Australian Hiker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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