Scarpa Delta GTX Hiking Boots

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:    March 2024
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Multi-day and hard-core terrain hiking

Review:
After 10 years of heavy use, my previous trusted pair of Scarp hiking boots (Scarpa Tech Kineses GTX) finally gave up as the sole separated from the main boot on the right show. A repair may have been possible but for the quoted $200 I decided to buy a new pair. After some research I decided to go with the Delta GTX model as this was not only the most suitable and comfortable for my feet but also the only model in the same category of the previous tech Kinesise. Both models are more for rough terrain hiking and the hard core stuff for which you want something really rugged and durable. Most other Scarpa models are more light-weight hiking boots that would wear down a lot quicker when used frequently on such rough trips (like my Scarpa ZG GTX boots). Only tried the new boots out over a weekend hike and so far pretty happy with the level of comfort and protection. Inside they feel very much like the old Tech Kinesis GTX (which is what I wanted). Looks wise - well, not a fan of the brown and they look pretty ugly to be honest. But good looks ain’t helping out in the bush, so not much I can do about that part. Time will tell how these go over time.

Pros:
- Super comfortable from the get to
- Excellent protection and water repellency (at least while they are still reasonable new)
- Sole is rugged and super grippy

Cons:
- Expensive (although I got a good deal)
- Fairly ugly looks
- Heavy but I guess thats what it is when you need a rugged boot thats durable

Comment:
Super sturdy book with the expected high quality from Scarpa. Love it from the outset.

Website:
https://www.paddypallin.com.au/scarpa-delta-gore-tex-leather-boot-men-s.html

Macpac Traverse Pertex Rain Jacket

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Lightweight hiking

Review:
I haven’t used this jacket extensively for the past 3 years (usually only use it occasionally on shorter hikes as i have a lot of other jackets to switch between), but its been a great jacket so far. The gore tex is of light thickness, so very light to carry and small to fold up to. I would say its an ideal jacket for 3 seasons (spring, summer and autumn) or in winter with some additional layers underneath if you just need some wind and rain protection. In the few times where it really rained hard it kept me reliably dry for many hours (lets face it, no jacket in the world will keep you 100% dry indefinitely if it just rains hard enough).

Pros:
- Super comfortable, very light weight jacket
- light and folds up small
- great features such as pockets and high collar and protective hood
- Attractive design

Cons:
- Expensive

Comment:
An excellent light weight gore tex jacket that protects you from the elements, suitable for most times of the year in Australian climate.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-traverse-pertex-rain-jacket-—-mens/115164-ASHCIT-XL.html

Macpac Prophet Pertex Rain Jacket

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Alpine hiking, Winter and cold weather use, remote multi-day hikes

Review:
I haven’t used this jacket extensively for the past 3 years (usually only use it in winter on trips to the snow), but its been a great jacket so far. The gore tex is of medium thickness, so not super light but also not hard core thick. I would say its an ideal jacket for alpine climates in 3 seasons or non-alpine good in any season other than summer (would be too warm for Australian summers). In the few times where it really rained hard it kept me reliably dry for many hours (lets face it, no jacket in the world will keep you 100% dry indefinitely if it just rains hard enough).

Pros:
- Super comfortable,medium-weight Gore-Tex jacket
- great fit with easy to reach and sealed pockets
- Attractive design

Cons:
- Expensive

Comment:
A great overall rain jacket thats ideal for 3 season use in the Australian climate (autumn, winter and spring).

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.macpac.com.au/macpac-lightweight-prophet-pertex-rain-jacket-—-mens/113137-APL00-2XL.html

Saucony Peregrine 10 Trail Running Shoes

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Trail Running

Review:
As I was recently getting back into a bit more trail running and all of my previous trail running shoes had been quite old and worn out, I chose a pair of Saucony Peregrine shoes based on the recommendation of the bloke at the running shop. For someone like me with a slim foot, the fit of these Peregrines is quite snug and supportive, so I felt immediately comfortable in them.

The grip of the rubber sole is absolutely fantastic and they used a really good rubber compound cause you can literally feel how the show grips and digs into the ground underneath (try running with them on a paved surface and you feel how they slow you down).

I used them on several occasions now for a few years and they still hold up great after 3 years (yes, I only use them maybe once a month as I have plenty of other shoes I also use alternate).

