Gear Recommendations for First Camping Hike

PurchaseAnxiety on 05/05/2022 - 23:55

I’ve got some time off work coming up and am thinking about using some of it to take my first overnight hiking trip. I’m doing all the usual research and watching of YouTube videos, but I’m keen to hear any recommendations for any specific gear or brands you recommend (or don’t recommend) from your own adventures.

I think the main bits of gear I need to acquire are a hiking backpack, tent and a good set of thermals considering we’re heading into winter, but happy to hear any other gear suggestions. Obviously I’m after something that won’t fail me in the middle of nowhere, but of course it’s always appreciated if it doesn’t break the bank.

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 06/05/2022 - 00:12
    +2

    Personal locator beacon?

    GME MT610G Is well regarded and Australian made
    - it’s $369 at anaconda though

    • 01001101 01000010 on 06/05/2022 - 10:16

      If you don't want to buy one you might be able to hire one for a week for about $50. Just google PLB hire and your location and something usually comes up.

      • Sleeqb7 on 06/05/2022 - 10:29
        +1

        True, but they come with 6yr warranties and 7yr battery lives, if you end up doing long hikes/camps a couple of times a year, it well and truly covers the cost vs hiring.

      • fossilfuel on 06/05/2022 - 18:35
        +2

        I know OP is from Perth but more a FYI for those in NSW and possibly other states, you can hire a PLB for free at select locations.

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 06/05/2022 - 11:54
      +3

      Definitely something to consider down the line if I pick up the hobby, but I’m playing it super safe with this first trip. Sticking to a well known, signed and low difficulty track. Also not actually going very far, basically splitting a one day round trip over two days. People will know where I am and when I’m expected to return.

  • adgnetworks on 06/05/2022 - 01:05

    Main thing is to pack light and get a good hiking pack. I've got an Osprey Aether 55 that is a good multi-day pack.

    Even then i still manage to get it ~15 kg… FML

    Going ultralight is just too expensive unless you're serious.

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 08/05/2022 - 22:40

      Thanks. Seen a few recommendations for Osprey throughout the comments, so will definitely check them out.

  • StickMan on 06/05/2022 - 06:45
    +12

    Hey OP, no expert here, but I have done Overland, have 1000+ (lol) web research hours, and multiples of most gear.

    Common advice is to invest in your ‘big three’ - sleeping mat, tent, sleeping bag - cos they can save your life. Or kill you, if they fail spectacularly.

    Backpack:
    Depends on personal preference. Highly suggest going in-store and putting a weight (good shops have hike weight shaped weights) and trying it out. 50L should do for overnight, while up to 70L for a noob-gear 5+ day hike.

    I recommend Osprey. They have a ton of models, ranging from ultralight to expedition. Three sizes in each. So you can get a ‘perfect fit’. They even have women-specific.

    I have an Exos and I highly recommend you check out the Exos55 to start with. The heavier the bag the more comfy and heavier loads it can carry, but stick under 2kg.

    Tent:
    Get a 2-man even if going solo. Step it up to 3 if taking a tent buddy. Keep it under 1.9kg.

    The lighter the tent, the more delicate the materials, so care needs to be taken.

    Amazon Naturehike Mongar, or CloudUp2 are recommended. Friend has the cloud, it’s good stuff for under $200. Sure, double door of Mongar style is easier, but sacrifices have to be made at this price point. My tent is $700.

    Sleeping mat:
    If you sleep bad you hike bad. Also if you’re cold, you may die. R-value is critical here, especially as you say you have ‘winter’. R3.2 should be fine for around 0° and up. If below freezing very often, consider more around R5.

    Sea to Summit XT Insulated is very very good bang for buck, and a comfy 10cm. I have this as one of my three mats.

    Sleeping bag:
    Take note of ‘comfort temp’ and ‘limit’. Comfort is ‘standard male, sleeping straight, full base layers, doesn’t wake up from cold’. Limit is ‘standard male, crunched up, will feel a bit cold but won’t die’.

    You need to figure out if you sleep cold or hot. If you have actual solid seasons, consider multiple bags to suit the weather. That way you save weight and aren’t taking something that you overheat in instantly.

