353 Heysen Trail Expectations

Throughout almost every aspect of my life a strong organisational thread runs. Each year Gill and I do a ‘spring clean’ and jettison things we no longer use or wear. We’ve done this for most of our lives, practising what would come to be known as the KonMari method created by Marie Kondo, before it was a thing. Where this organisational bent falls down in my case is when it comes to my sporting gear, in particular my hiking equipment. In this podcast episode we discuss why everyone should develop a system to organise and store their outdoor gear; it just makes sense whatever it looks like. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

In today’s episode we talk to Tom Bartlett about the unique hiking practice of setting the Fastest Known Times, also known as an FKT, on the WA based Bibbulmun Track, the Alpine based Australian Alps Walking Track, and the New Zealand based Te Araroa Trail. This form of hiking takes things to the extreme, completing these tracks in times that the average hiker wouldn’t even think was possible, so in this episode we look at what’s involved in setting an FKT why people attempt it. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

The Outdoor Retailer Australia Show was held on 13-15 October 2026 at the exhibition centre located minutes from the centre of Canberra city. For me this trade only show is a chance to see any new and upcoming gear as well as to strengthen relationships within staff and companies within the outdoor industry. As usual from our discussions with the various suppliers at the show, we will be undertaking a number of gear reviews over the upcoming year as the opportunities arise that will be of interest to you. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

Mongolia is one of those destinations that is still rare and unique from a tourist perspective, even more so as a hiking destination. In this podcast episode we catch up with New Zealand Hiker Jonty Crane about his unique 18-day adventure in Mongolia following in the footsteps of the nomads! www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

I can remember clearly going into the Canberra Scout Store as a teenager with a parent and purchasing my first real tent (nylon) and external frame aluminium and nylon pack for an upcoming week long trip. These days we have no end of purchasing options from nationally branded stores and well known standalone specialists. In addition over the past couple of years in particular we are seeing international branded stores entering the retail market including The North Face, Arcteryx, and Patagonia. These stores have come into existence for two main reasons. In this podcast episode we discuss the rise of outdoor gear as a fashion item and this means for the industry. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

Aussie women are increasingly choosing hiking holidays and women-only trips over traditional getaways after children, milestone birthdays, divorce or a major life upheaval. In this podcast episode we catch up with Frith Hudson from GirlsTrek to talk about what they have to offer as well as how and why she came to create this women’s only hiking business. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

In hiking the impact of condensation varies from being almost non existent to being a major inconvenience. For condensation to occur there needs to specific factors that coincide for it to be an issue. This podcast episode discusses the causes of condensation, how it can impact your hiking experience, and more importantly how to prevent or reduce its impacts. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

The Manaslu Circuit is a less-crowded trek in the Nepalese Himalayas that encircles Mt. Manaslu, the world's 8th highest peak. Ranging between between 130–175 km depending on the choices you make, this 13-to-16-day route starts in Machha Khola and features some dramatic landscapes including the challenging 5,106m Larkya La Pass, suspension bridges, and showcases the Tibetan-Buddhist culture. In this podcast episode we catch up with New Zealand hiker Jonty Crane about his adventure on the Manaslu Circuit. www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Twitter Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

In this podcast I talk about the second section of my journey on the Heysen Trail with the end result being a premature end to this walk. To finish of this podcast we discuss my discuss key learnings from the 151km that I covered on the northern end of Australia's longest dedicated hiking trail. www.australianhiker.com.au Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube

In this podcast episode we bring you the first section of my on trail episode starting from the Northern trail head in Parachilna. The episode includes my travel days and the first 5 days of my journey on Australia's longest designated hiking trail.  www.australianhiker.com.au   Australian Hiker can also be found on our various social media platforms Australian Hiker Facebook Australian Hiker Instagram Australian Hiker Twitter Australian Hiker Threads Australian Hiker Vimeo Australian Hiker Youtube