa are removed via filtration down to 0.2 microns.
3. Viruses are only removed through much finer filtration, or a combination of new technologies.
4. Sanitisation effectively kills bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in clear water.
5. Sanitisation means chemical or ultraviolet treatment i.e. Steripen or chlorine.
6. Boiling water kills bacteria, protozoa, and viruses – but particulates, chemicals, and heavy metals remain.
7. Heavy metals and chemicals can be removed with activated carbon (absorption).
8. You cannot filter saltwater to make it drinkable.
9. You should never assume flowing water is safe – you don’t know what is happening upstream.
10. With the right treatment, any water can be turned into safe drinking water.

Which Water Treatment Option is Right for Me?

Let’s look at some common activities and the type of water treatment required for each.

When family camping, a chemical treatment will be enough in an emergency. Image: Coleman

Family Camping

When camping, you will likely bring water from home – but on longer trips, you will need to pick up water along the way. Any water you gather will probably be from tanks or taps in caravan parks and campsites, which is most likely clear and safe to drink straight from the source.

Most designated campsites will have a sign indicating if the water source is safe for drinking. However, it’s a good idea to carry a chemical treatment as a back-up, just in case something happens to your water supply.

Katadyn Micropur Forte Tablets

For your peace of mind, take a chemical treatment such as Katadyn Micropur Forte (available in tablet and liquid form) to take with you when camping. This also contains silver ions, which eliminate the risk of re-contamination of water stored for long periods.

Knowledge of proper water purification is essential for a backcountry adventure. 

International Travel

The risk of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infection is much higher in certain destinations. When travelling to urban areas that present uncertainty, sealed bottled water is usually readily available and a safe option. However, single-use plastic bottled water is not environmentally friendly and has increasingly become a huge concern – especially in the areas that lack the infrastructure for responsible disposal. Luckily, there are reliable alternatives available with UV light treatment, or all-in-one purifier bottles.

Steripen

Most water from taps runs clear and can be safely treated either chemically or with UV light, such as Steripen. The Steripen is useful in that you can treat a glass or bottle of water without chemicals, making it far more pleasant to drink. If the water sources available to you are turbid, you will need to filter the water first to make chemical and UV treatment effective.

A Steripen is a compact choice for lightweight activities. Image: Steripen

Grayl and Lifestraw Purifier Bottles

There are now portable and easy to use options such as the Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle or the slightly larger GEOPRESS. This bottle removes 99.9999% of viruses, disease-causing bacteria, and protozoan cysts, as well as sediment, chemicals, and heavy metals. This is a great option for those who don’t want to purchase single-use plastic bottles of water, and will last you about 300 uses until you must replace the purifier cartridge.

LifeStraw also produce a similar bottle called the Go Tritan Renew Bottle, which filters water through a hollow fibre membrane filter removing 99.999999 % of bacteria and 99.999 % of protozoan parasites. Both options are easy to use and convenient, so they will fit in perfectly with your travel lifestyle.

A Grayl bottle is a great purification option for travel or day hikes. Image: Grayl

Extended Trekking

You may need to make the most of whatever water source you come across here, especially if you are heading off the beaten track. For longer trips you should aim for a filtration system that is light, compact, field maintainable and can filter larger volumes of water.

MSR Hyperflow, Guardian, and Platypus GravityWorks

When you need to filter larger amounts of water, the Hyperflow from MSR is compact to fit in your pack, field-maintainable so you can clean it to recover the flow without tools, and filters 3 litres of water per minute. It also fits onto wide-mouth containers so you can connect it directly to your drink bottle and, combined with a chemical treatment such as Micropur Forte, this bottle can create safe drinking water from any water source.

Effective against bacteria and protozoa, the Platypus GravityWorks will filter your water while you set up your base camp. It comes with two water reservoirs: one for dirty and the other for clean water, connected by a filter. Just hang up the full dirty reservoir higher than the empty clean one, and gravity will get the job done for you! It also comes with bottle adaptors, so you can connect it to your water bottle for convenience.

Self-cleaning, effective against viruses, bacteria, protozoa and particulate (so you don’t need to use further treatment), and able to treat up to 10,000 litres of water – the MSR Guardian will truly cover all your bases when it comes to safe hydration.

Want to know more about what’s in the water you’re drinking? Check out Katadyn’s Safe Drinking Water Guide.

Choose something field maintainable for extended trekking. Image: MSR

Day Hikes and Trail Running

If you’re just hitting the trail for the afternoon and need a water filtration device on hand in case you get stranded, there are some compact and effective options available that won’t weigh you down.

MSR and LifeStraw Filters

I would recommend a field-maintainable water filter such as the MSR TrailShot Pocket Sized Water Filter or MSR Miniworks EX filter. They’re compact, quick to use, and efficient.

If you know that you’re going for a shorter hike where there are reliable water sources available and you want to really lighten your load, a LifeStraw is perfect too. This device filters 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoan cysts, allows you to drink straight from the water source, and only weighs 57g! Compact and lightweight, a LifeStraw makes an ideal addition to your emergency camping or hiking kit – just in case!

A LifeStraw is a compact choice for trekking and heading overseas. Image: LifeStraw

Hydrate Safely Outdoors

These are just a few of the convenient and effective water purification products on the market that will offer reassurance and safe hydration when exploring off the grid.

So, whether you’re a lightweight trekker or just love getting away with the family in your 4WD – you’ll find a great option to cover your hydration needs.

What water treatment system do you use?

The post Guide to Safe Hydration & Water Purification appeared first on Snowys Blog.

I say ‘rain’…you say____________

I say ‘snow’…you say____________

I say ‘dark mornings and dark evenings’…you say____________

It’s quite possible you said something along the lines of ‘miserable’, ‘cold’, and ‘depressing’, but you could have said ‘invigorating’, ‘fun’, and ‘a time for adventure’!

There is definitely something to be said about how you put a spin on Winter in your head. However, there are also some practical tips to help make the ‘spinning’ a lot easier!

Here are my five suggestions for how to get out and about during winter… and enjoy it!

There is something to be said about how you put a spin on Winter in your head.

1. The Gear

I am a mindset coach – but, as I always say to my clients, it’s easier to manage your mindset if you’re in an environment that supports your goals. So, my first tip for managing winter is to have good gear.

It’s a heck of a lot easier to say that the rain is invigorating if you have a good raincoat, to say that snow is fun when you are warm, and for the dark to be an adventure if you have a great headlamp to light the way.

Having the right gear makes it easier to change your mind about winter, so it’s worth investing in the items you need to make your sport or activity more enjoyable.

It’s easier to say that snow is fun when you are warm!

2. The Goal

The second tip is to have a goal that you are working towards to keep you committed over the winter months. The goal can be skills-, events-, or personal achievement-based. Have a think about what it is that you value, what’s important to you, and how you’d like to use these months to grow, learn, and experience this amazing world that we live in.

Once you have a goal, you can then plan activities aligned with that goal and use it to keep you committed to showing up.

Have a goal that you are working towards to keep you committed over the winter months.

3. Your ‘Why’

Closely related to having a goal is knowing your ‘why’. Knowing your ‘why’ will enable you to get out the door when it’s dark, raining, and the temperatures are low. Having a strong ‘why’ will allow you to step out the door when the house is warm and the couch is calling your name! To figure out your why, you can take some time to reflect on who you get to be by getting out the door. What personal and valuable traits are you developing? What thoughts and beliefs are you cultivating that are ultimately more important to you?

Having a strong ‘why’ will allow you to step out the door when the house is warm and the couch is calling your name!

4. Your People

Tip four is for those of you who like to share experiences, the accountability of getting out with other people, and the idea of sharing the load! Planning trips, training, and adventuring with other people can serve as a powerful motivator. You get the reward of getting out and about with the bonus of sharing an experience. Practically, in winter, there can be more gear required if you head out for day hikes or multi-day adventures. If you get a group of you together, you can share the load – which is a win-win!

Planning trips, training, and adventuring with other people can serve as a powerful motivator.

5. Your Mindset

Tip five, of course, is around mindset (had to get one in there for you all)! Mindset is your thoughts and beliefs, and these dictate your feelings and your actions. So, the mindset tip is to change your relationship with what primarily surfaces the negative emotions that you relate to winter.

Weather is a big one for people. Rain, wind, cold… these can be things that people develop negative associations around. However, they can also be reframed and enjoyed. As I sit here typing this, there is snow falling outside my window and I want to go and run in it!* For me, running in the snow is an adventure; it’s fun, and it’s something really special. I could have looked out the window and been disappointed by the snow, thinking it’ll be cold and uncomfortable. There is definitely a choice in the way we see things.

*I couldn’t resist, so headed out mid-blog to run while the snow was falling!

Changing this perspective can take time, and what I’m not saying here is to BS yourself! If you don’t love getting out in the rain right now, don’t try and tell yourself that you do – but maybe you could find some fun in splashing in some puddles, or feel a little bad*ss getting out when you know others are tucked up warm at home. Or, maybe it’s enough to say ‘I can learn to love [the thing you don’t love right now]’, because it is simply part of the experience.

When we change the relationship, the value we add to things, and the words we use – we can change the feelings and actions that result from it. That is a powerful skill to have.

When we change the relationship, the value we add to things, and the words we use – we can change the feelings and actions that result from it.

Bonus Tip

There are my five tips – but if you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ll know I’m partial to a bonus tip! So here it is, along with some real talk.

Find something you love doing! Seems obvious, right?! But there are plenty of people out there doing things because they think they should, to prove something to someone else, to have the goal at the end, or simply because it’s something they’ve always done and they haven’t assessed if the thing they’ve always done is actually something they still want to do!

Find something you love doing!

To be truly committed to doing something – to get out rain or shine, wind or blizzard – you really need to love what you’re doing and enjoy the process of doing it. If you have a goal to run a marathon but you don’t love the training, then all the gear, goals, and self-talk will not get consistent results. If you have a goal to summit a peak, but you really don’t love the process of climbing the mountain, you just won’t take the necessary steps to get you to the top.

Maybe your summer sport is just not something that you enjoy doing in winter…and that’s okay too! Find a different winter sport, hobby, or activity (there are plenty to choose from), and embrace that over the winter months.

To be truly committed to doing something you need to love what you’re doing and enjoy the process of doing it.

To Finish: A Story

I used to hate wind. In fact, I did some genetic testing which said I was most suited to calm environments. If that wasn’t an excuse to hold onto that belief, then I don’t know what is!

Then, three years ago, we moved to an alpine town that I had fallen love with. When we got here, I was disappointed to discover that it was a windy place. I mean, what the heck?! That’s not what I signed up for. At that point, I realised I had two choices: keep hating the wind, hold onto my old story, and battle through the half-a-year here, or change my relationship with the wind altogether.

Find a winter sport, hobby, or activity, and embrace that over the winter months.

I’m telling you, the mind is a powerful thing – because I now love the wind. Seriously! I love its energy… its power. I laugh when my feet get tangled from a powerful crosswind! When I stopped hating it, I found some things I could love.

So, if winter has been holding you back, give these tips a go and find the joy in what this season can bring.

Find the joy in what winter can bring.

How do you motivate yourself in the colder weather?

The post How to Stay Motivated in Winter: 5 Tips (Plus a Bonus!) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

In this blog, I’ll outline key tips for preparing for a successful hike with young children, and what to consider on the trail.

Kids love the sense of adventure. Image: MiniMeis

Getting Started

Perhaps you’ve taken your kids for a few day walks through the local conservation park, and wonder what it might be like to go on an overnight hike? Here are 5 tips to help you get started.

1. First Thing’s First…

Follow all the normal rules of hiking to the letter: packing clothes for all weather, a map and compass, tent, sleepwear, sturdy footwear, plenty of food and water, and notifying somebody of both where you intend to go and when you plan to get back. Do these things in plain sight of your kids to set a good example for the next generation!

Sometimes a yummy snack break is necessary when hiking with little ones.

2. How Far?

It’s often difficult for parents to plan a hike if they’re not sure how far their kids’ little legs can take them – but many parents may not realise just how ready their kids are for some simple hikes! Often, the distance they can travel is a function of the child’s physical and mental development.

Kids will mentally fatigue long before they are physically tired. The old ‘are we there yet?’ mentality can amplify a child’s feeling of tiredness, so it’s important to keep kids interested while walking. A good idea is to play a game such as I Spy, spelling and counting games, or animal spotting.

3. Rule of Thumb

The truth is, you won’t really know how far your child can hike until you try. To give you some idea of how to plan, you might find that kids can walk half their age in miles, per day. For instance, as a rough rule of thumb, a four-year-old can walk 2 miles (3.2km) per day.

Allow the kids to explore in nature. 

4. Take a Leaf

Children will often want to explore a little as they walk, stopping to pick things up or gaze at a lizard or leaf. This will slow down progress.

It’s important for parents to remember that their priority is no longer to get from A to B, as is often the case when walking with adults. In fact, parents would do well to take a leaf from their kids’ book; slow down to explore and discover the minutiae of the bush.

Abandon the idea of making it to camp in as short a time as possible, and enjoy teaching your kids about nature at a leisurely pace.

Hiking with kids allows you to slow down to enjoy and discover new things together. 

5. Take a Break

Kids don’t have the stamina of adults and tend to move with shorter spurts of energy, followed by periods of rest. Until they settle into a more regular pattern of progress, parents need to adjust the frequency of breaks they take.

This can be frustrating, but remember that tired kids will have a poor hiking experience. To make it a positive one, pack plenty of yummy snacks to eat during breaks – perhaps some special treats they might not normally be allowed to eat at home (like lollies).

Remember, your expectations when hiking with children must be different from those when hiking with adults. You can only go as fast as your littlest pair of legs… and the conversation is certainly different too!

By giving your children a positive experience when hiking, you’re essentially giving them a gift for life: the realisation that the infinite joys of nature are just a rucksack and a few steps off the beaten track.

Hitting the Trail

1. Carry-On Camping

Inevitably, kids may need to be carried. There are a number of harness child carrying systems on the market, designed for kids or toddlers who can’t walk for any significant distance. These are great for day-hikes.

For kids who are a little older, they can be carried on shoulders where safe to do so. It’s important for Mum and Dad to realise that they may need to take the additional weight of their children, as well as the weight of their rucksacks.

There are a number of harness child carrying systems on the market. Image: MiniMeis

2. Parents Pack Heavier

One key consideration is that parents will not be covering the distances they might normally walk with other adults. For this reason, they can afford to ‘pack heavy’ with a little more emphasis on water, food, and luxuries like toys or games.

This weight would not be comfortable over 10-20 kilometres, but over 3-5km in a day it is quite manageable.

3. Helping Out the Adults

Kids love helping out, and will often want to take a backpack along. This is great, and you can always pack something light in their bag like their favourite soft toy. Sometimes a small but significant item like the First Aid kit can make your child feel like they’re carrying something important contributing to the team.

However, expect your child to feel some discomfort after a while and perhaps want to shed their load. It’s a good idea to select a kids’ bag that can be strapped or attached to Mum or Dad’s rucksack if necessary.

Get the kids to help out by carrying a small day pack of snacks or something small. Photo: Peter Inverarity 

4. Sleeping Arrangements

There are a number of options when accommodating sleeping arrangements, and it all comes down to the size and/or number of tents you’re prepared to carry. Two parents and two kids between 4 and 6 years old can comfortably fit into a 3-person hiking tent of generous proportions. Alternatively, you could pack a 1-person tent for the kids to sleep in, and a 2-person tent for Mum and Dad.

Be careful not to overestimate the size of your tent though – it’s a fine line between ‘snug’ and ‘cramped’! If you’re buying a tent for family hikes, be sure to see it set up in the shop first and preferably have your family with you to determine floor space!

When you’ve got kids in the tent, you want to make sure it’s not too cramped! 

5. Entertainment

It’s a good idea to take a few travel games for the campsite too: a pack of UNO cards, for instance, and a storybook or two for around the fire. There are always games you can make up yourself too – for instance, a few small stones and a line in the sand provides the means for a perfectly good game of ‘Bush Bocce’!

Why not see if you and your kids can find some animal tracks nearby too? The easily-recognisable kangaroo, wallaby, or emu prints – or the disturbed earth dug up by a foraging echidna. Remember to supervise the kids though; the excitement can carry them away from camp all too easily!

Hiking and adventures with the family are memories for life!

Family Hikes are Memories for Life!

Kids who have positive experiences hiking will grow up to be confident and conscientious explorers of the natural world. Moreover, their experience in self-sufficiency and teamwork will instil a resilient streak, which will serve them well throughout their life.

Hiking with kids takes them to unique and special places, creating unique and special memories that will stay with families forever.

How do you prepare your kids for outdoor adventures? Let us know in the comments below. 

The post Hiking With Children: Tips for the Trail appeared first on Snowys Blog.

A GPS is recommended on every outdoor adventure, but packing the backup methods like a compass can be the difference between reaching the middle of nowhere or the top of the world! This blog identifies the features to look for in a compass, details reverse polarity, and navigates the ins and outs of using a compass with topographic maps.

Follow our lead!

Ever reached a point on the path where you’re not sure which way is up? Credit: Suunto

How Does a Compass Work?

Fundamentally, a compass is a very simple piece of equipment. It consists of a permanent magnet rotating with minimal resistance about a central core. One marked end of the magnet points to the magnetic ‘north’ pole, and this information can be used for both navigation and orientating a map. The needle is mounted inside housing, and is situated on a baseplate.

Standard compasses just point ‘north’. However, an orienteering compass has degree markings that allow for taking bearings, therefore far more useful for navigation.

Why do I Need a Compass?

Let us guess: you’re lost? Keen to get out and explore the world?

Either way, the chances are that you’ll need a compass. It’s a simple and very useful piece of gear that is a must for navigation.

A compass helps with both finding where you are, and your way. This is useful, but also critical if you’re lost.

The main ways to use a compass are:

• ‘Setting’ the map with the compass so it aligns with what you see on the ground, and indicates that you’re heading in the right direction.
• Taking a bearing (direction) from the map and walking on that bearing.
• Using a bearing to identify features on the ground by checking the bearing from where you are.
• Identifying your own position using ‘back bearings’ from two or more distant known features (also known as ‘resectioning’).

A Basic Compass Should Be:

Easy to read and hold

It’s recommended not to buy a compass that is too small for you to accurately read or too large to fit either in your hands or in your pack.

Legible and accurate

For most applications, you need to either read or input bearings. Make sure the compass has legible bearing marks, and that they’re at a suitable interval for accurate measurements.

Most compasses have orientation lines and arrows to assist in orienting the compass, so make sure these are clear and legible too.

Durable

Finally, ensure the compass is tough.

Ensure your compass has legible bearing marks, and that they’re at a suitable interval for accurate measurements. Credit: Suunto

Features of a Compass

Generally, a basic orienteering compass is all you need to explore the great outdoors – however, some additional features can make navigation and route planning far simpler. There is a wide variety of compasses on the market, and each has a different set of features designed to suit different needs.

Most compasses feature the same as an all-time classic compass, like the Silva Ranger. Before using a compass to navigate, it’s recommended to become familiar with the main features:

Baseplate

This is usually a clear plastic base.

Compass Housing

Also known as the compass wheel or dial. This has a mark preferably every two degrees (covering 360 degrees), and N-S-E-W (the ‘cardinal points’).

Magnetic Needle

Red tip for ‘north’, white for ‘south’. In some cases, a black end indicates north.

Compass Lines

Found on the bottom of the baseplate (also called ‘orienting lines’).

Orienting Arrow

Fixed and aligned to ‘north’ within the compass housing.

Direction-of-Travel Arrow

The big arrow at the end of the baseplate.

Index Line

Extension of the direction of the travel arrow.

The main working part of a compass is the magnetic ‘needle’ that floats on a central pivot. The red (or black) end always points to the earth’s magnetic north pole and the outer ring is marked with both the cardinal points of the compass (N-S-E-W) and every 2 degrees. These markings are used to attain bearings i.e. the direction from where you are to where you want to go.

If you rotate the ring (see second feature: ‘Compass Housing’) to align the red ‘north’ of the needle to the red arrow on the base plate, a bearing can be taken from the compass ring.

Generally, a basic orienteering compass is all you need to explore the great outdoors. Credit: Geordie Wright

Advanced Features

There are many advanced features to look for in a compass that will improve the functionality too.

Scale Measurement

Some compasses feature a scale measurement along the edges. This allows for simple measurement of straight-line distances, without having to convert from measured units to the scale of the map. This can be particularly useful for road travel or four-wheel driving, where quick distance measurements are often required and the routes are generally straight.

If you are looking for a compass with a scale, ensure the scale on the compass aligns with the scale on the maps you use.

Magnifying Lens

Magnifying lenses are often built into compasses. These can make reading small details on a map much easier. One would rarely carry a magnifying lens when navigating, however having one on your compass can be very convenient.

Glow-in-the-Dark Dial

This can make navigation by bearings at night far simpler, negating the need to constantly turn your torch on and off. The only catch is that the compass only glows for a short time before it needs to be recharged by another light.

Tracing Markers and Offsets

Some compasses have markers for tracing, which can be useful for neatly marking up a map.

Another advanced feature is an offset. This allows the compass dial to offset to match true ‘north’ rather than magnetic ‘north’, having it easier to attain a bearing from a map with a magnetic offset. However, this can be confusing if you forget to re-set or adjust the compass when using a map with a different magnetic offset.

Where is North?

There is however, a slight complication; magnetic ‘north’ is not the same as map grid ‘north’, because magnetic ‘north’ (where the compass needle points) changes in different areas of the world, and also over time.

To achieve a completely accurate reading, you need to adjust the bearing to take account of the difference between map grid ‘north’ and magnetic ‘north’. The degree of deviation is marked on printed Ordnance Survey maps but, as a rough guide, you should adjust by 2 degrees by turning the compass housing anticlockwise. For longer trips, the difference can have a significant impact on navigation.

How to Use Your Compass

You may need the following items to help with carrying out the following steps:

• Topographic map (if you haven’t already got one in front of you while you’re scratching your head wondering ‘which way do I go?’)
• Ruler
• Pencil (ideally) or highlighter
• Protractor
• Eraser

The following step-by-step guide will make much more sense if you have the equipment listed above available to carry out each step as you go.

Line up the base plate edge with your direction of travel.

Step 1

Lay your map somewhere flat and place your compass on top. Draw a line between your starting point and your destination to show the direction of travel. Then, align the baseplate edge with the direction in which you want to go, represented by the highlighted line on the map in the photo.

Rotate the graduated dial to line up with grid lines.

Step 2

Keeping the baseplate edge of your compass in line with your direction of travel, carefully rotate the graduated dial until the ‘N’, orienting arrow (Compass Feature #5), and compass lines (Compass Feature #4) are all pointing in the direction of ‘north’ on your map. On most maps, ‘north’ is straight up, but make sure to check with the legend on the map you are using. Some maps do not adhere to this cartographic standard.

Ignore magnetic declination/variation for now – if accuracy is not critical, and the distance you have to travel is not enormous, you should be able to use the compass without declination/variation adjustment.

Line up the needle with north on the graduated dial. 

Step 3

Remove the compass from the map and hold it out level in front of you, with the direction-of-travel arrow (Compass Feature #7) pointing straight ahead. Turn your body until the north end of the magnetic needle (in this case, the red end, though it can be black as shown in other photographs) is directly over the orienting arrow, pointing to the ‘N’ on the dial.

The direction-of-travel arrow is now pointing in precisely the direction you want to travel to reach your destination.

