A good travel pack is worth its weight in gold. When bouncing between hostels and hopping on and off planes, it won’t take long to figure out if you have […] The post Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC 30L Review appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

When it comes to choosing an insulated jacket, down-fill vs synthetic fill is a common conundrum. The answer, as with most of the great gear debates, is: it depends. Choosing the right cold-weather jacket, be it down or synthetic, is highly dependent on the environment and conditions that the jacket will be used in. This […] The post Down Jacket vs Synthetic Jacket: How to Choose appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

Adventure doesn’t have to mean venturing a million miles from home. From lush, green bushland to long stretches of crystal clear water, Brisbane’s natural surroundings have something to offer every type of camper. To help plan your next adventure, we’ve pulled together a guide on the best camping spots within two hours of Brisbane. This […] The post Ultimate Brisbane Camping Guide appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

When venturing outdoors, you can expect to encounter unpredictable weather and variable temperatures. Whether you’re hiking the Larapinta or backcountry skiing in the Snowies, it’s important to be prepared for all potential scenarios. The best protection against these forces of nature is your clothing. Clothing acts as a barrier against the elements – insulating you […] The post Introduction to Layering: How to Dress for the Outdoors appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

Sea to Summit are the masters of lightweight backcountry cookware. For those who love to cook up a storm at camp whilst minimising the size and bulk of their camp kitchen, Sea to Summit’s collapsible cookware has long been a worthy solution. S2S has been selling their collapsible range for some time now, with the […] The post Sea to Summit Collapsible Cookware: Frontier Range | A Review appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

Nailing down your sleep system is one of the most important elements of a backcountry adventure, and this is even more crucial when venturing above the treeline in winter. Ever the innovator, Nemo has raised the bar once again with the latest addition to their ultralight sleeping mat range: the Tensor Extreme Conditions. With an […] The post Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Sleeping Mat Review appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

Hiking or camping, climbing or skiing – if you’re headed outdoors, you need a layer of weather protection. A jacket with a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX is without a doubt the most effective way to keep the elements at bay. Unlike traditional water resistant jackets, waterproof membranes are made to block out rain whilst expelling […] The post Understanding GORE-TEX Waterproof Clothes appeared first on Paddy Pallin ..read more

Few pieces of outdoor gear are as useful (or as crucial) as a headlamp. Whether it’s for hiking at night, setting up camp, or simply finding the toilet when nature calls in the wee hours, this invaluable piece of kit will come in handy when you least expect it. If you’re looking to buy a headlamp, you’ve likely realised that there are many options available. So, to help shed some light on the topic, we’ve pulled together a simple yet comprehensive guide to rechargeable headlamps. Types of Rechargeable Headlamps When it comes to rechargeable headlamps, there are a LOT of options out there, for ..read more

Got the running bug and want to level up to take on the trails? Or maybe you’re a keen hiker that simply wants to take in more of the landscape on your precious weekend outings. Whatever your reason for getting into trail running, it can be a significant adjustment. Trail running requires a unique level of fitness, technique, and gear requirements to road running, but hitting the trail is also a form of nature therapy that can’t quite be replicated. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about and are unsure where to begin, we’re here to help! In our ultimate guide to trail running for begin ..read more

A heavy hauler for big adventures, the Ariel/Aether is a staple pack in Osprey’s backpacking range. With my wishlist of multiday hikes growing by the day, I found myself in desperate need of a new hiking pack, and after reviewing Osprey’s incredible (and at times mind-boggling) range, I opted for the Ariel Plus 70. Building on the classic Ariel with some serious feature upgrades, it’s the perfect pack for carrying larger, heavier loads across long distances. I recently tested it out on a couple of multiday hikes (one at Wilson’s Promontory and the other at the Blue Mountains) and was blow ..read more