Trail Talk: Australian Hiking Equipment, why so heavy?!

This Australian Equipment video is a discussion about the availability of hiking equipment, in comparison to the USA, in Australia. I point out where I sourced and researched my selected my gear and talk about how typical camping stores have very basic stock with very over the top equipment which usually isn't required for most hiking journies.
Note: I am referencing hiking equipment that is commonly available in Australian hiking stores (mostly imported), not specifically Australian made/branded products.
In my 'trail talk' video's I discuss my opinion/point of view/experience in hope that others can hopefully learn from my experiences or simply become more aware of the topic I am discussing. Please throughly do your own research into any advice/information/recommendation I do make, as everyone has their own setup's/preferences/requirements.
Enjoy!

[@tabitham8260]

Talking about not needing a large bag, but you’ve strapped so much to the outside of your bag that it’s not practical any longer. There are large light weight bags, keeping your sleep system, shelter and food inside your pack ensures that it will have a longer life as it’s not exposed to the trail and it’s protected from the weather. If you’re worried about water maybe invest in a water filter and get some along your track, the sawyer squeeze fits on a drink bottle is one option

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

If only we could refill on the side of the trail. On most aussie trails water does not just sit on the side of the path, its too dry, Water need to be planned for thoroughly unfortunatly. As for the things strapped to the side, its a preference of mine to do so, I find items are much easier to get a hold of when needed, ie rain gear. As for sleep system, I agree 100% it certainly needs to be inside your pack for protection!

[@Anthiron]

Tier Gear - Tarps, Hammocks, Quilts, DIY stuff Terra Rosa Gear - Tarps, Swags, net tents, Custom gear High Range Outdoors - Backpacks (Not ultralight Xpac and Dyneema but reasonable weight Cordura packs) Wilderness Threadworks - Ultralight Back Packs and Ultralight Hiker - which I have only learnt about from the comments below but does Dyneema stuff sacks etc. Aside from a sleeping pad which to my knowledge there is no cottage industry for anyway, you could do an Aussie based cottage setup quite easily.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

I really like the suggestion of the Wilderness Threadworks, they look almost identical to the Zpacks bags except with no spacing on your back (ventilation). I might have to do some update vids with some of these options, certainly more friendly to the wallet!

[@Anthiron]

@@BeckTreksAustralia I only learned of Wilderness Threadworks recently. Unfortunately I had only the week before ordered a Sundown pack from Northern Ultralight in Canada. Can't justify a second UL pack so would be keen to see a review if you pick one up.

[@garyhost1830]

It's really cool to hear an Aussie accent on these hiking vids . Great content keep it up. You have a great voice for it and it's very well edited. Just subscribed and watched the ad 👍

[@TwilightCinemaNZ]

As a mountaineer with 20+ odd years experience in the mountains as well as hiking, I agree totally with what you're saying, with the proviso that even when carrying heavy climbing and alpine gear stay well away from heavy 3.5 kg packs. You can get really good nylon or even lightweight DCF packs that weigh only 1 to 1.5 kg and are good for up to 80 litres or 30 kg loads. Short trips probably 20kg. These packs are also pretty good for standard hiking and have even less "marketing" features that make standard packs so heavy. Like yourself I'd still buy lightweight technical gear from overseas, there's not much choice in speciality gear in Oz. One thing I'd advise though is for people to start slow and test their gear out on day or overnight hikes first though and work through all your gear mistakes first before going on big multi day adventure hikes.

[@AuroranEagle]

Ain’t that the truth. Every piece of gear I selected was thoroughly searched for on KZbin reviews. Some items were pricey, some items were difficult to order internationally. But it’s so worth it to know my gear will help me enjoy trips more. I went slightly over budget when I started, and I’m glad for it now.