The easiest way to use your compass now is by using the ‘snap or sight a line’ method: while holding your compass in the direction of travel, look up and sight a landmark or object that is not too far away but in the direction you want to travel. Put your compass away or hang it around your neck, and start walking towards your spotted/sighted landmark or object. Upon reaching it, repeat the process by holding your compass as before, ensuring it is still set according to your map. Continue this until you reach your destination. This is the method I find easiest and use the most, depending on the scenario.

Find Your Precise Position on a Map

Now that you know how to use a compass to navigate in the direction you want to travel, the next step is to learn how to determine exactly where you are along that path at any given point. This is another important use for a compass and another important lesson well worth learning before you head bush.

To determine your position, you will need to choose two landmarks easily identifiable on your map. Power lines, bends in rivers or streams, mountains, and lakes are perfect. Choose two that you can see from where you are standing, and mark them on your map as ‘L1’ and ‘L2’.

Holding the compass directly in front of you, point the direction-of-travel arrow toward the first landmark (‘L1’) and rotate the compass dial until the black end of the magnetic needle points to ‘N’ on the dial. Read the heading at the index line, which is the same as the direction of the travel arrow.

Pivot compass around landmark until orienting lines match map grid lines

Place the compass on your map with the baseplate edge touching the first landmark (‘L1’). Pivot the compass around on ‘L1’, until the orienting arrow or orienting lines align with the magnetic ‘north’ lines on your map.

Draw a line from the landmark (‘L1’) along the side of the baseplate across your map. Repeat this process for the second landmark (‘L2’) and your exact location is where the two lines intersect on your map.

The intersection of lines is your position.

Accuracy

At times, the old adage ‘trust your compass not the operator’ may no longer necessarily hold true. There have been reports of compasses suddenly developing “forced reverse polarity” and leading users into problems. Reverse polarity can not only be a nuisance, but life-threatening if you are using a compass in bad weather or during an emergency.

What is Reverse Polarity?

This happens when magnetic forces have affected the compass needle and forced it to reverse its polarity. Essentially, the ‘north’ end of the compass is pointing ‘south’, or thereabouts.

As modern-day campers, bushwalkers, paddlers, 4WD drivers, and outdoor enthusiasts – we are now surrounded by a plethora of ‘things’ that have a magnetic field. That could include mobile phones, radios, GPS, Personal Locator Beacons, cameras, car keys, tablets, cases for phones and tablets, hydration tube ‘clips’, and even the underwire of bras!
These are things we carry or wear while in the field. What about the shops with security wands, or certain things in the car that may affect us while we are travelling?

It would seem the biggest suspects in all of this are smart phones and cases with magnetic closures. How often do you jam your compass into the same pocket as your phone, or store them together in a pocket of your rucksack?

Reputable manufacturers such as Silva recognise this problem and suggest for users to check your compass every time they head out, as a survival safety step.

They can also repolarise your compass for you, while others suggest to simply do it yourself by swiping a magnet over the compass needle.

Avoiding Reversed Polarity:

• Store your compass away from any electronics you are carrying
• Hold your compass away from your body while using it
• Read your map and beware of what should be happening as you move forward on a bearing
• Carry a spare compass (safely stored) in case of a malfunction
• Check your compass before you leave home, and again before you start your trip

There You Have It!

Using a compass is relatively simple, and after you’ve attempted it the first time it only becomes easier.

It’s suggested to refresh your compass skills before heading off on any sort of adventure, to ensure you remain familiar with them.

Do you use or carry a compass with you on your adventures? 

The post How to Use a Compass appeared first on Snowys Blog.

That’s a little enigmatic… so let’s start with 10 concise ways in which hiking beats any gym workout. Then, we’ll take a step back to discuss how being fit for hiking is important too, and the recommended ways in which to train for a multi-day hike.

We’ll take a step back to discuss how being fit for hiking is important too. Image: Coleman Australia

1. Vitamin D

You get a lot of on the hike track! This little guy plays a direct role in over 2000 functions within the body. Pretty good to have around!

2. Long Aerobic Exercise

Low-level exercise gets the blood flowing, which in turn provides oxygen and nutrients to your cells. This aids in their repair and helps them to grow stronger. Plus, for those ‘calendar’ types, muscles working at a consistent but low-level pace burn fat.

3. Fresh Air

Whether or not you believe the “negative ions” theory of fresh air (the negative ones are the good ones) there’s no doubt that it’s way better to be breathing fresh air than recycled gym air.

4. Good Company

And plenty of it! So much that you may even grow tired of it by the end of the hike. Another good thing about hiking though is that you can travel solo if you need a little time to yourself.

5. Mental Exercise

Forget running mindlessly – hiking often involves triangulating your position, calculating hours to the next campsite based on average pace, following a bearing through a forest, estimating required water and food, predicting the weather, and – if you’re game – even calculating the time using the sun!

Hiking brings with it good company.

6. Functional Exercise

When you hike, you train your body to work as it is designed. This involves lots of muscles all working in synergy, adapting to the situation as required. Gyms often lack this by exercising muscles in only one motion (take the classic bicep curl, for example). Hiking also helps to teach your mind to control your body more effectively by providing various challenges – think rocks, tree stumps, tussock grass, and steep uphill/downhill paths.

7. Low Impact

If you allow your body ease into it, hiking is a safe exercise for your joints. In fact, as hinted in point 2 above, it can actually be good for your joints in the right circumstances. Hiking or trekking poles are recommended for this reason too – read about all the reasons why in this blog.

8. Circadian Rhythm Alignment

Organising your day around the sun has many benefits to the body, including lowered stress levels and better sleep. This is due to the influence of light – especially blue – on your suprachiasmatic nucleus (body clock) and pineal gland.

9. Mental Detox

Life becomes simple. No emails, phone calls, texts, tweets, or social media notifications. Remember, your phone is for an emergency – not for checking emails on that peak where you only score two bars of reception!

10. It’s Fun!

For some people, gyms simply aren’t – so why pay for another membership? Speak to the staff at Snowys about becoming well-equipped for hiking instead.

Hold Up – The Gym Still Plays a Part!

‘Why do I need to get fit to walk?’

‘Isn’t walking enough?’

‘Why should I need to get fit for something that is essentially supposed to be my time of fun?

‘Do I really need to think about how fit I am to enjoy the outdoors?’

These are all perfectly good questions. Consider this, though: have you ever walked with a stone in your shoe? Was it really possible to enjoy the company, the wildlife, the spectacular views, and the clean fresh air, when all you could think about was getting that damn stone out of your shoe? Not likely.

Everything is more enjoyable when you’re comfortable. By the same token, you’ll be more comfortable if you’re able to do the things you love with ease: walking, hiking, climbing, camping, or whatever you do for fun. You’re more able to do these things in shape.

Everything is more enjoyable when you’re comfortable. Image: Camelbak

The 3 Types of Fitness

1. Aerobic Fitness

Being aerobically active conditions our bodies to be more efficient: more efficient at moving oxygen around, more efficient because we’re carrying fewer stores of fat, more efficient because our muscles are stronger and more capable of shuttling waste by-products away, and more efficient in a thousand more ways that are increasingly technical, biological, and un-bloggable!

Stopping ‘for a breather’ on the track takes on a different dimension when you’re not fighting for air. You now have time to appreciate the birdsong, take a photo, or help your companion with something. It’s no longer a gasping, desperate experience; you can now stop to smell the flowers.

2. Strength

One of our biggest complaints on the trail is the uphill/downhill stuff. Let’s face it: cruising along the flat ground is easy – but as soon as we start adding altitude, it hurts. Mainly it’s in the legs, and those front quads are the muscles doing most of the work.

We’ve all felt that aching, burning feeling after a few minutes of hard slog up a slope. This is the lactic acid build-up in our legs; a result of the effort our quads are putting in, contracting hard to pull our hips up over our knees with every upward step.

There’s nothing wrong with feeling the burn – but if it hurts so much that you’re stopping every minute to rest, gasping in pain, or – worst of all – cramping up, then it’s worth thinking about ways to mitigate the discomfort.

When we stop, it gives our bodies a chance to ‘flush’ the lactic acid out of our muscles, restore that oxygen to them, and allow them to reset for another slog. What we find, however, is that by strengthening (or conditioning) our muscles before a hike, they are better equipped to handle contractions. They’re more able to expel the lactic acid, and probably produce less of it in the first place.

A suggested way to condition your muscles to the rigours of the trail is to exercise them in a way that imitates the actions and stresses placed on them. This means weighted leg exercises at the gym – for example, front barbell squats and seated leg presses. The aim is to increase the muscles’ capacity to push and to strengthen the muscle via simulation.

3. Stamina

While weight training is a recommended way to strengthen or bulk muscle, it has its drawbacks.

Firstly, we can only do so much (e.g. 10-15 repetitions) before we tire and need to rest. This pattern isn’t necessarily what we want to replicate on the trail. If we conditioned our body to output 100% for 15 steps, but then needed to rest it for three minutes, we wouldn’t get anywhere.

This is why it can be a good idea to develop the muscle’s ability to flush away waste by-product; introducing steady but strenuous exercise, like cycling.

Using the gears on a bike, we can make the work as hard or easy as we like. The continual motion forces our bodies to flush away lactic acid on the go, as opposed to in between weighted sets.

By strengthening (or conditioning) our muscles before a hike, they are better equipped to handle contractions.

So… How Should I Train for a Multi-Day Hike?

Get Used to the Food

The food you take on a multi-day hike will come down to personal preference, but your food decisions should be based on two factors: weight and calories. All your food should be relatively lightweight but heavy on calories, so you can benefit from the energy hit you need.

Ensure you’re well-fuelled while training for a long hike, as it’s a good opportunity to become familiar with the foods. Some that are lightweight but calorie-dense include Snickers bars, Peanut M&Ms, trail mix, wraps, Clif Bars, packet pasta, tuna (in a sachet, not a tin), beef jerky, and freeze-dry meals (if you’re carrying a stove). For more guidance on hiking food, check out our Go-Getter’s Guide to Adventure Fuel, or Food Planning Tips for a Multi-Day Hike.

Gear

The point to remember is that you don’t necessarily need the lightest gear and clothing on the market. There is thought to be a ‘good weight’ and a ‘bad weight’ when it comes to gear – so if you have a jacket that weighs a kilo but will keep you warm at night, take it with you. Wear your trekking clothing while you train to get used to it too.

To get your pack ‘game fit’ and ensure the load is balanced correctly, consider stuffing it with the gear you intend to take on your hike. Weights and bottles filled with water may help weigh the pack down, but it won’t sit the same way a properly packed rucksack does.

Pack Weight

If you know you’ll be carrying anywhere between 15-20kgs on your trip, start by going on hikes with only 5kgs in your backpack. Once you become familiar with that weight, bump it up to 10kgs – and so on.

The key is to not shock your body straight away. You’re better off familiarising your body with a significant load on your back gradually. That way, when it comes to doing that 45km hike, your body won’t be screaming at you on day one.

Get Used to Hiking… by Hiking

Becoming physically ready for a multi-day hike can be determined by a number of things, including the distance of the overall trip, how many days are spent out on the trail, how difficult the track is, and so on.

Practicality is key. If you want to come away from that 45-kilometre, 3-day hiking trip feeling fit, simply going to the gym isn’t always enough. Just as your gym exercises should mimic your movements on the trail, getting out onto the trail to replicate what you plan to be doing is just as beneficial, if not more. For example, if you know there will be hilly terrain, find a trail that also features plenty of hills and start hiking those bad boys!

There are some great day hikes near Melbourne that are perfect for training, as there are for those training in Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane. As suggested earlier, hike these tracks with some weight in your backpack too.

Getting out onto the trail to replicate what you plan to be doing is beneficial. Image: John Feeney

Have you got any suggestions for aligning your ‘Circadian Rhythm’? If so, tell us in the comments section below!

The post Why Hiking is Better Than the Gym appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Leaving no trace behind should be the most important consideration when heading into a pristine environment, and that includes your personal hygiene practices. If you need a refresh of the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, then check out the guide on our blog.

In this article, we unpack the essentials for a rustic cleanse, the cleaning methods to avoid, and options for showering, handwashing, tasteful toileting, and outdoor laundry.

Let’s upgrade from the gum leaves, and keep it clean ‘n classy…

Ensure you have the right gear with you to keep clean and leave no trace. 

Personal Hygiene Essentials:

• Hand sanitiser
• Biodegradable wash
• Compostable wipes (burn or dispose of these properly at camp. Never bury, flush, or drop wipes into a pit loo)
• Portable clothesline
• Washcloth
• Microfibre towel
• Ziploc bags (for packing out used wipes)
• Toothpaste (biodegradable)
• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Washbag
• Squeezable water bottle
• Trowel or mini shovel (for toileting)

Avoid:

• Personal care products that are not biodegradable
• Heavily scented products (these can attract bugs)
• Soaps or washes containing phosphates
• Bulky products that produce waste

You may know that phosphates aren’t great for the environment, but you may not know why. Phosphates increase algae growth, which decreases oxygen in the water – making it harder for fish and other aquatic life to survive.

So, when choosing a biodegradable soap for camping or hiking, choose phosphate-free too.

Your toiletries bag may also include:

• A small container or spray bottle of water
• Baby powder (great in humidity and keeps chafing at bay!)
• Sanitiser (a glovebox staple – useful to save an upset stomach, or worse!)
• A large S-hook (for instant hanging space, wherever you may need it)
• Thongs (you’ll want them on your feet, no matter where you’re showering)
• Toothbrush shield (see below)

Here are some of the essentials you could bring to keep clean when outdoors. 

Brushing Your Teeth

While this is a pretty straightforward activity, there are a few things to consider when you’re out on the trail.

If you don’t mind carrying the extra weight, a toothbrush shield helps to keep it clean. Teeth are also best cleaned at your campsite and using water you know is 100% bacteria-free. Try using a smaller amount of biodegradable toothpaste than you usually would, swish your mouth with a small amount of water, and spray it over a wider area (so it’s not concentrated in one spot – this minimises the impact on the environment).

Alternatively, spit the residue into a hole you’ve dug.

Handwashing

Hand sanitiser will be your best friend out on the trail, as you won’t always have access to soap and water.

When you’re amongst a group of people, germs can spread quickly – so it’s essential to sanitise your hands every time you go to the toilet or prepare food.

Wash your hands or use sanitiser to keep germs from spreading. Image: Sea to Summit

Bathing When Hiking or Trekking

To maintain good hygiene when away from the comfort of a running shower, there are a couple of options for a lightweight adventure.

While it is tempting to skip the wipe or wash after a long day out and about, keeping clean will help keep your clothes and bedding in better condition, preventing oil, dirt, and sweat from rubbing into your mat, sleeping bag, or pillow. Trust us, your down sleeping bag will thank you for it, as you won’t have to wash it as often!

Portable Showers

If you’re happy to carry the extra weight, a Pocket Shower is a more luxurious option when you’re travelling light.

This is essentially a dry sack with a shower head built into the base which can be adjusted via a twist mechanism. Simply fill with water, warm it up in the sun, and hang it up for an 8.5-minute shower! Once you’re done, dry off with a compact microfibre towel.

There is a range of camp showers available to make cleaning a comfortable experience. Some even run on solar power or batteries, offering a hot water option. You can also simply use a small tub of water, soap, and washcloth.

A few things to note:

• Wash 100-200m from any watercourses (this includes dry creek beds), as soaps and shampoos can be damaging to aquatic wildlife.
• Use biodegradable soaps with low sodium and phosphate, and avoid soaps and shampoos with fragrances.
• Chemicals in cleaning products can damage the surrounding bush, and scents might attract unwanted insects.

This option probably won’t be suitable for every trip, but on a particularly warm and sweaty adventure you’re likely to appreciate this method of washing away the day! For more on how to set up a camping shower, check out Ben’s blog here.

If you can spare the space and weight, a pocket shower is an option for keeping clean. Image: Sea to Summit

Sponge Baths

While nothing beats a shower after a long day, this isn’t always practical if you’re hiking for a few days and don’t have access to a lot water or room in your pack to carry equipment.

Heat up some water, and pour it into a portable sink. Add some biodegradable body wash, grab a washcloth, and get started! When finished, ensure you dispose of the water 60-100m from a water source. A squeezy water bottle comes in handy here, as you’ll be able to rinse those hard-to-reach areas.

Another technique to clean yourself is to use moistened cotton balls.

• Use them on your underarms, groin, face, feet, back of the neck, or other areas that are prone to sweat.
• These take up little room in your pack, and you’d be surprised how much grime cotton balls can remove!
• For additional antibacterial protection, dab the cotton balls in alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Be careful though, as excess use can dry the skin and sting if used on rashes and grazes.

A washcloth, portable sink and biodegradable wash is another option for staying fresh. Image: Sea to Summit

Wipes

These are great when you either can’t spare the water, or you’re just too tired after a long day to attempt anything else!

You want the sort that will remove salt, sweat, and oils from your body. Depending on your preference, you may want to try unscented baby wipes or something a little thicker like Sea to Summit’s Wilderness Wipes.

You may not be burying them, but still consider a compostable option for when you arrive home and need to dispose of them.

When you’re really exhausted, or water is limited, wipes will get the job done. 

Nature’s Bath!

If you are going to wash directly in a lake or river, don’t use any soap at all – even if its biodegradable. Also, if you’ve smothered yourself in sunscreen and insect repellent, this will wash off into the water and can cause contamination. In this case, it might be best to collect water to wash with and scatter it afterwards instead. Other people might be using the river to collect drinking water from too, so consider that before you jump in!

If you are free camping too, consider the impact on the environment as well as your health and safety. Fresh or saltwater, if safe, is for unpolluting, cleansing, and refreshing dips. However, being swept away by the current, or becoming croc bait is not worth the risk… so know the water source and your environment before taking the plunge!

Drying Off

Just like a coffee order, towel selection is personal. Do you prefer large or small? Thick, or thin?

Many travellers like a compact, fast-drying microfibre range, car chamois, or sarong. Even a small and thin 100% cotton towel is sufficient, and doesn’t take long to dry. On the other hand, a large towel is bulky and guaranteed to be packed wet or – at best – damp.

A few tips:

• If you are towing or packed high, with restricted vision out the back window, string a lineacross the seat behind. This can act as an airing rack, and your towel can dry as you drive.

• A large Chux can be used as a towel alternate. A cut piece makes a great, quick-drying face washer – and it’s perfect to dry your toes really well before you pop them into your shoes!

If you bathe in a river or lake, be considerate of the environment. Image: Sea to Summit

Laundry

On a lightweight trip, you’re not going to be carrying a whole wardrobe of clothes. Instead, you’re likely to keep a couple of pairs of socks, underwear, and a spare set of clothes to rotate.

A great way to clean your clothes (that doesn’t use a lot of water) is a Scrubba Wash Bag. This is essentially a portable mini washing bag – simply add a couple of garments, biodegradable washing detergent, and water. Push out the excess air, seal it up, agitate for 3 mins, rinse, and dry.

You could also use your dry bag, or a portable sink. Both will get the job done in a similar way, and are multi-purpose to save on weight. When you’re finished, just ensure you scatter the greywater the safe and correct distance from water sources.

Sometimes, laundry isn’t always practical. In these instances, air-dry your clothes after hiking each day. Wet or sweaty clothes stored in your pack can be a source of bacteria. You can also choose to wear clothes that wick away moisture so they dry much faster and don’t become as sweaty. A lot of hiking clothing is designed specifically for this purpose.

A travel towel, like the Sea to Summit Drylite Towel, is also a great investment. Regular towels can stay wet for a long time and harbour bacteria, while a travel towel will air-dry in no time at all.

Fresh clothes will help you maintain good hygiene on the trail.

Going About Your Business…

Feminine Hygiene

For the females reading this, there are a couple of options for managing your monthly visitor on an off-grid getaway.

The most efficient and environmentally friendly choice is a menstrual cup. Keep in mind that your hands need to be clean when both using and emptying it. You should also dispose of the cup contents as you would when going to the toilet.

Secondly, use standard, disposable feminine hygiene products – but ensure you have a way to carry them out with you. A Ziploc bag is usually best for this, or covering it with duct tape for more discretion.

Put together a little kit of your hygiene products. That way, it’s easy to locate in your rucksack with minimal stress in the critical moment!

Number 1’s and 2’s

There are a number or portable toilets, and even toilet tents, available for doing your business in private. These are useful if you’re camping out in some of the coastal or desert country of Australia, where there aren’t as many trees to squat behind!

If you don’t have room to take a portable toilet, a few tips to consider when going to the toilet in the bush are:

• Always relieving yourself away from campsites, walking tracks, and any watercourses
• Digging a deep hole (at least 15-20 cm deep) and tapping down the soil afterwards with your boot or back of the trowel. The bacteria in human faeces can be harmful to native wildlife.
• Ensuring you bury both your deposit and the toilet paper but nothing that might contain chemicals or inorganic materials (such as plastic).
• Being mindful of toilet paper. There is nothing worse than seeing stray toilet paper floating in the bush – not to mention the associated hygiene issues!
• Digging holes – a lightweight trowel is important to include in your pack for this. Some soil can be quite compacted in Australia, so a trowel with a point allows you to dig deep enough.
• Taking a bottle of hand sanitiser. Often, people will wash their hands back at the campsite. By the time they’ve got back from doing their business, they’ve touched the trowel, door of the tent, and cap of the water bottle!

Keep everything you need in one bag, so that it’s ready to use. 

Ben and Lauren also discuss how to take care of business in the outdoors on the Snowys Camping Show:

Cooking and Eating

Before cooking and eating, clean your hands. When camping, you might be handling soil and animals. Quite often, the bacteria you come into contact with when camping is unfamiliar to your body. It’s therefore even more vital to clean your hands before eating, than it is at home or work.

If you don’t have access to warm running water, hand sanitiser is – once again – effective. Remember to wash your cutlery and dishes properly, rather than just a quick rinse. Ideally, heat up some water after you finish cooking, and – once again – dispose of the used dishwater away from any watercourses.

Rubbish

If there are no bins, you’ll need to take your waste with you. If you have to carry waste, ensure it is stored away from food and other personal items. Ziplock bags are a great way to keep smells contained and prevent leakage.

A tip is to double-bag rubbish, then store it in an opaque bag (so you don’t have to look at it!).

Keeping Feet Clean and Dry

Doing this before you change your socks will help to prevent any nasty bacteria from breeding. It’s also a good idea to dry out your boots at night – just make sure that if they’re leather, you don’t leave them out for too long in the sun. They can shrink!

Other Squeaky Clean Tips:

• Invest in a pair of thongs, and a lightweight loose shift/shower dress or shorts that can be slipped on to and from the shower. It’s no fun getting dressed when the floor is wet, or stepping into shower-splashed, damp, or wet clothes. Take no other clothes with you, and get dressed back at camp instead.
• Pop your toiletries and fresh clothing in a cloth supermarket bag. The extra space will fit your towel and any laundryyou might like to do in the shower block. Hang it from its handles and you’ll have less to juggle on an insufficient benchtop or shower stall seat.
• Invest in a good strong nail brush and keep your nails short.
• Apply appropriate first aid to any cuts and grazes.
• Again, in the great outdoors there are germs your body may not be used to – you don’t want a wound becoming infected. Cover up wounds with a plaster or dressing, regardless of how insignificant it might seem.

Maintaining good personal hygiene that leaves no trace behind is super important for both your health and the environment. We hope these tips have pointed you in the right direction – so next time you head away, you can keep it clean and green!

