Hiking and Bushwalking Gear For the Avid Explorer

At Paddy Pallin, we have all the gear for your hiking and bushwalking needs. From sweat-wicking hiking clothing to keep you cool in the bush to waterproof hiking to keep your feet dry, we have an extensive range of hiking and bushwalking equipment.

The Joy of Hiking

Hiking is more than just a physical activity; it’s a way to connect with nature, clear your mind, and embrace adventure. From mountain trails to forest paths, hiking offers an escape from daily life and a chance to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting, the right preparation can make all the difference in your journey. Essential hiking gear, comfortable clothing, and a reliable plan ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Hiking Gear

Hiking gear encompasses everything you need for a successful outing. Some items that can be included are a durable hiking backpack, hiking pants, and hiking sticks. A well-fitted backpack helps distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your back across those long hiking trips. Lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants and tops keep you comfortable in changing weather, while hiking sticks improve balance and reduce joint strain on steep trails. Investing in high-quality bushwalking gear and equipment enhances both safety and convenience.

Clothing and Equipment for Bushwalking

Bushwalking clothes and equipment are tailored for Australia’s diverse landscapes. From moisture-wicking hiking clothes to sturdy footwear, choosing the right items is crucial for comfort and safety. Visit a dedicated hiking store to explore gear that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for bushwalking gear, protective clothing, or multi-functional equipment, proper preparation ensures you’re ready for any trail ahead.

Hiking Gear & Bushwalking Equipment FAQs

What is hiking clothing?

Hiking clothing is specialised clothing specifically designed to perform well when used when hiking and bushwalking. Often constructed with materials not found in traditional clothing, like merino wool or GORE-TEX, hiking clothing will keep you comfortable even in extreme conditions. These materials found in hiking clothing all have specific uses, as some like down-filled jackets, are great for providing excellent warmth while remaining lightweight and compact, ideal for bushwalking. Non-hiking clothing is often heavier than bushwalking clothing and will not perform as well in hot, cold or rainy conditions. Hiking clothing is fitted with features designed with hiking in mind, such as pit zips and adjustable hoods, which are found in many hiking waterproof jackets.

What hiking gear do I need for hiking?

First and foremost, if you are just getting into hiking, don’t worry too much about getting the perfect gear, just get out and start having fun in the bush. If you are looking at picking up some hiking gear essentials, a quality pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes should be your first priority. Having the appropriate footwear when hiking is crucial, as an ill-fitted pair of boots can cause blisters and lead to a miserable time on the trail. Proper hiking boots and shoes have excellent traction, essential when hiking on uncertain terrain, and some are also waterproof, ensuring your feet remain dry in rain or when stepping in any unexpected puddles. A hiking pack fitted with a comfortable harness and ample storage for your adventure is a great piece of gear to have when hiking. Depending on the length of your hike and how much gear you are taking will dictate if you bring a hiking daypack or a hiking pack large enough for a multiday trek. When bushwalking and hiking, it is important that you have suitable hiking clothing appropriate to the conditions you will be facing. If you are expecting cold and wet weather, it is crucial to have waterproof and insulated clothing to protect yourself from the elements. Additionally, if hiking in hot conditions, it is important to protect yourself from the sun, so wearing SPF-rated clothing, sunscreen and staying hydrated will help you keep safe on the trail. Additional hiking accessories like hiking poles and a headlamp are great pieces of gear to have, but as you continue hiking, you will better understand your personal needs. If you are still unsure of what you need for an upcoming hiking trip, come visit one of our Paddy Pallin stores and chat with one of our experts.

What are the best hiking accessories?

When going hiking, there are several hiking accessories that you should bring, which will improve your overall experience while out on the trail. For many, trekking poles are the first thing they pick up when going hiking, as they can make hiking easier and prevent pain in your knees when hiking long distances. When it gets dark, it is crucial that you have sufficient lighting when hiking. A headlamp should be in every pack when going hiking as it provides plenty of light and can be used hands-free, making headlamps the perfect option when hiking in the dark. If you plan on collecting water during your hike, you should bring a water treatment solution to drink the collected water safely. At Paddy Pallin, we stock several water treatment solutions such as water filters and water treatment tablets, which are lightweight and packable, making them a great hiking accessory.

What bushwalking and hiking brands are available at Paddy Pallin?

At Paddy Pallin, we stock a wide range of hiking and bushwalking brands from the top outdoor brands. For hiking and bushwalking clothing, we stock several quality brands like Mont, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, The North Face, Cotopaxi and Rab. If you are on the hunt for some boots or hiking shoes for an upcoming trip, we stock the footwear brands Scarpa, Salomon, Merrell, Altra and Teva. For the perfect pack for bushwalking and hiking, we stock hiking packs from Osprey, Wilderness Equipment, Arc’teryx and The North Face. These hiking packs come in various harness sizes to ensure that you find the most comfortable fit for you. With a wide range of hiking pack volumes to choose from, we have hiking packs for day trips to large packs for multi-day trips in the Himalayas. At Paddy Pallin, we on hiking accessories from brands like Sea to Summit, Adventure Medical Kits and Alton.