Every Hiker's Worst Nightmare

A couple of days ago, I was invited to go hiking with a couple of mates around Mt. Barney, Queensland. We decided to do the Lower Portals walk, due to rainy weather the day before. Luckily though, the day we went was a beautiful sunny day, free from torrential Queensland downpour.

One of my fellow hikers was just starting out in the hiking scene, so it was our responsibility to teach him about hiking and make sure he had an enjoyable and safe experience. The 'safe' part was all going well until near midday.

To get to the Lower Portal area, you first have to cross a creek. Now, the creek isn't too wide, and there are a few rocks you can step on to get across. This would have been fine, had it not rained heavily the day before. When we got to the creek, the water was fairly deep, cold and fast moving. This started the problems.

The 'general' Lower Portals access crossing.

We tried to cross the river at the normal public crossing, but decided it was too dangerous to rock-hop across, given the depth and speed of the water. Instead, we headed upstream to try and find a safer crossing. Little did we know the general crossing was the safest option we had.

We finally found a place we thought might be safe to cross. Two fairly large, dry rocks, sounds good right? Unfortunately, as we got closer, I saw it was not a good place to cross. The gap between the two rocks was much too far to step, and even to jump. And that's exactly what our inexperienced hiker did.

I saw the event pan out in a slow-motion like daze. He shrugged off his pack, and handed over his keys, wallet and phone (luckily, otherwise we'd still be there). I was at the back of the pack, and shouted out to him. "Don't try it!" I cried, to no avail. He launched off the rock, and from the start, I knew he wasn't going to make it. He flew threw the air in a position vaguely resembling a flying fox. A split second later, his full body hit the rock. He bounced off backwards into the water. And then the concern came flooding in.

We watched him, stunned, for a few seconds, as he tried to drag himself onto another rock. Eventually he managed it. We told him to stay calm and that we would come to the other side with a first aid kit. I was worried he had broken a bone at this stage. We received no verbal confirmation of his understanding, just a thumbs up. This brought shock into the list of things that could be wrong.

My other hiking partner and I bolted downstream along the banks, looking for a safe place to cross. The definition of safe very quickly became just a place where the water would not sweep us away. Eventually, we found such a place. We hurried through the water (so much for not getting my feet drenched) and scrambled up the bank.

By the time we reached our stranded hiker, he was out of the water and stripping off wet layers of clothing. Thankfully, nothing was broken, just a little bruising and abrasion. Soon, we retrieved the packs and continued the hike to the end.

We made it! The Lower Portals! The end view was spectacular
and worth the effort. And the cold.

This could have ended much worse than it did, so here's a bit of advice to help you make sure your amateur hiker doesn't make the same mistake, or worse. Firstly, brief your amateur hiker on the dangers of creek crossings. Sit them down and explain to them just how deep the water can be, and how deceiving it may look from the surface. Tell them how forceful water can be, and how easily they can be swept off their feet and taken down the river. Secondly, explain to them what water can do to their bodies. Muscles contract in the cold, which means they won't be able to breathe as easily. They might go into shock. They will get tired much faster. Finally, tell them that, in spite of all these grave dangers, they should not be discouraged from hiking. As long as they are cautious and sensible around creek crossings, they will have a safe and enjoyable time.

There is risk in everything you do. To live is to risk dying, so don't let danger stop you. Just be sensible.

That's all for now, stay tuned for more hiking experiences.

Adventure on!
- Rohan.

Scarpa Vapor V Review

So I went out recently and returned a pair of Scarpa Force X's I got for my birthday. They were just a bit too small. At the store, I got to thinking; what is it I really want from my climbing shoes? I already have a comfortable pair of neutral shoes, so I decided to go for more aggressive shoes. And what better pair than the Scarpa Vapor V's?

Luckily for me, they had my size in at Wild Earth. I was a bit concerned they didn't, after not being able to find a pair my size when trying them on with socks. I decided to be a bit naughty and try on some pairs without socks. After going down three half sizes, I finally found a good size. Good, but not comfortable, let me tell you now!

Later that afternoon, I tried them out at a local gym, Crank Climbing. They were like nothing I had ever tried before! The grip they had was amazing compared to my older Boreal Zephyrs. I could feel so much through my toes, and smear on any edge, even the ones I didn't think I could! At many points on the overhang, I had to pull a toe hook or a heel hook. It was so easy in the Vapors, and felt incredibly natural, especially considering I've been climbing for less than a year.

The only problem I have is they are a tad uncomfortable on my toes. That could easily be solved by going up half a size, but that would sacrifice a little performance. It's all about finding the right balance between comfort and performance in climbing shoes.

Overall, I was really impressed with the Vapor V's. They are a great climbing shoe, providing a lot of performance at a reasonable price. Sure, they aren't the cheapest on the market considering they aren't hugely aggressive, but at least you know you're getting performance and quality. They are a really good aggressive shoe, and I managed to use them really effectively as a newer, less experienced climber, so imagine how they might be used by an experienced climber.

