Tag: nature

The Top Six Reasons Why You Need to Take a Hike – Literally!

On By LikeTheHikeBlogIn mental health, Outdoors, UncategorizedLeave a comment

How Hiking Can Fix Your Brain and Your Mood

Let’s face it, when someone says, “Let’s go for a hike”, your brain might conjure up idyllic images of mountaintop vistas, birds chirping, gentle breezes in the trees and your social feed blowing up with likes. Meanwhile, your legs are filing a formal complaint. But don’t let the prospect of sore calves fool you. Hiking isn’t just good for your quads and glutes; it’s also a mental health miracle worker. Here are my top six psychological benefits of hiking – and why you should lace up those boots and hit the trails, even if you’re convinced you’re really more “indoorsy”.

1. Nature is Basically a Mood Booster on Steroids

Ever notice how being in nature makes your problems feel as insignificant as a mosquito’s opinion? That’s because exposure to greenery reduces cortisol (a.k.a. the stress hormone) faster than that mosquito will get you. Studies show that spending time in nature can help alleviate anxiety, depression and stress. It’s like therapy, but cheaper – and with fewer awkward silences.

Plus, lets be honest: trees don’t judge you.

Chilling with a coffee in Lamington National Park

2. It’s Meditation But with Better Scenery

Hiking is basically meditation for people who hate sitting still. Yep – that’s me! The rhythmic act of putting one foot in front of the other helps quiet your mind, while the ever-changing scenery keeps your brain from checking out. Bonus: unlike that perfect yoga instructor you went to for a while, the mountains and trails won’t annoyingly suggest you “focus on your breathing“…

Gold Coast hinterland, Berlin, Brisbane, Hawkes Bay and Coffs Harbour..some of my favourite meditations!

Trail time also encourages mindfulness. You’ll find yourself tuning into the sound of rustling leaves, the feel of the ground beneath your boots or the sunrise over the hills. Maybe it’s the distant sound of a stream bubbling away or the earthy smell of eucalyptus after rain. Hiking immerses you in the present moment, making it easier to leave your worries behind – and reminding you that sometimes, the journey is actually the reward.

3. It Sparks Creativity (even if you’re not an artsy type)

If you’ve ever needed a fresh perspective on life – or just a clever caption for your hiking selfies – hiking is your creative catalyst. Studies show that spending time outdoors can boost creative problem-solving by up to 50%. Something about all that fresh air and Vitamin D makes your brain go, “Oh hey, I have ideas!”

A contemplative break on the Ships Stern Circuit on Gold Coast

So, the next time you’re feeling uninspired or stuck on a personal project, grab your boots and head out for a hike. Worst case? You’ll return with a fresh outlook. Best case? You’ll stumble upon a stunning view, an Icelandic volcano, or a quirky wildlife encounter that sparks your imagination.

4. It Builds Confidence (and Muscles)

There’s nothing quite like summiting a hill – or even surviving a particularly muddy or difficult trail section – to make you feel like an absolute legend. Hiking challenges you mentally and physically, pushing you out of your comfort zone. Every step you take (cue The Police) reinforces your resilience, reminding you that you’re more capable than you think.

Kokoda Challenge 2023

And if the trail beats you this time? Don’t worry. You’ll have an epic story about how you heroically wrestled with nature (or at least your bootlaces). Maybe you’ll remember the time you climbed Heartbreak Hill on the Kokoda Challenge despite every muscle screaming for a break or how you navigated through ever-diminishing daylight after 8 hours on Kumano Kodo like the determined explorer you are.

These moments remind you that overcoming challenges – big or small – is always worth it.

5. It’s Social – But in a Chill Way

Hiking with friends is like a group chat, but with fewer emojis and more meaningful conversations. The shared experience of conquering a trail together strengthens bonds and creates memories you will fondly recall for years. (Like the time when you took the ‘shortcut’ that added two hours and 5km onto your hike!)

Even solo hikers get a social boost. The hiking community is surprisingly friendly, and fellow hikers will smile, nod, or share a quick chat about trail conditions. Sometimes, you’ll find yourself swapping stories with strangers at a scenic overlook, united by the simple joy of the journey. It’s humanity at it’s best – refreshingly kind, genuine, and far removed from the digital noise of your daily life.