Pros:
- Super grippy rubber compound and sole
- Feels more like a running shoe than a trail shoe (pretty light)

Cons:
- None so far
-

Comment:
For people with really slim feet (like myself), the shoe fits great and snug.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.saucony.com.au/categories/collections/trail

Osprey Duro 15 2.5l Running Vest

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2021
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Mid to Long Distance Running, light day hikes

Review:
My first running vest and as expected from Osprey - this is a brilliant product. Very light and snug, hugs the body and you can literally forget during a run that you are wearing it. Whats great about this vest is its storage options - lots of little side pockets, various size storage at the top. The main compartment is a good size that can fit enough food and light clothing for a day trip. Only downside I found the back feels fairly warm, so its not an ideal vest for summer runs I find as there is not much air circulation at the back. Been using this vest for 2 years now and its still working great.

Pros:
- Super comfortable
- lots of little pockets and storage options
- good sized main compartment that allows enough ‘stuff’ for a day trip

Cons:
- Feels very warm
- lacks air circulation on the back

Comment:
If you are looking for a running vest that can pack more than just a 2l bladder and feels comfortable even when fully loaded - this is a great option.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.osprey.com/br/en/product/duro-15-with-2-5l-reservoir-DURO15S19_183.html

Garmin GPSMAP 66i

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Emergency Beacon with GPS

Review:
I had luckily not to use an EPIRB in my life yet and hope I never have to. But that aside, I upgraded to this new PLB after my previous one from GME was expired and the replacement battery would have cost almost as much as a brand new one. Since I am always trying to reduce my pack weight and size wherever I can - this PLB is unreal. Its so small and light, you have to take care to not loose it somewhere.

Pros:
- Really (really) small and light

Cons:
- None so far

Comment:
If you are conscious about weight and pack size to keep your backpack small - this is the EPIRB to buy.

Manufacturer Website:
https://oceansignal.com/products/plb1/

Tasmanian Tiger TT Base Pack 52

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2023
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    All Season Hiking

Review:
Just when you think you have seen and experienced pretty much all kind of backpacks, along comes one that still managed to surprise me. I bought this pack mainly because I wanted to have something thats rugged and can withstand the bushbashing I sometimes do when I explore areas off-track. Other packs do the job but over time get punctures and other issues that come with wear and tear. While this pack is clearly not light on its own (you can’t have durability and super light weight at the same time) - the manufacturing quality, the materials, the amount of straps and ways the pack can be configured and modified with extra storage due to its molle system - its absolutely amazing. It is bomb proof, absolutely reliable in any condition and most of all - the carrying comfort is superb. While the pack ends up being heavier, a lot heavier, than say my lightweight Osprey packs with all my gear in it - it still feels more comfortable to carry despite its extra weight. And for me personally the absolute game changer is that for once, this pack seems to distribute the weight really down to the core of your body rather than weighing down on your shoulders. I am very susceptible to neck pain and getting tension headaches after carrying a heavy pack for a few hours. While nothing is 100%, this pack is such an improvement in that aspect. And I can tell by my sore lower back on the next day on how much this pack distributes the weight on to your hips and lower core area.

Pros:
- Bomb-proof materials and construction (afterall this is a tactical pack made for it)
- High quality manufacturing
- Endless amount of straps and options to customise and configure the pack
- Molle system provides ample options to expand the storage capacity of the pack with add-on packs (make sure you choose compatible ones)
- Amazing carrying comfort even with high load
- Truly offloads weight from your shoulders and on to your core body

Cons:
- Weight of the empty bag - about twice the weight of normal hiking packs with the same volume

Comment:
If you are after a backpack that can withstand anything that you or nature throws at it while providing maximum support, comfort and reliability - this is an amazing product for it.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.tasmaniantiger.info/en/product/tt-base-pack-52/

Hilleberg Niak

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2021
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    3-Season Hiking/Camping (non-snow)

Review:
I had luckily not to use an EPIRB in my life yet and hope I never have to. But that aside, I upgraded to this new PLB after my previous one from GME was expired and the replacement battery would have cost almost as much as a brand new one. Since I am always trying to reduce my pack weight and size wherever I can - this PLB is unreal. Its so small and light, you have to take care to not loose it somewhere.

