Australian Hiker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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