[@Funkteon]

Australia, four years after this video was published, is still only selling heavy-as-fuck camping gear in all the stores. The reason for this is simple - It's because Australians, by and large, are lazy-as-fuck, uncreative, unoriginal, unadventurous car campers who haven't laid eyes on a backpack since they left high school. This is why you see heavy-as-fuck camping gear here like those 800kg swags with the foam mattress inside them and the sleeping bags that require a 120L SAS Bergen to fit them in, even though they don't even keep you warm below 10 degrees Celsius. Northern hemisphere people know how to hike and camp - Nobody in Australia knows what it means to carry your gear to a campsite, and none have ever seen a capsite that wasn't straddled by a carpark and a highway nearby. This also explains why the vast majority of Australia's hiking 'trails' are just a loop that goes STRAIGHT back to the car park. In other words, Australia will NEVER have a trail like the PCT, the Appalachian Trail or the Camino De Santiago. TL:DR - Australians car camp, that's it, and it's because they're lazy pussies...

[@kingerz]

Wild Earth and similar places have UL gear. I have got things like Soto Windmaster stoves here too. But some things I also had to get from the USA. Kathmandu and Anaconda are mostly like KMarts if the outdoors and are way off the pace. Even buying non goretex boots is really hard here.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Wild Earth certainly is well a head of physical retail stores, it's a shame Anaconda/Kathmandu/Mountain Designs don't pick up their game! Save our backs please! :P

[@ThePhiloctopus]

Kathmandu is WAY ahead of Anaconda. They have some decent lightweight gear, but year Wild Earth has some excellent options.

[@richardabazley]

Well said Becks! I went light/ultralight back in 2004 when I hiked the Appalachian Trail. I'd never go back.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Ditto

[@antoniabaker7770]

I'm seriously considering starting up a cottage industry UL gear for us here in OZ.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

You will be the most popular hiking supplier if you can do something similar to America's cottage companies! (like Zpacks etc).

[@antoniabaker7770]

@@BeckTreksAustralia there is definately a need here. Making some initial enquiries now.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

@@antoniabaker7770 How exciting! Please keep me update with any progress! :)

[@megalicious7757]

There are a few out there. Tier Gear Tasmania, Wilderness Threadworks and Terra Rosa Gear to name a few. Anybody knows a UL tent maker in Oz?

[@Shortmansydrome]

@@megalicious7757 you beat me to it, not sure of a tent maker, there is a chinese brand 3F UL Gear doing some cheap light gear, seem to be a clone of msr and other US tent makers

[@Bossythrone746]

Not to mention it's cheaper to travel in other countries than locally in Australia. Just compare the air fares and costs of traveling in europe if you live there. Sad to say that' i'm not surprised the tourism sector struggles to attract locals in Australia.

[@user-hz2hp7yn4d]

Neve is an Australia brand, ultralight gear, made local by a small business. (Not affiliated)

[@danw8012]

Hi Beck, sorry this ended up a bit long I am just getting into hiking. Glad i found this channel i am sure it will be very good. Thank you for sharing your knowlege. I found exactly what you said about backpacks. They have a million pockets and zips and stuff. All I was after was a comfy pack that opens at the top. I think companies here find it hard to charge 300 to 500 dollars for a pack that is just a bag. They need to offer something more to receive good money from the customer. First aid kits here are not very good and most information on the net is overseas based which is not helpful for us here in Oz. I've had trouble making my own first aid kit. I have small kids I want to take on short hikes so it's important to get right. I also aim to do the AAWT. I look forward to seeing you achieve what you have started.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Thanks Daniel for your message! Glad to see another person getting into hiking, and thats pretty cool if the kids want to get involved! That makes logisitics interesting but will be so cool for them to experience!! All the best for your travels, more vids to come soon! :) As for the first aid kits, I just put in there the absolute basics, medical help isnt too far away provided you arn't hiking far away from civilisation, so thankfully most Australian trails are close to towns and cities! Tweezers, bandages, bandaids, anticeptic and panadol are what my kit has (plus my repair items, needle, thread, puncture kit. The needle doubles as something to drain blisters). And then add a snake bite kit if hiking in snake season! Having kids though might make you re-think taking a basic kit though...

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

astounding content Beck Treks Australia. I broke that thumbs up on your video. Keep on up the superior work.

[@walkitoff.]

Ive got a cheap pack from Kmart that i've modified using foam yoga matts as i carry a lot of camera gear and tripods have a lot of pointy bits that stick into your back. Great video, thanks for the tips.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Great idea! It's a great feeling when you know your efforts have created something awesome and saved the bank a load of $$$!