Pros:
- Spacious for 1 person + kit
- Light weight for its size (~ 1.7kg without footprint)
- Amazing build quality and strength as usual for any Hilleberg Tent
- Easy setup and super fast to pitch and take down
- True outer pitch first
- Free standing (can be pitched without any tent pegs in the worst case)

Cons:
- None other than for solo multi-day hiking the weight is not ideal

Comment:
The main advantage of this tent for me is that is is truly free standing, outer pitch first and can be pitched very quickly due to its simple construction.

Manufacturer Website:
https://hilleberg.com/eng/tent/yellow-label-tents/niak/

Hilleberg Soulo 1-Person Expedition Tent

Owner:            Thomas
Used since:      2018
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:     Winter hiking and camping, primarily on snow

Review:
It is without a doubt THE best tent I have ever owned in my life (and I owned a lot of tents that I used around the world). The price point indicates that this piece of equipment is not for the occasional weekend camper that shies away from anything other than perfect sunshine and comfortable climate camping.

The tent is expensive and while some may argue that for what it does it is light - to me it is a heavy and bulky tent when you go on extended solo hiking trips. BUT - the tent really shines in bad weather and extreme conditions. I used this tent exclusively for winter camping on snow. You will appreciate its quality once you find safe and comfortable shelter during a heavy snow storm outside. You won’t question its price or its weight when the wind, rain and snow hammers on the outside of the tent while you are staying dry and warm in your sleeping bag inside, the tent not giving way to the harsh weather that unfolds outside.

The ease of putting the tent up even under harsh conditions is a pleasure. A true outer-first construction allows you to quickly pitch the outer, clip it on to the 3 poles and then crawl inside and pitch the inner while keeping out of the wind and rain/snow.

While you could use this tent anywhere anytime, I would not recommend it for warm climates because the ventilation is generally poor due to the side walls going all the way to the ground (this prevents from snow getting blown underneath the outer fly and inside. So in warm weather, you won’t get much airflow. It is also not suitable for lightweight hiking, the tent is bulky and heavy for a 1 person tent (due to its build quality and materials used). I would use this tent only in cold conditions, on the high mountains, in the snow or other harsh conditions where protection from the elements is key.

Used this tent extensively every winter for 4 years now and there are ZERO signs of wear and tear. The build quality is second to none.

Pros:
- Superb build quality
- Strong design that can withstand the strongest storms, whether it be snow or rain or just wind
- True outer-first pitch design, with a quick clip-on system
- Inner tent can be pitched later to keep it dry
- 10 points for guy lines to give the tent super strength in strong winds
- Outer fly tent walls go all the way to the ground to keep snow and rain out in windy conditions and keep the inside warmer.

Cons:
- Only downside when pitching the outer fly is the many guy lines get easily tangled, which can be quite annoying and time consuming to untangle in unpleasant weather.
- Generally poor ventilation due to tent fly going all the way to the ground (which is however essential to keep rain and snow out in windy conditions and also keep the inside warmer)

Manufacturer Website:
https://hilleberg.com/eng/tent/red-label-tents/soulo/

One Planet Cocoon -8 Sleeping Bag

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:   Non-Snow, 3-4 season hiking and camping

Review:
Not long after purchasing my alpine winter sleeping bag from OnePlanet (see my review on OnePlanet Winterlite sleeping bag), I purchased this one for 3/4 season use in not so extreme temperatures. For Australian climate, this bag is ideal for the cooler part of spring and autumn and in winter down to about -2 degrees outside of snow areas). Although the specs say ‘-8’, with a layer of thermal underwear on - it keeps you nice and toasty to about 0 degrees.

The best feature of this bag (or any sleeping bag of that standard and loft 800 fill power) is that the weight to warmth ratio is excellent - which is one key reason for buying the OnePlanet sleeping bags. They pack really small yet are light to carry and super warm at night.

Another thing I really like from this brand is that you can buy any of their models with different temperatures ratings, hence fill weight that suit your individual requirements. If you bought the bag and feel you want a bit more dawn filling - you can send it to them and they add it in.

These bags are quite expensive but so is every kit that is made with high quality and for professional use. Highly recommend this brand and I’m planning to buy another one for the warmer months of the year (this one is too warm for summer use).

