Search Results: blue mountains

Rescue from the K2K Kanangra to Katoomba route

Unfortunately, not every callout ends well, so when I received an SMS alert* late one hot Summer’s afternoon for a PLB activation on the Kanangra to Katoomba K2K route, in the remote Kanangra-Boyd National Park, I feared the worst for this solo walker.  However, unlike other callouts to this same route (two I’ve been involved … Read more

How to choose a hike

16 tips to help you choose a hike that’s right for you One of the most common reasons that search and rescue callouts happen is because hikers have underestimated something. Either the terrain, the time, their capabilities or the elements. Here’s a few questions you could ask yourself to help judge if you’re going to … Read more

Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

If you’ve ever slept on the newer style inflatable sleeping mats (as opposed to the traditional Thermarest self-inflating or foamie styles), you’ll know that one of the biggest issues is a noisy one. Whilst you might sleep soundly and comfortably, your tent neighbours might think otherwise. When the folk at US based NEMO released their … Read more

History of Bushwalking

Last Updated Nov 21, 2019 Part 2 : From Clubs to the Future Read Part 1 of the History of Bushwalking here. The Detractors But not all was sunny days and picnic sing-a-longs. For many conservative parts of society, the immense interest in the Mystery Hikes were not seen as a healthy pursuit of active … Read more

History of Bushwalking

Part 1 : from origins to clubs Hiking and bushwalking is experiencing a renaissance in Australia. Gaining momentum through the growth in MeetUp groups and the spread of social media, many of us are being inspired to take to the bush with a desire to escape our urban jungles. But where did this all start? … Read more

Down Jacket Review : Macpac Icefall

Last Updated Jan 20, 2021 I’ll never forget my first down jacket. It was a game-changer for how I experienced the outdoors in winter and how I went from diving for my sleeping bag soon after sunset, to enjoying cold nights and brisk mornings without shivering. Why I love down jackets Up until that first … Read more

What to do if you get lost hiking?

Or “How to get unlost” when bushwalking Last Updated Jul 10, 2020 In 1987 pioneering Aussie bushwalker and businessman Paddy Pallin wrote a book called, ‘Never Truly Lost’. It’s a classic from the traditional style of bushwalking (what many now refer to as ‘hiking’… oh, the controversy!) and as a statement, touches on the soul … Read more

Navigation Course for hikers & adventurers

Map and compass navigation course One of the biggest changes to my bushwalking and hiking experience came when I finally learned how to navigate with a map and compass. It wasn’t just about the theory of how to take bearings or even understanding how to read a topographic map, it was when the lights started … Read more

The hidden world of canyoning

Up in the Blue Mountains, 2hrs from Sydney and the nearest surf beach, there’s a hidden and adventurous water world that is best experienced from inside the warm comfort of a snug fitting wetsuit. Welcome to the world of canyoning. What is canyoning? Canyoning is the adventure sport where you follow ancient water courses down … Read more

How to start Trailrunning

Do you remember that feeling as a kid, of running along and the sense of utter freedom that it brought? I’ve often wondered why when we grow up, unless we’re a sporty type, we tend to stop running. It seems as though we somehow start to see it as a competitive style form of athletics, … Read more

LotsaFreshAir 20K FB Follower Giveaway

Terms and Conditions The Promoter The Promoter is Juicy Projects Pty Limited, trading as LotsaFreshAir of Katoomba NSW 2780.  Eligibility Entry is open to residents of Australia and New Zealand over 14 years of age. Employees, immediate family members of employees, employees of any company associated with the Promotion are ineligible to enter. Entrants will … Read more

Nemo Tensor 20R Sleeping Mat

Sleeping Mat Gear Review Being comfortable enough (or tired enough) to get a good night’s sleep in the bush is one of the key complaints that people have when thinking about staying out overnight and camping. Over the years I’ve slept on different types of sleeping mats, mostly from the traditional players in the field, … Read more