Ben and Lauren also chat about keeping clean in the outdoors on the Snowys Camping Show. Check it out:

How do you keep clean on your lightweight adventures? 

The post Guide to Personal Hygiene in the Outdoors appeared first on Snowys Blog.

It’s important for your gear to be packed in the right places to distribute weight evenly. This will both prevent injury and ensure you remain balanced. Not only should you consider weight, but also what you will need to access during the day and the order in which you’ll remove items from your pack when you reach camp.

From the back-of-the-pack pots and pans, to the snacks up top and snap-lock bags – read on for tips on how to choose, pack, and reduce weight in a rucksack!

Distributing weight evenly throughout the pack will prevent injury and ensure you remain balanced. Credit: Icebreaker

Choosing Your Pack

The choice of daypack will depend on how often you intend to use it and how much you want to carry. If you are going on an overnight hike, there are more items required and features to bear in mind when choosing a pack. Some considerations are:

A Waist and/or Chest Strap 

Over-the-shoulder bags are generally not ideal for your neck and back. It’s recommended to have a backpack with two adjustable arm straps and padding on the shoulders. A waist and/or chest strap will help distribute the pack’s weight evenly across your back.

Carrying Less Than 1/5 of Your Weight

Daypacks are designed to be lightweight. A normal bag might seem light when you start walking – but after a few hours in the heat, it will feel like a tonne!

Adults should aim to carry up to 20% of their weight, and it’s generally recommended for children to carry between 10% and 20% of theirs. When you consider that water will weigh roughly a kilogram per litre, the weight quickly stacks up – so it is important that the pack itself is as light as possible.

Adults should aim to carry up to 20% of their weight. Credit: Deuter

Adequate Space for Essentials

Daypacks come with a range of features, such as emergency whistles, bungee straps for holding water bottles, built-in hydration packs, and small compartments for storing keys and wallets. Consider what you are going to carry as well as how you’ll transport your water, and choose your desired features accordingly.

Good Ventilation 

Be you walking in the heat or over long distances, a breathable air mesh fabric backing is useful to help with ventilation and reduce sweating.

Compatibility with Your Height and Build

Try before you buy! It’s recommended to buy a daypack that suits your height and build. A comfortable pack is a hiker’s best friend – and once you find the right pack, you’ll likely use it for everything!

For more on hiking, travel, and daypacks – tune into Ben and Lauren’s podcast interview with Deuter:

Packing

Waterproofing Your Gear

Before packing, ensure your gear is waterproof. Not all of it, but your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and clothes should be to the point where you can submerge your pack in a river and they remain dry!

The best way to do this is to use a pack liner. This can be a high-quality, completely waterproof liner such as the Sea to Summit series (available at Snowys), or a heavy-duty garbage bag. Liners do as their name suggests in lining the inside of the pack, so all your gear stays dry. You may like to individually pack some items in Sea to Summit dry bags or compression dry sacks too (also available at Snowys).

First In: Sleeping Bag and Mat

Once waterproofed, start packing your sleeping gear such as your sleeping bag and mat first. Nestle them at the bottom of your pack; if you are using a closed-cell foam mat, you may like to put this on the outside of your pack instead (as it is quite large).

Nestle your sleeping bag and mat at the bottom of your pack. Credit: David Leslie

Fill the Space with Clothing

Stuff all your clothing into the spaces surrounding your sleeping bag and mat. Remember to keep a jumper or warm jacket handy at the top of your pack.

Take a spare change of socks on a day hike too, in case your feet become wet or sweaty. A change of socks can improve your mood dramatically when hiking… as well as prevent blisters!

Cookware

Next, pack in your lightweight cooking gear, placing the heavier items (such as the fuel) closest to your back. This helps to position more weight over your hips. The hips are ideal for carrying heavy gear, with the small of the back most suited to carrying the brunt of the weight. This lowers your centre of gravity and increases your stability (especially when walking on uneven terrain).

A bag with a ridged surface will also help here, preventing sharp instruments from poking at your back.

Take a spare change of socks on a day hike too, in case your feet become wet or sweaty. Credit: Salomon 

Hydration

Similar to the above, place the majority of your water against your back, on top of the cooking gear. The best way to carry water is in a hydro bladder, such as the Camelbak Unbottle 2L or the Black Wolf 2L Bladder/Reservoir. Bottles are OK, but they occupy the same volume of space even when empty. Your typical plastic water bottle is cheap, but doesn’t retain its temperature well either – so by the end of the day, you’re drinking warm water that tastes of plastic!

Most water bottles these days are BPA-free, and soft flasks such as those from Salomon are a particularly good option; they can be rolled up when emptied, reducing bulk.

It’s common to underestimate how much water to carry. Keeping hydrated while hiking requires its own post – but as a general rule it’s suggested three litres for a day hike, as a bare minimum. This will depend on the weather conditions, altitude, your personal health, how much you’re carrying, how strenuously you are hiking, and so forth. Either way, carrying too much is better than too little. Water will generally be the heaviest item in your daypack, so consider how you’ll carry it.

Soft flasks such as those from Salomon are a particularly good option. Credit: Salomon

Food and Water Placement

Food is best placed around the water and a little further from your back. Again, try to position the heavier items towards your back, and the lighter items around the edge.

If you decide to carry bottles, it is better to split your water up across maybe four, so you can distribute the weight in your pack more evenly. Alternatively, use water bladders to do the same.

Your Tent

This may strike some controversy, but it can be beneficial to pack your hiking tent towards the top of your back, against your shoulders.

The reason for this is that your tent is the first thing to set up upon arriving at camp and the last thing you pack away when leaving (especially if it’s raining). It’s also an easy item to remove to reach your food and water during a hike. Placing it directly on your shoulders will also ensure you are balanced and carrying the weight through your legs.

Placing your tent directly on your shoulders will ensure you are balanced, carrying the weight through your legs. Credit: Deuter

Last In: Jackets and Jumpers

The last thing to place in the main compartment is a warm jumper. Although you may be warm while hiking, you will cool down very quickly when you stop for a break. If you’re working up a sweat, it can be a good idea to remove your shirt and only wear your jumper when you stop, so you don’t become too cold!

Close Your Pack Liner

Now that your main compartment is full, close your pack liner!

Although you may be warm while hiking, you will cool down very quickly when you stop for a break. Credit: Deuter

Top Pocket: Rain Coat, First Aid Kit, and Snacks

Just about all packs have a pocket in the top lid of the pack. This is an ideal spot to pack your lightweight rain coat and first aid kit; two very important items that may be needed quickly mid-hike! Carry warm clothing too, in case you’re caught out after dark – and ensure your first aid kit is completely waterproof.

Even on a short walk, there is always a small possibility you could break a limb, cut yourself, or be bitten by insects and/or snakes. You need to be prepared for the worst. Most first-aid kits are compact and contain all the essential items.

If you are building a kit from scratch, it’s recommended to take:

• Pressure immobilisation bandages
• Regular roller bandages
• Gauze or cotton pads for wounds
• Triangular bandage for breaks
• Bandaids for blisters
• Ointment for insect bites
• Antiseptic cream

Protein rich foods with extended shelf-lives include cereal bars. Credit: Skratch Labs

Oh, and if you have the room – stash some snacks up top too, ideally rich in protein and carbohydrates. Be savvy, too; in hot weather, avoid meat or dairy foods that are likely to spoil. Even for a short walk, carry extra food in case of emergency or delays on your hike. Protein rich foods with extended shelf-lives include cereal bars, or dried fruit and nut mix.

For more on hiking food to pack, check out this episode of the Snowys Camping Show:

Small Pockets: Toiletries, Tools and Electronics, Knives, and Accessories

Again, most rucksacks will have pockets either on the side or at the front of the pack. This is where to place all the little items such as toiletries, toilet paper and trowel, a head torch, a multi-tool (pocket knife), a wallet, keys, and a phone.

On a day hike, a torch is still important in case you are delayed or misjudge the length of the journey back to camp. In remote locations or where tracks aren’t well marked, you may also want to take navigation tools such as a map, compass, or GPS.

On a day hike, a torch is still important in case you are delayed. Credit: Nebo

Emergency blankets, PLBs, and multi-tools are also useful for safety purposes. If an accident does occur, especially something as serious as a snakebite, you need some form of communication too. Mobile reception can be unpredictable in the bush, especially walking through rocky valleys or in remote locations. Check your phone every so often, and take note of where the last place was where you had reception. In an emergency, someone in your crew can head back to that point and call for help.

If you don’t have any other pockets, squeeze these items into your top lid pocket or the main compartment.

Check your phone every so often, and take note of where the last place was where you had reception. Credit: Zoleo

If you are hiking for a day, you’re likely to sweat away some of your sunscreen – so take some along with you to reapply. Sometimes too, a hike can take longer than you anticipate, which can mean getting caught out during dusk with the mozzies! Keep some insect repellent on hand for these moments.

The weather can also be unpredictable; it might be overcast when you begin your hike, but become sunny later on. Keep your sunnies in your day pack just in case.

The weather can be unpredictable; it might be overcast when you begin your hike, but become sunny later on. Credit: Salomon

Reducing Pack Weight

Ditch or Recycle Packaging

Just because your sleeping mat and sleeping bag both came with a stuff sack, does not mean you have to use both of them. For example, use one large stuff sack for your sleeping bag and clothes, or sleeping mat and clothes.

Remove all unnecessary packaging from food and consolidate into Ziplock bags. You’ll only need to carry rubbish back out anyway.

Two Uses for Everything

Wherever possible, allocate everything in your pack more than one purpose. For example:

• Sleep in your sleeping bag, but also use it as your ultimate source of warmth if the temperature drops dramatically.
• Use a lightweight pocket knife to eradicate the need for a separate food knife
• Use a spork to eat meals (a lightweight fork-spoon and butter knife, in one!)
• Use a stainless steel bowl and cup to both cook and eat from
• Use Ziplock bags for both organising your food before you go, then using as small rubbish or waterproof bags once empty

Look over other items you’ve packed that may achieve the same result or serve the same purpose as another. Credit: David Leslie

Not Sure? Not Needed

If you keep coming back to the same item, wondering if you should take it with you – chances are, you could probably do without it.

Look over other items you’ve packed that may achieve the same result or serve the same purpose i.e. could you also use your woollen beanie as a pot holder? Think about the likelihood of actually using that product on your hike, and if your walk can carry on without it.

Consider Every Purchase Carefully

When buying your gear, place as much importance on weight as you do features. Often, all the extra features are something you talk about but never use, and ultimately add to pack weight. Over the years, attempt to buy lighter and more efficient products each time you replace/upgrade a gadget or piece of gear.

Place as much importance on weight as you do on features. Credit: Ben Collaton

It All Adds Up

Keep a spreadsheet of all items of gear, plus their respective weights. Use this before you start packing to estimate pack weight. Some may say this is a little overboard, but it works for some. Every gram saved on each item you pack adds up quicker than you may realise. If you’re a big eater, the less gear you have, the more food and water you can take instead.

If you take the time to pack your rucksack correctly, your body will thank you for it. Credit: Salomon

It may take you a few attempts to get it right – but for your first time, pack and re-pack your rucksack a few times, and test to ensure you have the correct balance of weight. You don’t want your pack to be lopsided or pulling you backwards, nor any sharp bits poking you through the harness!

A neat pack is usually a well-packed pack – so keep everything tidy, don’t hang anything on the outside, (unless it’s your roll mat or hiking poles), and ensure your pack is fitted correctly. There are so many other levels and considerations for those attempting to get their pack weight down below 10kg too – you can search ‘ultra-lightweight’ on Bushwalk Australia for an abundance of forum discussions on this topic.

With experience, you’ll find the perfect place for every item you take. Until then, the instructions above will provide a good idea of what to pack where, and how to distribute the weight. If you take the time to pack your rucksack correctly, your body will thank you for it and you’ll have a much more enjoyable time!

Drop into Snowys, or give us a call for expert advice on how to find the perfect rucksack for your frame, the best gear for your trip, and more information on how to pack a rucksack as a beginner.

How do you pack for a day or overnight hike? Let us know in the comments below! 

This post was updated for 2023, and features input from multiple authors.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Packing a Rucksack appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Women everywhere are questioning the boundaries that have been put against them by society and themselves. In asking those questions, we are taking the steps to create the equality and equity we desire.

We have come a long way in breaking the bias, and women are feeling more confident and capable to take on challenges that break the norms and question the stereotypes. Nonetheless, there is still work to be done.

As women, we are on the cusp of a revolution. Credit: Ben Wallbank

I believe, on a personal level, it comes down to three things: belief, being, and possibility. These are personal qualities and thoughts that we can foster in ourselves, and in fostering these things we can achieve goals beyond our wildest dreams.

I didn’t really have an understanding of these concepts growing up. To a large extent, I didn’t really understand I had much of a choice in what I did. There were social norms, and things that everyone did. I followed on, without questioning them.

Following along lead me to some dark places. The revelation that came from the following concepts changed my whole life trajectory and has allowed me to build a life I love in doing the things that bring me joy and add value to the world. A win-win, in my books.

My home in Lake Hawea. Credit: Ben Wallbank

Let’s start with belief

and in this context, belief in yourself.

 It’s interesting when you take on challenges that will stretch you beyond your skillset; something I have done many times over the years, through the big challenges I have taken on.  Some people will jump in behind you and back you all the way. Others, however, will judge you. Over the years, it’s judgment I have experienced.

This was always particularly hard because I was putting in the work, and those that judged never asked me. Instead, they just looked to my past and made an assumption about my ability for the future, based on where I’d been. This is where my belief in myself was essential.

Finishing Kayzie Kapers 100-mile race! Credit: Ben Wallbank

The definition of belief is trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.

I believe the greatest chance we can give ourselves to be successful is to believe in ourselves. You see, I believe it all starts with belief. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it can only start when we believe we can start.

I believed – and I encourage you to believe as well. Believe you are capable of anything – then go out and do it!

Sunset mountains. Credit: Ben Wallbank

From belief comes being.

When I had the judgment coming my way – when I was doing things I had never done before, and things that other women like me had never done before – this is where I had to be the person that could complete the challenges I set myself. Be the person who achieves the goal.

There is a model that I live by:

Be, do, have.

People often think they need to have the skills to do the things, to then be the person – but that is actually back-to-front.

When I chose the challenges I took on over the years, I was not a person who had done anything like it before. In each case, I had started to acquire the skills I needed, and I knew by the time I started the challenges that I would be able to do them.

Visiting wild places. Credit: Ben Wallbank

So – first, we must be the person.  That means taking on the beliefs of and acting like the person we want to be.  Who would you be if you had completed whatever goal you wish to take on? What would you think? How would you behave? 

Answer those questions, then embody that from the start! Don’t wait until you’ve achieved it – because paradoxically, to get to that person at the end, you have to start as that person in the beginning.

Ascending Single Cone – a challenging mountaineering objective. Credit: Ben Wallbank

Then, do the things that person would do. This step is imperative, because it is in the doing that our goals come to be. Here, you do the things following from the first step, in line with the actions of the person you are being.

Finally, if you ‘be’ and ‘do’ long enough, you will eventually have what you desire.

In a nutshell: it is cultivating thoughts and beliefs and taking action, until you find yourself with your desired outcome.

Winter adventures – on my way to giving ‘snow shoeing’ a go! Credit: Ben Wallbank

Finally, possibility…

a concept and thought that must be present through this process.

For this, I would like to propose one question that can move us forward. One question that has driven me over the last 5 years, which quite simply is:

‘What else is possible?’

Often, we become caught up in the pace of life and the things we ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ be doing.  Sometimes, it’s easy to become busy and forget that we are the masters of our destiny. However, we are all capable of stopping for a minute to ask ourselves this simple question.

Confidently scrambling across the trails! Credit: Ben Wallbank

The purpose here is to think beyond where we are currently, to question the beliefs that we have spoken of, and to question who we are being and who we want to be.

This question is at the heart of all great explorers, all change-makers, and every single person who has ever stepped out of their comfort zone. Sometimes – not consciously or intentionally – this question was somewhere at the core of every human decision that has been made, where someone did something different or changed the course of their life.

Climbing! Credit: Ben Wallbank

What I wish I’d known,

and the advice I would give to my younger self…

So many of our thoughts are ‘unintentional’, going unnoticed and unquestioned. What I didn’t know when I was younger was that I could get intentional with my thoughts. I could question boundaries, step outside of the norms, and carve a life in line with my values and beliefs.

We are incredibly lucky to be living in a time when we have more knowledge and opportunities than ever before – but there is still work to be done.  There are still strong, underlying narratives around what it means to be a woman, and accepted norms around how a woman’s life should play out over her years.

The revolution that is now, that we are all part of, starts with us being consciously aware of our thoughts; choosing the beliefs, actions, and goals that we want. The revolution is asking what else is possible, dreaming big dreams, and going out and being those people.

The places I get to go in the mountains. Credit: Ben Wallbank

If you were given the chance, what would you tell your younger self?

The post Run Like a Girl: What I Know Now That I Wish I’d Known Then appeared first on Snowys Blog.

With that in mind, the following track snacks are designed to fit every backpack – be that for finishing your favourite trail, curbing that carb craving, or even fueling mid-morning at the office.

Trackside snacking doesn’t have to bring with it artificial flavours, excess sugar, or funny-sounding ingredients we can’t quite decipher. Credit: Clif

Bars

Fast, nutritious, and easily transported – energy bars are the most impactful jam-packed mouthful for the track. From the bushwalks across rubble to fast-paced races on flatter pavement, stay fueled beyond the big smoke with their superior nutritional profile and kick-butt flavour options too.

As the most versatile choice, bars make for easy snacking ahead of a hike, training session, or simply to keep you kicking on at the keyboard during the workday. To benefit the most from an energy bar, consume 2-3 hours before exercise. Nibble away mid-activity too, to keep hunger at bay.

Stay fueled beyond the big smoke with a superior nutritional profile and kick-butt flavour options too. Credit: Skratch Labs

Energy bars are usually very dense, having them more satiating and filling compared to a gel. Their texture is more solid, like that of a muesli bar, which can often be more palatable. Nonetheless, they’re not ideal when you’ve got your hands tied, nor as fast absorbing as a gel. 

Some of our favourite brands include Clif and Skratch Labs. Wholesome ingredients in, hydrogenated oils out – every Clif bar is 70% organic, made with healthy, high-energy ingredients without compensating with high-fructose corn syrup. Boasting a compact pack size too, they’re easily stored on your hike, ride, or run. For more on the flavour of Clif energy bars taste, check out our review in the video below.

The Snowys YouTube channel is home to many Clif Bar reviews.

Similarly, Skratch Labs develop and sell sustenance that not only aid healthy living but taste as clean as the ingredients are real. The team at Skratch Labs translate the ‘start from scratch’ approach to their products, avoiding artificial ingredients found in most pre-packaged sports bars and drinks.

Check out the Clif and Skratch Labs range on our website.

Skratch Labs avoid using artificial ingredients found in most pre-packaged sports bars and drinks. Credit: Skratch Labs

Gels

Be you trekking through snow or slaying the slopes, energy gels both refuel and replenish, replacing the electrolytes lost through sweat. Made with organic maltodextrin and organic dried cane syrup, the Clif Energy gels are made especially for high-performance athletes.

Energy gels are ideal for riding, trail running, or any fast-paced activity where chewing would require slowing down. With no chewing involved, your head remains in the game while carbs are absorbed rapidly into your bloodstream. Consume once or twice an hour with water during exercise, or 15 minutes before you head out.

Gels are both easy to eat, and fast-absorbing. Photo: Clif Bar & Company

Chews

An irresistibly viscous blend of glucose and fructose – the simple yet stimulating carbs – energy chews contain the butt-kicking energy blend your body absorbs effectively and efficiently. Skratch Labs energy chews are easy on the gut as much as they are the taste buds, while Clif pack enough power in each 34g serving to keep you kicking for up to an hour.

Skratch Labs energy chews are easy on the gut as much as they are the taste buds. Credit: Skratch Labs

Powders

Likewise, Pure Sports Nutrition understand that the fitness fanatics aren’t here to fake it on the footpaths – which is why they only choose premium electrolytes and knock back preservatives in producing their hydration powders. Like Pure, Skratch Labs hydration drink powders also merge a clean taste with the means to rehydrate, free from both gluten and dairy too.

Skratch Labs hydration drink powders merge a clean taste with the means to rehydrate. Credit: Skratch Labs

Often made with freeze-dried fruit and without artificial colours and flavours, powders are a healthy hydration option and best consumed during activity. That said, using alone won’t achieve the adequate energy levels for extended exercise. For this reason, they’re instead better used to supplement energy levels.

Powders are a healthy hydration option and best consumed during activity. Credit: Skratch Labs

Other Sidekicks for the Snack Bag

Freeze-Dried Foods

Keep your metabolism kicking butt from the squat rack to the hike track, thanks to the range of freeze-dried meals packed with real spices, vitamins, and minerals. With Back Country Cuisine and The Outdoor Gourmet Company, Radix Nutrition fuel the fast-paced treks with slow-release carbohydrates for sufficient energy levels and a dense calorie content.

Keep your metabolism kicking butt from the squat rack to the hike track. Credit: Back Country Cuisine

Radix Nutrition fuel the fast-paced treks with slow-release carbohydrates. Credit: Radix Nutrition

Thanks to advanced technology in freeze-drying, milling, and sealing – Radix Nutrition’s quality ingredients remain nutrient-dense inside. Designed for the trailblazers who double as flavour savours, their nourishing, wholefood ingredients enable optimum bioavailability for fast action and on-track fitness.

Designed for the trailblazers who double as flavour savours. Credit: Radix Nutrition

The post Snacks for the Track: A Go-Getter’s Guide to Adventure Fuel appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Keep all your passwords secure in one spot? There’s an app for that too.

Decipher the meaning of your horoscope? The meaning of ~their~ horoscope?!

Yep. Apps.

With so many that make outdoor and overseas travels safer, easier, more interactive, and enjoyable too – it can be difficult to distinguish between those you’ll grow to rely on, and those you just won’t use.

Tag your luggage, lock your baggage, take a seat, and tap that app open – because these are the Snowys-approved outdoor and travel apps that will be the most useful on your next adventure!

Outdoor Adventuring

1. WikiCamps Australia

To prevent rocking up at a campsite and finding it costs a bomb, doesn’t have a shower, or isn’t pet-friendly – the WikiCamps app allows you to obtain the info you need in advance.

This app is basically a database updated by fellow campers and adventurers to provide information on campgrounds, backpacker hostels, caravan parks, public dump points, toilets, and information centres. It has thousands of sites that you can browse to find that perfect, secluded spot for your next trip.

WikiCamps is available for iOS, Android and Windows, with filters that help in determining which campsite will suit. Plus, it can be used offline at any time – brilliant for when you’re travelling remotely.

WikiCamps costs a one-off fee, but is an excellent investment – whether you’re a casual weekend camper, or planning the adventure of a lifetime.

With WikiCamps, finding the perfect campsite is as easy as scrolling through your phone.

2. First Aid by Australian Red Cross

For up to date first aid information, the Australian Red Cross First Aid App is the one you can trust. This app gives details on how to handle common first aid emergencies that you might encounter. Available on Android or iOS, each step is displayed for you with the option of interactive advice. While you should always carry a PLB to alert the authorities in emergencies, having this knowledge will give peace of mind when you’re in a sticky situation.

