by Jo Vartanian

Ready for your first full-day hike or multi-day adventure? We’ve got some tried and tested tips to help you on your way.

Diamonds Adventure Coaches, Clare and Kalina, hiking in the Snowy Mountains.

1. Wrap Duct Tape around your Trekking Poles

Duct tape is a hiker's best friend when it comes to dealing with unexpected situations in the great outdoors. But you don’t need to carry a whole roll of it? Here's a savvy hack: wrap a good length of duct tape around your trekking poles. Not only does this save you weight and space in your backpack, but it also keeps the tape easily accessible for those rapid gear repairs. Whether it's patching up a tear in your clothing, fixing a hole in your tent, or rescuing a delaminating boot sole, duct tape has got you covered. Plus, it can come in handy for managing hot spots on your feet and securing first-aid bandages.

2. Brilliant Buffs: More Than Just Neckwear

Those colourful, lightweight buffs that you usually wear around your neck have a multitude of uses on the trail, making them an invaluable accessory for any hiker. You can use them to keep sand and dust out of your ears, nose, and mouth, provide sun protection in high-altitude conditions, wipe away sweat, or handle a dripping nose. When wet, they'll keep you cool, and in windy conditions, you can wear them over your hat or cap to prevent them from blowing away. They also make for a handy little swimming towel and are great for wiping sand from your feet and between your toes, helping to prevent blisters.

3. Eco-friendly Bathing is Possible

No showers in sight? Too cold for a swim? Here's a simple waste-free bathing method for multi-day hikes: Pack two jumbo-sized plastic clip-lock bags (or a small dry bag), two or three reusable Chux wipes (cut in half), and a small quantity of tea-tree oil. When it's time for a wash, add water and a few drops of oil to your plastic bag. Use one of your Chux wipes to wash your body, starting with the cleanest areas and finishing with the not-so-clean ones. Then, use a dry Chux to dry yourself off. Finish with a generous layer of moisturizer or pawpaw cream to prevent dry skin. Rinse out your wipes in fresh water and hang them on your pack or in your tent to dry for next time.

4. Save Your Sleeping Bag from Moisture

Nobody wants a wet sleeping bag, especially when you're out in the wilderness. River crossings, torrential rain, water bladder leaks, or tears in dry bags can all lead to a soaked sleeping bag. Here's a handy tip: when packing your sleeping bag, line your sleeping bag stuff sack with a heavy-duty garbage bag. Stuff your sleeping bag inside, press out all the air, and twist the top of the garbage bag, sealing it with a knot if desired. Then, close the stuff sack as usual. You can further protect your sleeping bag by using a waterproof bag or your pack liner. This extra layer of protection might just save your night's sleep one day.

5. How to Stay Warm at Night

You've got the right sleeping bag temperature rating, a thermal sleeping mat, and foam underlay, but you're still feeling chilly at night? Try these tips: Before climbing into bed, take a short walk to warm up your feet. Wear one or two layers of long thermals (but not your puffer jacket). Lay your puffer jacket over your sleeping bag to trap heat between the feathers. Fill your Nalgene water bottle with hot water and place it under your arms and between your legs, where blood vessels are close to the skin. Don't forget to wear a beanie, socks, and inner gloves. Ensure you are fully enclosed in your sleeping bag, zip it up completely, and fasten the hood tightly. Practising these techniques at home can make a big difference when you're out in the wilderness.

A great night’s sleep for Jane on her Kosciuszko Snow Camping adventure

6. Prevent Bruised Toenails and More with Simple Lacing Adjustments

Effective boot lacing can make a world of difference for your feet during a hike. If you're prone to black toenails from downhill hiking, try an ankle lock lacing technique to keep your heel securely in place. Start by pushing your heel to the back of the boot, then lace up as usual to your ankle. Add an extra tight crossover and continue lacing to the top of your boot. When your feet tend to expand in hot weather, consider loosening the laces around your toe box to provide more room for movement. Then, lace up normally around your ankle and above. These adjustments can work wonders on long, hot hikes.

7. Keep the Critters out of Your Boots

While you may keep your boots in the vestibule of your tent to protect them from the elements, critters can still find their way in. Prevent these unwelcome visitors by placing a plastic shower cap over your boots. This simple step ensures your boots remain a critter-free zone.

Want to learn more great tips, check out our website blog for more helpful hints and information.