Pros:
- Superb weight to warmth ratio
- Small Pack Size
- Light Weight
- Quality Materials
- Custom Made to Order

Cons:
- Expensive

Comment:
My second OnePlanet sleeping bag and although they are expensive, I am super happy with the weight to warmth ratio and the overall performance of this sleeping bag. Highly recommended for anyone that is looking for a quality sleeping bag for professional use.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.oneplanet.com.au/product/cocoon/

Osprey Exos 58 Hiking Backpack

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:      2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Lightweight Multi-Day Hiking

Review:
Prior to purchasing this pack I have used my other Osprey 65l pack for all my multi-day hikes. Comfort of that pack is still unsurpassed to this day. However, I have then explored the feasibility of using a 45l pack and cut down on everything weight and size wise where I can, without sacrificing certain comfort.

As a result I bought the Osprey Levity 45l pack, which is great for anything from a few hours hike to 3 days. It is a great pack but I figured I need something thats in between the super light Levity 45 that lacks a bit of space and sturdiness, and the Osprey 65l pack that is a bit heavier and roomy than what I require for a 4-5 day hike.

So I bought the Osprey Exos 58l pack and so far it has delivered exactly what I needed. A pack that is very lightweight, well built and capable of handling a load of up to 15-17kg, as well as it being very comfortable to carry for several days. Except for winter trips to the snow where I need a lot more gear, this is my #1 pack now for trips up to 4 days. I used it recently on a 4 day winter trip (no snow) and the full pack had close to 18kg at the start (that included all food and 3l water). Padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt is thin but its thick enough to provide sufficient comfort.

In summary - for multi-day hiking outside the snow, this pack is the perfect combination of weight, size and comfort. Ideal weight to carry for multiple days should not exceed 15kgs for maximum comfort but the pack can handle 18kgs without any issues.

Pros:
- Very light pack considering its size
- Despite the minimalist style pack to keep the weight down, carry comfort is excellent even on multi-day trips

Cons:
- No integrated rain cover, needs to be purchased separately (approx. 70AUD)

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.osprey.com/au/en/product/exos-58-EXOS58S18_759.html

Hilleberg Enan 1-Person Tent

TEXT

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:      2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Light Weight Multi-Day Hiking, 3 Season

Review:
The design of this tent is very similar to my previous Macpac Sololight tent that I have used for many years. What attracted me to this version from Hilleberg was the fact that I am very impressed with the manufacturing quality of Hilleberg (based on my experience with my Hilleberg Soulo) and that this fairly new 1-person tent is even lighter than the Macpac. I thought I can combine top build quality with reducing weight. As always with a Hilleberg tent, it comes with a hefty price tag of approx. 1k AUD.

I have now used this tent for 1.5 years across all seasons (except on snow). The tent is a lot warmer than the Macpac Sololight, primarily due to the fact that the side walls go all the way to the floor. Putting the tent up is kind of the same awkward way as the Macpac, which I guess is as good as it gets with this type of design. Its not very time consuming or difficult but I am overall not a fan of the way this tent has to be stood up.

As much as I like the build quality and weight of this tent, there are a few major drawbacks for me:

• The condensation inside the tent in cooler months is insane, probably mainly due to the walls going all the way to the floor. Ventilation is certainly worse than in the Macpac Sololight, but then the Sololight is also not as warm. So I guess a trade off between ventilation, warmth and condensation depending on what season you use the tent in.

• The space around the head and shoulders inside is VERY narrow. Not sure why but it feels a lot smaller than in the Macpac Sololight. The main issue with this is when it is windy or rains. In windy conditions, the sidewalls will touch your head and face as the tent moves with the wind, thats really annoying when you try to sleep. Never had that issue in the Macpac.

• The tent is not very strong in windy conditions - despite its product description, I found that this tent is very weak even in moderate winds. It would nee additional anger points along the side walls to help with stability like the Macpac has. Although the Macpac is also not suitable for strong winds, it certainly holds up better than the Enan.

So overall, I have to admit while I like the quality of the tent, I would not buy it again or suggest it to anyone because of the drawbacks mentioned above.