6. Your Gateway to Travel and Adventure

I could never have dreamed 10 years ago that I would hike in as many countries as I have. Hiking isn’t just about local trails; it’s a gateway to travel and adventure. You get to explore different landscapes and meet a diverse range of people. From seasoned hikers sharing stories to locals offering tips about hidden gems, every encounter enriches your experience

Dorset, England
Isle of Man, England
A cold brew after a 35km day on Kumano Kodo
Hiking up Eldfell in Iceland
Iona, Scottish Isles

Travelling for hiking also broadens your horizons, literally and figuratively. Whether you’re trekking along 1,000-year-old monk trails in Japan or scaling a volcano in Iceland, each new trail is a cultural and personal discovery. Plus, nothing bonds people faster than getting lost together or making it to the end of the hike intact and before sunset!

So, Why Should You Try Hiking?

Sure, hiking involves sweat, blisters, discomfort and the occasional “why am I doing this” moment.

But, the psychological benefits far outweigh the temporary irritation. It’s a workout for your body and a holiday for your mind. Plus, it gives you an excuse to wear that $350 rain jacket you impulsively bought on sale at the end of summer!

So go ahead: embrace the experience (and the great outdoors). Your brain will thank you.

See you out on the trails.

PJ 🙂

Urban Hikes #2 – Views and Volcano Blues on Mt Eden

On By LikeTheHikeBlogIn urban hiking2 Comments

Hello and welcome to Like the Hike, a blog written by yours truly giving you insights, photos, commentary, tips and tools so you can enjoy hiking as much as I do. Today we’re talking about urban hiking. Back in the day, I did a blog on urban hiking in Sydney, covering some great options. We are in Auckland, New Zealand this time – bring it on!

If you’re in Auckland and your idea of exercise is strolling from the couch to the fridge, it’s time to shake things up. Let me introduce you to urban hiking, the hybrid sport where you’re as likely to dodge coffee-carrying commuters as you are to admire distant scenic vistas. And what better place to try it than the iconic Mt Eden, a 5-6km round trip guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your socials popping.

The Lowdown on Mt Eden (or Maungawhau if you’re up for a bit of bilingual education)

Mt Eden/Maungahwau isn’t just a bump on the Auckland skyline; it’s a literal high point, being the city’s tallest natural elevation at 196 metres. This extinct volcano – yes, Auckland is basically a city built on geological firecrackers – has a history as rich as your post-hike flat white (that’s a latte in Aotearoa).

The Maori name for Mt Eden, Maungawhau, means “Mountain of the Whau Tree”. The summit crater, affectionately called Te Ipu-a-Mataaho (“Bowl of Mataaho”), was formed by volcanic activity around 28,000 years ago. In pre-pakeha times, it was a bustling Maori settlement housing several hundred people, with terraced garden, food storage pits and fortified living spaces. Today, its a protected archaeological and culturally significant site – so no, you can’t dig for treasure but you can marvel at it’s natural grandeur and incredible views.

Pano south east view from the first platform

The Urban Hiking Experience

Urban hiking is like regular hiking, but with bonus features: public bathrooms, nearby bakeries and zero chance of encountering a snake or a spider (unless you count the suited ones on their way to work!). Mt Eden’s foot print is perfect for city slickers, runners and hikers who want to channel their inner explorer without sacrificing wifi.

The trail I took winds through suburban streets, tree lined paths and a winding track that circles its way up the mount to the summit. There are a number of access points to get into the reserve, I took the one with about 4 flights of stairs from Glenfell Place. That’s the red bit in my tracking! Along the way you’ll spot everything from joggers to locals walking their highly enthusiastic dogs. The ascent is steep enough to feel accomplished but mercifully short…you can see that in the red and yellow sections!

Why You’ll Love It

  1. Views that WOW – at the summit, you’re rewarded with 360 panoramic views of Auckland, including Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island, a plethora of extinct volcanos and the city skyline. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of saying “thanks for sweating“.
  2. History on Tap – as you explore the summit, you’ll literally be walking through centuries of history and cultural richness. The Maungawhau Visitor Experience Centre is also worth a recce after you’ve finished at the crater.
  3. Fitness without the Fuss – forget treadmills and fluro gym lighting. Urban hiking lets you burn calories while soaking up sunshine and fresh air (remember your hat!). Both are scientifically proven to improve your mood, or at least make you less grumpy about steep hills.
  4. Cafe Proximity – end your adventure with a well deserved treat at one of the local cafes. Nothing says “hiker’s reward” like a flaky croissant and a flat white.
South to Mt Wellington, another extinct volcano
West Auckland
looking north over Waitemata Harbour

Tips for First Timers

Pick your Footwear – you probably don’t need to wear hiking boots, I prefer a hybrid shoe or sturdy sneaker for urban hikes, still supportive but not too inflexible.