    No real recommendation here. Pick a decent brand, but importantly from reputable store - so if it ends up being complete junk (it can happen…) you can return it. Down filling for light weight and pack ability. Stay under 1.5kg. Expect to pay $200+.

    Cooking gear recommendations:
    Toaks titanium pot. 750mL fits small gas can and stove, and is enough for single person.

    Toaks titanium spoon, for dehydrated meals.

    SOTO Amicus stove. Good bang for buck, piezo, wind resistant.

    Keep in mind if you are regularly going below -5° or less, a different fuel/stove type is recommended.

    Rain gear:
    Have at least a jacket so your torso stays dry. $100 can get you lightweight decent starter brands, Marmot Precip as example.

    Boots:
    You don’t need high too heavy leather boots for everything. Lightweight mid height is fine for essentially anything in Australia.

    Sit pad:
    EBay $4 or $25 elsewhere, small folding bit of foam to keep your bum dry, clean, comfortable.

    Hydration:
    Get a water filter. Sawyer squeeze for longevity. Katadyn BeFree for EZ.

    Thermals:
    Merino is best. Polypro is fine. They do have material weights, so don’t get the thinnest for snow conditions. Remember, layers.

    Total weight:
    Use Lighterpack to keep track of your gear. After you get back from a hike, go through your stuff to see if it was even used. Hike camping is a learning experience, and you will continually find ways to reduce weight, or to try new things.

    12kg total pack weight (not counting water or water container) is a pretty decent target to aim for for your first overnight. This is using the heavy and cheap end of gear.

    I’m about 8kg sans water for an overnight. That’s with plenty of food and snacks, 8-10° lows, and most definitely not ultralight gear.

    • afoveht on 06/05/2022 - 08:09
      +2

      Sit pad

      I bring a cheap yoga mat with me, strapped rolled up on the outside of my pack. Doesn't matter if it gets wet. It's easy to take off to sit on (fold in three) or lie on and at night can also make a good underlay for your mat in the tent.

      Also not so much in winter but I usually bring along a pair of cheap lightweight thongs. Nothing like giving the feet a good vent and being able to walk around camp (and go answer nature's call at night) comfortably.

      • DiscountForThee on 06/05/2022 - 14:52
        +2

        I cannot recommend thongs enough. Being able to stretch your feet and air them out at the end of a hike is an amazing feeling (and you're avoiding most of the sharp Australian flora that you'd face with just bare feet)

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 08/05/2022 - 22:51

      Wow, thanks so much for the detailed write up and recommendations. There's plenty here to get me started and then some. Cheers.

  • pegaxs on 06/05/2022 - 07:28
    +1

    Hat and gloves.
    Water and more than you think.(research how long you are going for and how much you’ll need)
    Boots, not joggers/runners.
    First aid kit.
    Food. Keep it simple.Energy bars are light and small.
    Toilet paper.

    People will often think of all the technical stuff (tent, gps, beacons, titanium widgets) and then forget the simple things.

    • Sleeqb7 on 06/05/2022 - 10:34

      Why boots specifically?

      I've never owned a pair of boots I'm comfortable in for long distances. Mostly because I have weirdly shaped feet.
      I have a pair of trail shoes, which are functionally just joggers with more grip, that haven't failed me thus far, but I haven't been doing multi-day hikes in them, just single day.

      • GG57 on 06/05/2022 - 10:55
        +1

        I agree, but for multi-day hikes you can't beat a good pair of boots. I've had mine for ~15 years and never one blister.
        Finding the good pair is the hard part.

        • Sleeqb7 on 06/05/2022 - 11:05
          +2

          I'm still unsure as to why boots though.
          If it's purely comfort, I have tried many and been unable to find a pair of boots that have been comfortable for me.
          If it's grip, the trail shoes or hiking cleats can tick that box.
          If it's ankle protection that makes sense, but I've also rolled my ankle in boots before so YMMV.
          If it's temperature, there is large swaths of Australia that won't require it.

          Now that I write out the above four sentences I presume it's largely a combination of all of the above, right?

