In part two of a two-part story (read part one here), experienced bushwalker Emma Griffiths shows us the contents of her rucksack.
"I started hiking several years ago after an ill prepared (but fun) overnight hiking adventure with family up to Mt Solitary in the Blue Mountains. Since then, the trips have become progressively more frequent, sometimes longer and harder.
My equipment has had to evolve from that first hike, and it continues to evolve by experimenting, making mistakes, new technology, new research, and advice from more experienced hikers. Here's what I take with me."
Grayl 710ml Geopress water purifier
Not the lightest filter on the market, but I like this simple style of water purifier that also doubles as a really tough water bottle. It eliminates 99 per cent of nasties and waterborne pathogens out of water at a rate of approx. 5L per minute. The cartridge should be able to filter 250L over its lifetime, depending on water quality. I like the environmental element Grayl brings to this product, partnering with organisations that give back to the environment and communities. They are currently in the middle of setting up a recycling program where you can recycle the filter cartridge at the end of its life, unlocking a discount on a new cartridge.
Weight: 450g
RRP: $179
Website: thegrayl.com.au
Osprey Ariel Plus 70L backpack
This attractive pack is more than big enough to fit everything in for a self-supported multi-day hike and still have room to spare. There are numerous pockets to shove things into and toggles to tie things to. The pack also has a zipper on the front that accesses the main pack compartment, meaning you don’t have to unpack half your pack to get to something down the bottom! I’ve used packs with minimal adjusters in the past and it makes a real difference when you can tailor the product to your body size. That’s where the adjustable torso length, hip belt, shoulder straps and load lifters come into play. Just be sure to use the Osprey measurement guide before purchase.
Weight: 2.63kg
RRP: $569.95
Website: outdooragencies.com.au
Black Wolf Mantis UL2 tent
This tent is cosy for two and a penthouse for one, it’s relatively light weight, very simple to set up, and packs down well. I usually share this tent with someone else, so the bulk isn’t too bad but if I wasn’t sharing, I’d look at purchasing a single person tent. My favourite feature would have to be the extra room under the vestibules to store your packs and boots, plus the internal storage pockets to keep your valuables within arm's reach.
Weight: 2kg
RRP: $579
Website: blackwolf.com.au
Kathmandu Expedite jacket
This lightweight fleece is one of my favourite pieces of clothing. It has travelled around the world with me and been on multiple hiking trips. It’s warm and breathable, the quick drying fabric doesn’t retain odour and it retains its shape after multiple washes. The jacket can be stuffed into one of the zippered pockets, taking up no room at all in any pack and is a great layering option. I’ve had this one for well over five years and it’s as good as the day it was purchased.
Weight: 280g
RRP: N/A
Website: kathmandu.com.au
Ear Plugs
Not a glamourous item but necessary for a half decent night’s sleep, especially when you’re near a snorer or in a cramped hut. I would like to say that I can go to sleep to the tune of frogs and night time noises, but being a modern human living in suburbia, my brain is too used to the sounds of distant traffic and the occasional hoon.
RRP: $11.95
Website: otifleks.com.au
Black Wolf Comfort pillow
I’ve used my smelly clothes as a pillow, my pack as a pillow and just hardening up and going without a pillow, but nothing beats an actual pillow, even one that’s full of air is better than the former experiments. This pillow is a good size for the average head and tucks nicely into the hood of the sleeping bag, so it doesn’t tend to move around much. I find I only need to half inflate it to get the most comfortable result but each to their own. This essential luxury easily rolls up into its neat storage bag that comes with a repair kit and can hang off the outside of your pack if necessary.
Weight: 200g
RRP: $54.99
Website: blackwolf.com.au