Pros:
- Excellent manufacturing quality, very reliable
- Very light weight makes it ideal for multi-day hikes
- Hilleberg sells an excellent tent footprint tailored for this tent

Cons:
- Expensive
- Ventilation sucks - too hot in summer, too much condensation during colder months
- Too narrow inner tent around the head and shoulders. Side walls move too much in windy conditions and touch head
- Does not cope well in windy conditions

Manufacturer Website:
https://hilleberg.com/eng/tent/yellow-label-tents/enan/

Osprey Levity 45 Hiking Backpack

Owner:            Thomas
Used since:      2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:     Lightweight hiking, up to 2-3 days

Review:
Like all my other Osprey packs, this one does not disappoint! I purchased this based on some reviews I read from people that used this for lightweight multi-day hiking. While it seem ambitious to pack all necessities for a few days into a 45l pack - assuming you have the right kit and don’t bring any unnecessary items - it can be done.

This pack is extremely light but has all the carry comfort you would want. Needless to say, in order to achieve this pack weight (approx. 800gr), Osprey has stripped everything down to the bare minimum using thinner fabrics, smaller straps and buckles, etc.

From my own use on several hikes I would say the maximum trip length this pack is suitable for is 3 days. You can fit everything in nicely but beyond that it becomes problematic for 2 reasons - space and weight. Even for 3 days I would say the weight of the full pack is not ideal.

It is most comfortable when the total weight doesn’t exceed 10kgs. When I tested it on a few 3 day trips, the pack weight was 12kgs (incl. all food and 2.5l water) and you could feel this is as much as the pack can comfortably take but it feels happier with less…

Overall - amazingly light and comfortable pack for the minimalist or day hiker. Watch out for sharp things when you put it down or tree branches on your walk as they might easily pierce the thin fabric.

Pros:
- Very light
- Very comfortable
- Good number of essential side and top pockets

Cons:
- Fabric is very thin, hence prone to getting damaged by tree branches, bushes or other sharp items out in the bush. You can avoid problems with taking care a bit.
- No integrated rain cover
- Not really a disadvantage but just a fact - most comfortable when the total weight is less than 10kg.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.osprey.com/au/en/product/levity-45-LEVITY45_577.html

BRS Ultra Light Titanium Camping Stove

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:      2019
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    All year light-weight hiking

Review:
While I really love my Jetboil Stove , for light weight hiking outside the winter season I was always looking for alternatives. Also I really like cooking with my Furno 360 pots, because at times I can cook with it over the coals from the fireplace (if I have one). Since the Furno 360 stove is fairly junky and heavy, I searched for other options.

I found the BRS Titanium stove element online and ordered it for testing. I have to admit, at first the thing looked flimsy and I could not believe that such a small and light thing could actually be of any good use.

I am now using it all the time on all of my trips except when I go to the snow (mainly because of convenience and it is faster to melt snow with my Jetboil stove).

The BRS is like a little rocket under the pot if you crank it up fully and what I really like about it is that it has a very good simmer function (contrary to my Jetboil model that has no simmer capability at all, so its difficult to cook anything slowly).

The key is that you use some kind of shield around you gas bottle and BRS burner to keep the wind out. I have a specific camping aluminium foil that can be wrapped up small for transport, its super light and when wrapped around the gas bottle and pot, it actually increases the speed of cooking as it traps the heat underneath the pot (see pictures on how I use it).

Pros:
- Super small and light
- Very strong flame
- The simmer function is superb
- Cheap for what it actually is

Cons:
- It appears flimsy since its so small but if you handle it gently it should last a long time. I have mine for over 2 years now

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.amazon.com.au/BRS-Ultralight-Titanium-Camping-BRS-3000t/dp/B01AKF4USW/ref=asc_df_B01AKF4USW/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341774265574&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14351452516896824926&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9072184&hvtargid=pla-348873417499&psc=1

Oceansignal PLP1 EPIRB

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Emergency Beacon with GPS

Review:
I had luckily not to use an EPIRB in my life yet and hope I never have to. But that aside, I upgraded to this new PLB after my previous one from GME was expired and the replacement battery would have cost almost as much as a brand new one. Since I am always trying to reduce my pack weight and size wherever I can - this PLB is unreal. Its so small and light, you have to take care to not loose it somewhere.

Pros:
- Really (really) small and light

Cons:
- None so far

Comment:
If you are conscious about weight and pack size to keep your backpack small - this is the EPIRB to buy.