          • 01001101 01000010 on 06/05/2022 - 11:38

            @Sleeqb7: I'm a combination of the above and wear Salamon Gtx mid boots; I have found them so comfortable that I bought their trail running shoes as my everyday wear. But I have a combination of weird feet and being clumsy!

          • jonnys1n on 06/05/2022 - 13:44
            +1

            @Sleeqb7: good boots last longer/repairable, protect against animals/bugs/leeches, stop dirt/debris getting into your shoes, rain resistant, typically have better laces. most trail shoes would notdo well with a week of daily hiking

            most boots are pretty uncomfortable until they are broken in, but after that you can wear them 12 hours day after day and your feet/ankles will never be sore. there is a reason they are standard in the military

          • antojamo on 06/05/2022 - 15:09
            +1

            @Sleeqb7: For me, its most of the above. I can only speak from experience, as I've used both boots and Salomon trail runners (never again) on hikes. I had used the trail runners on many day walks and never had an issue, but on a 5 day, 75+km hike they nearly crippled me.

            The problem I had with the runners were:
            - Despite having a Vibram sole, I still felt every pebble & small rock I stepped on. By the end of the 1st day the soles of my feet were bruised, but this wasnt a problem on day hikes. Although I was carrying 15+kg less
            - They didnt have conventional laces, instead toggles. Despite having these as tight as possible, my feet still slid around a lot. One day I was walking across a hill and my feet were actually sliding off the side of my shoes. Once again, this was never an issue with a light daypack
            - No protection from bumping the boney knobs on the side of your ankles on rocks. Sure its best to avoid rocks, but if you're walking off-trail this isnt always possible
            - During the hike I developed foot pain which didnt go away and I later found out I had a mortons neuroma in one foot (pinched nerve) This took 6 months to go away, during which time I was in considerable pain even when just sitting on the couch.

            But back to OP requirements, I dont think a pair of boots is essential for an overnigher. Although as a first timer, an easy walk would be the way to go. If OP finds out they dont like hiking, they can always turn around and sell the tent, sleeping bag, mat etc. Bit harder to sell a used pair of boots.

          • StickMan on 09/05/2022 - 09:52
            +1

            @Sleeqb7: Boots are go-to for ankle support and hardcore terrain.

            Runners or low shoes are used by they-hikers in US predominantly. But keep in mind these are ultralight peeps doing hectic distances day in day out.

            Boots are more water resistant. They also take longer to dry if soaked.

            Boots have typically raised heel. This helps with general walking, and absorbing heavier pack loads. Trail runners like Altra Lone Peak have a completely flat sole, I forgot the term, kinda like skate shoes. Some people love it, some hate it. It also changes which muscles and how they are used while hiking.

            For wide feet, certain brands are known for wider toe box such as Merell and Keen. Salomon and others have ‘wide’ models.

            In hiking, and generally every day life situations, personal preference trumps advice. Ignore people who are adamant that “you gotta do this or you are wrong”. Hiking isn’t like doing your tax. Take advice with grain of salt, try things out, and ultimately do what you feel is best for your hiking ability and comfort.

  • litoria on 06/05/2022 - 08:58
    +1

    Check out:

    Aegismax sleeping bags

    Cloud-Up tents - the 20D is better

    Merino is nice for multi-day trips but any thermals work

    Along with being able to stay warm & dry whatever the weather,
    keeping your feet in good condition is essential for multi-day walks.

    Comfortable footwear that you've tried out on day walks is crucial.
    My partner likes these lightweight waterproof Salomon boots. I just use old runners (I'm used to trail running) - other people are more comfortable in heavier boots.

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 08/05/2022 - 23:08

      Thanks. Seen a few recommendations for Cloud-Up, so will definitely take a look at them.

  • philme on 06/05/2022 - 09:31
    +1

    A good pack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and tent are the minimum for an overnighter.
    Osprey are pretty good and occasionally go on sale at paddys. As for sleeping bags, its really a how long is a piece of string question as with all hiking gear you gotta consider the holy trinity: weight, cost, quality, you can only have 2.
    For an overnighter, you could get away without cooking and live off prepacked food, otherwise you can go for a cheap burner set.