Wear Layers – Auckland’s weather changes faster than a TikTok trend, so be prepared for sun, wind and rain, all probably in the same hour.

Respect the Significance of the Land – Mt Eden/Maungawhau is a strongly sacred site, or a wahi tapu. The crater is especially significant, so stick to the marked paths and enjoy the views. This isn’t a race, it’s a walk….with style.

Enjoy your Surrounds – urban hiking isn’t just about the mountains or the reserves, it’s also about the scenery along the way. Seek out interesting architecture, buildings or streets. I found the Governors Residence and a lovely old house with stone maori carvings…quite special.

looking across the crater
amazing period architeture
look closely for the carvings…
believe it or not, te where ka means “The Car House”…or garage!

Final Thoughts

Hiking around Mt Eden is proof that adventure doesn’t have to involve remote wilderness or epic gear. In fact, a hike of just 5.8km is more than satisfying, it’s downright enjoyable. Sometimes, all you need is a good pair of sneakers, a sense of curiosity and a willingness to sweat a little.

So, lace up, hydrate, slap on sunscreen and a hat, and get ready to like the hike. Who knows, you may even fall in love with it 😉

See you out on the trails

PJ

Ships Ahoy and Ticks Galore!

On By LikeTheHikeBlogIn Gold Coast Hinterland, Hiking, mental health, Outdoors, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Tackling the Ships Stern Circuit in Lamington National Park

Ahoy fellow hikers! Welcome back to another grand adventure, this time exploring one of Queensland’s treasures – the 20km Ships Stern Circuit in Lamington National park. A mere 70 minute hop from the Gold Coast, this park is part of the majestic Gondwana Rainforest, covering over 366,500 hectares of pure hiking heaven.

I’ve dallied with parts of Ships Stern before but never braved the full 20km loop. Well, today was the day! What could possibly go wrong, right? Spoiler alert: I didn’t anticipate the unseasonable heat, or the final unwelcome hitchhiker.

First Stage: Downward Delight (And Spiderweb Swords)

Being the clever clogs that I am, I arrived before 5.30am and parked at the top of the park near the Binna Burra Cafe, giving me an easy downhill finish to the hike. Plus, with a forecast of over 33 degrees Celsius, I wanted to beat the midday heat.

Pretty sunrise through the forest
Almost empty carpark

The first part of the trail was a lovely, gentle descent, perfect for soaking up the early morning rays….and as it turns out, spiderwebs. Oh, the webs! I became an impromptu samurai, waving a stick to fend off what felt like an entire arachnid population weaving across the trail! Note to self -arriving early means you get the fresh webs, lucky me.

start of the trail, make sure to clean your boots!
Samurai sword in action
The great work the parks staff do so we can enjoy the trails

At about 1.5km in I hit my first dry creek crossing and took in the beautiful views from Koolanbilba Lookout. The trail became steeper as I continued, but I couldn’t help pausing at a natural cave around the 2.6km mark. Who else had sheltered her over the centuries? I felt like an explorer uncovering new lands and treasures – until I remembered I was actually just sweaty and armed with a samurai spider-stick.

Second Stage: Snakes, Sticks and Stunning Views

By the time I hit the 6.5km mark, I started the uphill slog. Let’s be real, I was a little nervous that the rest of the hike might be all uphill from here – but hey, what’s life without a a challenge?

Bit of a clamber over
Rocking the hat…!
Closed trails due to storm damage
Very other worldly forest!

As I trudged upward, the trail opened up to spectacular valley views with grassy vistas, and I swapped my cobweb stick for a snake stick. in Queensland’s spring heat, snakes are out and about looking for love. Fortunately I only encountered one tine brown snake and it slithered away quicker than I could say, “NOPE!”

At 8.5km, I arrived at Charraboomba Rock, a stunning rocky outcrop with heart-stopping stairs that cling to the edge of the cliff. Heights aren’t my thing so I skipped this side adventure. Brave souls, you’re on your own for that one! I still had amazing views, so all was well.

