Hiking

Ultralight Mitts and Gaiters:

Mountain Laurel Designs: Event Rain Mitts: Della and I both have a 42  gram pair of these. I can tell you they are well made and durable, and enormously welcome when cold rain would otherwise result in frozen hands (I have had this happen in surprisingly mild warm autumn weather when a sudden squall comes

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New Tyvek ‘Forester’ Tent Design:

I have been playing with Col. Whelen’s famous ‘Forester’ Tent design: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/col-townsend-whelens-forester-tent/ I have certainly come to the conclusion that the classic A-frame tent sloping away to the back has seldom been bettered. I reduced some of his dimensions and increased others. We do not need such a tall tent as his, particularly at the

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Upper Yarra Track Section Eight: Baw Baw to Newlands Rd

Della: Steve and I, with Tiny and Spot, spent the last 2 days walking over the Baw Baw Plateau from Baw Baw across to Newlands Road on the Upper Yarra Walking Track. It was a delightful walk and we selected good weather for it (which is needed!). One section on the first day was particularly

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Upper Yarra Track Section Eleven: Ada Tree to Big Pat’s Creek:

As you can see the track is well made, delightful  and easy to follow from the Ada Tree all the way to Warburton, with numerous signposts. If you have a couple of days to spare, this is a pleasant jaunt. You can turn it into a loop: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/ada-tree-loop-walk-4-days/ Gerard White and his partner Bridgette completed

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Upper Yarra Track Section Eight: St Gwinear Track Junction to Whitelaw’s Hut:

The route along the tops is a delightful mix of alpine heath and snow gums. Every couple of kms you will find a small stream (sometimes to the side of the track) with fresh water. For example there is water near the St Gwinear turnoff, just after Mt St Phillack, at Mustering Flat and in

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Upper Yarra Track Sidetrip: Horseshoe Tunnel/Coopers Creek

Only a bit over a km from Platina Station on the walk from Erica to Walhalla you can take this lovely walk down to the historic Horseshoe Tunnel. The tunnel was created over a century ago to divert the river so the dry river bed could be sluiced for gold. The sidetrip takes about 1.5

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Sub Five Pounds:

A gear list mayhap more appropriate for well-trod trails, safer places than where I prefer to venture – I dream yet of Herrick Creek and this wonderful photo – but less than 2.5 kg all up shows where savings may yet be made: http://gossamergear.com/wp/sub-5-pound-baseweight-backpacking More about Fiordland Moose Hunting here: http://www.theultralighthiker.com/eddie-herrick-moose-hunting-at-dusky-sound/ & here http://www.theultralighthiker.com/moose-hunting/ &

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