    A good start for a sleeping mat is this: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/294861074309?epid=6044021686&_tr…

    Currently only $107.6 with the May voucher discount. I've had this for about 4 years now and its still going strong.

    In terms of shoes, don't believe the hype around needing boots. If anything, people get complacent because they think that just because they've tightened the crap out of the laces that they won't roll an ankle. Similarly, take waterproof shoes with a grain of salt, they have their time and place but important to note that they dry very slow so are inappropriate for hikes where you're expecting to go through water. The best thing you can do is go into a hiking store and try shoes on.

    invest in a drybag or two aswell

    • nsta8487 on 06/05/2022 - 10:03

      Agree about boots. I would recommend just getting a pair of trail runners. If you are just starting out it will probably be a while until you actually do a trail that really requires boots. Trail shoes will dry a lot faster and are so much lighter.

      • dtc on 06/05/2022 - 13:03

        i knew a guy who was into ultralight but long distance hiking eg 30 day hikes with one food drop. Usually on his own…anyway, he wore Dunlop Volleys. Took 2 pairs and they were good for everything, dried fast if they got wet, good grip, very light, compact.

        Agree with the runners or low cut shoes. Runners are much more comfortable and just as good for trails (not if you are going full cross country but OP isnt). and you can use the trail runner for your fogs to get you fit for the next hike

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 08/05/2022 - 23:07

      Thanks for the recommendations. Hadn't thought about a dry bag, but that's definitely a great idea.

  • GG57 on 06/05/2022 - 09:59
    +2

    Some excellent info already provided here.
    My only advice would be to plan for a max 1 or 2 night trip for your first. Use this as a trial for find out what works for you and what doesn't. Don't extend yourself hiking, keep it reasonable so that if the worst happens and you don't get any sleep on night 1 you can walk out safely next day and re-assess.

    • pharkurnell on 06/05/2022 - 14:12

      good advice.

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 08/05/2022 - 23:02
      +2

      Thanks. Definitely taking that approach for this first one. Doing a relatively short round trip over 2 days on a marked, low difficulty track and camping at a designated campsite. Basically just dipping my toe into the water to see if I enjoy the experience.

  • TheBilly on 06/05/2022 - 18:02

    Backpack, Shoes, Sleeping Matt you really need to try what is good for you

    Denali Kakdu - Hiking Tent - Currently on sale at Anaconda

    Decathlon Superlight Inflatable Sleeping Matt

    Amazon Light weight hiking chair

    Put your water in Nalgene Bottles

    Denali ultralight sleeping bag

    Silky Gomboy - for campfires

    360 degrees furno stove and pot set - tent world

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 08/05/2022 - 23:04

      Thanks for the recommendations. Will definitely look into these.

  • StickMan on 09/05/2022 - 09:57

    Oh, also remember this mantra:

    Buy once, cry once. 🙂

    An example is a sleeping bag. Say you’re looking at a $200 and a $400. You know the $400 is top of the line for your needs. The $200 sacrifices in some areas like weight, warmth, pack ability. Maybe, if you can afford it, get the $400 one cos you are certain it will be perfect and long lasting.

  • BuyoTheCat on 09/05/2022 - 19:42

    You need to not attempt easier hikes to work out what you prefer. It is also good to hike with people more experience. They are happy to talk about what they use, and also to show you the trails.

    It would be useful to go to a specialist store and try out packs. A good fit makes a difference. Then you will workout how much space you have in your pack which will influence the sleeping mat, bag and tent you will get.

    I have multiple packs and tents and stoves, sleeping bag is only of thing that I have only one of. I got the one that packs the smallest and is the warmest. It is a Sea to summit micro III (discontinued). My previous sleeping bag just took too much space.

    If there was one tent that I would recommend, it is the hilleberg soulo. It is not light (2.2kg) but a tent that I and many others) trust will our lives (displaimer: I do not have this tent).

    I use icebreaker base and mid layer. Merino tshirt and thin hoodie. Cotton are the worse because once they are soaked in sweat, you will get cold. Merino can still keep you warm and they do not smell.

    I have use a uniqlo ultralight down jacket as the third layer for warm and a goretex water proof jacket in case of rain. If it gets really cold, I just throw everything on.

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