Over the years, I’ve gone from someone who just did the occasional day walk to someone who does more ambitious overnight hikes. I’m definitely not ‘hardcore’—I’m a 40-something with a few health issues to manage—but I’ve realised that being out in nature is where I’m happiest, so I’ve learned how to pick the gear that makes that possible.
Whether I’m heading out for a 20-minute stroll to a waterfall, a long day walk in the hinterland, or a multi-day hike that requires actually carrying my house on my back, I’ve learned that the wrong gear usually just leads to a bad mood, a lot of blisters, and potentially more serious health concerns.
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THE EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS: FOR THE 20-MINUTE STROLL & BEYOND
For a short morning hike in the hinterland or a coastal walk, I keep things pretty simple.
Here are a few things I take almost every time just to stay comfortable and avoid ending the day with a bad sunburn, a gazillion mozzie bites or a migraine (been there, done that).
☀️ A FEW SIMPLE ESSENTIALS: FROM BEACH STROLLS TO DAY HIKES
The bits and pieces that actually get used for coastal walks or those longer hinterland loops when I’m not traipsing around with a heavy pack:
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🧢 Kathmandu ‘Small Fit’ Evry-Day Hat
I spent over three years looking for a hat that didn’t swallow my entire face or fly off at the first sign of a breeze. If you’ve also got a tiny head like me and struggle with ‘one size fits all’ gear, this is the only one I’ve found that actually stays put without looking utterly ridiculous (also comes in a larger size). Plus, it’s light and you can easily stash it in your bag. -
☀️ Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen
Queensland is the skin cancer capital of Australia so cover up and use sunscreen for the rest. That said, I’m not keen on lathering myself in chemicals, and after trying multiple brands, I’ve settled on Little Urchin. This is a natural, mineral-based zinc that actually rubs in properly and feels more like a moisturiser. It doesn’t run into your eyes when it gets humid, either, is good for kiddies, ocean and reef-safe, and made in Australia. -
🦟 Good Riddance Natural Insect Repellent
I stay away from most insect repellents because they’re full of heavy synthetics like DEET, so I’ve spent years trying out natural alternatives. To be honest, most of them are quite useless. But this one actually works (you’ll see it everywhere in the Top End and the Kimberley) and it smells amazing without any of the nasties. The ‘Tropical’ strength is great, but I especially love the ‘Sensitive’ version. It’s Aussie-made—straight from Darwin—and while you do have to reapply every hour or two, it keeps the midgies away without resorting to the harsh chemicals. -
💧 Pure Sports Nutrition Electrolytes
I only pull these out for the longer, hotter day walks. They’re basically just to stop me feeling drained after a few hours in the humidity, so I’m not out of complete puff—or stuck with a headache—by the end of the day. No weird chemical aftertaste, either, all natural. You can get larger 500g bags if you prefer to buy in bulk and be a bit more sustainable.
BEYOND THE DAY WALK: WHAT I PACK FOR OVERNIGHTS
Gear that looks great in a shop doesn’t always survive the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia or the notoriously wet Milford Track in New Zealand.
After plenty of kilometres, I’ve stopped carrying anything that isn’t strictly functional (a few luxuries aside 😁). If it can’t handle rough conditions – like that horrendous week of rain and fog we had in the desert once! – I probably don’t want it.
Our setup changes depending on the trip. For New Zealand hut hikes, our beloved tent stays home and we just take sleeping bags. But on hikes like the Larapinta Trail, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, or Big Bend in Carnarvon Gorge, it’s back to sleeping on the ground.
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. While it’s not the lightest hiking tent out there, it’s super reliable and made for tough conditions. I love the wide storage pockets inside the tent! The floor is strong, but we always use a footprint anyway to protect it from rocky ground. -
☁️ 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! -
💡 BioLite Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern
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.