Third Stage: Cliff Views and Cliffhangers

At 10km I found a perfect log for my snack break. Just me, my salad wrap, chocolate bar, and the valley stretching out below. I took the opportunity to spray myself liberally with insect repellent, than goodness for that decision as the next part of this tale will reveal!

Feeling refreshed, I set off again, only to find the second stunning lookout just 500m later. Could’ve had my breakfast with an even better view, but oh well! I had a sit and a look, and then continued along the trail, enjoying the breath-taking scenery and the stillness of the morning completely to myself. So far, I had not seen another soul on the trail – a very special experience.

By now I was halfway through the circuit and starting the long trek back. Around the 13km mark, I began the final ascent. I knew that the last 2km would be downhill, but getting there was a sweaty grind – happily the views made it worthwhile.

At 15km I took a breather at Nagarigoon Falls – the only ‘falling’ waterfall I found. Not a huge amount of water, but hey, it was still peaceful and pretty.

Fourth Stage: The Downhill Stretch (And… The Incident)

Finally, I reached the marker for the Border Track and the start of the downhill section, just 2.3km to my car, and more importantly, a flat white at the Binna Burra Café. With gravity on my side, I happily trotted along, oblivious to the horror that awaited me.

the lovely entry gates to the park

With around 1km to go, my backpack strap started to feel…odd. The right hand side was digging in, and no amount of adjusting seemed to help. But I pressed on, keen to finish. It wasn’t until I got back to the car that I discovered the truth.

Fifth Stage: THE TICK (Cue Dramatic Music)

Back at the car, sipping my well earned coffee, the discomfort in the front of my right shoulder was getting worse. What was going on? I checked the area, and there it was. A massive black tick, wriggling happily away like it was at a buffet.

My photographic skills right handed without glasses!

I’ll spare you the gruesome details (yeah nah), but let’s just say that tick had dug in DEEP. With a 70 minute drive home, I had to resist the urge to yank it out, knowing full well you can’t just pull a tick out without risking leaving its head – and its toxins – behind. I emptied a half a can of insect spray on the little bugger and called my sister (a.k.a. tick removal expert). After a tense tweezer-tugging session at her place, the tick was out, intact, and my armpit was back to normal the next day. Crisis averted!

Final Thoughts

Tick drama aside, Ships Stern Circuit was another incredible experience. Stunning views, varied terrain and a good mix of challenge and fun.

Just remember – pack extra insect repellent, watch out for snakes and always, always check for ticks!!

See you out on the trails…

PJ

Hiking the Bridle Trails in Kent, England

On By LikeTheHikeBlogIn Hiking, Uncategorized3 Comments

Hello and welcome to my LIKETHEHIKE blog. I’m PJ and I write about the hikes I take, giving you insights, photos, commentary, tips and tools so you can enjoy hiking and embrace the experience.

HOW EXCITING!!! I’m coming to you from the green and lush countryside of Kent, in southern England. Him and me are on holiday for a month, so come with me on some hikes as we make our way through England, Scotland, Iceland, and beyond!

Today we are in Kent, staying in a lovely pub called The Three Chimneys for three nights. The best barman ever (Scott) gave me a local map that showed a range of footpaths and bridle trails which made planning my hike super easy. Three Chimneys has a 350-year history and an association with Sissinghurst Castle that is fascinating, but more on that later…

I thought it prudent to map a hike out the night before and identified Sissinghurst Castle as my preferred destination. To be fair, I did map it out at the same time I sampled the local pressed cider….so buckle in for a bit of an adventure… 🙂

Thursday morning, 6am. I rugged up and left the warmth of our room. The English countryside in spring means it’s light around 5.15am and dusk doesn’t hit until around 8.30pm, so I had the benefit of an early start. However, the air does have a bit of a nip in it, so remember to layer if needed. I also took my phone and checked I had 4G coverage. Safety first hikers!

I was determined to explore the bridle and footpath trails which crisscrossed the countryside. Bridle paths and footpaths are legally protected routes that the public can use on foot or on horseback. It’s even legislated under a national act, the Highways Act 1980! This includes farm fields with cattle, sheep, you name it.