[@rlhydn3438]

😆 Love my 2.1kg canvas pack from Summit Gear in Katoomba NSW. But would replace with a simple but rugged sub-1kg pack. Outside of Wilderness Threadworks here in Australia, the US ultralight market does look enticing!

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Oh it is sooo worth the investment!! Some products are surprisingly robust despite their low weight, EG Cuben Fiber and the grid stop fabric on the Arc Haul backpacks from Zpacks!

[@brendan31415]

@@BeckTreksAustralia I just got an Arc Haul Zip this week, with lots of accessories is only 860g, which is a bit less than my Kathmandu day pack that has less than half the capacity. The Dyneema gridstop material looks like it will be tough enough for New Zealand bush.

[@OurWeekendAdventures]

Loads of good info in this video. Thanks!

[@JOH129672]

Good stuff. Enjoyed your series on GSWW

[@Rooster1172T]

Only just found your channel, but I'm liking it so far(:

[@theregoesmybrains]

Yep water water water in WA.

[@AlainStewart]

Yeah, too bad we don't have many options when it comes to the newer UL gear innovations in Australia. Glad to know there are a few around like Terra Rosa. I think one reason could be the majority of Aussies car camp and that's probably where there are fewer manufacturing costs and larger demand. Hope we see more options in the Aus market soon.

[@jboutdoors7509]

Merry Christmas to you and your family from Jason from Melbourne Australia

[@horseshoe182]

i,m just starting to acquire gear, new hiker here. but i did hike in NZ as a boy and love it. so full circle for me. yes we pay a premium price for ul gear, cos most of its imported i,d say. i recently brought a tent and daypack from wild earth, aussie company, i found there prices on those items very good.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Glad you found them! I certainly do all my shopping there unless I am after a specific piece of UL gear!!! Too easy to spend money there too :/

[@mark1content]

Totally agree with you. I have been doing lots of research and getting gears one by one here and there sometimes from overseas but when I search on Google there aren't many options to choose compared with USA market especially tents. It seems that the hiking industry in Australia isn't that great for businesses to jump to it.

[@tronalpha9137]

G'day Beck. I am doing the same thing at the moment.most off my gear i am buying is coming from the internet and i think partly if its light it will be expensive hear in australia, even though at least one or two of my items will be made in australia, most of my gear is comming off the internet. Thats why its taking me time and i only get a payment every two weeks. I hope you can understand why i've not started hiking yet. Gerard.

[@DanOutdoorsUK]

Someone else with a spot! Nice to see how it's going down on the other side of the world. In the UK we get some ultra light weight gear but a lot just isnt designed to cope with the British weather... My 'light weight' tent is 1200g but it holds up extremely well in the wind and rain.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Indeed your winters would be twice as worse as ours! We get rain, but it comes in probably the same quantity of your showers... and only a handful of days in the year!!!

[@JakeMarcin]

To right, But hopefully one day stores like Paddy Pallin will start selling the more UL stuff. There are a few awesome Aussie companies popping up like Tier Gear (I have their quilt) and wilderness Thread Works. Every since I went UL hiking and camping has been so much more enjoyable! But anyway, great video, subbed

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Cheers! I hope Australia is just slow to the party and all the camping stores start stocking UL equipment! Only a matter of time....

[@UltralightHiker]

Check us out, been going about 4 months now and the response has been brilliant. Australia was in desperate need for UL gear and hopefully people aren't too scared to change www.ultralighthiker.com.au

[@Gusssugs]

Go online and use AliExpress, Lots of cheap Chinese lightweight American copy gear.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Thanks, might be worth doing some testing with!

[@swaggingsisters]

Glad to have found your channel, subscribed👍. Tier Gear do lightweight gear, Tassie-made too. Terra Rosa Gear too.

[@sarah3796]

Ooohh 🤔🥰🤗🤗

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

Hahaha, yeah man, everything was super heavy to carry on our first overnight hike! Reckon we can do better!

