A Beginner’s Guide To Hiking

I've compiled a list of what I think are essential items to safely and enjoyably undertake multiday backcountry hiking. 

- Boots

- Backpack

- Waterproof Clothing

- Bag liner or Stuff Sacks

- Tent

- Sleeping Bag

- Sleeping Mat

- Stove

- Utensils

- First Aid Kit

- Water Bottles/Hydration Bladder

- Knife

- Food

- Baby Wipes

If not adequately prepared, multiday hiking can go from a leisurely stroll in the wilderness to a life or death situation in very little time. Because of this I believe in buying quality products and being prepared before you walk! The last thing you want is to be stuck in a blizzard with terrible or no wet weather gear, a tent that falls apart, a sleeping bag that's not warm enough, no waterproof matches or food and 50km from the next milk bar. 

Quality boots are worth every cent. Make sure they fit well. Leather takes ages to break in which means extra weight and blisters to start with but it's your choice. Mine are Gore-Tex and feel like runners with brilliant ankle protection. Cost around $320 and are epic in my eyes. They're Salomon Quest 4D GTX. But remember no boots are waterproof! They're advertised waterproof and yes they may repel an ankle deep puddle a few times but after 20kms in the pouring rain they will soak through. 

Socks also play a huge role in comfort so take a couple of pairs to alternate with during the day to make sure your feet stay dry. Trench foot sucks! During training I had to wear my boots for 8 days straight. It rained for the first 3 days and I didn’t remove them once. Only for 2 hours at most during the following nights I got to air them out. Was digging and pack marching 24 hours a day and I tell you it was the worst week of my life. Some people had little problems but lord did my feet cop it! On that note chuck in a nice warm pair to kick around camp and sleep in. There's no better feeling than a fresh pair of socks after a big day. Or even a quick change at lunch time.

Now you need a bag. Make sure it's comfortable with heavy weight and has at least a customizable torso length. Go and get it fitted in store. Make sure it's 65 litre bare min for anything around 3-7 nights. Osprey is in my opinion is the best you can buy in Australia. I don't like Kathmandu bags at all. They look good to start with but I think they're garbage and even at half price are overpriced. I do however buy their clothes a lot so I’m not dissing the brand. Anyway I own a Gregory Baltoro 75L bag which you can't get easily in Australia. I had to order it online and get it imported by a Brisbane based company. They're the same standard as Osprey but mine is better for wider shoulders and has better organization in my mind. Personal preference. Also make sure you have a good rain cover, dry sacks or a bag liner. 

A decent sleeping bag is of the highest priority. Don't cheap out or you'll regret it on the first cold night you have! You will freeze your ass off, not sleep and hate life. A good sleeping pad makes a world of difference, smaller and lighter the better. I have a Thermarest unltralight weighing in at 300ish grams. I wish it was a tiny bit larger but it does the job. It’s also a little noisy but oh well. Do some homework and pick what suits your application and body type.

As for shelter, you can do what you like with a hammock or hoochie but screw that. Get a tent. You can spread your shit out and live like a king. I sleep under hoochies at work and wind and rain just flies in the side plus there is no ground protection. When I do my own stuff I rock a MSR Hubba Hubba NX2. It's a great tent at around $700ish and weighs like 1.6kgs which is pretty light for its price range. Make sure whatever you buy is at least a 3 season. Spend over $500 and don't be a tight ass! 1 man tents are crap for organization, you have to leave all your gear outside at night and possums always attack! You will wake up with possums stealing your food no joke! Also cheap larger 4 season tents usually weight many kgs. Shop around online.  

The right clothing will make your walk 10x better. Stretchy hiking pants, shorts, thermals, mid layers, waterproof pants and jacket are a must! Lightweight gear is better. There's no need for snow rated thick and heavy gear unless you're actually in snow. Just heaps of warm light merino based clothing that will keep you alive and comfortable. Over my experience I've found out cotton jocks are no fun. You sweat heaps and they won’t dry for days in damp humid conditions. Under armor is good to go. NO DENIN OR SILK BOXERS! CHAFFING OCCOURS on a high level!!!

Cooking. Try finding a light weight one with a pot set that you can pack inside itself. I Have an Optimus Crux which is I think the lightest on the market. No good in the wind though. So I bought a Jetboil for work that I will use from now on. There are plenty of great options out there.

Lightweight utensils and toiletries can be found at any outdoor place. Toilet paper is needed regardless of the length for emergencies. Imodium tablets to block it up in emergencies. It happens when the stomach doesn't accept different water trust me!

Food! Always take more than you need in case something goes wrong. Dehydrated meals like noodles or Backcountry Cousin are good. You can really take whatever you like if you can carry the weight. Lightweight is better and remember you have to take your rubbish out so things like cans are a pain! You’ll need lots of calories due to the higher than average energy consumption. Treats are great at any time of the day. I love treats! 

Baby Wipes! Need I say no more...

Don't just buy the first thing you see in Anaconda or Kathmandu cause I promise it'll be crap and you'll regret it when you have to upgrade 6 months later. Clothes are ok from there but most stuff is overpriced. Go online and look at reviews for gear before you buy.  

When you plan out your first hike and see that the first day's only a measly 8.2km, make sure you don't go getting cocky and saying "8.2kms is piece of cake, we'll leave after lunch and do a double leg today." As soon as you start walking with over 20kgs on your back you will understand. Take it easy and do some smaller day hikes to build up to it. Wait till you have to do that distance with 60kgs, take a knee every few hundred metres and do your job, you’ll instantly regret your career decision and wish you where back climbing a hill with 30kgs.

Once again be aware that backcountry hiking can quickly turn into a life or death situation. You can get caught in bad weather and be forced to stay an extra night, get lost or injure yourself so you need to be prepared for any situation.
Maybe look at purchasing a PLB or hiring one before any major walk. Especially when walking alone! Be Prepared and don't underestimate mother nature!

Last of all do some serious homework. It took me months of browsing to pick my gear. Don't get scared from this as it can be good fun and you learn a lot about how different gear benefits you. 

I hope this at least helped someone, If not suck shit!

See you on the trail!

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