HIKING GEAR FOR THE TRAIL

Every hike is different, but five categories of gear form the backbone of any safe and enjoyable trail experience. First, a reliable hydration system, on the trail, access to a tap is rarely guaranteed, and dehydration sets in faster than most people expect. The 2L Blue Tongue Hydration Pack keeps water easily accessible without stopping to dig through your pack. Second, a lightweight shelter for overnight hikes, something compact and quick to pitch like the Nomad Hiking Tent 2P, which packs down small and weighs little enough to carry comfortably. Third, a sleeping bag rated for the conditions you'll face, weight and pack size matter here as much as warmth. Fourth, a headlamp, essential for pre-dawn starts, late finishes, and navigating camp after dark. Fifth, navigation and safety tools: a compass, a first aid kit, and a whistle at minimum. For more guidance on building out your hiking kit, our essential gear for camping in Australia's national parks guide covers the key considerations for trail-specific preparation.

First-time backpackers often either overpack or miss critical items entirely, both of which make the experience harder than it needs to be. The must-haves before your first trip are a lightweight tent, a sleeping bag suited to the season, a sleeping mat for ground insulation, a single-burner stove and cookset, a hydration pack or reservoir, a headlamp, a first aid kit, and trekking poles for stability on uneven terrain. Every item should be chosen with weight and pack size in mind: on a backpacking trip, you carry everything on your back for hours at a time, and heavy gear becomes exhausting fast. The Elemental Trekking Pole is a practical starting point for stability on your first multi-day trail, lightweight, adjustable, and built for varied terrain. Pair that with a compact shelter like the Nomad Hiking Tent 1P for solo trips and you've got the two biggest weight decisions sorted early. Our beginner's guide to choosing your first camping tent is also worth reading before committing to a shelter.

When you're hiking, every gram counts, so the cooking kit for the trail looks very different from car camping. The priority is a compact, single-burner gas stove, a lightweight pot, and eating utensils - that's the core of a functional trail kitchen. The 1.5L Stainless Steel Mess Pot is purpose-built for exactly this: lightweight, durable, with a folding handle that makes it easy to pack into tight spaces. It handles boiling water for a hot drink, rehydrating meals, and cooking simple dishes without adding meaningful weight to your pack. Stainless steel is the right material choice for hiking over cast iron. It's significantly lighter and cleans up easily in the field. Beyond the pot, a compact folding spork, a small cutting tool, and a lightweight mug round out the kit. Keep meals simple - one-pot meals, dehydrated food, and trail staples reduce both cook time and the amount of gear you need to carry. Our camping cooking gear guide breaks down how to match your cookset to your trip style in more detail.

For summer backpacking in Australia, the two most important factors are temperature rating and packed size. A bag rated anywhere from +10°C to +15°C covers most Australian summer nights comfortably - warm enough for coastal camping and mild highland evenings, but not so heavily insulated that you're overheating. The Kennedy Hooded +15°C Sleeping Bag is a well-priced summer option with ExoTherm® X insulation and a hood for those nights when temperatures dip more than expected. If you're camping at higher elevation or in areas with cool summer nights, step up to a +10°C rated bag and add a lightweight sleeping bag liner for extra versatility without much added bulk. For backpacking specifically, also pay attention to how small the bag compresses - a bag that packs down tight frees up space in your pack for other gear. Hooded bags are worth prioritising even in summer, as they prevent heat loss through your head on cooler evenings and eliminate the need to pack a separate pillow. If you want to understand the full temperature rating system, our sleeping bag temperature ratings guide explains comfort vs. extreme ratings in plain terms.

The right trekking poles depend on what kind of terrain you'll cover, how much you want to carry, and whether you need them for occasional support or all-day use. The key specs to look at are weight, adjustability, grip material, and tip type. For most Aussie trails, an adjustable pole is the practical choice - it lets you shorten for uphill sections and lengthen for descents, which significantly reduces strain on your knees. The Numo Plus Trekking Poles offer a lightweight, adjustable design with an ergonomic grip built for long days on the trail, a solid all-round option for multi-day hikes where comfort and stability both matter. For a more budget-conscious entry point, the Elemental Trekking Pole covers the essentials with an adjustable height and durable construction suitable for varied terrain. When it comes to grip material, cork conforms to your hand over time and manages moisture well, while foam is softer and better for sweaty conditions. Carbide tips handle rocky and hard-packed terrain best, while rubber tips are quieter and better suited to paved or sealed paths. As a general rule, set pole height so your elbow forms roughly a 90-degree angle when the tip touches flat ground.