Manufacturer Website:
https://oceansignal.com/products/plb1/

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Hiking and Camping

Review:
This is a great all-rounder that is a perfect headlamp for hiking and camping, incl. long multi day hikes. It seems quite flimsy at first because the casing is of really light and fairly think plastic - I guess time will tell whether that’s an issue in terms of durability or not. But so far it has not disappointed on any of my recent trips. The main reasons I like this lamp are: it is really lights, packs away very small, is simple and comfortable to wear, has good brightness, has a red light option and most of all - it has a hybrid battery system. It comes with a little rechargeable Petzl specific battery, which can be connected to USB to recharge. If that battery runs out (ie. on a one week trip), you can bring some spare AAA batteries and put those in instead.

Pros:
- Hybrid Battery option (USB Rechargable and/or AAA)
- Red Light option
- Small and light

Cons:
- Casing seems a bit flimsy/thin

Comment:
Good headlamp that really meets the requirements for most outdoor enthusiasts.

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/ACTIVE-headlamps/ACTIK-CORE

Petzl Swift RL Headlamp

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Hiking and Camping, Caving

Review:
I have actually only bought this headlamp because at the time I could not find my Petzl Actik Core headlamp. I thought I had lost it and stumbled across this Swift RL model instead. I have actually not used it much on any hiking and camping trips but from the few occasions I can certainly say - this thing is as bright as it gets. Turning it on max. power is like turning on the high beams of a car - bright as daylight.

The lamp is super comfortable to wear. The many different modes and how to switch between them is a little bit confusing and personally I believe the auto-sensing light adjustment is more a gimmick than anything else. Not really something that personally find very useful as in practice I just click through the different brightness levels until I find the one that suits me for a given situation.

You can only charge it via USB, so there are no external battery option like the Actik has. Also a red light option would be nice. But I guess this headlamp is more for specific purposes such as when you need a really bright light. Comparing it with the Actik, I find that the Swift RL is overkill and less practical for the normal hiking and camping use. You won’t usually need 900 Lumens in these circumstances and doing a 5 day or more hike with it would be a challenge if you can replenish the dead built-in battery with an external AA or AAA battery.

Pros:
- Super comfortable around the head
- Crazy brightness (if that’s what you need)
- Pretty light weight for the power it has
- Rechargable

Cons:
- No red light option
- No option to use external spare batteries
- Too many light modes make it confusing to switch between them
- Auto-sensing light adjustment not really very useful in practice

Comment:
Its a great headlamp from Petzl like they all are, but this is more for a targeted buyer that needs a lot of brightness more than some of the other typical features (such as red light and hybrid battery options). This one would be good for caving and dark areas where a lot of illumination is required but not for an extended period of time since recharging may be difficult over multi-day use (other than buying another Petzl spare battery pack for this model).

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/PERFORMANCE-headlamps/SWIFT-RL

Hoka One One Speedgoat 4

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:       2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Trail Running

Review:
As I was recently getting back into a bit more trail running and all of my previous trail running shoes had been quite old and worn out, I chose a pair of Hoka One One Speedgoat 4  shoes based on a lot of research I did to find a shoe that suits my feet and purpose. I have to admit I was not too sure about these shoes when I tried them on in the running shop as they feel quite different to what you would be used to in regular type shoes. The foam of the sole is really thick and at first it feels like you are walking on clouds.

After using them a few times on the trail, I can understand why this makes a great long distance running shoe. They absorb shock very well, which is especially noticeable on steep downhills or jumping over rocks, etc. I can imagine how this would add up on long runs and really protect your knees and feet from the impact much better than shoes with a traditional build.

The grip of the rubber sole is absolutely and they used a really good rubber compound cause you can literally feel how the show grips and digs into the ground underneath (try running with them on a paved surface and you feel how they slow you down).

I have yet to see how durable they are and how well they really are on super long runs but so far it has been a good purchase. I should also add that I have a few issues with chronic inflammation on my feet ie. around the Sesamoid bones and this shoe makes it a lot more bearable as well as protects feet from the impact better than shoes with a thinner sole.

Pros:
- Super grippy rubber compound and sole
- Excellent shock absorption due to thick foam

Cons:
- Unconventional design and build of the shoes takes time getting used to
- Expensive

Comment:
For people with really slim feet (like myself), the shoe may feel a bit loose on the top and not be as snug as you would want it.