As you can see, my first departure down a footpath (which isn’t a footpath as you think, but merely a sign into a field) was a bit of a bust, it led back to the pub across the paddock. So nope! Back onto the road, and thankfully the next footpath sign was about 150m down and was the correct one. Off I went, the path was freshly mown, and I was on my way. I weaved behind a row of farmhouses feeling quite brave and breathing deeply, loving the fresh bracing air with my merino beanie firmly covering my ears, which don’t like the cold 🙂

I came upon my first stile – how exciting!! The stile opened into a large field with hedgerows on three sides, and two cows…..have a look in the distance and you will see them right down the end of the field. I had a fair idea of where I was aiming for, so off I went. Now, if you haven’t walked through a farming field before, they can be challenging. It’s not the same as walking in a park. Cattle are heavy, usually around 600kg. And in this field, there were two cows. Paying me attention. Which is fine, I grew up on a farm so cows I’m OK with. But this wasn’t my field, my farm, or my cows. Thankfully the inhabitants were two ladies, and guessing from their heavy udders, they may have just weaned some calves. So, starting my brisk walk across the field I had to traverse a terrain that was pockmarked with cattle hoof divots. Definitely not flat and definitely a potential menace to the ankles.

I wasn’t even 100m into the field and I had two escorts…..trotting up to say hello and find out all my business!

Even though I am used to farms and cattle, having two 600kg+ cows cantering up to you is a little intimidating! About now I realised I couldn’t see my exit point in the opposite hedgerow. Imagine this. I’m in a foreign field, with two huge cows tracking me like F18 Hornets, what’s my next move? I saw a gate. To the left. Which opened back onto the lane. Change of plan. Bessie and Biddy would have preferred I stay for a chat, but I had a hike to enjoy and it wasn’t going to end in a boggy field in Biddenden. Two minutes later I scaled a fence and was back out in the lane, a little sweaty and slightly defeated. You can see the loop at the start of my hike tracking pic. SIGH. I ventured down the adjacent lane to see if I could find the next stile, but no luck. Back to the original mission – my castle! The destination is important, but really, hiking is all about the journey.

I knew there was a castle in the vicinity and a range of ways to get there. It was now down to my google map reading skills (and the map Scott gave me) to get there.

You gotta love some of the Kentish road names. HarePlain Rd. Grandshore Lane. DigDog Lane. Lewd Lane. How did these names come about?? The mind boggles.

I loved walking down DigDog Lane to find my castle. I saw the bridle trail markers at about the 2.5km mark so it was time to leave the road and start into the trails proper, thankfully without my friends of the bovine persuasion. And wow, was I in for a fantastic few kms!!! I entered what can only be described as a leafy green otherworld tunnel heading up a gentle slope that seemed to run forever, and I had it all to myself.

This is what I craved, beautiful English countryside trails that ran through rolling fields with a smattering of happy woolly sheep. The trail was very well used, with an equal mix of horse and human prints. Oh. And doggos. I encountered a few during my hike who were having the best day ever! I even had an intimate experience with a very exuberant Dalmatian who left an indelible imprint on me….!

Around 2.8km I encountered what looked like a tiny wooden bus stop, but it was a hide. A hide is a wee structure that people use to observe wildlife, usually birds. Which makes sense as I could hear several very busy ducks in the nearby pond, and in the background, the haunting call of peacocks. Once you hear a peacock call, you’ll never forget it…. magical.

The temperature was cool, but not cold. I had on a long sleeved merino and a sleeveless puffer, and heading uphill I was starting to feel quite warm. Around the 3.5km mark I took a right hand turn and had an orchard on my left, and a bluebell forest on my right. Stunning.

By the time I reached the 4km mark, I started to think I had overshot my castle. I was still on the bridle path, but had gone past a couple of farm houses, and seemed to be heading for another main road (not my fav place to hike). I had also passed a large estate called Horse Race House. Now, I’m about to say some not very nice things about the owners of Horse Race House. Skip on if you don’t want to read my savage interpretation of some Kent locals!

So, imagine buying a heritage house and woods adjacent to a national park and castle. You have land, I’m guessing a few acres, and you are next to a bridle path. The public uses the land all around you. So, what do you do? Go with the flow? Hell no. You put up as many unfriendly signs as possible which, TBH I didn’t see anywhere else in four days of wandering, and label yourself as a bit of a tosspot. All these signs were along a 300m section of the path. SIGH.