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Too true. I normally carry about 15 kg for weeks hiking. Got an Aarn balance bag for chest but was surprised to find pack weighed 20 kg. Bought back about 2kgs of food from last one. Will be going again 14/10 for another section.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Its all about nutting out what is essential and what is not! (And in most cases how much $$$ you spend on the lightweight models). Tell me how you go with your pack weight on your next hike!

[@olliepateras7271]

What about Sea to Summit? Thats pretty above the game and is gaining popularity in the states. All Australian based.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Sea to summit is certainly a quality brand and readily available in Australia, however their products as very strong/durable, also meaning they are on the heavy side (with a majority of their products). Some products are great such as their pack liners (ultra-sil), but others not so great. There are a lot of more cheaper alternatives that are lighter and stronger online.

[@jonstrongman3292]

Not sure which state you live in, here in Australia? However Sydney has great stores to get really great gear, not cheap, but they do carry the "good" stuff. Plus they are online, an example being Paddy Pallin (NSW), or Wildearth (QLD), or Mont, so you can get it delivered. Yes I have gone down the route of ordering goods from O/S, but that was only because, like you, I wanted that particular item. As for the Family outdoor gear stores, like BCF, forget it, unless you are car camping.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Im in SA, but still beleive it is common problem across Australia. Webstores like WildEarth are great, however just don't offer the real lightweight pieces of equipment. Paddy Pallin certainly in Adelaide does not have a lot of selection when it comes to lightweight, they have some good sleeping mats, one brand (Osprey) which does lightweight packs (no competition or other options in a similar lightweight category), but thats it, everything else has to be bought online and overseas.

[@Funkteon]

Australia, four years after this video was published, is still only selling heavy-as-fuck camping gear in all the stores. The reason for this is simple - It's because Australians, by and large, are lazy-as-fuck, uncreative, unoriginal, unadventurous car campers who haven't laid eyes on a backpack since they left high school. This is why you see heavy-as-fuck camping gear here like those 800kg swags with the foam mattress inside them and the sleeping bags that require a 120L SAS Bergen to fit them in, even though they don't even keep you warm below 10 degrees Celsius. Northern hemisphere people know how to hike and camp - Nobody in Australia knows what it means to carry your gear to a campsite, and none have ever seen a capsite that wasn't straddled by a carpark and a highway nearby. This also explains why the vast majority of Australia's hiking 'trails' are just a loop that goes STRAIGHT back to the car park. In other words, Australia will NEVER have a trail like the PCT, the Appalachian Trail or the Camino De Santiago. TL:DR - Australians car camp, that's it, and it's because they're lazy pussies...

[@_lowpoke700]

Im feeling you! Getting good light gear in aus is so hard. Im looking at doing cooloola through to fraser island and heading round the top of the island on the western side and getting my pack weight down is so frustrating

[@lukeneave]

Hi there just found your awsome videos, what hiking tent do you use cheers?

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Zpacks Tri-plex and the Plexamid! :)

[@lukeneave]

@@BeckTreksAustralia awsome thanks ! Recommend a sleeping bag or quilt too? Cheers 😎

[@DangerousDibs]

Great vid! Thanks for the tips.

[@waynerobinson7143]

People always over buy hiking equipment , we don’t really need the have of it .

[@antoniabaker7770]

We have no idea what UL is here.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Indeed, a trend I can see slowly changing for the better though!

[@BigWillieFPV]

Thanks for sharing your views 👍🏻 I can definitely relate to what your saying, what tent do you use I’m in the market I’ve got a bivy but keen to have the tent option too I’d rather comfort than light weight 😊 keeping trekking

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Awesome to hear! Consider the tents made at Zpacks, just make sure you do plenty of research and pick the right one for you! They are very light and are spacious for their weights! For a single hiker consider the plexamid or duplex! I use the plexamid.

[@peteremerson4150]

There is plenty of places in Australia to buy lightweight good Hiking Equipment. Paddy Pallan, Adventure Designs, Kathmandu, and a few others. Been buying off them for 15 years. Do an online search for others. Cheers Peter

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Indeed those kinds of places is where I used to look, they cannot compete unfortunatly with the online companies making lightweight and UL equipment. :( I have yet the see anything in Kathamndu thats lightweight!