Downloading a fire safety or public safety app for your state is also very important. They enable you to receive emergency alerts, keeping you safe and informed on any bushfires that may flare up in the area.

Refresh your knowledge and view first aid instructions when you need them.

3. Gas Finder

When your supply is running low in the middle of a camping trip, don’t fret – Gas Finder will guide you to the cheapest refill! This app is free to download, with iOS, Android and Windows versions available.

Gas Finder was created by the same group as WikiCamps, allowing you to locate the nearest refill location as well as identify prices for both swap and standard sized 9kg and 4.5kg bottles.

The prices listed have a date, so you can see how recent they are – and you can even update them so that other users can save some extra cash too!

4. Avenza Maps

You won’t always have Wi-Fi access when off the grid, which is why an offline map viewer such as Avenza Maps is a must.

This app is available as a free download, and while some of the maps are without cost there is a small fee for others. Available in the store are topographic, tourist, and recreation maps. As they don’t require the internet, you can use your maps anytime you like once downloaded.

The existing GPS in your phone will allow you to locate yourself on any map, and you can record where you are with placemarks.

Navigate when you’re out of range with Avenza Maps.

5. Strava Running and Cycling GPS

Strava is basically a social network for outdoorsy people… but instead of sharing memes and snaps of your dog, you can record and share highlights of your runs or rides with your mates.

Track your activities while viewing all of your stats, like speed and distance – plus, monitor how you performed on different sub-sections. This app is also compatible with many GPS watches and other activity trackers – bonus!

Strava has an easy-to-use interface, so you can get the hang of it pretty quickly!

Track your progress and see how your mates fared, with Strava.

6. WillyWeather or BOM

There are so many weather apps to choose from, but all of them use the same information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. We’ve established two options to choose from, both free to download.

WillyWeather is functional, easy to use, and offers added detail – such as BOM satellite and radar, plus rain, tide, UV, and wind forecasts. The app also provides information on sunrise and sunset times, and the moon phases – having it better suited to outdoor activities, such as hiking.

BOM Weather offers all its weather stats on one screen, allowing you to promptly bring up the day’s forecast without first opening a menu. This app is better for everyday use, for those quick snapshots of the weather at a glance.

WillyWeather offers detail and easy-to-use functionality.

7. FuelMap Australia

Fuel Map is a free, crowd-sourced database that displays a map of all the petrol stations around Australia, with user-updated fuel prices.

Not only is this amazing for finding the best-priced fuel in your area on a weekly basis, but really useful for planning your refuelling schedule for your next trip away. FuelMap is free to download too, so it’s definitely not a waste of phone space!

Find both the closest and best deals on fuel!

8. SkyView

Fancy some stargazing on your next trip away? You’ll be an amateur astronomer in no time, with help from the SkyView app.

It’s free, available for Android and iOS, and can be used without WiFi – just point your device at the sky and it will show you where the stars, galaxies, constellations, sun, moon, and satellites are from your viewpoint. For a bit of fun insight into the other side of the world, you can also direct your device towards the ground.

View the sky at different times using the time travel feature, and capture images to share with your family and friends. Plus, it comes with red and green filters to preserve your night vision.

Learn more about the stars with SkyView.

9. LeafSnap

Ever come across a plant or flower on your travels that’s left you scratching your head? LeafSnap will help you figure out exactly what it is!

With the ability to recognise 90% of known species of trees and plant, simply take a photo of the plant, and the app will identify it for you. It’s available for iOS and Android and, initially, it offers a free trial. After that, you have the option to pay a 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month subscription.

With a plant database that’s constantly being updated, there’s every opportunity to learn and discover more about nature around you on your off-grid explorations.

10. Hema Explorer Australia

Adventure offline around Australia on your next 4WD touring, caravanning, or camping expedition with the Hema Explorer Australia App.

Without mobile coverage, you can navigate offline using multi-scale topographic mapping, and obtain a route to your point of interest, address, or waypoint. This app also allows you the save a lock of your trip and share the details online with your loved ones. Available for both iOS and Android, there is a purchase fee involved and the option for additional access with a Pro subscription.

A free option for 4WDers is also Newtracs; a real-time, crowd-sourced app available to download on iOS and Android that provides information on 4×4 track conditions – including length, warnings, difficulties, time, and speed of travel. It also has a logging feature, vector maps for offline use, and a breadcrumb feature in case you get lost.

Adventure offline with Hema Explorer.

Overseas Travel

1. Skyscanner / Expedia

Who doesn’t want the best deal on flights, hotels, and car hire? If you’re hoping to save some money when booking your trip, Skyscanner is a must. For a last-minute hotel, this app will find you the best prices so you don’t have to pay through the nose. Set it up to give you price change alerts too.

This app is completely free, so worth a download when planning your next holiday!

Expedia is a similar app that allows you to find deals on hotels, flights, and activities. The benefit of using the web version of the app is that you receive double the points when you book, mobile-exclusive deals, and alerts when your flight become delayed.

For a last-minute hotel, this app will find you the best prices so you don’t have to pay through the nose.

2. Citymapper

This award-winning app is probably the most useful of the bunch, especially when exploring a new city by foot or public transport.

On Citymapper, you can find the quickest route to your destination of all the transport modes available. This could include a combination of train, car share, taxi, bus, train, or on foot. It’ll also provide easy step-by-step directions, and send alerts if a line is disrupted.

The app covers cities in the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Check which are covered here.

Find the quickest route to your destination of all the transport modes available.

3. Duolingo

Duolingo is a handy little app that can be used in the lead-up to your holiday to brush up on the local language.

Forget miming, pointing, and gesturing in an attempt to order your dinner – this app provides the lessons to build your reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills, designed to feel like a game. This keeps them fun, and therefore maintains the motivation to learn.

An easy-to-use tool to help you make friends with the locals, or as self-development if you’re intending to pick up a new language – it’s also completely free, so all there is to invest is your time and dedication.

This app provides the lessons to build your reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills.

4. App in the Air

Are you the kind of person who sits down to have a cup of tea – and before you know it, 20 minutes have passed, you’re late for work… and you’re not sure how it happened?

If time management isn’t your strong suit, App in the Air will help you monitor and keep on top of your flight schedule.

App in the Air splits your flight schedule into a timeline that covers check-in, boarding, take-off, and landing. Each stage has a countdown, indicating exactly how much time is left – so you’ll never miscalculate. It will also notify of delays, or a change in your timetable.

Free to download, this app can be accessed when offline too.

Monitor and stay on top of your flight schedule.

5. TripIt

Nobody likes scrolling through 5 pages of mail to copy and paste all confirmation emails into a readable itinerary. If thinking about schedules turns your brain to soup, TripIt is the simple (and free) solution!

All you need to do is forward all travel confirmation emails, and the app translates it into a master itinerary – genius! Meanwhile, it’s accessible on all devices – even without Wi-Fi.

Forward all travel confirmation emails, and the app translates it into a master itinerary!

6. XE Currency

You may already be familiar with XE Currency if you shop on overseas websites, or monitor the progress of the Aussie dollar. What you might not know is that there’s an app version too!

XE Currency is especially handy if your holiday takes you across several different countries. The app provides live exchange rates and enables you to calculate prices on your phone, so you’re aware of the value of every $AUD you spend. In doing so, you won’t unintentionally rip yourself off when buying souvenirs, or deciding what to eat for lunch.

The free version includes ads, while the ‘pro’ version (third party, ad-free) comes with a small cost.

XE Currency provides live exchange rates and enables you to calculate prices on your phone.

7. Prey: Find My Phone Tracker GPS

This is an anti-theft app that provides peace of mind on your trip away.

Free of charge, this app allows you to locate and protect your phone or tablet by having the location setup zones alert you if your device moves out of a particular area. You can also alert the current user by displaying a message on the screen.

Prey is also super handy to have when you’re not travelling – you never know when you might run into a spot of bad luck!

Free of charge, this app allows you to locate and protect your phone or tablet.

8. Airbnb

If the thought of staying in an overpriced, overrated hotel, or a dodgy hostel doesn’t tickle your fancy – there’s always the option to use Airbnb.

Airbnb is fast becoming one of the most recognised and used accommodation sites/apps. Airbnb allows you to search for a house, apartment, loft, cottage, or castle (yes, a castle) to stay in, and there’s something for all budgets. You can also search for and book experiences, plus find info on local-approved secret spots, bars, and restaurants.

If you’re the type of person who likes to immerse themselves in the culture of a city or country, staying in an Airbnb will be your cup of tea.

Search for and book experiences, plus local-approved secret spots, bars, and restaurants.

9. Google Translate

Language isn’t everybody’s strong point, and sometimes when overseas there’s not a helpful English-speaking stranger in sight! There’s always the Google Translate app though.

Just insert the text, and gain access to 59 languages – even when you’re offline.

If you’re unable to type characters, simply snap an image and it will translate it for you – as long as it’s one of the languages included. You can even hand draw the character, and the app will translate it from the 93 languages included in this feature.

Insert the text, and gain access to 59 languages – even when you’re offline.

10. Netflix and Other Streaming Services

On your overseas trip, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in airports. If you already own a streaming account with Netflix, it’s worth downloading the mobile version. Download episodes or movies and watch them later – perfect for when you need to pass the time between flights.

Netflix can be streamed in almost 200 countries and territories, which has it a good option for entertainment while travelling overseas. Check out the full list of country availability here.

If you have another streaming service with similar features, it’s likely you can use that instead. Just ensure it can be used internationally ahead of your trip.

Netflix can be streamed in almost 200 countries and territories.

Which outdoor apps do you actually use? What travel apps do you recommend for anyone about to go overseas? Let us know in the comments!

The post The Best Apps for Outdoor Adventuring & Overseas Travel appeared first on Snowys Blog.

No doubt, since the dreaded COVID came into our lives and changed the landscape of racing, events, and your trust in signing up for anything, things may have changed for you in respects to how you plan things now. You may have become a little shy about doing so, lest all your hard work goes to waste.

So whether you’ve been running, adventuring, or getting out and about in nature for just a short time, you’re an old-timer (like me!), or you’re thinking of trying something new – here is my 3-step process for setting meaningful New Year’s goals and sticking to them, come what may.

You have big ideas for how you want things to be this year – here’s how to make it happen. Credit: Ben Wallbank

Step One

Review the Year Gone By

This is my fav! I love reviewing things. Seriously, I use this tool daily in all areas of my life, but it’s also helpful for the big stuff – like reviewing a year that’s been.

The review process and assessment tool I both use and recommend comprises just three questions:

1. What worked?
2. What didn’t work?
3. What can I do differently?

Reviewing is helpful in all areas of my life, but also for the big stuff. Credit: Ben Wallbank

When it comes to reviewing the year, you can break it down to any area of life where you want to experience growth moving forward. It’s an ‘all data, no drama’ approach.

Some questions you might want to consider here are how well your goals aligned with your values and beliefs, and how well your goals worked with your life. By answering these questions, you can gain some key insights into where you should be putting your time in the future.

When reviewing the year, you can break it down to wherever you want to experience growth moving forward. Credit: Ben Wallbank

I had an amazing year in 2022, completing my biggest mission to date: crossing new Zealand in a human-powered adventure. I started a business, and still have pinch-myself moments that I am in fact living the dream… or my version of the dream, at least!

I also raced a bit, and got back into the gym to get strong. COVID, illness, and injury stole time last year, but provided more time to reflect on what is really important to me.

What worked for me was adventuring, what didn’t work was doing races. The latter were good for PR or my sponsors, but what I have come to know deeply is that I must evaluate what I do in regard to my long-term plans and values – not what I feel ‘I have to do for sponsors’ or what I ‘should’ do as a ‘runner’.

I have come to know that I must evaluate what I do in regard to my long-term plans and values. Credit: Ben Wallbank

Step Two

Determine What You’re Aiming For, and Why

Is your goal to run your first 5km or your 10th 100-miler? Maybe you are moving away from racing and are more interested in having adventures in the wild. Whatever your goal is, it is great to consider what it is you get from achieving it, and who you get to be as a person by achieving that goal.

With a solid understanding of your ‘why’, you are much more likely to get yourself out of bed to do the less glamorous stuff that comes with working towards your goals!

4:00am starts are no problem when I’m doing it to be a better version of myself, but maybe a little harder if I’m just doing it because my friends are, or because social media made my goal look like a cool thing to do.

Getting to the gym to do my strength work is no problem when I value the long-term strength of my body, but maybe a little harder if all I care about is having a good run streak on Strava, or proving to myself that I can run X number of kilometres every week.

You get the gist. We can have intentions, beliefs, and values that are helpful and move us forward, or shi*tty ones that may set us up to fail. Knowing these, and coming from a strong and positive place from the outset, will set you up for success.

Getting to the gym is no problem when I value the long-term strength of my body. Credit: Ben Wallbank

If your ‘why’ also goes beyond just the achievement of the goal and the journey becomes the focus, then come what may in this crazy old world. Whether you achieve the goal you set or not, you get to be a better person either way – which is a win, in my book!

Step two is simple then, as simply statements:

1. My goal is to:
2. My ‘why’ for this goal is:

My goals moving into 2023 are to have more adventures that are in line with my core values, while also growing my repertoire of skills beyond running.  Running will always be my first love, for sure – but there are others skills that I would like to gain for other life experiences I would like to have. My ‘why’ remains firm in finding my edges, growing as a person, and showing others what is possible when we overcome our fears and limiting beliefs.

My ‘why’ remains firm in showing others what is possible when we overcome our limiting beliefs. Credit: Ben Wallbank

Step Three

Make a Plan

This step is essential. Make no mistake – without a solid plan, your ‘new year, new me’ goals are likely to become a distant memory and another failed resolution!

There are four key steps here:

1. Define what you are going to do, and when you are going to do it. You may be able to do this yourself, or you may need to go find an expert to help you. Either way, you must have a plan.
2. Establish your resources. People, places, and networks are all things that will support your plan. Don’t underestimate reaching out for the resources you need. This will include the tangible stuff like the appropriate gear, and the intangible things like managing your mindset.
3. Implement the plan. Make it happen. Structure your days, weeks, and months to support your goals. Give yourself the greatest chance of success.
4. Continually assess. Use that handy-dandy assessment tool I mentioned above to assess how things are going daily, weekly, and monthly. This will keep you moving forward:
   • What worked?
   • What didn’t work?
   • What can I do differently?

Without a solid plan, your ‘new year, new me’ goals will likely become another failed resolution! Credit: Ben Wallbank

There are four key steps to having a solid plan. Credit: Ben Wallbank

I mentioned already that I’m a planning geek. I’ve seen the value in it, and love it! I have my plan set for the next 6 months, and I will continue to bring in the resources I need to keep moving forward. I will take to each day being the person I need to be to complete my goals, and enjoy the benefits of the journey – come what may. 

So I’ll be running, climbing, and adventuring in big mountains, donning my mountaineering gear for winter to improve my skills for some long-term goals, and spending consistent time in the gym to keep this body of mine strong for the long term. I’m happy to sacrifice some weekly kilometres on the trails for years on the trails down the line.

I’ll be running, climbing, and adventuring in big mountains. Credit: Ben Wallbank

There is a great quote:

‘If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.’ – Zig Ziglar

Aiming for nothing will have you very likely achieve nothing. If you aim high – whether you get there or not – you will have learned lessons along the way, had experiences you otherwise wouldn’t have had, and grown along the way. Do yourself a favour and aim for something.

If you choose to set a goal and take some time to follow these simple and effective steps – you’ll look back on a year well spent, come December 31, 2023.

Do yourself a favour and aim for something. Credit: Ben Wallbank

What are your 2023 goals? Let us know in the comments!

The post An Adventurer’s Guide to Setting New Year Goals appeared first on Snowys Blog.

But what does it all mean?

If you want to get into the science of it all, some of it can get pretty technical. For the most part though, the manufacturer has already investigated all the specifics and utilised the best materials to balance function and durability with the selling price. Furthermore, wherever possible, we here at Snowys try to remove confusing jargon and describe things simply. That said, some industry terms must remain.

To satisfy the curious shopper, this blog simply explains simply what they mean. Now, you can drop at least a few of these terms into the conversation next time you’re chewing the fat with your mates over your latest bit of kit.

Learn more about the gear that you’re buying. Image: Sea to Summit.

Terms Describing Fabrics:

Polyester 

Polyester is one of the most common fabrics used in tents, offering a good balance of performance and weight with a softer feel than nylon (another common tent fabric).

Polyester has good UV resistance and doesn’t stretch or sag as much as nylon when wet, having it ideal for tent flysheets. It is usually made waterproof via the application of a PU coating.

Polyester fabric is super common on tents. Image: Coleman Australia

Nylon 

Nylon doesn’t have the same UV resistance as polyester, and stretches when wet. This has it less often used for tent flysheets. Plus, it generally has a stiffer feel and is more expensive than polyester. Nylon is generally used for backpacks, as it is abrasion-resistant with a high tear strength.

Nylon is used on a range of products. Image: Marmot

Packcloth 

This is an abrasive and tear-resistant cloth used for heavier duty applications, such as backpacks. It comes in many forms, is heavier in weight than the fabrics found in tent flysheets, and commonly made of either polyester or nylon.

Canvas

Traditionally, canvas was 100% cotton and used to make swags and tents, before synthetics made their way into the market. The cotton canvas was usually waterproofed with a coating of wax, but the fabrics end up being quite heavy. Despite this, they are very breathable; a great fabric for warm, dry climates.

Along with breathability, canvas also offers good insulation and UV resistance. Compared to synthetics too, it is quieter in the wind!

Along with breathability, canvas also offers good insulation, is quieter in the wind compared to synthetics and has good UV resistance.

Canvas is super durable and perfect for swags and touring tents. Image: Darche

Polycotton 

The term ‘polycotton’ indicates that the yarn used to make the product is a mix of polyester and cotton. Most tents and shelters today labelled as ‘canvas’ are actually polycotton canvas. The combination means that the canvas boasts the benefits of both cotton and polyester.

The percentage of polyester is usually higher, but this means that the fabric is lighter and stronger than cotton canvas. It also means PU coatings can be applied effectively to create a reliable waterproof barrier.

Polycotton blends the best of natural and synthetic fibres together. Image: Oztent

Oxford 

This simply refers to the type of weave used to create the fabric. An Oxford fabric is made with a basket weave that usually creates a visible texture. It is generally a sturdy fabric, a lighter alternative to pack cloth, and ideal for the application of coatings.

Taffeta 

This is another term that refers to how the fabric is constructed. Taffeta fabrics usually have a smoother, crisper feel, and are lighter in weight compared to Oxford fabrics – though don’t offer the same tear strength and durability.

Taffeta is commonly found in applications where weight is a primary consideration.

Taffeta is more suited for lightweight applications. Image: Marmot

Pongee 

Pongee is yet another term that refers to how the fabric is made. It is usually constructed with a combination of natural and synthetic fibres, offering the benefits of both to create a thin, soft, and easy-to-clean fabric that is not easily damaged.

Pongee is ideal for sleeping bag linings, as it is comfortable against the skin and does not add bulk or weight to the bag. Tightly woven Pongee is used for high-end umbrellas, as it creates a strong, dense fabric that blocks light, boasts excellent waterproof qualities, and is easy to print on.

Pongee is thin, soft and easy to clean. Image: Sea to Summit

Cordura and Kodra 

Both of these are heavy-duty, premium brand-named synthetics. Cordura is the trademarked name of a collection of heavy-duty, synthetic, and fibre-based materials in a fabric, first created by Dupont in the US. Some Cordura products include luggage bags, trousers, and some military wear. Kodra comes from Korea.

Both products are usually made of nylon, but can be a blend of materials and used in gear where exceptional durability, abrasion resistance, and strength are required – for example, the base of backpacks and abrasion points on apparel.

Kodra provides a lot of abrasion resistance. Image: Sea to Summit

Polyethylene (PE) 

You’ve probably heard of the ‘Poly tarp’ – an affordable, durable, and waterproof tarp that has 101 uses. These are made of Polyethylene or PE, which is a woven plastic material that creates a watertight, UV, and abrasion-resistant barrier.

It has a crinkly, stiff feel, and comes in many different weights/thicknesses to suit many applications. It’s most common use is as the good ol’ poly tarp cover.

PE is an ideal material to use as a tarp. Image: Kookaburra

No-See-Um 

This term is used in reference to insect mesh. No-See-Um mesh has many small holes, generally less than 1mm, that are too small for tiny insects like midges to squeeze through. No-See-Um mesh is not necessarily durable enough for use in heavy-duty canvas tents and swags where a fibreglass type mesh which has larger holes (1-2mm) is preferred for durability.

If you’re camping with mozzies and midges, you’ll want No-See-Um mesh on your tent. Image: Oztent

Denier, GSM, and Oz/Yd2

Denier describes a single strand of fibre measuring 9000m in length, bundled up and weighed. From that, the term ‘denier’ references a fabric’s thickness, specifically the individual fibres in its threads. The higher the number, the thicker the fibre. If 9000 metres of a single thread were to weigh 1 gram, it would be determined to be 1 Denier (1D). If 9000 metres of another fibre were to weigh 150 grams, it would be determined to be 150 Denier (150D).

This term is not to be confused with grams per square metre (gsm). Where gsm describes how many grams of fabric are in one square metre, denier is the weight of the individual fibre within that fabric. A material may have a gsm measurement that differs from that of its denier. For example, a material with a low GSM can have a high denier, common in thick fabrics that are loosely woven. On the other hand, a more tightly woven fabric would have a higher GSM.

Oz/Yd2 is the weight in ounces of a square yard of the fabric. Heavier is not always better, and should be looked at in association with the denier, thread count, and end-use.

Denier measures the thickness of fibres used in fabric. Image: Sea to Summit

Thread Count 

This is the measure of the number of threads that can be counted in a square inch of a fabric. The higher the count, the denser the fabric – which will provide better waterproofing properties.

The number is determined by adding together the threads running across the length and width, known as warp and weft. For example, if a fabric had 10 thin fibres along the length and 5 thicker fibres across the width, the fabric would have a thread count of 15.

Terms Describing Fabric Treatments and Performance:

PU Coating  

A Polyurethane or PU coating is applied to the inner side of fabric to give it waterproof properties. This coating affects the strength of the fabric, so a quality PU coating will be as thin as possible to balance fabric strength with waterproof properties and longevity.

The PU coating is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water and is breathable – albeit, not as breathable as not having the coating there at all.

This coating repels water and is also breathable. Image: Coleman Australia

Siliconised 

Where a PU coating is laminated to one side of a fabric, siliconised fabric, usually nylon, is actually impregnated with liquid silicon. This means the coating is on both sides of the fabric. The silicone-impregnated fibre greatly improves tear strength, allowing much lighter fabrics to be produced.

As silicone is hydrophobic or ‘water-hating’, siliconised fabrics create a reliably waterproof, albeit non-breathable fabric. That said, they are generally more expensive than their PU-coated counterparts.

Siliconised fabric improves the strength of the fabric. Image: Sea to Summit

DWR 

This stands for ‘Durable Water Repellency’, and refers to a coating applied to the outside of a fabric to cause water to bead off it (similar to how it does on a waxed car) and assist with breathability. The feature simply provides added waterproofing of some tents, sleeping bags, and jackets – so camping in wet weather is like water off a duck’s back!

A DWR coating is not permanent, and needs re-application after significant use with aftermarket solutions from the likes of Nikwax and Grangers.

