When something goes wrong, one of the biggest issues affecting safety, when bushwalking or hiking in remote areas, is access to reliable communications with the outside world. There are countless stories of epic search and rescues from days gone by, where people walked or waited days (even weeks) for help to injured people. Plane crashes, injured or lost hikers, floods and fires, many ending … [Read more...]
Mt Feathertop via Bon Accord Spur
Mount Feathertop (1922m), the second highest peak in Victoria, looms large over nearby Harrietville. As Australian mountains go, having something that actually looks like a mountain worthy of a climb (Mt Kosciuszko, cough) is a nice goal to have. It’s bulking alpine presence, covered white in winter, an experienced backcountry skiers paradise, transforms to a bushwalking mecca in … [Read more...]
Blue Mountains Geographical Encyclopaedia: Book Review
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.”... or so Juliet said to Romeo in the 1500’s. Jump to today and think about places around you, your town, your favourite lookout, river, ridge or mountain. Just like Shakespeare’s classic tale, there’s a story behind every one. Tales of heroism, mystery, intrigue or politics. Money, betrayal, adventure or pioneers … [Read more...]
Suunto Spartan Baro HR Review
Apart from a map and compass, the most important tool for navigating in the bush is a watch. Just a humble, everyday, bog standard, time telling watch. It helps you work out how fast you’re travelling, how long it will take to get somewhere and offers clues to your location and finding your way. These days, a watch can be so much more than just a timepiece and like choosing a mobile phone … [Read more...]
Macpac Duolight 2P Tent Review
As a longtime user of Macpac products**, I’m always interested when they introduce a new product, like their new two person tent, the Macpac Duolight 2P Tent. For many years, their bombproof (4 season) Microlight 1P tent was the standard for many Aussie bushwalkers and served them very well. I was secretly jealous and always wanted one! But with the changes in fabric and manufacturing … [Read more...]