Suppose you had just one pot
What pot would it be? I have previously suggested this Vargo 450 ml pot at 62 grams for an overnight camp or for emergencies. It is an excellent mug (though lidless) with a wonderful cool lip – so you don’t … Continued
A truly ultralight tool kit:
I will probably stick to carrying a backpack (or a few things in my pockets) for now, but I can imagine being in a situation where such a device as this would be handy. The novel ‘Papillon’ introduced me to … Continued
Sand and Sea Training
I am starting to recover a bit from my back op so time for a wedding anniversary toddle around Sandy Point/Shallow Inlet South Gippsland Vic. As usual Spot leads the way through the Tea Tree tunnel to the inlet. Where … Continued
DIY Crampons
I bought a pair of Yaktrax Pros for my Everest Base Camp walk. You need some extra traction when you are going to be crossing glaciers like the Khumbu where a fall can be decidedly fatal. I have since seen … Continued
To Build a Fire
Jack London was one of my favourite writers when I was a kid He wrote lots of stories especially about the Klondike gold rush at the turn of the C20th. If you have never read White Fang or Call of … Continued
Best $5 Spent on Camping Gear Ever
What is the most useful piece of gear you can buy for $5? Over the years I have posted about lots of things I carry which cost less than $5 – and some which cost nothing at all! You will notice … Continued
A Carbon Fibre Lighter
For the ultralight hiker who has everything. Even if it isn’t ultralight, it is ultra-cool. The Colibri Monaco. Just love that triple pyramid flame. That will really get your cigar (or campfire) going! Maybe you could pair it with this … Continued
Follow Your Nose
As a deer hunter I have failed to follow my own advice on this one more than once to my regret as you can read in my account of my recent Dusky walk below. Trust your nose, Somewhere upwind possibly … Continued
Steep Creeks
Adventure Pro. This is a great site for information about canoeing just so many wonderful streams in Australia. In this particular section they showcase little known and difficult sections, or ‘steep creeks’ such as the Moroka which I have copied … Continued
Dry Change 5.7 oz
The Massdrop Veil range has to constitute just about the lightest and cheapest dry change you can carry when hiking. I have had the similar thing in Montbell (a few grams lighter) and dearer for many years. I have used … Continued
Victorinox @work USB Multi-Tools
The Midnight Manager would be an excellent everyday carry tool. I would consider replacing my favorite older Victorinox Signature Lite (24 grams) knife (on Fruugo for A$54 – Jan 2019) with this because of the USB . Actually I already … Continued
More Fun in the Rain
Ponchos, Umbrellas or Raincoats? That is the question. What’s the best way to stay dry in the rain and enjoy yourself in the outdoors while doing so? I have been soaking wet, all over, every ‘warm’ layer down to my … Continued
Gully Walking
Most of the ‘great’ walking tracks (like the Alps’ for example) head along the tops where I admit the views outward and downwards can be truly awe inspiring. They do lack for water (and fish) however, are often windy and/or … Continued
Why These Umbrellas Will Last Forever
Davek Umbrellas. They are confident: ‘Unconditionally Guaranteed For Life: Every Davek umbrella comes with an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. If, during its lifetime, the umbrella should fail to function properly for any reason whatsoever, the company will gladly repair or replace … Continued
Their Torn and Rugged Battlements on High
‘Where the pine-clad ridges raise Their torn and rugged battlements on high, Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze At midnight in the cold and frosty sky’ ‘The Man from Snowy River’, Banjo Paterson … Continued
The Loop Alien
This is a really great idea for tightening your guy line or tarp suspension. No knots. Will slip through a loop on your pegs to make a very secure guy line system on particularly windy nights. I like it. It … Continued
Sambar Deer Stalking #101:
I have hunted sambar deer for over 40 years in the Gippsland mountains (and elsewhere). Mostly I did it because it was fun and an excuse for a day out in the bush which I love. I still prefer lamb, … Continued
Wonnangatta: Waterford to Angusvale Day One:
This is a truly wonderful section of the river. One of Australia’s greatest treasures and one of our last wild rivers! It took us fourteen hours (paddling and portaging) to make it from Meyers Flat (15 minutes below Waterford by … Continued
At Last an E-ink Smart Phone:
I think e ink is all you need in a hiking phone as long as it has a reasonable camera (or perhaps none at all) and can display maps and books well enough. The trade-off of not having to charge … Continued