DWR is an essential treatment for waterproofing gear. Image: MSR

Waterhead Rating

This is a measure of how waterproof a fabric is, usually measured in millilitres. The waterproof properties are created through the application of a PU coating or a laminating process such as used by Gore-Tex. For more info on waterhead ratings, check out this article here or join Lauren and Ben in their chat with Ryan from Zempire throughout Episode 16, Tent Waterhead Ratings with Zempire.

Breathable 

This simply refers to the fabric’s ability to pass water vapour. Cotton is highly breathable, followed by many synthetics. PU coatings that are applied to create a waterproof barrier still offer some breathability, which is why many jackets claim to be breathable and waterproof. Saying that, they pass water vapour at a much slower rate than uncoated fabrics.

There are more expensive, high-tech fabrics such as Gore-Tex and eVent too. These are made from 2-3 layers of laminated fabrics to provide water protection, with a high level of breathability (higher than a PU coating). The science behind these is complicated, and they all have their limitations in certain extreme climates – yet these are not usually noticed by the average user.

Gore-Tex provides water protection and breathability. Image: Gore-Tex

Seam Sealing / Taped Seam

This is a process done during manufacturing that involves adding a layer of tape over the stitching to prevent any leaks in a tent, jacket, bag, etc. from where the needle has punctured the fabric. When the polyurethane-coated (or PU-coated) waterproof fabric is stitched together, leaking points remain within the seams. Tape is then applied with heat and pressure, producing a seal.

Any gear with weather-exposed seams that has not had this tape sealant applied cannot really be classed as waterproof without other design elements added to prevent leaks.

Seam sealing prevents leaks inside your gear. Image: Zempire

Tear Strength 

This is the ability of a fabric to withstand an existing tear or cut from becoming any larger.

Ripstop

The term ‘ripstop’ alone refers to a method of fabric design where a heavier denier fibre is woven through a material in a grid-like pattern (mimicking maths graph paper). This prevents tearing in the fabric, or simply stops an existing tear from growing any further.

The ripstop feature can be found in canvas and polyester as well as nylon, but more common in the latter due to its lightweight construction requiring more durability.

Ripstop is a reinforcement that keeps your fabric from tearing under stress. Image: Sea to Summit

Metals Used in Outdoor Products:

Aluminium 

A type of metal that doesn’t offer the same strength as steel, but is much lighter. In fact, steel is typically 2.5 times denser than aluminium. Aluminium’s strength, however, is ample for most of what we require in our camping gear.

Aluminium is more expensive than steel, but can be is easily formed into all sorts of shapes and extrusions that steel cannot – such as sail tracks, lightweight tri-pegs, and pole fittings. There are many different grades of aluminium depicted by four-digit numbers from 1000 upwards, with the 6000 and 7000 series commonly found in camping gear.

An aluminium frame offers lightweight structure. Image: Oztent

Alloy 

Often confused with aluminium (which is a single element), alloy is made up of a combination of elements where aluminium is the predominant metal. It’s a bit like a single-malt whisky versus a blended.

Combining elements to create an alloy means the material can be enhanced to best suit the strength and weight required for the end purpose.

Alloy gives you a bit more strength while still being light. Image: Darche

Steel 

Steel is an alloy in that it is made up of several elements. To simplify: steel is a low-cost heavy material with a high tensile strength, found in camping applications where weight is not a primary factor but strength is.

From tent poles to stoves, fire pits, and appliances, right down to the nuts, bolts, and screws used to assemble your gear – steel can be found everywhere.

Steel is popular among camping gear for its strength. Image: Coleman Australia

Plastics Used in Outdoor Gear:

ABS Plastic 

Think Lego. Those sharp little bricks (that hurt more than anything in the world when you step on them) last a lifetime, and keep performing! These are made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or ABS plastic.

It’s impact-resistant, strong, stiff, has good chemical resistance, and performs well in both high and low temperatures. ABS plastic is also easy and affordable for manufacturers to work with. You’ll find this material on lanterns, head torches, and tents that have plastic components.

PU 

Polyurethane, or PU, is extremely versatile and exists in many forms. In the camping industry, we often see it used for a waterproof coating on fabrics and the foam we sleep on in camp mats. It can be made to be rigid or flexible, and is also found in adhesives, shoe soles, insulation, and plastic parts for automobiles.

PU creates a waterproof barrier. Image: Sea to Summit 

TPU 

This stands for Thermoplastic Polyurethane and the difference between TPU and PU gets scientific. In a nutshell, TPU is stronger, less prone to cracking, and more flexible than PU – although, given the higher cost, is not as commonly used for waterproof coatings on fabrics.

TPU is more commonly found in applications where durably flexible plastics are required, such as hoses and bladders (like those in hydration packs and inflatable tent poles) and the support structures of footwear.

TPU is flexible, making it perfect for inflatable tent poles. Image: Zempire

PVC 

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC (also referred to as vinyl), is used widely. It is a dense and strong material, and can be rigid as in the case of plumbing pipes but made flexible with the addition of plasticisers.

The PVC we see in camping realms is a polyester fabric coated in PVC to create a heavy-duty fabric of sorts. This creates a completely waterproof, abrasion- and UV-resistant, but non-breathable barrier. They’re commonly found in tent and swag floors, heavy-duty waterproof bags, and transport covers for awnings and rooftop tents.

Coating fabric in PVC creates a strong fabric ideal for gear bags. Image: Darche

Zippers:

YKK 

Synonymous with a good quality zip, a YKK zipper indicates that a manufacturer has not snuck a cheap alternative into what is probably one of the most important elements of the product you have purchased – because if the zipper fails, you probably can’t use it. YKK zippers are strong, reliable, and don’t become sticky with time.

YKK is an acronym for the company that manufactures the zippers, ‘Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha’. The company originated in Japan before becoming worldwide.  You will likely see a number associated with a zipper, indicating the gauge of the zipper. There are two types of zipper – coil and stamped. Coil zippers are smooth and handle curves and corners well, whereas a stamped zipper is much chunkier-looking and ideal for more heavy-duty applications.

SBS 

YKK’s biggest competitor is the Chinese-based company ‘SBS’. They produce high-quality zippers, though have a long way to go if they want to knock YKK off their perch as the world’s zipper behemoth!

Zippers are an important feature of your gear. Image: Sea to Summit

Other Jargon:

Billy

…Could be a member of your camping party, but also refers to a deep cooking vessel made of tin, aluminium, or stainless steel with a handle and lid. A billy is used to cook over a campfire.

Bivy / Hoochie

A bivy describes a waterproof sack for emergency purposes, made of a tarp-like material. The term is also used in mountaineering, referring to a small space in which a camper can ‘bivy down on’.

Unlike a Hoochie – a piece of tarp that serves as a small covering – a bivy is best described as a bag rather than a shelter, similar to the people-sized plastic bags worn at an AFL game during wet weather.

Blunnies

Simply a shortened term for Blundstone boots. While ‘blunnies’ originates from a specific brand, it can also refer to any leather boot with elastic sides. The exception is R.M. William boots, a classier style instead dubbed as ‘RMs’.

BTU

A BTU is an acronym for a unit of heat measurement called the British Thermal Unit, often indicated on kitchen appliances such as stoves.

While BTUs are a non-descript unit of measurement (unlike millilitres, which simply measure volumes of water), Ben and Lauren discuss them further on the Snowys Camping Show in Ep41 – Camp Stove Comparisons. Here, they uncover how BTUs are quantifiable, how they’re measured, and how many degrees a certain number of BTUs translates to.

Cairn

Often marking a high point on a mountain, a cairn describes a neat pile of rocks traditionally constructed for navigational purposes. Cairns tend to be landmarks on mountain peaks or indicators of when a path may change course. Lauren describes a large cairn on the top of Mt Cavern in South Australia, measuring roughly 170cm tall and as wide as a standard-sized, circular tabletop.

Carbon Fibre

Known for its strength and minimal weight, carbon fibre is actually made from organic polymers: very long, thin strings of molecules around 5-10 microns in diameter. It is commonly used on gear such as trekking and tent poles, as well as for other applications in fields such as aerospace, construction, and engineering due to its strong yet lightweight construction.

Composite 

A composite material is something made up of two different materials that work together to enhance the performance of the material. The materials are not blended; they can be seen as two different products within the final product. Fibreglass is an example of a composite material, in that you can see both materials in the final product: glass fibres set within a plastic.

Crampon

A crampon is the spikey attachment fastened to the bottom of a pair of boots for added grip when ice climbing or trekking through snow.

DEET

Another acronym, DEET refers to Diethyl Toluamide which is an ingredient found in most supermarket insect repellents. The chemical is relatively strong and can cause discomfort on sensitive skin types, so best applied in moderation. For more information on this product, check out Ep31 – Creepy Crawlies at the Campsite.

Dilly Bag

The brother of the tucker bag, a dilly bag allows campers to carry their cutlery and crockery. This could also be a tea towel, serving a dual purpose for cleaning dishes after use.

Dome Tent

A tent primarily identified by its dome shape. Usually, a dome tent consists of two or more curved poles and varies in size from a 2-person through to family-sized shelters.

Donga

This term can initially read as a little crass (don’t fight it, we were all thinking it) – however, a donga refers to a transportable house or room! Usually constructed with lightweight materials to allow easy transportation from site to site, dongas are often utilised as a classroom or means of accommodation for workers.

Donkey Shower

Most know a ‘donkey shower’ as simply water heated by a campfire and transported through to the outdoor showerhead.

Moreover, the shower is a homebuilt unit comprising of a tall canister (like that of LPG gas) filled with water. When heated over a fire, the water boils and creates a natural pressure that pushes it upwards and out through the showerhead. A donkey shower follows the science involved in hot air rising, responding to the natural pressure from the steam.

Down

The fine layer of feathers found under a bird’s tough exterior layer. Down is used in the fill of lightweight sleeping bags and jackets, owing to its good warmth to weight ratio.

Ferrule

A ferrule is a small metal tube that is often used in the case of a broken tent pole. The ferrule is threaded over the snapped pole and fixed with gaffer tape to allow further use when spare poles aren’t accessible.

Some pop-up tents have poles that if snapped can be difficult to replace, so ferrules are often handy to keep on hand in such situations for repair purposes.

Fibreglass 

This is a type of plastic that is reinforced with glass fibre. It offers excellent strength for its weight when compared to many metals, plus flexibility. Fibreglass is generally used in tent poles as a more affordable but heavier alternative to alloy or aluminium tent poles.

Fibreglass is strong and flexible, making it ideal for tent poles. Image: Oztent

Flysheet

The waterproof component that creates the second outer skin of a dual-layer tent.

Footprint

A groundsheet manufactured specifically to the dimensions of a tent. Each tent will have its own unique footprint.

Freestanding

The term ‘freestanding’ refers to when a tent is independently holding its shape. More relevant to hiking tents, the word describes those which can be erected fully without the need for pegs. Occasionally, rocky or rugged terrain on a mountainside won’t allow for sufficient pegging – and while freestanding tents help in these circumstances, the use of guy ropes are still recommended to anchor the tent to the ground.

Gear Loft

A piece of fabric (usually mesh) attached to the ceiling of your tent to create a small hammock for gear storage.

Geodesic

This term refers to a domed shelter with more than two crossing poles. Often a geodesic shelter will include multiple poles to enable a sturdier, more steadfast model.

Glamping

Camping with luxuries – the polar opposite of ‘roughing it’.

GORP

If you’re an avid outdoorsman or woman, something you’re sure to love more than an acronym is Good Old Raisins and Peanuts! As the full term suggests, GORP refers to a variety of trail mix.

Grommet

No, not the clay companion of Wallace, or a grubby child into wicked outdoor adventure sports – a grommet in camping terms refers to the small metal ring in the corner of your tarp! Also known as an ‘eyelet’, a grommet aids the pegging and securing of a piece of tarp into the ground.

Groundsheet

A sheet of material, usually a tarp, used beneath a tent to protect the floor from harsh ground. A groundsheet is also used as a floor covering of a campsite’s living area.

Guy Ropes / Lines

Lengths of cord attached to the fly of a tent for stability, especially in high winds.

GVM

Simply, GVM is an initialism of Gross Vehicle Mass, which indicates the total mass your vehicle is allowed to weigh. More information on GVM can be found within a previous episode of the Snowys Camping Show, Packing Your Vehicle Like A Minimalist.

IP rating 

IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’, used in reference to how resistant a device is to water and dust ingress. It is usually followed by two numerals: the first, which directly follows ‘IP’ indicates the level of dust protection on a scale of 0-6, and the second refers to the water-resistance on a scale of 0-9.

The higher the number, the better the protection. In the instance that an ‘X’ appears in place of a number, the device has not been tested for that ingress. For example, a product with an IP67 rating has been tested for both dust and water, IPX7 has only been tested for water, and IP6X has only been tested for dust.

You’ll find IP ratings on gear such as flashlights and head torches. Image: BioLite

Kindling

Twigs and leaves that catch alight easily, used to ignite a fire.

Lightweight & Ultralight Hikers

Each term refers to a group of people who aim to carry as less weight on their hike as they realistically can.

While ‘lightweight’ covers most hikers who enjoy trekking without bearing the bulk, ultralight hikers are within the realm of those who cut down anywhere they can – for example, removing small items such as toothbrushes. A load weighing 12kg can be considered ‘ultralight’.

Ultralight hikers can shed weight from their load in as little as grams. The idea is that the lighter one’s gear is, the more food can be taken for adequate top-ups on their trek. For example, cutting down 200g in one area allows room for an extra block of chocolate for emergency energy!

Loft

The volume to which an insulative material will expand or ‘puff up’. Usually used when comparing down fill in sleeping bags, the higher the loft the better the heat retention.

Packed Size

The dimensions to which a product and its included accessories will pack down for transport.

Pop-Up Tent

A tent incorporating poles, inner, and fly all in one. These tents ‘pop’ into shape, only require pegs for set-up, and generally pack away into a disc shape.

Quick Pitch Tent

A tent that does not require assembly, with a pole system attached to the inner. Examples are Black Wolf Turbo Tents and Coleman Instant Up Tents.

R-Value

An R-value is the measure of thermal resistance, used in reference to the insulation of a mattress. Lauren and Ben elaborate more on this term in Sleep System Ratings with Sea to Summit. Essentially, the R-Value indicates the ability of a material to resist heat flow. Higher values indicate better insulating properties.

Ridge and Saddle

Both geographical terms, a ridge refers to the path that links a chain of mountains, where the dip between each is called the saddle. Essentially, following the ridge will bring one to the saddle.

Ring and Pin

A system consisting of (as its name suggests) a ring attached to a tent floor, incorporating a pin inserted into the ferrule on the tent pole’s end to secure it into place.

‘Roughing It’

Doing away with any luxuries and keeping camping as simple as it can get.

SCROGGIN

The luxury GORP, this summit-time snack is a mixed bag of Sultanas Chocolate Raisins and Other Good Grub Including Nuts!

Shellite

Also known as petroleum distillate, shellite is a more refined version of unleaded petrol. Shellite is not to be confused with white spirits, which otherwise refers to a laundry detergent. In America, another term for shellite is ‘white gas’.

Shock Cord

Stretchy cord often found on the outside of backpacks for stashing jackets.

Spigot

Another fantastic tool with an equally as fantastic name, a spigot is the insert at the end of an awning or tent pole that pokes through a grommet or eyelet.

Spondoolie / Spondonical

Common in Trangia collections, a spondoolie or spondonical refers to a ‘pot gripper’, or a handle used to clip onto a pot that is too hot to lift with bare hands. A basic description of a spondoolie is two pieces of U-shaped metal with a hook on one end that grips the lip of the pot.

Summit

The summit is the highest point of a mountain.

Swag

A traditional sleeping provision for one or two, consisting of a canvas outer to protect the mattress and bedding rolled up inside. Swags range from basic canvas envelopes with zippered access and no poles, to dome-style structures that can be free-standing.

Switchback

A switchback is the path that takes a walker back up the saddle. Instead of leading straight up the slope, the switchback is the longer, more gradual route at a lower gradient.

Tensile 

Tensile strength is the force the material can withstand as it is pulled on opposite sides in opposite directions before it breaks. This measure is applied to many materials, but in fabric terms it is not to be confused with ‘tear strength’.

Tent Season

Many tents indicate a season rating that ranges between one and four, suggesting the types of weather conditions they may withstand in their lifetime. Where a two-season tent is recommended for use in Summer and Spring, a three-season tent introduces Autumn weather, and a four-season confirms year-round use.

A tent’s season rating may not be a line in the sand, but it serves as a useful guide. For example, while a one-season tent can technically allow use in colder environments, it’s not recommended. This is because the materials and features differ between a one-season and four-season tent, where the latter often has a higher water rating, a full mesh inner, and higher-grade poles.

Tinder

Not the app, but a similar concept – tinder in camping terms refers to the flammable material that can be lit with a mere spark for the purpose of lighting kindling for a campfire.

Ah, just like love.

Tinder doesn’t refer to a specific material. Where a cotton bud is one of many examples, other tinder materials can come from particular parts of timber.

Tinny

Commonly describing a small aluminium boat, a tinny also refers to a can of beer.

Toilet Types

Don’t worry, bringing toilet paper to the campsite doesn’t make you a party pooper. Beyond the domestic dunnies, it’s common to utilize various portable toilet types on a road trip. Examples of eco-friendly varieties include compost, sawdust, and transportable.

Compost and sawdust toilets are both ‘dry’ toilets that treat and process waste through biological composting. Most don’t involve water for flushing, where sawdust is an example of an additive used to create air pockets in the waste to initiate aerobic decomposition. Alternatively, transportable toilets flush away waste into a holding tank located beneath the seat. Chemicals inside reduce smells and germs until the waste is emptied.

Other eco-toilets include outhouses and biogas digesters. Where an outhouse describes a small structure housing a toilet and located away from a main home or building, a biogas digester applies an anaerobic system to decompose waste and convert it into renewable biogas. This gas can subsequently be used as cooking fuel.

Troopy

In classic Aussie lingo, a Toyota Land Cruiser Troop Carrier is commonly shortened to ‘Troopy’. These 4WDs are as tough as nails against the off-road terrain.

Tub Floor

A waterproof floor that continues up the sides of the tent to improve water ingress in wet conditions.

Tucker Bag

A tucker bag describes fabric used to wrap and encase food in, tied on the end of a long stick. Picture the jolly swagman in Waltzing Matilda!

UHF Vs UHF CB Radios

Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) radios are typically used for communicating between vehicles when convoy driving and scanning highways. As UHF radio transmissions don’t allow private communication, those in range are privy to all conversations. For this reason, general etiquette is expected.
A UHF CB radio is that of Ultra-High Frequency Citizen Band, for wider use by civilians.

Where some channels available are used for general conversation and chit-chat, other channels are for emergencies concerning relevant services, such as an ambulance.

Ultra Lightweight

The absolute minimum amount of accessories required for an item to be used in the field. Often also made of extremely lightweight, but not necessarily durable material.

Vestibule

A vestibule – pronounced ‘veh-stah-byool’ – is the front section of a tent, not to be mistaken for the awning.

Where an awning is pegged out for shade, the vestibule provides space between the inner and the fly of a tent or swag. Moreover, it refers to the additional triangular shaped fabric pegged out to allow extra shade or weather protection for any gear kept outside.

Waterproof

Meaning impervious to water in line with its waterhead rating.

Water-Resistant

Resists splashes and light showers but is water penetrable.

White Gas

A clean burning fuel for stoves, similar to Shellite.

What materials do you find perform best what it comes to outdoor gear? 

The post Outdoor Jargon Explained appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Planning meals for a trip away can be a daunting task. Often, there are no shops nearby to grab that ingredient you left behind – and you don’t have the luxury of a 450-litre fridge for loads of food. It’s important to prepare well.

Firstly, don’t discount the idea of freeze-dried or dehydrated food as simple camp food options. Despite what you may have heard – their ingredients are real food, they usually taste pretty good, and they are easy to prepare! These options also have long shelf lives, require no refrigeration, and are compact – so you can stock up ahead of time in preparation for last-minute adventures.

Below, I’ve covered some straightforward methods to meal planning, as well as some of the quick, simple, and lightweight options on the market today. For more info on how to plan lightweight meals for a multi-hike, check out this blog too. 

Last minute food for your trip can be sorted out quick smart. Image: Sea to Summit

Camping

Eating Well at the Campsite

Food and sleep are two of the most important things to consider when heading away on holiday. If you manage to get enough of both, you’ll be in a much better mindset to appreciate the outdoors.

• Think about the variety of meals that use the same ingredients, such as tomatoes and mince meat – for example, both ingredients are found in Bolognese and tacos.
• How much room do you have in the fridge or icebox? Do you need lots of ingredients to be kept cold? Remember, you’ll need space for beer, wine, and other drinks. Minimise what needs to be refrigerated, and look for non-perishable alternatives. For more tips on food storage, check out Meal Planning and Food Storage for Outdoor Adventuring.
• Don’t forget snacks and dessert!
• Include staples such as cooking oil, butter, tomato sauce, tea, coffee, salt, and pepper.

Planning Your Meals

Camping doesn’t have to call for just BBQs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner – there are many more colourful and camp-friendly meals that are simply delicious. I mean that in every sense of the term: straightforward, tasty, and just objectively good.

For a 5-day camping trip, below is what a standard menu could look like. Yes, bakery food is on the menu. Driving to your favourite camping spot can sometimes mean passing through old country towns – and therefore old fashioned, delicious, country bakeries. Don’t pass up the opportunity to stop in.

A standard 5-day camping menu. Credit: David Leslie

Another no-brainer is baked beans.

…Hear me out.

Snowys’ seasoned chef Cam demonstrates his rustic take on that standard, canned, Sunday night staple sitting in your pantry.

Check it out below, or see here for more of his simple campsite dishes:

Watch ‘Camp Cooking with Cam’ on our YouTube channel, every Sunday from 6pm.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Some items will need to be bought, others you likely already have an abundance of in the pantry or fridge at home.

You may have many core ingredients already in your home pantry or fridge. Credit: David Leslie

Remember, preparing for your trip should be exciting – not a headache! Set yourself up with a list like the above to take the stress away, and be sure to have everything you need – and everything you want, like chocolate!

Hiking

So, you’ve decided to finally start training and planning for a multi-day hike! Once again, for more info on how to plan lightweight meals better suited to hiking, check out this blog.

Let us now run through the pros and cons of the lightweight options: freeze-dried, dehydrated, and wet-pack food.

Freeze-Dried Meals

How Are They Made?

Freeze-dried meals are rapidly frozen, where the ice crystals in the food are evaporated to water vapour in a vacuum chamber via a process called ‘sublimation’. This removes more moisture than dehydrating does.

The food is then heat-sealed into foil packages, and the air is both removed and replaced with nitrogen gas.

These products have a shelf life of up to three years.

Pros

• Water is quickly absorbed back into the food through pores left by the escaping ice crystals.
• Food is prepared quickly in approximately 10 minutes using with hot water.
• Food does not shrink.
• Food retains much of its original shape, taste, texture, and smell.
• Vitamins are retained in the food due to the low temperatures applied in processing.
• Food can be eaten without re-hydrating, if necessary.
• The freeze-drying process removes up to 98% of moisture from the product. On average, fruit contains up to 90% water, so freeze-dried foods are extremely lightweight.

Cons

• Their labelling indicates a gourmet, home-cooked meal – and whilst the flavour is pretty good, their consistency is nonetheless best eaten with a spoon.
• Extra water should be considered for food preparation, and this is especially important when lightweight hiking.