I did a u-turn just after Horse Race House (a great name!) and came back down the bridle path hill. I had gone through a couple of forks in the path on my way up, so one of those was going to be my next destination. What’s the saying? “when you come to a fork in the road, take it”. I knew one of the forks would take me to my castle.

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! I found my castle at 5.5km. I knew it was there, I just had to take the right bridle path.

My castle isn’t the biggest. It’s not the oldest or the most famous. But at about 7am I found it. And it was all mine to explore. I saw the castle vegetable garden that generates over 6 tonnes of produce a season for the local castle restaurant. I saw the perfectly preserved Oast hop kilns that dry hops to make beer. I saw the barn where French prisoners of war lived during the Seven Years’ War which kicked off in 1756. The POWs were allowed out on parole to venture as far as the Three Chimneys Pub, which they called Tres Chemins (three junctions)…which over the generations, morphed into Three Chimneys. I think there may be quite a few descendants in the area!!

I wandered around the moat and grounds which are expertly managed by the National Trust. I felt honoured to have this perfect castle all to myself on a still spring morning. As hikers would understand, the best hikes not only ground your day, but they fill your soul.

All good things must, however, come to an end. It was time to leave my castle. I had maybe 3-4km back to my digs and no firm plan on how to get there. I chose the bridle trail that made sense, in the general direction of my destination. I was sidetracked at the 6km mark with the Frogmead restoration project, but it’s important to appreciate the land you’re hiking through. And who doesn’t love a frog!

I found DigDog Lane, more by luck than design. The narrow hedgerow lanes are quiet and intimate. The barman at Three Chimneys said the drummer from Cold Play lives in DigDog Lane…I can’t confirm or deny, but I kept my eyes peeled for fancy cars and tinted windows!

If you want to experience a hike that you definitely WON’T forget, I can absolutely recommend Kent and Sissinghurst. I stayed at a 350 year old pub, ate some incredible food, met some warm and friendly locals, hiked in the English countryside and I found my very own castle.

How can you top that???!!! (stay tuned to find out), and see you out on the English, Scottish, and Icelandic trails.

PJ

Backpack Hacks: What You Really Need for a No-Regret Day Hike

On By LikeTheHikeBlogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Ahhh, the day hike. Nature’s cure for office chair back pain, screen-induced headaches and that nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten how the sun feels on your face. But there’s one tiny hurdle between you and hiking bliss: packing your backpack. Some might think, “its just a few hours, how hard can it be?” Well, let me tell you, it’s a lot harder than it seems if you’re the newbie who brought sunnies, a phone and no water.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just fancy a stroll up and down a few hills, packing the right gear is key. So, let’s dive into the essential items every hiker should pack, and, equally important, the rookie mistakes you want to avoid.

1. Water: Your Best Friend

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people underestimate their water needs. A good rule of thumb is to pack at least two litres for a moderate day hike. Add more if you’re hiking in summer, or on a challenging trail.

Hydration bladders are great because they fit snugly into your pack and you can sip as you hike without stopping. I have a 2L single, and a 2 x 1L double, both from Kathmandu. With the tubing conveniently on my backpack strap, I can rehydrate whenever I feel like it.

Rookie Mistake – Thinking a bottle of water is enough for an all day hike. It’s not. Unless you’re Bear Grylls and are prepared to drink from a dirty old stream, pack extra.

2. Snacks: Fuel for the Soul (and the legs)

Nothing says “I’m one with nature” like eating a protein snack bar halfway up a mountain. Seriously though, hiking burns calories and unless you enjoy that rumbling feeling on the way back to the car, pack plenty of snacks. Think nuts, fruit, highly dense protein and carb options that will keep you full. Even a good old sandwich does the trick.

snack time on the trail!

Rookie Mistake – forgetting snacks altogether, or worse, packing snacks that are highly fragile or perishable. I once packed sushi (which I thought was a great choice). Nope. It disintegrated during the hike because of the rough trail….! Stick to non-perishables that won’t turn into a science experiment by midday.

3. First Aid Kit: For when Nature Fights Back

You might think,” it’s only a day hike, I won’t need a first aid kit.” And that’s exactly when you’ll get a blister the size of a $1 coin, get poked in the head by a nasty branch, or discover the joys of a tick bite. A basic kit should include bandaids, wipes, painkillers or anti-imflammatories. Trust me, the one time you don’t pack it will be the time you trip over that rock and wish you had.

