Gear that looks great in a shop doesn’t always survive hikes like the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia or the notoriously wet Milford Track in New Zealand.
But after hundreds of kilometres on the trail, I’ve learned a thing or two and have stopped carrying anything that isn’t strictly functional and works for me (small luxuries aside). If it can’t handle tough trail conditions (like that horrendous week of rain and fog we had in the desert once!), I’m not packing it.
Our setup changes depending on the trip. For New Zealand hut hikes, our beloved Mont tent stays home and we just take the sleeping bags. But on hikes like the Larapinta Trail, Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, or hiking to Big Bend in Carnarvon Gorge, it’s back to sleeping on the ground.
Everything on this page is gear I’ve bought myself, used, and actually like. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep the site running (you can read my full disclosure here), so thanks for the support!
THE BASICS
🧱 THE BIG THREE: TENT, PACK & MAT
The main items where reliability really matters to us:
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⛺ Mont Moondance 2-Person 3-Season Tent
Incredibly well-made by a fantastic Australian company. Not the lightest hiking tent out there but super reliable and made for tough conditions. And I love the wide storage pockets inside the tent! The floor is strong, but we always use a footprint to protect it from rocky ground anyway. -
☁️ NEMO Tensor Insulated Mat
Quiet (no crinkle noises here!) and thick enough for side sleepers like me, it packs down to the size of a water bottle (bonus: we’ve found you can fit two mats into one bag!). Mine actually failed on the Larapinta (not fun), but the warranty replacement was seamless and I got a replacement mat in no time (and it has lasted ever since!). -
🎒 Osprey Aura AG (Women’s)
The Anti-Gravity (AG) might sound like a bit of a gimmick but it’s actually not! It makes the pack feel much lighter, especially when I’m carrying 6-days worth of food. The ventilation is also a big plus for more humid or hot hikes. Note: I use the 50L size as the husband usually carries a fair bit of gear. On my own, I’d most definitely need the larger 65L version.
ESSENTIAL HIKING GEAR FOR THE TRAIL
👣 TRAIL ESSENTIALS
Some of my favourite gear that I use on long days on the trail:
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🍃 Kula Cloth (pee cloth)
Quite literally my favourite piece of gear! It’s anti-microbial, saves toilet paper and has revolutionised my trail hygiene. I own quite a few designs and would never hike without one now. -
🥾 Oboz Bridger Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
I’m on my second pair of these now. They’re supportive, waterproof, have great grip on slippery trails, and survived the Larapinta Trail easily. They’re comfortable out of the box—even if the current ‘frosty grey’ colour is a bit ugly (luckily, the new season ‘walnut’ is a little nicer!). -
🪄 Black Diamond Carbon Trekking Poles
Essential for steep ascents for me. They’re fabulous because they’re so lightweight and collapsible. The husband needs them more for the descents to save his knees and hips. -
💧 Grayl Water Purifier / Osprey Hydraulics Bladder
The Grayl filter is a bit bulky but if you’re like me and use water bladders, it’s a fantastic way for getting clean water fast. It filters out the bacteria and viruses that could easily ruin your hike (and my tummy is nervous at the best of times!). I also love my Osprey reservoir as it makes staying hydrated so much easier than trying to access water bottles all the time.
CREATURE COMFORTS ON THE TRAIL
☕ A FEW BITS OF COMFORT
A few items I don’t strictly “need”, but wouldn’t want to leave behind now:
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🌙 Exped REM Hiking Pillow
I used to bunch up some clothes, but this is way better. It’s lightweight, I can blow it up to the firmness I want, and it ensures I have at least a chance for getting a decent night’s sleep whether we’re in a tent or a hut. And you can wash the cover after the hike! -
🛋️ Exped Flex Sit Pad
A tiny addition that makes every lunch break better. It turns a cold, wet or uncomfortable rock into a fabulous seat, keeps my shorts dry, my bottom warm, and is definitely worth the few extra grams. Plus it’s super cheap! -
💡 Luci Outdoor Inflatable Solar Light
Solar-powered and inflatable, this is a fabulous little lantern for a bit of ambient light in the tent. It gives off a much warmer, nicer glow than a harsh headtorch beam. I can hang it up at night and charge it during the day on the outside of my pack. Easy peasy.