Freeze-dried meals are light and packed with energy. Image: Campers Pantry

Dehydrated Food

How Is It Made?

Dehydrated food is produced by passing warm air over the food for a period of time, evaporating the moisture from the product (a similar process to sun-dried foods). These products usually carry a 12-month shelf life.

Pros

• Can be done at home with relatively affordable equipment.
• As the food shrivels, it is a better space-saving method for storing or transporting food than freeze-dried alternatives (which retains much of its original shape).
• Generally less expensive than freeze-dried foods.
• While dehydrating food does not remove quite as much water as the freeze-drying method, it is still a very lightweight option.

Cons

• Requires cooking/simmering to prepare, and 10-20 minutes in hot water.
• As more heat is applied in the drying process in comparison to freeze-drying, it is believed that dehydrated food has a slightly lower nutritional value than freeze-dried foods.
• Can have a chewy texture when rehydrated.
• Extra water needs to be considered to prepare food, and this is especially important when lightweight hiking.

For more on how to dehydrate your own food, check out our chat with ecologist and YouTuber Dr. Kate Grarock on the Snowys Camping Show podcast:

We chat more about how to dehydrate your own food with Dr. Kate Grarock.

You can buy dehydrated food from the supermarket, or make your own. Image: Sea to Summit

Wet-Pack Food

How Is It Made?

This camp food is not dehydrated or freeze-dried – but fresh, pre-cooked food packed wet into pouches. The manufacturing process produces a ‘retort’ product, packaged the same way canned products are but in a soft pouch.

The retort packaging method involves cooking at high temperatures to kill all microorganisms. These products usually have 18-month best-before dates as opposed to use-by dates. This means that while the food quality degrades after 18 months, it is still safe to eat.

Wet-pack food brands include Go Native and Offgrid Provisions. 

Pros

• The pouch is simply heated in a pot of boiling water.
• Less water is required for preparation, and boiled water can be used for drinking or washing.
• Can be eaten cold.
• Boasts the flavour and consistency of home-cooked meals.

Cons

• Usually too heavy for hiking, so better suited for camping or kayaking.

Wet-pack food is a little heavier than other options. Image: Go Native.

Dietary Requirements: Freeze-Dried Options

For those with dietary needs, there are many options out there. See below, or check out our full range here. Happy camp cooking!

Vegan

Back Country Cuisine

• Mushroom Bolognaise
• Pasta Vegetariano

Vegetarian

Back Country Cuisine

• Vegetarian Stirfry
• Nasi Goreng

Radix Nutrition

• Plant-Based Mexican Chilli – ORIGINAL 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Mexican Chilli – ULTRA 800 v8.0
• Plant-Based Mexican Chilli – KETO 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Turkish Falafel – ORIGINAL 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Turkish Falafel – ULTRA 800 v8.0
• Plant-Based Indian Curry – ORIGINAL 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Indian Curry – ULTRA 800 v8.0
• Plant-Based Indian Curry – KETO 600 v8.0

Gluten-Free

Back Country Cuisine

• Thai Chicken Curry
• Nasi Goreng
• Cooked Breakfast
• Classic Beef Curry
• Mexican Chicken
• Honey Soy Chicken
• Beef Teriyaki

Radix Nutrition

• Grass-Fed Lamb, Mint & Rosemary – ORIGINAL 600 v7.0
• Grass-Fed Lamb, Mint & Rosemary – ULTRA 800 v7.0
• Grass-Fed Lamb, Mint & Rosemary – KETO 600
• Grass-Fed Beef Mexican Chilli – ORIGINAL 600 v7.0
• Grass-Fed Beef Mexican Chilli – ULTRA 800 v7.0
• Grass-Fed Beef Mexican Chilli – KETO 600
• Grass-Fed Barbecue Beef – ORIGINAL 600 v7.0
• Grass-Fed Turkish Lamb – ORIGINAL 600 v7.0
• Plant-Based Mexican Chilli – ORIGINAL 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Mexican Chilli – ULTRA 800 v8.0
• Plant-Based Mexican Chilli – KETO 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Turkish Falafel – ORIGINAL 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Turkish Falafel – ULTRA 800 v8.0
• Plant-Based Indian Curry – ORIGINAL 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Indian Curry – ULTRA 800 v8.0
• Plant-Based Indian Curry – KETO 600 v8.0
• Plant-Based Mixed Berry Breakfast – ORIGINAL 400 v8.0

What do you prefer to eat when you’re camping and hiking? 

The post Quick and Easy Meals for Camping and Hiking appeared first on Snowys Blog.

To move forward, or forever chase something you can’t quite catch?

In a world where everything is screaming for your attention, the algorithm is feeding right into your insecurities, wants, and desires, and you feel so utterly short on time and head space – how do you move forward?

Do you move forward, or stay on the hamster wheel, forever chasing something you can’t quite catch?

When the world can often feel so overwhelming, you end up doing one of two things: nothing, or everything!

Yet, in both of those things, you still feel an underlying sense that you’re missing out. Whenever I sit down to consider ‘where to from here?’, or ‘what will I do next?’, I like to go back to my values and ask the question: ‘does the thing that I’m thinking of doing align with my values, and is my “why” strong enough to pull me through?’

Because when the going gets tough, these things matter.

Does what I’m thinking of doing align with my values?

I had lined up a sponsored entry into a race in Wales, for 2023 – that is where I was heading. From the outside looking in, it sounded perfect for me: a multi-day ultra-marathon in the hills (and how lucky was I to have a sponsored entry?). Initially, I was excited about the race – but the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to do it.

You see – when you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to another.  In the end, the ‘why’ for that race simply wasn’t strong enough, and it wasn’t in line with my values. So, I said no.  Will I feel FOMO when the race comes around? Maybe! But ultimately, I know it was the right decision.

So how do you live to your values and your ‘why’? What does that even mean, Tanya? Why is it important…and what does it have to do with the story?!

The title of the blog is Where To From Here? – so I thought I’d share my thought process on how I went from planning a stage race in Wales, to instead choosing to stay in my hometown and plan a completely different kind of adventure!

When you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to another.

How do you live to your values and your ‘why’?

I’ve chosen to stay in my hometown and plan a completely different kind of adventure!

My Two-Step Process

Here is my simple method in determining how to move forward and decide where to spend my time:

1. Determine Your Values

There are a bunch of different ways to do this.  I have one method that I follow with my clients, which is part of a bigger process. In a nutshell, we write down our top 10 values and work through them to determine the top three. When you know your top three values, you can refer to this list when something arises that you are interested in, to establish whether they both align.

If they don’t, you can jog on knowing there’s a better opportunity out there for you! 

If they do align, move on to Step Two.

2. Figure Out Your ‘Why’

What you’re looking to do here is list all the reasons why you want to do ‘the thing’. Once you have your list, consider each ‘why’ by the following criteria:

1. Do I want to do this for me, or for someone else? (Hint: if it’s for you, your chances of success are much higher!)
2. Will this drive me to show up during the hard times? Is the ‘why’ strong enough to stop me from quitting when the going gets tough?  If it’s not, your sneaky brain will find all sorts of excuses, and you’ll likely believe them.
3. Finally, consider if your ‘why’ align with the person you want to be.  Sometimes, we want things that don’t move us towards being the person we ultimately want to be, and that’s okay. Remember, that algorithm is trying to tell you that you want things you really don’t!  If you recognise it here, you might save a heap of time by avoiding things that take you off course.

By following this process, you can reduce some of the overwhelm and become really clear on what you want to do – and why you want to do it. You get a chance to step off the hamster wheel for a moment of consideration, instead of just blindly driving forward without stopping to think about where you are really going. There’s then the risk of getting years down the line and finding yourself in a place you didn’t really want to be.

So, after completing this process – what did I decide instead?

Reduce some of the overwhelm, and become really clear on what you want to do – and why you want to do it.

My top three values are freedom, adventure, and making a difference.  On the surface, perhaps it looked like the Wales race could have aligned. That said, running a race of someone else’s making didn’t meet those values when I really thought about it. I could have tried to spin it to make it fit – but it just didn’t.

Instead, I let my mind wander, scheme, and dream, which lead to the idea of a Skyline Circumnavigation of Lake Wanaka – here in Otago, New Zealand.

In March 2023, I will take on an FKT (First AND Fastest Known Time!) for this route. Starting and finishing at the iconic ‘Wanaka Tree’, I will cover 200km+ over 10 major peaks with all of the vert, and a bunch of wonderful women.  We will celebrate doing hard things, stepping outside our comfort zones, and the feeling of community that comes from sharing a common goal.

Why this idea?

It aligns with my value of course!

• No one has done it before, and it will take in all the major peaks around Lake Wanaka with a fair bit of off-track – so there’s the tick for the ‘adventure’ box.
• I get to choose exactly the route I take, and the mountains I want to summit. There’s my ‘freedom’.
• For this one, I’m inviting a bunch of women – from beginner runners to elite athletes – to join me, to have their own adventure within my adventure. As I write that, my heart feels full. I get to not only inspire, but also ‘make a difference’…tick, tick, tick!

My top three values are freedom, adventure,and making a difference. 

I let my mind wander, scheme, and dream, which lead to the idea of a Skyline Circumnavigation of Lake Wanaka – here in Otago, New Zealand.

This is not the easy way out!  This is all of my own design. This requires landowner permissions, logistics, and planning well beyond turning up to the start-line of a race.  This right here is my dream event – and it’s that which will get me out of bed and get me through the hard times. To both get me to the start-line, and drive me to the finish.

I’ll be raising money for Women in Sport, and you can follow the journey getting there and throughout on my socials, via your favourite platform: @runliketanya.

Sometimes, it feels like life is hurtling at warp speed and you’re just along for the ride – but with a moment taken to consider what you are doing and why, you get to take control, create amazing memories, and live a life you’re proud of.

You can follow my journey at @runliketanya

So – what’s your ‘why’?

The post Where To From Here? A Two-Step Process to Moving Forward Mindfully appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Collins dictionary defines an adventurer as: a person who enjoys going to new, unusual, and exciting places.

Over the last three years, I have gone from being a ‘runner’ to an ‘adventurer’!

If you too want to be an adventurer, or have a go at a new sport, here are my top three tips for starting trail running, mountain biking, and mountaineering – as well as my opinion on the pros and cons.

I have gone from being a ‘runner’ to an ‘adventurer’!

Trail Running

Oh, the places your feet can take you!

Trail running will always be my first love. It has taught me so many lessons about myself, and life. No other sport for me offers the same feelings of freedom, joy, and limitlessness.

For me, simply donning a small backpack and a pair of shoes to explore forests, summit mountains, and become fully immersed in nature, is simply the most special thing in the world. My two feet have taken me to the most breathtaking and spectacular places.

Trail running will always be my first love.

Top tips to get started:

1. Find a local trail running group or directory for local knowledge
2. Start small, and work your way up
3. Invest in quality gear. It lasts, and provides a much better experience

Pros:

• Easy to get started
• Minimal gear required
• Great community vibe and friendly people

Cons:

• Injuries are common when people do too much, too soon
• As your body adapts, running can initially feel strenuous
• Not all communities have accessible trails; travel is required

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from trail and ultra-running is that our bodies are precious and deserve to be treated with respect. If we treat our bodies well, they will serve us by growing and developing beyond our wildest dreams. If we ignore them, however, they will break. We need to find the space where we both push and revere our bodies in balance.

Trail running is a sport for everyone, and it can offer the most expansive experiences. But, like all good things, should be done in moderation.

Trail running offers a great community of friendly people.

Mountain Biking

Do the hard work to get to the top, and enjoy coasting down the other side!

What I discovered when I got on the bike and on the trails was that many of the things I loved about running were present in mountain biking. I could be free in nature, I could move fast down hills, and I could feel the burn of muscles working just as I could when I was climbing.

I also discovered a way to cover distance without breaking my body.

Mountain biking is a good way to cover distance without breaking my body.

Top tips to get started:

1. Find yourself a good quality bike, new or used. The most important thing is that it’s the right size.
2. Check the grade of your local tracks; start easy, and work your way up
3. Just get out and do it. Practice makes perfect.

Pros:

• Great for any fitness level
• Gentle on the body
• You can cover a lot of ground in a short time

Cons:

• Initial start-up costs
• Risky when riding on roads
• Punctures etc. while out and about

My biggest lesson from mountain biking is that obstacles and bumps can be fun and challenging – it’s all in the way you see them.

Mountain biking is a sport that is accessible to everyone – no matter your age – and electric bikes have made it more inclusive than ever. It’s an amazing way to get out in nature, and feel the freedom and joy of moving your body.

Mountain biking is an amazing way to feel the freedom and joy of moving your body!

Mountaineering

There is something about that place where beauty, fear, and achievement meet; it is indescribable.

I would like to say that mountaineering is only for the brave; but that’s not completely true.  Mountaineering is for those who are prepared to walk with fear and learn the skills. Mountaineering makes my armpits damp, my throat tight, and is the only sport guaranteed to cause tears on every single trip…at least to date.

So why do it, you might ask? Remember that my values are growth, challenge, and adventure.  Well, as far as I know, no-one said living your values would be easy or comfortable – and my values by their very nature are such that I am often living outside my comfort zone.

No-one said living your values would be easy or comfortable!

Top tips to get started:

1. Learn from the experts, and take courses
2. Take your time to build the skills
3.  Learn to read weather forecasts and avalanche advisories, and plan well

Pros:

• You will visit the most spectacular places
• You will learn valuable skills and knowledge
• There is a great sense of achievement in planning and executing an objective

Cons:

• High cost of entry; a lot of high-value gear is required
• Risk: there is an inherently higher risk in high-alpine terrain
• Time commitment – both to learn and execute objectives

The biggest lesson I have learned from mountaineering is patience, and the ability to say no and turn around if conditions aren’t favourable. It is human nature to push and strive. Mountaineering requires a balance of drive to complete, and drive to survive. It is said that there are bold mountaineers, and old mountaineers – but not both.

Mountaineering is truly a unique sport, and not for the faint-hearted.  However, if you are prepared to put in the time, skills, and effort, the return is something quite phenomenal.  Keep in mind too that mountaineering doesn’t have to be all high peaks and summits; there is room in the sport for us risk-averse people too!

There are bold mountaineers, and old mountaineers – but not both!

Mountaineering requires a balance of drive to complete, and drive to survive.

Wrapping Up

There are so many sports to choose from, and to help me decide, I like to ask myself these five questions:

1. If I say ‘yes’ to this, what am I saying ‘no’ to?
2. Does what I’m doing align with my values?
3. Who is the person I get to become by doing this sport? Brave, strong, confident?
4. Is the reward worth the effort?
5. Who can I ask to find out more?

In answering these questions, you can be more intentional around your choices. A sport then becomes more than just a sport – it becomes a life-changing experience!

A sport can be more than just a sport – it can be a life-changing experience.

What adventure sport have you always wanted to try?

The post So You Want to be an Adventurer? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

My trips usually take me to beautiful but isolated areas – the sort of place where, at the very best, you may manage to pick up some fruit or vegetables… in a can.

To avoid bland gruel in a pot each night, I’ve consolidated some tips for preparing quick, easy, and tasty camp meals. In my meal plan, I attempt to ensure every meal meets at least two of the following:

• Tasty
• Nutritious
• Easy to cook
• Uses limited ingredients from the fridge
• Quick to prepare

The following considerations are important to note for long camping and 4WDing trips.

An easy dish with plenty of colour. Pilbara, Western Australia.

Flavour and Nutrition

A flavoursome meal is a great way to finish a day of adventure, and nutritious food prepares your body for the next. The trick is to find meals that combine both taste and nutrition with ease of preparation, preferably using ingredients that require minimal cold storage. We’ve made everything on our adventures – from chicken pesto pasta, sushi, and teriyaki chicken, to roast meals and BBQs.

Variety

If two-minute noodles are all you’ve packed for your trip, you won’t be looking forward to a bowl after a few days (not to mention how average they are for your health). Having variety will mean you look forward to each meal, rather than approaching them as just a means to an end.

Switching up what is eaten at what time is also worth considering. If you don’t plan on leaving the campsite for the day, it may be easier to prepare a big roast lunch during sunlight hours and keep dinner simple. This way, there’s minimal pack-up before departure the next day.

Easy Cooking

I try to keep meal preparation under 30 minutes. Space for preparing food is likely to be limited at the campsite; if the meal requires more than two pots or pans, it’s too complicated! You’ll find food tastes better when camping anyway, so leave the five-course degustation menu for an evening meal at home.

Keeping Perishables Cold

A 12V fridge/freezer in the back of your 4WD makes a world of difference. If your budget doesn’t allow for this, an Esky with ice will work for up to a week. This can be quite effective if you apply a few tricks of the trade, and can allow for more fresh meat, cold drinks, and perishable items in your kitchen kit. That said, fridge and freezer space becomes a premium, and it takes a lot of effort to fit everything in.

Last year, we travelled for five weeks in the Kimberley and split our 55-litre EvaKool fridge into half freezer, and half fridge. We managed to take five weeks’ worth of meat in the freezer, and picked up fresh produce wherever it was available.

Rather than fresh milk, we took about 35 litres of long life. As one bottle began to run out, we would pop another one in the fridge to cool down.

What Can I Do at Home?

Preparation of your food at home will save you a massive amount of time and effort on the road.

Re-package and Marinate

One of the first things we do when preparing for a long 4WD trip is remove the packaging and divide food into the portions required for each meal. This saves on fridge space, and eradicates the excess rubbish.

If freezing food isn’t an option, vacuum sealing your meat has it lasting substantially longer in a fridge. Most butchers should do this for free – otherwise, vacuum sealers are worth their weight in gold and easy to pack. They’re great for fresh seafood, meat, fruit, veg, and other local produce you may purchase during your trip. Store your sealed packs in your fridge or freezer to further extend the food life, prevent freezer burn, and save on bulky plastic containers. Another idea is sealing coffee beans from your favourite supplier, and storing in a cool place.

Any meat to be marinated can also be done at home, prior to freezing or vacuum sealing. The marinade takes longer to be absorbed – plus, it’s one less messy job for the campsite.

Premix Dry Ingredients

Where a meal requires a mix of spices or dried vegetables, combine them in a zip lock bag and label it. For spices alone, a great alternative to packing a huge variety is premixing your own in a bag, before labelling and vacuum-sealing it.

It’s so much easier to do this at home than out bush. Plus, it’s effortless to grab from your food tub come time to prepare your meal.

Cook in Advance

We always cook a few meals prior to departure. Soup, or a Bolognese mince and sauce are easy to prepare at home and even easier to re-heat on the campfire.

Not a bad set up for dinner with family and friends. Holland Track in Western Australia.

Meal Planning

I hate the thought of being locked into cooking something that won’t satisfy my culinary cravings – so it’s important to allow for some flexibility in your meal plan. Each morning, we consult our taste buds and make sure the ingredients for the chosen meal will be defrosted and made accessible for that night.

It may take some time, but the planning stage will simplify your food shopping and preparation. Start by either creating a list of everything you need each day, or even just a rough menu that can be broken down into staple items.

For a 3-week trip, we plan for 21 days of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, plus a few extra meals and some emergency tinned rations.

Breakfast

For breakfast, we try to keep it fast and simple, usually with cereal or oats. If we have more time, we will do:

• Pancakes
• Bacon and eggs
• Fruit and custard, or
• Omelettes

Lunch

Our midday meal is often bread or wraps with:

• Salad (cucumber, tomato, alfalfa sprouts, and mayonnaise)
• Cheese, and
• Meat (ham, beef, salami, or tuna)

Other options are :

• A cup of noodles or soup
• Mee Goreng
• Hamburgers or toasties, and
• Crackers

Dinner

For dinner, there’s a huge range of options:

• Soft tacos
• Roast beef
• Sushi
• Fish and chips (get a chip cutter!)
• Stir-fry
• Nachos
• Steak
• Chicken Katsu curry
• Chops and vegetables
• Hamburgers
• Satay chicken
• A BBQ
• Spaghetti Bolognese, or
• Anything else that tickles your fancy

We will have dessert a couple of times a week, which is usually:

• Fruit and custard
• Golden syrup dumplings
• Damper, or
• Scones

Food Preparation and Management

The types of food you can take with you on a trip will depend on how long you’re away for.

Staple Foods and Longevity

On a long 4WD trip, food with a long shelf life is your friend… and food with a long shelf life that doesn’t require refrigeration is your best friend! Think UHT milk, tinned tuna, canned lentils and beans, and pretty much anything that is dehydrated – or, preferably, freeze-dried.

Staples (or ‘go-to’ ingredients for meals) play a huge part in travelling; when exploring, there isn’t always time to try a range of new gourmet recipes. Stick to food you can prepare quickly, with your eyes closed.

Rice can be used in many ways: as a side dish, savoury meals like fried rice, or deserts like rice pudding. It’s also gluten-free, so complements most dietary requirements.

Bread makes food preparation easy too; there’s not much you can’t slap between a few slices for a sandwich! That said, it just doesn’t last – especially in warmer regions – and may not be available to purchase in more remote areas. Any bread we take is consumed during the first few days for lunch. Wraps are fantastic alternatives; they last for ages, taste good, and can be used with a myriad of fillings. Turkish bread and pizza bases last well too. If we ultimately want more bread than we’ve brought, we make it on the go (bread baked in a camp oven is pretty special).

On that note, flour is great for basics like bread. Baker’s flour is best for making into pizza dough or fresh bread rolls, while self-raising flour is better for damper or pancakes.

Fresh Food

Avocados can last a couple of weeks if purchased at various stages of ripeness, and the same goes for tomatoes, apples, oranges, bananas, and pears. These fruits, as well as root vegetables, are best kept in the dark. Selecting pieces that are still green will also ensure they can be enjoyed ripe after some time.

To keep cos lettuce fresh, a suggestion is to wrap a damp kitchen towel around the sliced end, store in a plastic bag, and loosely wrap another around the top. Celery can also hold out for weeks if stored in a similar way; once a celery heart is opened, leave it in a bag with another wrapped around the top (to prevent it from losing its turgidity or crunch).

Berries can be transferred into a flat container lined with kitchen towel. It’s recommended not to wash the berries until needed, as moisture can remain in the pores and quickly produce mould.

Unless consumed immediately, watermelon isn’t recommended for on-the-road adventuring. Given its size, it tends to occupy valuable fridge space.
For bigger families planning to eat watermelon early on in their travels (i.e. within a couple of days), it’s suggested to purchase a whole one and store it in an cooler bag with an ice pack.

Frozen Food

Frozen vegetables and fruit can be a great supplement to fresh varieties. They stack neatly into freezers, and are great for a quick side dish. If you have a Thermomix or blender in your camp kit, they’re great for making fresh smoothies or even ice-cream (from blended frozen fruit, like banana).

Our Selection

Some of the more common items found in our fridge and camp pantry are:

• Tinned food: beetroot, sweet corn, baby corn, pineapple, mixed fruit, tuna, spaghetti, tomatoes, baked beans, and corn.
• Fresh produce: cucumber, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, apples, oranges, onions, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, snow peas, and baby corn.
• Snacks: Nuts, dried fruit, muesli bars, BBQ noodles, and fruit.

Shopping

After preparing your meal plan, considering the food types, and assessing your storage space, it’s a good idea to first shop from your own pantry (there’s no point in duplicating items). If you plan to remain in the same location for an extended period, it may also be best to purchase your perishables from the closest town. For example, buying from a local butcher often mean both fresher and cheaper cuts.