My kit when I hiked Kumano Kodo
An absolute must for Queensland hiking

Rookie Mistake – Thinking a first aid kit is for “serious” hikes only. Even a short trail can deliver some nasty surprises (hello trips, falls and ticks)

4. Navigation Tools: GPS and Maps

You may be thinking, “I have my phone, why would I need a map?” Well, my friend, phone batteries die, GPS signals drop, and then there you are, lost in the wilderness, trying to find the Wi-Fi password of the nearest tree. Maps are lightweight and definitely don’t need charging.

Laminated maps that live in my backpack

Rookie Mistake – relying solely on your phone for navigation. Fun fact, phones don’t always work in the middle of nowhere and no, your phone flashlight doesn’t count as a backup plan.

5. Clothing: Playing the Weather Guessing Game

Here’s a fun game nature likes to spring on hikers. It’s called “Guess What the Weather Will Do Next!” You’ll be sweating one moment and freezing the next, so layers are your best friend. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and bring an extra layer for warmth. Even on warm days, the temperature can drop, especially at higher elevations. I’ve been hiking along a ridge in Binna Burra and gone from a t-shirt to a jumper, beanie, gloves and jacket within 2km and 20 minutes.

Contents of my backpack for a 40km hiking challenge in winter in Queensland. The mint green mound is my rolled up jacket!

Rookie Mistake – dressing for how it feels when you walk out the door. It might be sunny and warm now, but trust me, by the time you reach the summit, that singlet and shorts combo will be a regret you feel deep in your soul.

6. Sun Protection: Slip, Slop, Slap !

Down here in Australia, sun protection is a big deal. We are taught to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat from before we can walk! Trust me, nothing ruins a good hike like turning into a human tomato. Sunscreen is a must, even if it’s overcast because UV rays don’t care about pesky things like clouds. I always have a hiking hat with me, I’m sure you’ve seen it in my photos! Added bonus, hats protect you from ticks that love to drop from the tree canopies…

Rookie Mistake – “It’s cloudy, I don’t need a hat or sunscreen.” If I had a dollar for every sunburnt hiker, I could afford to install shade sails across every trail in Queensland.

7. Hikers Wool: The Best Thing You Never Knew You Needed

I’ve waxed poetic in previous blogs about the undiscovered hero of hiking, Hikers Wool. It’s a kiwi product, and is a godsend for sore feet and toes on hikes. Use it to relieve pressure spots or in between your toes for support. It is a permanent fixture in my backpack.

Rookie Mistake – not taking some form of product to manage blisters. Your feet are the one tool you can’t replace on a hike, and even experienced hikers can suffer from blisters. Throw in some bandaids and some wool, all sorted!

8. Emergency Shelter: Because Sometimes Sh*# Happens

Even if you’re just out for the day, pack something for emergency shelter, something as simple as a space blanket. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s a game changer if something does go wrong and you’re stuck on the trail longer than you planned. I have a couple of ‘crunchie wrappers’ in the bottom of my pack (crunchie because its gold on one side, silver on the other!) They take up very little room but I know I’ve got them if sh*# happens.

Rookie Mistake – Thinking a day hike means no emergency gear. Day hikes can turn into night hikes if you get lost, injured, or take a detour that your mate swore by!

9. Headlamp: When Flashlight-in-Teeth Isn’t a Good Look

Scrambling down the side of a mountain trail in the dark with your phone clamped in your teeth? Not ideal. Avoid the dental drama and pack a lightweight headlamp instead. Did you know that dusk in the bush comes 60-90 minutes before everywhere else?? A lamp is perfect for those “oops, I guess we’re hiking after dusk” moments.

Rookie Mistake – Assuming you’ll always beat the sunset. One day on Kumano Kodo, the trail was harder and longer than we planned, and the last hour we were barrelling down the mountain, wanting to be clear before we lost light! Nature’s got no respect for your itinerary…

Conclusion: Hike Smart, Not Hard

So, there you have it. Pack the essentials, avoid rookie mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to a glorious day on the trails. Or at least, you’ll be prepared when your mate shows up with nothing but flip-flops and a can of fizzy drink, saying “I thought we were just going for a stroll?!“

See you out on the trails

PJ 😉