[@AmyOutdoors]

Just found your channel and sub'd. Where are you walking in this video... looks like the Heysen Trail?

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

It is an area where the Heysen does cross through. It was Hidden Gorge, in Mt. Remarkable National Park :)

[@AmyOutdoors]

Great to see another South Aussie KZbinr showing our beautiful and unique state! I'm looking forward to seeing your full Heysen thru-hike some time... I'll be vlogging my Murray River thru-paddle next year, and might get out for some Heysen walks this season before it closes if they lift the restrictions in time 🤞... meanwhile, day paddles and day hikes in the Riverland!

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

@@AmyOutdoors I am hopeful that my plan will be able to go ahead thru-hiking the Heysen in August! Cant wait for everyting to go back to normal.

[@MysteryASMR777]

Have u done the Appalachian trail yet?

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Unfortunatly not yet, and with COVID that is off the cards for some time now :( However it gives me the chance to save some $$ and some leave from work! :P

[@joshhayne]

Good chan. Subbed+liked

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Thanks and welcome :)

[@bradymarsden]

Hey first off awesome job!! second im planning to go to Australia next October 2021 and doing the full hike what did you spend on for gear and what about drop off points and what not shoot me a message maybe we can chat via email

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Hey Brady, certainly if you want a chat I would recommend doing so through the message function on my facebook page: facebook.com/becktreksaustralia So which hike are you looking at doing E2E?

[@tallaganda83]

We have heavier gear because we are just tougher than yanks.

[@Funkteon]

Australia, four years after this video was published, is still only selling heavy-as-fuck camping gear in all the stores. The reason for this is simple - It's because Australians, by and large, are lazy-as-fuck, uncreative, unoriginal, unadventurous car campers who haven't laid eyes on a backpack since they left high school. This is why you see heavy-as-fuck camping gear here like those 800kg swags with the foam mattress inside them and the sleeping bags that require a 120L SAS Bergen to fit them in, even though they don't even keep you warm below 10 degrees Celsius. Northern hemisphere people know how to hike and camp - Nobody in Australia knows what it means to carry your gear to a campsite, and none have ever seen a capsite that wasn't straddled by a carpark and a highway nearby. This also explains why the vast majority of Australia's hiking 'trails' are just a loop that goes STRAIGHT back to the car park. In other words, Australia will NEVER have a trail like the PCT, the Appalachian Trail or the Camino De Santiago. TL:DR - Australians car camp, that's it, and it's because they're lazy pussies...

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Where is that track Beck? Just subscribed.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

It is a trail in Hidden Gorge, Mount Remarkable National Park, 3 hours north of Adelaide, South Austalia! Great place for an over nighter or 3 day trips!

[@yoloswagawesome3731]

Great little aussie company has just popped up in the last couple of months who is trying to tackle that very issue. Check them out ultralighthiker.com.au

[@mohammednovalija]

A young girl walking through the bush alone makes me feel uncomfortable. I have a concern for her safety. Is there something wrong with me ? - OR - is there something wrong with you ?

[@benmills1837]

There is nothing wrong with her mate. It's a very common thing these days. I hike on sections of the Bibbulmun Track here in Western Australia and I see women all the time on their own hiking. Besides, she has a partner that she goes with. Beck is probably better at looking after herself in the bush than a lot of other people 😂

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Certainly a reason for concern, but it doesn't matter male/female/young/old, there are always risks of strangers or unforeseen events (injury, etc). I would like to think in todays society it is safe in Australia to be hiking alone and that the people out on these trails are doing it for the right reason. I guess you can't live your life thinking of the worst, otherwise you would never leave your home.

[@mohammednovalija]

@@BeckTreksAustralia I guess you obviously love trekking a hundred times more than staying home. I guess 2 young girls trekking together wouldn't be any more comfortable to me. And from what is happening on the news recently , 1 man and a girl don't seem any better. May that you be safe and god bless you.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

Bad things happen all over the world less so in Australia which has a more laid back attitude.

[@gdaymates431]

Something wrong with society. I drive around Australia last year, solo female with my labradoodle and I had no issues. It actually changed the way I see the world. 99 percent of people are good. Especially the ones who are out and about, living their dreams.