If you can catch it, we’re in! From delicious blue manna crabs, to fish and crayfish, we eat a lot of seafood when travelling. This reduces the need to transport as much meat, meanwhile providing delicious, fresh seafood.

An alternative to shopping instore is doing so online. This saves a lot of time, and helps to avoid those impulse buys! Check use-by or best-before dates (particularly fridge items), and consider both the size of your fridge and the shape of the item.

Quantities

If you’re a ‘just-in-case’ shopper – be careful not to exceed the weight limit of your vehicle! Carrying too much food could also see you bringing a lot of it back home.

Not only is supporting the smaller local towns recommended, but shopping as you travel will allow more space in your vehicle. Unless you’re heading deep into the outback, there will more than likely be shops either on the way or within the vicinity of your destination.

Packing and Storing

Our Land Cruiser has a full drawer system in the rear, along with a decent-sized tub for food and a smaller tub for snacks. As things tend to bounce around in the back of a 4WD, any storage solution you use (food packaging included) needs to be of decent quality. Sometimes, glass containers can’t be avoided – so pad them out with rubber, tea towels, or anything that may help to absorb the shock. When selecting storage containers, it’s recommended they have prominent corners and edges; rounded containers tend to take up more room and waste space.

It can be a task to ensure everything fits snug and slots in with one another perfectly. Once you use an item, you leave a hole; this can result in greater movement while travelling. One way to fill space is to turn larger items sideways, or stuff a tea towel within the crevices. Alternatively, if it’s only a small gap, wedge in some small pieces of cork.

Food With a Family

Travelling with children can add a layer of complexity to mealtimes on holiday. Meal planning also becomes more necessary, as some children can be selective about what they eat. Some children prefer vegetables raw, while others like them mixed into a cooked meal.

While boxed breakfast cereal is great in the morning, it can take up a lot of space (and often only last one or two sittings)! On the other hand, Weet-Bix and porridge are both filling and provide enough energy to carry over to the next meal.

Often, the easiest campsite snacks are those with ingredients that store well and boast a long shelf life (such as rice cakes or crackers, with various spreads). These also require limited prior preparation, and are simple enough for the kids to assemble themselves.

Lastly, it’s recommended to involve the whole family in both the planning of and shopping for camp meals. This helps to avoid complaints later on!

Take the Time

Food preparation can be daunting at first – but the more you do it, the easier it gets and the more adventurous you become!

The smell and taste of a roast lamb or chicken curry cooked over an open fire is incredibly satisfying, especially when you’ve planned and prepared it yourself.

Take the time to get it right, and you’ll have a fantastic holiday!

Everyone seems to have their own camping food hack – what’s your secret to easy food preparation in the bush?

This original article by Aaron Schubert was updated in 2022 by Snowys Outdoors.

The post Meal Planning & Food Storage for Camping and 4WDing appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The funny thing about trips is if you really want to go, you’ll go.

For a year or two, I’d been meaning to get back to the Eyre Peninsula, and possibly the Head of Bight, to see the whales… but as usual, had plenty of excuses.

First, it was COVID restrictions… then work, then COVID restrictions again, then something or other, then the price of fuel… then I went. That’s the funny thing about trips: if you really want to go, you’ll make time, find a way, and just go.

That’s what I did.

Wildlife ahead!

I loaded up the car and my little cubby house on wheels (as I call my little 10-foot Eagle off-road hybrid van), grabbed all my favourite Snowys bits and pieces (plus a few new ones), and just took off. In fact, I took off in such a hurry that I left my front door wide open (which I didn’t find out about until I arrived home two weeks later. Turns out I live in quite an honest suburb)!

The first stop was to see the Silo Art in Snowtown, before my mandatory ‘bird nerd’ stop at Arid Lands Botanic Gardens in Port Augusta, then onto Whyalla to catch the tail end of the giant cuttlefish migration. I’ve been a few times, and it’s always great – even if my pics weren’t, this time around.

Silo Art in Snowtown

Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta

An Australian Kestrel: Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta

A crow eating a mouse: Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta

After a little overnighter on the cliff at Point Lowly, I braved the cold and hit the water at sunrise for a bit of a splash. I was actually a bit late in the season this time (June or July is best), so there weren’t as many as usual – but the Cuttlefish were amazing. I saw a giant ray (which snuck up from behind and scared the bejeezus out of me) and lots of fish, so it was definitely worth the stopover.

Point Lowly

A giant ray snuck up from behind and scared the bejeezus out of me!

So many Cuttlefish!

The Cuttlefish were amazing!

The Cuttlefish were amazing!

I then jumped onto the new glass-bottom boat they have out there, to see what that was like. I’m happy to report it’s not only a lot drier and warmer, but an excellent alternative for people who want to see the giant cuttlefish without having to squeeze into a wetty and brave the cold. Plus, we saw dolphins – which is always a nice bonus!

Cuttys Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Cuttys Glass Bottom Boat Tours

My plan from here was to spend a few days driving along the coast to Fowlers Bay for a whale-watching tour with EP Cruises… but when Captain Rod called to give me the heads up about how prime the incoming whale-watching weather would be if I made it there in time, my leisurely drive turned into a mad long-distance dash!

This was also my first time giving my new GME UHF Radio a proper go, instead of just eavesdropping on the local urban truckers. I’d been told it could come in handy when wanting to overtake some of the longer trucks on the highway (some of those trucks are REALLY long) and I’m happy to confirm that, while I only used it a couple of times, it was super useful. Not gonna lie, I also find listening in to the truckers quite entertaining… so, pretty happy with that recent purchase.

The first afternoon in Fowlers with EP Cruises was bloody brilliant. Lots and lots of whales, lots of fin and tail slapping… it was everything I’d hoped it would be. When a bit of drizzle rolled through, out came the Sea to Summit dry sack to keep my camera equipment nice and dry. That bag has saved my bacon so many times, it’s not even funny.

…By ‘bacon’ I mean ‘cameras’. I don’t actually take bacon with me. 

EP Cruises – Fowlers Bay Whale Tours

The first afternoon in Fowlers with EP Cruises was brilliant.

…Lots of fin and tail slapping!

Lots and lots of whales!

My experience with EP Cruises was everything I’d hoped it would be.

As good as that afternoon was, I decided to go out again the next day. I was so lucky I did, because right at the start of the tour we saw a sunfish! I didn’t even know we had these in SA, and seeing one of these weirdo fish was bucket-list stuff for me. The weather that second day was even better than the first, with lots of whale action including a baby white whale breaching.

After two days of whales, you’d think I’d be all whaled out…but no, I decided I’d go a few more hours onto the Nullarbor and hit the Head of Bight. I fluked a small window of good weather to see even more whales at what is Australia’s biggest whale nursery. As good as the boat tours were, seeing the whales from a higher perspective was definitely worth the extra hours of driving… and the extra five million dollars of fuel (diesel is not cheap out that way)!

Head of Bight

After two days of whales, you’d think I’d be all whaled out…

Seeing the whales from a higher perspective was definitely worth it.

Even more whales at Australia’s biggest whale nursery.

With the ‘whale’ box well and truly ticked, I spent a few days coming back down the coast, stopping at Venus Bay, Streaky Bay, and others – as well as Talia Caves, the cliff sculptures at Elliston, and the nice, full Lake Gilles. I even stopped at the Big Galah in Kimba to do my regular spot on ABC radio and, of course, spent time looking for birds. This involved another stop at Arid Lands Botanic Gardens in Port Augusta, where I was lucky enough to spot my first ever Barn Owl and get a decent shot of a bird I’ve been trying to for ages: the White Winged Fairy Wren! 

I spent a few days coming back down the coast.

With the ‘whale’ box ticked, I stopped at many bays as well as Talia Caves.

Talia Caves

Elliston Coastline

Elliston Coastline

Lake Gilles

A Barn Owl: Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta

A White-Winged Fairy Wren: Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, Port Augusta

Bird watching in Lake Gilles

Bird watching in Lake Gilles

From there, I ducked across to Melrose to run the ‘short’ 15-kilometre course at the Melrose Running Festival. This runs up and down Mount Remarkable (where I think a Snowys-sponsored runner won the 50km long course in a ridiculously fast time), and smashed a post-race pizza at the new Jack Brothers Brewery. The next day, I headed for home.

Running the ‘short’ 15-kilometre course at the Melrose Running Festival!

After smashing a post-race pizza, I headed for home the next day.

Gear that made my trip easier and more comfortable includes:

1. My Coleman sleeping bag: it’s nice and big so I don’t feel like I’m in a straitjacket, and it kept me toasty warm in the van on some VERY cold mornings. 
2. My little Coleman table: it might be basic, but it makes a great dinner table or office desk.  
3. My new Dometic Fridge: this was my first longer trip with it and, while I had to MacGyver the fridge hutch to fit it in, oh my – it was so, so good. It was great to be able to take extra food and drinks with me! 
4. After lots of research on power consumption, I also went for a little pop-up kettle – perfect for boiling water for my pot noodles! There was a really comprehensive review about power consumption on the Snowys website that made my decision much easier. Snowys’ customers really are the best when they share their knowledge like that. Thanks, Rodos from Castle Hill – whoever you are! 
5. I’m not exactly a gourmet cook, so my little Sea to Summit Camp Set was great too! Perfect for my Weetbix in the morning, and whatever else I might eat later in the day. 
6. Even though my little van has a decent solar and battery set-up, my Companion Power Station still comes in handy when I’m trying to manage power consumption – even if it’s just to top up my phone or iPad when I’m watching embarrassingly bad TV shows at night. But seriously, how good is Seal’s Team? (I had the 70Ah version, but this is the 100Ah).
7. Finally – at the risk of the ol’ TMI (Too Much Information) – after much anxiety and putting off using it for as long as I could, I’m happy to report that my Thetford dunny performed admirably. I picked up all my chemicals and the special bog roll before I left, and was pleasantly surprised at how easy the whole process was. Can I just say (please, please, please), when you go camping somewhere without facilities – have a plan for what you’re going to do at toilet time. The amount of toilet paper and associated ‘stuff’ I see out there is just gross and sad. Please be awesome, and not one of those people.  

When you camp somewhere without facilities – have a plan for toilet time!

Have you ever been whale watching?

The post Whale Watching on the Eyre Peninsula appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Ugh…and now you’re kicking yourself for not being able to do what everyone else seems to be doing.

Hold up and take a breath. I’m here to give you some fundamentals for mindset, routine, and daily habits that will help set you up for success and achieve your goals – whether it’s your first 5-kilometre run, a day walk, or a multi-day expedition. I’ve spent literally years developing my knowledge about all this by going through the trial and error of what works, and what doesn’t. Below is what I’ve learned.

I’ll start by lifting the curtain on what’s going on behind the scenes in your brain. From there, I’ll outlined both a day and week in my life including what I do and don’t do, as well as some content I love to start filling your brain with the good stuff!

I’ve spent literally years developing my knowledge about all this through trial and error. Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

Mindset

It’s a word thrown around all over the show. There are a bunch of apps that are supposed to help with it, and every second ad is probably telling you they have the solution to your problem. Maybe you’ve tried a bunch of methods, and nothing has worked?

Here’s an analogy for you: imagine that your brain is 100 horses (stay with me!). Five of those horses are your ‘conscious’ brain, which you are driving in the direction you want to go.  The other 95 are your ‘subconscious’ brain – if they’re pulling in the opposite direction, sitting still, or just aren’t down with your plan, you are fighting a losing battle.  So much of the time we are trying to drive our brain with the five horses, completely forgetting about the other 95!

So when we talk about ‘mindset’, we are actually talking about something much bigger – and if we don’t get that right, we can set ourselves up for failure.  The good news though, is that we can train the other 95 horses to all be heading in the same direction… and you don’t need me to tell you that 100 horsepower is better than five, right?!

To train your mindset, you need to reprogram the subconscious and that is done through repetition and retraining. Think about it for a minute: how did you get to where you are now? By repeating a bunch of thoughts and behaviours over and over. So, it makes sense that to get to a different outcome you need to change both the thoughts and the behaviours.

It’s also important to note that reprogramming your brain can be uncomfortable. Our bodies and brains are beautifully wired to seek comfort and avoid discomfort. But the more we step out of our comfort zones, the more we reprogram the system – and the more we set ourselves up for success.

To train your mindset, you need to reprogram the subconscious through repetition and retraining. Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

Routine

What’s your daily routine like? Maybe the alarm sounds, and you hit snooze? Perhaps the first thing you do is reach for your phone? Check the notifications? Maybe you scroll through Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, and feel bad? 

Now – what would you do differently if you wanted to train those 95 horses to go in the same direction as the other five of your good intentions? Your daily routine can either help or hinder you, and it will either bring you closer to or further from your goals. If you want to examine your daily routines, you can start to take notice of your behaviours and ask some questions.

Does this behaviour serve me? Is it bringing me closer to my goals? What could I do differently right now?

When you do this, you are changing the routine of your thoughts which in turn changes the routine of your behaviours. People often think you need motivation to achieve goals, but that is wrong. You need a solid routine that you choose to stick to because it is going to support you to achieve your goals.

Also, here’s a newsflash: you might not always enjoy it. Yeah, I went there!  Do you think mountaineers love getting up at 3:00am or 4:00am to hit their objective? Honestly, probably not (I don’t, I love to sleep)! However, we know that the objective is worth the pain of the early morning start. It’s that ‘comfort/discomfort’ thing again.

A routine also provides a set of behaviours that allows you to be the person you want to be before you actually achieve the goal. Adopt the routine of a runner, hiker, or mountaineer and pretty soon you’ll be one. When I first started running, I had just quit a 10-year, twenty-a-day smoking habit, and I had never intentionally nor willingly run a step in my life. But, I committed to a running program and the routine of a runner – and 15 years later, I am one. My running has taken me to some amazing places, and brought me a life I couldn’t have even dreamed of all those years ago.

The objective is worth the pain of the early morning start. Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

Daily Habits

A routine can be broken down into daily habits, and when we break things down into manageable ‘chunks’ we are much more likely to succeed. The daily habits for success will vary depending on what it is you want to achieve. There are, however, some fundamentals that apply across the board.

There needs to be a daily habit of training those 95 horses; your subconscious. If you continue to keep driving with only your conscious mind, you might achieve small wins but you’re likely to miss the overall target. Training the subconscious mind can be done in a few ways including meditation and visualisation, thought work to rewire your brain, and coaching from a qualified professional. Whichever way you do it, it’s got to be a daily habit.

Reducing your choices is another fundamental. Of the following, which sounds easier?

• Having your clothes laid out the night before, or trying to figure out in the morning what you are going to wear to work when you’re already pressed for time?
• Getting to lunchtime before thinking about what to eat, versus prepping your food for the week on a Sunday to have your lunch break free for training or doing something you love.

The daily habits for success will vary depending on what it is you want to achieve. Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

Bringing it all Together

I say all this from my experience over the years of working to achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and grow as a person to live a life I love. For me, that means a life of adventure, the outdoors, and pursuing goals – big and small – with the people I love.

So, here’s a snapshot of a day and week in my life, and some of my go-to’s for great, inspiring content:

Saturday / Sunday:

Setting up for the week to come.

• Food-prep breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week.
• Write up my whiteboard for the week ahead with training, appointments, and events.
• Plan for what is to come – which sets me up for success.

On Saturday or Sunday, I food-prep breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the week. Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

A Day in My Life:

Wake Up:

• Drink coffee (!)
• Before I turn my phone on, I complete my journaling tasks for 15 minutes, and write my daily actionable tasks.
• I also meditate on my current goals for a few minutes.

During the Day:

• Work
• Eat the food I’ve prepped on the weekend
• Complete the tasks and training I’ve outlined on the weekend, as well as my daily tasks.
• Give myself a high five for doing the things I’ve planned.

I Avoid:

• Watching or listening to the news
• Clicking on articles on social platforms or reading notifications that are going to put negative news into my mind.
• Following anyone whose content makes me feel bad in any way. Remember when I mentioned training the horses? Well, what do you think is the best thing to feed them? Positivity or negativity?

I Embrace:

• Listening to podcasts whenever I’m driving, books, or training that will improve me as a person.
• Taking in my surroundings. Some call it ‘presence’ – for example, I might watch birds having a mud bath, notice the wind in the trees, and just spend some time being present and grateful. These are the everyday moments that can bring peace and joy.

I Commit To:

• A good routine
• Filling my life with things that help me be a better person
• Taking responsibility for my life and future.

I’m Working On:

Doing what I’m less inclined to do straight away, instead of putting it off (I’m training some horses)! I’m an incredibly driven person and I’m great at smashing goals – BUT, I do have a tendency to procrastinate on things that I don’t love doing!

What has Changed my Life the Most:

Realising that I am in charge of my thoughts and that I create my reality. These beliefs make me a force to be reckoned with, help me embrace life, and always have me in charge of my life situation rather than a victim of it.

Before I turn my phone on, I complete my journaling tasks for 15 minutes, and write my daily actionable tasks. Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

Content to Check Out:

Audio:

Lisa Tamati’s podcast – Pushing the Limits

Dulkara Martig’s podcast – Untamed Aotearoa

Senka Radonich’s podcast – She Adventures

Spotify – Motivational Speech to Music, Fearless Motivation

Books:

Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now,

Mark Manson – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***

don Miguel Ruiz – The Four Agreements

If you’re interested in finding out more, you can reach out to me on my socials @runliketanya on Instagram or Facebook.

Balance is an intentional act! Credit: Cheeky Weka Media

How does your daily routine help you achieve your goals?

The post Mindset, Routine, and Daily Habits appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The famous words of Bilbo Baggins as he runs through Hobbiton, now immortalised in meme history. The quote also inspires many hikers to hit the trails. To go forth to seek out adventure, new experiences, and cool pictures.

But… is it really an adventure if you’re simply following the garden path in front of you? Or can you try a different commute for the day – one with nice landscapes and singing birds, instead of the train line, or South Rd?

The short answer is yes – of course you’re still on an adventure! You can find adventure in anything.

As for the long answer, there are many grey areas to consider. More adventure is found off-track than on – but what are the dangers?

Do I have to tell anyone I’m going into the bush? Will I ever find the track again? Why isn’t there a track if my destination is supposedly so cool?

Let’s answer some of these questions by first addressing the three main reasons behind why you might decide to go off-track. There are many more – but we’ll focus on the following.

The first to tackle, including the ethics behind whether it’s appropriate, is leaving the beaten track for a shortcut.

‘I’m going on an adventure!’ – The famous words of Bilbo Baggins, now immortalised in meme history. Credit: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

1. It’s a shortcut

Ask yourself: does your intended shortcut take you up and down a steep gully, where you could be at risk of injury or damaging the vegetation through erosion?

Tracks are designed to concentrate human impact in one area. Your shortcut might be a more direct path, but also cross through the only population of a particular orchid in the area. Be careful to leave nothing more than a footprint when walking off-track.

An easy get-around is to use a river, creek bed, or ridge line as a feature to follow when taking the shortcut. No track builder will ever build a track on these features; it could wash away into the creek, and the ridgelines are often too high up for them to lug their materials. The added benefit of using a landscape’s features, instead of the track to navigate with, is having a better feel for the geography of the area. Bonus!

Ask yourself: does your intended shortcut have you damaging the vegetation through erosion?

Well off the beaten track!

Camping off-track, on rock!

2. To get closer to a particular feature

First, check whether this spectacular feature is a place of environmental or cultural significance – and in which case should be avoided, out of respect. If not, the reason there isn’t a track to your intended destination could be a supply-demand issue; there aren’t enough people coming to the area to warrant spending thousands of dollars on building a track out there.

Walking off-track to reach a particular destination is very popular in Tasmania. Reaching the summit of some of the Abels (all peaks in Tasmania that succeed 1,100 metres) involves a lot of bush-bashing, and travelling at speeds of 500m-1km per hour through thick scrub.

Check whether a spectacular feature is a place of environmental or cultural significance – and in which case should be respectfully avoided.

Walking off-track to reach a particular destination is very popular in Tasmania. Pictured: Tasmanian waterfall

Off-track walking to reach a certain feature is rewarding, because it generates the feeling of having really worked hard for your goal. For me, dropping into Edeowie Gorge in Wilpena Pound always seems to do this, and has me feeling like I’m the first person to visit there.

This rolls into the last reason why you might consider walking off-track…

Off-track walking to reach a certain feature is rewarding. Pictured: off-track in the Flinders Ranges

Off-track in the Flinders Ranges

3. To get away from the world, and feel like I’m the only person in it

National Parks are receiving more and more funding each year to work on visitor facilities, to encourage more people to spend time in our natural spaces. Unfortunately, this can sometimes feel like stepping out of one version of a shopping centre and into another without walls or a roof… but still with the crying babies, and teenagers wearing bum bags.

Stepping off-track and into the bush to escape the world and connect more with your primal instincts is not ‘weird’ – it’s natural! Remember, we came from the bush! Just consider what I’ve listed when contemplating some ‘me’ time off-track. Try to also remember the direction in which you left the track, and for how long you walked. If you go off for a few hours and reach Nirvana – it won’t matter how enlightened you’ve become on your stroll if you then can’t find the track to get back home!

Stepping off-track and into the bush, to escape the world and connect more with your primal instincts, is natural. Pictured Freycinet National Park

Other Off-Track Safety Recommendations

Having covered the general reasons for leaving the safety of the track, and what to consider in doing so – it is important that I also list these remaining safety considerations:

• Tell someone where you are going. Leave a note, make a phone call, or fill in a Trip Intentions Form with National Parks so people know where to look for you – then stick to your intentions!
• Try and carry a communication device: a handheld radio, phone, satellite communication device, or whistle at the very least, so you can signal for help in an emergency.
• A First Aid kit, some food and water, and an emergency layer if you’re going to be off-track for more than an hour. You may not need food and water within that hour, but if you fall over and hurt yourself you’ll be there longer than you intended!
• A navigational tool: phones and GPSs are simple to use, and National Parks provide maps on Avenza for free – but a physical map and compass will never run out of battery. These will help if you become ‘geographically embarrassed’ (lost).

I hope this information has been helpful, and provided a few points to consider next time you’re planning to head out bush.

Sticking to the safety of the track is a nice way to enjoy a walk, because you can switch off and just put one foot in front of the other… but in my mind, the risk and reward of a journey off-track will always be a winner!

The risk and reward of a journey off-track will always be a winner for me! Pictured: Tasmanian waterfall

The post Should You Stay or Should You Go (Off-Track)? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Bringing kids or pets? Their needs are easy to overlook in the packing rush. This section helps make sure they’re just as well set up for the trip as you are.

Want a hard copy? Download the printable checklist here.

Everything packed? Great — but hold off on starting the engine just yet. Run through this pre-departure checklist before hitting the road, both ways.

Pack smart, not heavy. The best camping trips aren’t the ones with the most gear, they’re the ones where you’ve got exactly what you need – and if you realise you’re missing something, the Snowys range has you covered.

The post Camping & Hiking Checklist appeared first on Snowys Blog.

After working as a school outdoor instructor for several years I’ve had my fair share of experiences with taking non-outdoorsy people into the outdoors. I’ve been able to achieve some pretty cool things and once I even took my Dad on the multi-day South Coast Track in lutruwita/Tasmania. It was his first-ever bushwalk!

My Dad and I taking a break on the South Coast Track.

Throughout these experiences, I’ve made a few mistakes. In the interest of preventing others from the same pitfalls, here are some key considerations for when you decide to take your own non-outdoorsy mate into the outdoors.