Manufacturer Website:
https://shop.hokaoneone.com.au/speedgoat-4-black-iris-bright-marigold/

Scarpa ZG GTX Hiking Boots

Super comfortable and supportive boots even without any break-in time.

Brilliant Grip

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:     Sept. 2020
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Hiking

Review:
After quite a lot of research, and based on good experience with my older Scarpa hiking boots http://machinesdownunder.org/product-reviews/2015/3/2/scarpa-tech-kinesis-gtx?rq=scarpa , I purchased another pair of lighter weight Scarpa boots. I wanted something that provides great support for multi-day hikes, can cope with rough terrain, has good grip but with a lot less shoe weight overall. While my older Scarpa Tech Kinesis are an excellent boot for anything that nature throws at you - they are quite heavy and it can add to increased fatigue after some long days on the trail.

I’m super pleased with the purchase of the ZG GTX boots, they do exactly what I was looking for and most of all (like in my other Scarpa boots), they had literally no wear-in time. Comfortable and blister free from day one. I bought them a bit too late and had only a few days to wear them at home before setting out on a 4 day hike, and I had no issues with friction points or blisters. Highly recommended boot from Scarpa.

Pros:
- Excellent grip and support while keeping the weight of the shoe fairly low

Cons:
- Expensive but you get what you pay for

Manufacturer Website:
https://www.scarpa.com/zg-trek-gtx-men-s

Exped Winterlite DownMat

Snow camping on Mt. Kosciouszko - August 2015

8cm thickness makes for comfort!

Owner:             Thomas
Used since:      2015
Tested by:        Thomas
Review by:       Thomas
Primary Use:    Hiking, Snow and Winter camping

Review:
Having done an increasing amount of Winter hiking and camping this year, it was time to look for a better sleep pad with more insulation than my ThermaRest Prolite. After some research and dodging other ideas such as using multiple thinner sleeping pads, I found various options and manufacturers of specific winter pads. Although I was initially set on buying the ThermaRest NeoAir XTherm Max, multiple people have told me about their bad experience due to the noise that pad makes when sleeping on it ("you will wake not only yourself up but everyone around you"). So I opted for a new concept of down filled sleep pads that is offered by companies like Exped. The thickness of the pad is approx. 8cm when fully blown up and the MW form/size is ideal if you want a bit more space for your legs and feet. Amazingly the pad is still almost the same pack size and weight as my Thermarest Prolite Plus, so that in itself is fantastic as in winter you already carry much more gear than in summer (such as thicker sleeping bag). A good feature is that the pad includes a dry bag that can be used as 'pump' to blow up the pad (you should avoid blowing it up with the mouth as the moisture of the breath will result in mold building up inside the pad over time).

Now to the downsides - the pad is really quite expensive with over 300AUD in the local stores in Australia. Yes it does certainly give you better insulation in winter, is quiet and comfortable to sleep on - but its not as 'hot' and warming as marketing material may make you believe. Haven't compared any other brands or models but in the absence of that I can say its a good product that I will certainly continue to use during winter and especially when camping on snow.

Pros:
- Quiet and comfortable to sleep on
- Good insulation from cold ground including snow
- Dry Bag that doubles as 'pump' is included, which provides a great tool to blow the pad up quickly
- Pack size and weight is excellent despite its blown up size

Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as warming as people may think based on marketing and some other reviews but it is certainly warmer than any 3-season pad
- Due to the thickness of the pad (approx. 8cm), the cold air within the pad may still result in you feeling some cold underneath your sleeping bag in the early morning hours. So despite its insulation properties, you won't get around thermal underwear and a thick sleeping bag when you camp on snow

UPDATE July 2019:
One of the middle chambers of the mattress popped inside, making a huge bulge in the middle of it. This made it very uneven and uncomfortable to sleep on. This happened on the 3rd night of a 8 day trip. Called the manufacturer but they said they can’t repair or refund it as its out of warranty. Overall I was never too happy or impressed with this product, especially not for this price anyway.

Best system to use in Winter for snow camping is 1x fixed cell foam mattress (at least here the air can’t go out) + put another 3 or 4 season Thermarest (or similar product) on top of it. Works much better than any single mattress that claims its a winter mattress.

Manufacturer Website:
http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-category/mats/downmat-winterlite-mw