Disclaimer: The first step in taking your non-outdoorsy mate into the outdoors is to make sure they have shown some interest in joining you. Just because you want them to go doesn’t mean they do! It’s a fine line, and being on the wrong side of it could mean your friend thinks they are being kidnapped or held hostage…

It’s important to establish whether your potential adventure buddy is actually keen to join you!

Think Like Yoda

If you’re familiar with Star Wars you’ll know the circumstances surrounding Luke Skywalker and his camping trip with Jedi Master Yoda on Dagobah. If you’re not familiar, basically an expert lets a novice sleep at his house for a few days while the novice tries to learn how to be better at life. Yoda (the expert) doesn’t talk much, nor does he parade around in fancy gear. He doesn’t sit Luke (the novice) down to tell him how good he (Yoda) is at using the force, or how much fun the force is to use. Instead, Yoda takes his time with Luke. He allows Luke to slowly discover his own capabilities and shows him what is possible.

Taking this example and applying it to our scenario – when you are starting to take your non-outdoorsy friend into the wilderness for the first time, channel your inner Yoda!

Giving my sister’s boyfriend his first climbing experience.

Allow them to make mistakes without reprimand. Avoid telling them how good every hike or destination is going to be before you’ve even left home, and don’t show off with all your high-level gear!

Try letting your friend set the destination and create an environment where you are both on a shared path to discover something new. This shared experience from the start will break down any hierarchical differences your friend might be silently perceiving exist.

Down-grade yourself to your friend’s level and use similar gear to them. If heading out trail running, leave the running vest, poles, fancy socks, and headwear, at home. Just throw on a pair of shoes and focus on having some fun together. That trip along the South Coast Track with my Dad was also my first time doing the South Coast Track. I was in awe of the surrounding wilderness and marvelled at the extent of the mud, and I could share this with Dad while he was also amazed!

Share in the excitement and challenge of a new experience with your mate. Image: Sam McCarty

Expectation vs Reality

Before you head out adventuring with your non-outdoorsy mate it’s a good idea to understand their expectations. Ask them what they want from the experience and, do the same for yourself. Having an open and honest discussion upfront on what the day/s will look like makes the chance of your friend muttering dark thoughts about you a lot less likely. It’s hard to convince someone to go on another adventure if their first one was a disappointing or unpleasant experience.

So, outlaying expectations as close as you can to the reality of the experience, without ruining any surprises, is in your best interest. It’s also important to prepare your own self for the possibility that your friend doesn’t enjoy every step of the way.

The face of someone when the reality of the experience was harder than the expectation!

We all know the feeling when you show your mate that new favourite band/TV show/food and they don’t froth over it! Avoid being disheartened and be prepared that your great plan to transform your friend into a hardcore outdoors junky might not eventuate, even though you manifest it 24 hours a day.

I used to check in with students’ expectations of camp a lot during the first few days of a one or two-week program. Often they had been told horror stories from their peers and used this to prejudice their own experiences. Debunking these assumptions helped some students to relax and release any anxiety they had about camp. They were then able to embrace having their own experiences without any negative speculation.

My sister and I tackled Alligator Gorge together.

Think Long Term Investment

Seems like these days most people are into the sharemarket and are dipping their toes into ETFs, LICs, or NFTs. If you play those games you should be aware that any investment made into the sharemarket should come with the expectation that returns will be best after at least 3-5 years.

The same applies to bringing your non-outdoorsy friend into the outdoors and one day of bushwalking does not turn anyone into a trail guru. Avoid the classic trap where you assume your park running/F45/HIIT machine-partial friend has the athletic prowess for some high-level outdoor trips. You may take them off the beaten track and suddenly their ability to do 100 pull-ups in ten minutes doesn’t compare to their inability and lack of outdoor experience. Packing a rucksack in the pouring rain deep in the Tasmanian South West or Victoria High Country is another skill entirely, and despite their gym capabilities, they may be as useless as the toilet paper they have just left out of their rucksack getting soaking wet!

Introducing someone to the outdoors life is a journey. Take it slowly and enable them to become skilled and adept in the new environment. Set some short term goals with them in order to achieve an appropriate long term goal. Objectives that will eventually stretch both of you is a great strategy to keep you motivated whilst you embark on the long-term outdoor investment.

When introducing your non-outdoorsy mate into the outdoors, be patient and think of it as a long-term investment.

My personal journey started out as a regular year 8 student who was pretty fit but had never slept in a tent or been on a ‘real’ camping trip. By the end of year 12, I had advanced to a 5-day cross country skiing trip in the Victorian Alps!

These tips are based on my personal experiences as an outdoor education instructor for school-aged students, and also as someone who loves to take my immediate family members into my ‘classroom’. Ultimately, the best advice I can offer is not my own but something I heard a mountaineer saying once…

The three golden rules of mountaineering are: stay alive – stay friends – get to the summit

Wise Mountaineer

Have you had success with getting your mates to join you on adventures?

The post How to Take Your Non-Outdoorsy Mate into the Outdoors appeared first on Snowys Blog.

I propose being gentle with yourself and instead of making excuses or allowing setbacks to get in the way, how about first shifting the language around that resolution? By it’s very definition a resolution is resolute. It’s a firm, make or break decision. How about setting intentions instead? That way, we allow room for all those things we cannot control.

If we create intentions around the things we enjoy but tailor them to be with people or in environments that enhance our wellbeing. Why not swap the gym for a hike instead? We still build our strength and fitness, but we might explore a new-to-us national park, and most definitely we would reep the beneifits of nature connection as well!

So, no matter what 2022 has install for us, let’s meet it at our best with these seven ideas nailed!

You don’t have to head far, just find a trail and start walking. Image: Sea to Summit

1. I will get fit

Getting fit or losing weight is probably the most common promise people make themselves as the new year swings around. For many, that means taking out an expensive gym membership or signing up with a personal trainer.

But getting fit this year needn’t be arduous or expensive. Dust off your hiking boots and hit your local walking trail. The crunch of the gravelly track under your feet, the tweeting of birds, and the smell of eucalyptus in the air. It’s so much more motivating than heading to a windowless room full of exercise equipment. It’s cheaper too!

And, with long summer days at your avail, there is no excuse to not go for a hike after work.

Trailblazing after dark is a whole new experience and during summer, the cooler temperature at night can make it more enjoyable. Image: Coleman

2. I will spend more time with friends and family

Neverending lockdowns, border restrictions, and quarantine have had most of us longing for that in-real-life connection. At home we have TVs, gaming consoles, computers, work, and chores frequently distracting us and consuming our time, but nothing compares to face-to-face catch ups with our loved ones.

Camping is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family. Especially in the middle of the Australian bush, where mobile reception is flaky or non-existent, we have more time to foster the relationships we want and space to connect with those you love. Camping is also a great way to rest the body and mind and do a great deal of nothing.

Cooking over a fire with a cast iron camp oven makes everything taste better. Image: Cast Iron Boys

3. I will eat better

Eating better isn’t only about cutting out fast food and sugar. It’s about taking the time to understand your own body and which foods contain the most optimal fuel for your body type and your lifestyle. It’s important to educate yourself on your needs before elimating carbs, calories, wheat, dairy, or whatever. We are all unique and what suits one person will differ from another. Underpinning any diet is the importance of eating real, wholesome food that you have cooked from scratch, and what better place to cook from scratch and eat well than when you’re out camping. Camp cooking isn’t all 2-minute noodles and baked beans on toast!

We have written heaps on the subject of camp cooking, here are some of our most popular blogs:

• How To Make Damper in a Camp Oven
• Guide to Cooking Options for Campfire Season
• Cooking Without Perishable Ingredients
• How to Shop, Pack and Prepare Food for Touring Adventures
• How to Cook Roast Pork in a Camp Oven
• Meal Planning for Outback 4WD Adventures

Remember, the odd treat like a pie from a country bakery is all part of a happy life. Don’t be too harsh on yourself – balance is key!

Camping in the Kimberley. Image: Aaron Schubert

4. I will explore more

Many of us have spent the last couple of years exploring our local areas, or going on intrastate adventures. Perhaps this coming year will see some of us dusting off our passports once again for that tour of Europe or trip across the USA? If this is you and you’re feeling a little anxious over travelling further afield, we have an article full of great tips for post Covid-19 travel, no matter which destination you’re packing your bags.

Before you book that long-haul flight though, take a moment to consider how much of your own country you have actually explored? Go on, be honest. Don’t feel bad, there are so many who have only explored a tiny portion of their own state or territory, let alone the rest of the country!

I’m in favour of regular short trips. Weekends spent doing activities I haven’t done before or visiting somewhere local that is new to me. Rather than sitting in front of the TV, go for a drive, a walk, or cycle. It’ll be fun, I promise. Take plenty of photos too.

Investing in shelving will allow you to get the most out of your shed. Image: Ben Trewren

5. I will keep my gear organised and clean

So, you’ve been out camping for a week. You get home, offload the gear, and it’s back to the grind. Your gear is stowed away until next time and that’s that.

Bad form, that’s what it is.

To keep your camping gear in tip-top condition, so it lasts a long time, it’s important to properly maintain and store it. Make sure your tent is completely dry before you put it away. Vacuum or sweep it out properly, and repair any issues so it’s ready to go next time. We also have a great Podcast episode where Ben and Lauren take a deep-dive into Caring for your Camp Gear.

With your sleeping mats – unroll them and keep them under the bed, and your sleeping bags shouldn’t be kept bundled up in the stuff sack as it will affect the fill.

Instead, take them out of the sack and keep them in a cool, dry place in a large pillowcase or a loose-fitting mesh storage sack. Sea to Summit sleeping bags come with both a stuff sack and their own breathable storage bag.

Also, now that you’ve got a bit of time off over the holiday period, it’s a great time to actually wash your down sleeping bag, patch up that tent that’s been out of action for a while, or re-condition and clean up those beaten up hiking boots.

Store your gear properly on and off the trail. Image: Sea to Summit

6. I will replace or upgrade that thing that really needs it

We all have a piece of camping or hiking gear that we should really just retire and replace. For me, it’s an old el’ cheapo 1 person hiking tent. It’s been a great tent over the years but the floor has holes in it, it smells funky, the zips busted, and it no longer keeps the rain out.

I could continue to repair it, but there comes a point when it’s time to let it go. Treat yourself with a new purchase, or ask a loved one to gift it for your birthday, mother’s or father’s day.

Fill your new year with adventures outdoors. Image: Aaron Schubert

7. I will try something new

Never been on an overnight hike before? Try it! If you often go hiking with the other half but have never headed out alone? Go on, see what it’s like by yourself – think safety first, though and make sure you pack a first aid kit and emergency device!

You’ve got a flash 4WD but have never taken it over a sand dune? Give it a shot, but make sure you know what you’re doing first.

Make your new year one filled with adventure and the great outdoors. Visit some places you haven’t visited before. Try things you never thought you would try. Eat well and keep the body moving.

Be sure to just lay back under the sky from time to time and let your mind frolic with the clouds. You’ll look back at it at the end of the year and will be proud of what you’ve achieved. I’m sure of it!

What are your intentions for the year ahead?

The post 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Campers & Hikers appeared first on Snowys Blog.

You own your body, how it moves, and how you express it. In the outdoors when nature calls, you simply find a bush, drop your pants, and take a nature wee… or dig a hole if that’s what is required!

There are no gendered norms here – you can be decidedly unladylike by societal terms, and it feels so damn good!

Freedom is being whomever you wish regardless of gendered norms.

Sometime after childhood the bliss of just being, of living in the moment and exploring, became lost in the shift towards puberty and social influences. Many of us women swapped our scraped knees for hair dyes, and our adventures for manis and pedis. We acquiesced to our pre-determined role in the world, and our womanhood succumbed to a place where the way the body looked took precedence over how it functioned. Fitting into the pressures from society we primped and preened, and while the boys were out getting dirty, we were spending hours in the salon chair getting our highlights done and learning how to use make-up to accentuate our best features.

Stinky and sweaty with dirt crusted nails and scraped legs – breaking barriers and forging our own paths.

Back in the mountains, I’m sweating buckets, I seriously stink! Dirt is caked on my legs and there are trails of blood from the spiky bushes that have pressed into my soft flesh as I have forged my way up to the summit. Here, highlights don’t count and nicely done nails will soon be caked in dirt. In the mountains, it doesn’t matter how the body looks, it just matters how it functions and how it moves. I love this feeling, I live it and this place in the wild, where there are no rules other than Mother Nature’s rules. It’s a place where gender, male or female, fade away and become insignificant. Where we all have the same basic needs and can achieve the same things.

There is no right or wrong way to be a woman. We are so lucky we live in a time where we are able to forge our own paths. That being said, there are still barriers for many women to take up their rightful place in the outdoors. To feel safe, confident and able, and to enjoy all the benefits, both mental and physical, that come from moving our bodies in nature. We need to throw away the rulebook for how women should be, and embrace our own inner power.

What began with a 30km marathon, quickly turned into trail running, then ultramarathon, mountain biking, rock climbing, and now Tanya is embarking on mountaineering.

Learn the skills you need to feel confident

The biggest barrier I see when it comes to women getting into the outdoors is the fear of the unknown. To be self-empowered we first need to know that we are capable of achieving our goals, and we need to acquire the skills necessary to confidently go forward and do things we want to do. These days there are a million YouTube videos and websites offering tutorials where you can learn skills. These are valuable resources, however, participating in a real-life class or joining a group is even better! It might feel daunting to put yourself out there at first, but the new friendships and community you can build will continue to support and strengthen that new skill.

Check Facebook, your local sports groups, or google the heck out of it and I guarantee you’ll find the group you need to upskill. Upskilling is seriously the numero uno for being self-empowered in the outdoors. You’ll feel like the biggest badass when you’ve nailed your double fisherman’s knot, or honed your navigation skills to a point where you can scale a mountain all by yourself. The difference between an empowered woman and an un-empowered woman is simply education. Armed with knowledge and skills you will be a formidable force.

Seek out empowered women who have forged their own path and use their knowledge and stories to inspire your own.

Find role models

To be self-empowered you need to consciously take control of your life. To do that, it helps to have direction. There are many badass women that have gone before us to show what is possible, and these are the women to seek out for inspiration. Read their books, follow their journeys, and bask in their bravery and audacity until a little has rubbed off on you. When we can look upon the women who have gone before and see our similarities, we can then feel more comfortable chasing our dreams and goals. 

Hiking up Breast Hill, Lake Hawea with the girls.

Find your adventure buddies

It’s a well-known and often touted mantra of self-help books: surround yourself with the type of people you want to be like. Maybe I’m pulling out the old clichés, but clichés are just that for a reason, huh?!

When it comes to self-empowerment in the outdoors, you’ll bust through those fears faster and have more fun doing it with friends! You can bounce ideas, practice taking turns leading, go to training together – not to mention have someone to take epic photos of your renegade self! If empowerment comes from confidence, and there is confidence in numbers, then this one is a no-brainer.

Mountaineering with the girls.

Remember, it is a process

Personal development, learning new skills, becoming the rebel woman who breaks the mould and defies the stereotype… I wish it could all happen overnight, but unfortunately, these things take time and the process is part of the journey.

Actually, if you take away just one thing from these words let it be this:

The goal, the dream… it is only ever a process.

Or let me put it another way, using another cliché… It is the journey, not the destination.

Self-empowerment and your outdoor journey will grow with you all your life! You will learn a new skill, and overcome one hurdle, only to be presented with the next. The beauty comes in the day-to-day small wins. So celebrate those. Because, in the end, it will be the succession of small wins that sculpt you into who you want to be.

Step outside the mould and become who you wish to be.

It really is an exciting time to be a woman. We have more freedom than at any previous point in history, yet we are still navigating a maelstrom of expectations – both of our own making, and from society. I implore you to step outside the mould if you feel that’s where you wish to be. Harness your personal agency, then foster an external environment that enables you to take purposeful action, and therein exercise your self-empowerment.

Whether you choose to do it in a ladylike fashion with toilet paper, or go full wild-woman with the pee and shake – do it your way, do it with pride, and own your life. Now is the time!

Are you an empowered wild woman?

The post Being a Self-Empowered Woman in the Outdoors appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Water sources

Water is one of the heaviest items that must be carried while hiking, especially in Australia where, with the exception of alpine regions, being able to refill your supplies along the way is unlikely. I calculate the minimum amount of drinking water required for survival over the entire trip. Usually, 1-2 litres/person/day depending on climate and acceptable risk, and then work out how much extra can be comfortably carried for re-hydrating meals and cups of tea. On extended trips where water supply is unreliable, I replace meals that require re-hydration with dry foods such as muesli bars and nuts.

The source and volume of water depend upon the season in which the walk has been planned, and the geography of the area (e.g. desert or mountains). In Australia’s alpine regions, it is often easy to find water from rivers or soaks, even in summer. If water can be obtained from tanks, rivers, or other sources along the way then this reduces the amount that must be carried for meals.

There was very little water to be found on this section of the Heysen Trail in the mid-north, SA.

Resupplying food

In Australia, restocking your food supplies is more difficult than in Europe and other countries where towns are regularly passed through along hiking trails. If a long-term hike is planned where there will be many days of remote travel and no opportunity to restock supplies, a food/water drop may have to be organised with a third-party in advance. The food containers should be sturdy, animal-proof and left with a note of your trip details including when you expect to pick up the food.

Even if you’re staying in accommodation or huts, a tent can be useful.

A tent for emergencies

A lightweight tent can be carried to provide emergency shelter in case of sudden changes in weather or if huts are full. However, an emergency tent can add considerable and potentially unnecessary pack weight if sleeping in huts or other accommodation is planned for the majority of the trip. The decision to take a tent will depend upon the weather you are anticipating, the type of terrain and season, plus the health and fitness of the hiking group, as well as the level of risk you are willing to accept.

An orange tarp can be used to cook or sit on, a groundsheet, or as an emergency signal.

Camouflage tents are great for sneaky wild camping, but bright coloured tents stand out from the surrounding landscape and are more identifiable. I also take a bright orange groundsheet that doubles as a tarp and could be made into a temporary shelter or used for a signal to attracting attention if in need of a rescue. The same kind of arrangement can be made from ponchos that open up.

On a trip to Mt Kosciuszko in summer, a group of us were caught on the exposed Main Range with a storm approaching. We decided to bail to a valley and put up our tents in an effort to keep our gear dry for the days ahead. It would have been a miserable few days had we been soaked, as the weather was too cold to properly dry out our clothes.

Have shelter on hand in case the weather changes. 

The inaccuracy of long-range forecasts makes it hard to anticipate future weather conditions when planning a hike. Knowledge about the climate of a particular region can be determined by looking at the historic weather observations from nearby weather stations. The Bureau of Meteorology Climate Data Online is a useful tool as is online bushwalking and skiing forums.

Conditions can change suddenly in the mountains. The storm on the right blew across and quickly caused a whiteout near Similaun Hut on the Italian-Austrian border.

Altitude and vertical metres

While on a multi-day hike in the mountains of Austria, rough planning and youthful ignorance left me exhausted at the top of a high alpine pass in fading daylight. I had underestimated the combination of an overweight backpack and climbing 1500m altitude in one day. Ascents are hard on stamina and energy levels, and descents are hard on the knees and legs.

Understanding how much altitude you can comfortably tackle in a day and with what rucksack weight, is very useful. The altitude gain/loss for many walks can be found in guidebooks or online, or roughly estimated using GPS tools or Google Earth (the desktop version of Google Earth is now free).

Things can go wrong when navigating difficult terrain.

Navigation

It is surprisingly easy to become disoriented or lost without a compass. On one trip hiking through Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, it was difficult for our group to use the surrounding peaks as landmarks during foggy conditions. We accidentally hiked for an hour in what seemed to be a straight line, before checking the compass and discovering that we were facing the complete opposite direction and must have slowly walked in a 180-degree arc.

Navigating with a handheld GPS or mobile phone is a popular and easy tool for hikes that are well signposted or have clear landmarks. If hiking in an area that is more difficult to navigate, I consider how heavily I am relying on my GPS/phone and how lost I might become if it stops working.

In this case, paper maps are a good back up and it helps to know the basics of navigation using a compass (dead reckoning, triangulation and following a course).

When hiking with a group it’s important to nominate a ‘leader’ or ‘responsible person’.

Scenario decision making

None of us wants to find ourselves in a life-threatening situation and when preparing for a trip, so it can be helpful to run through some hypothetical emergencies.

What would happen if there were a snake bite, bushfire, a broken leg, or if your water supply runs out? Being clear on the best course of action will give you greater confidence when on the trail.

Clarity around less dramatic scenarios will also be an advantage. What would happen if you or a member of your party experiences mild sickness, or if there’s loss/spillage of food or heavy weather? Should the hike be finished early or do you continue on and risk the situation potentially becoming worse?

Tasmanian conditions, such as this section of the Overland Track near Pelion Hut, are often boggy and slippery.

If hiking with a group, a ‘leader’ or ‘responsible person’ should be nominated before the commencement of the trip and this is the person who will determine final decisions. At least two members of a hiking group should have done a first aid course and be able to apply CPR and other techniques effectively. A first aid kit should be modified to suit the region and conditions expected while hiking. For example, a snake-bite compression bandage for hiking in Australia, or certain medications if travelling overseas.

Other factors to consider include the difficulty of navigating terrain whilst disabled (e.g. broken leg), the number of members in the hiking group, who would stay with an ill person and who would go for help, proximity to roads, access for emergency vehicles, and availability of mobile phone coverage.

Staying sun smart with a hat while hiking at Arkaroola, SA.

Clothing and sun protection

The aim of choosing appropriate clothing for a hike is to stay warm and dry in cold weather, or cool and dry in hot weather, and to not get sunburnt.

Synthetic or wool layers are a better choice over cotton and I take a lightweight, compact raincoat on most hikes. This I keep in the top pocket of my rucksack for quick access which is especially important in the mountains where the weather can change rapidly.

Stay sun-safe with sunnies, sunscreen, long-sleeve clothing and a hat or cap. At higher altitudes and on cloudy days the UV radiation is often forgotten due to the cold air or lack of sunlight, even though it is sometimes just as easy to get sunburnt.

A pack cover can assist in keeping the contents of a rucksack dry, but it’s worth using a dry-sack or double-bagging essentials like sleeping bags and thermals.

The importance of dry clothes

It’s good to keep a set of thermals and your sleeping bag protected in a dry sack or similar, so they stay dry no matter what. If all your other gear gets soaked, this becomes a valuable asset when you have to bunker down in a tent for the night.

Nothing quite matches the displeasure of a beautiful sunny day turning to rain, and then having a soggy night’s sleep because of a forgotten sleeping bag that sat unprotected in the bottom of a rucksack.

Walking poles are very helpful in the snow, and for long descents to take the pressure off your knees.

Personal health and dealing with terrain

Hot spots in shoes should be dealt with using hiker’s wool or duct tape before they turn into blisters.

When hiking in warm climates, taking mineral supplements such as electrolytes and magnesium tablets can combat dehydration and loss of salts in the body due to sweat. If exerting a lot of energy, then gels or powdered drinks like Salvitol or Gatorade can also provide a boost to energy levels.

Walking poles are often useful to maintain stability on slippery surfaces, creek crossings and in the snow, and are especially good for support if you are carrying a heavy backpack.

The SPOT device can struggle when surrounded by mountains. Gemmi Pass, Switzerland