I'll post some pictures of them in use later and keep you updated as I use them more.
Keep an eye out for more climbing content!

Adventure on!
- Rohan.

Bargain Climbing Gear (Short Post)

I recently picked up a set of climbing gear for an absolute bargain off Gumtree. I never would have used Gumtree before, but after this bargain, I'll be using it a lot more. In the bargain deal was included a pair of Boreal Zephyr climbing shoes, a Petzl Sama harness, Black Diamond carabiner and belay device, and a Mountain Equipment Co-op climbing bag. All for what price, you ask? I snagged this deal approximately 8 hours after it was posted, for $100.

Adventure on!
- Rohan.

Bargain Climbing Gear

I have recently gotten into the rock climbing scene. After a month of handing out money for shoe and harness hire, as well as entry fees every Friday, I decided it was about time I purchased my own gear. At this stage, I was ready to go out and buy some middle of the range gear, with good performance and quality, but still durable enough so I wouldn't have to buy replacement gear anytime soon.

After a weekend of research, I thought I had found the perfect set of gear. There was just one problem: I was (being a teenager) severely low on funds. The whole set would cost in excess of $300. While I was wallowing in the depressive state caused by my lack of funds, someone suggested I try Gumtree. So I did just that.

For the next hour, I put in as many search terms as I could think of that would bring up a good deal for a climbing gear set. I found one set that was reasonably priced at $200 for shoes, a harness, chalk bag, and a belay device with a carabiner. I then read the description, and discovered that the seller was selling due to ingrown toenails making climbing unbearable. My previous experience with ingrown toenails taught me all I needed to know, and given climbers don't wear socks with their shoes, that deal was a no go.

Miracle deal on climbing gear for $100 - Boreal Zephyr's, Petzl
Sama, Arc'teryx Chalk Bag, Black Diamond Belay Device and
Carabiner, Mountain Equipment Co-op Climbing Bag

Another half an hour of searching yielded a great result: climbing shoes, harness, chalk bag, carabiner, belay device and a bag, all for $100. This had been posted no less than four hours ago, so I hastily got in contact with the seller, and by the end of the day, the gear was mine.

This purchase is likely never to be seen again, given I had to try on sizes for the shoes and harness. I looked up the sizing chart for the harness, and knew I would probably fit. The shoes, I wasn't sure about. When I went to check sizes, it was a miracle: both the harness and the shoes fit my perfectly. I snatched up the gear without any second thoughts.

In short, I will be using Gumtree a lot more now, and I recommend that you do too. Just make sure you always read the description, and if you can, read reviews on the product itself.

Adventure on!

- Rohan.

Kathmandu Blackburn GORE-TEX Jacket - Short Review

Snatched up the fully waterproof and windproof Blackburn jacket from Kathmandu a few days ago! Works brilliantly fully lined with GORE-TEX. Picked it up on sale too, along with some other great pants from Kathmandu, sure to serve me well on my hikes.

The jacket works absolutely flawlessly, especially in the Australian downpour. All the features like sealed zips and removable hood are in just the right places. There's no way you can get wet in this jacket.

From the Kathmandu Website:
"Whether you’re on a day-hike or travelling overseas, this versatile, fully lined GORE-TEX® jacket is the one you want with you. The waterproof, wind-proof and fully-lined Blackburn is a comfortable high performance jacket, at home on the mountain or in the city. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, making it the ideal layer whether you’re walking up the trail or running for the plane – nothing’s weighing you down. Removable hood and adjustable hem and cuffs."

I highly recommend you stop in at your local Kathmandu and check it out today. They've always got a sale on, and you're sure to pick up a bargain. To quote the friendly checkout clerk that helped me pick this perfect jacket, "You basically got the pants free and the jacket half price." Not bad for a $400 jacket and $100 pants...

To see more pictures of my adventures and gear, follow me on Instagram at: rohanjc

Adventure on!
- Rohan.

Gear Review: Kathmandu Incite 60L Pack

What makes a pack?

There are many things that can make or break a pack. These include: durability, function, elemental resistance, capacity, bells and whistles, and of course, comfort. Packs need to be made of durable materials so they don't fall apart on the trial. They need to be able to hold their own against rain, snow and any other elements, in case of an emergency. Packs also need to be able to store all your gear with ease and in the right orientation, so your pack has a good weight distribution. Finally, a pack needs to be comfortable, as if you are out on a multi-day hike with 25kg of gear, you don't want a pack that is digging into you or is not padded enough. So how does the Kathmandu Incite 60L pack weigh up in each of these categories?

Durability

Kathmandu Incite 60L - Exterior

The second worst thing that can happen when you're out on the trail is gear failure. The worst thing (and we are talking top of the list worst thing) that can happen is pack failure. Luckily, the Incite 60L is made from Kathmandu's gridTECH fabric. This is a "two-layer fabric incorporating a rip-stop Cordura^® nylon outer and a robust, water-resistant inner membrane". Basically this means that the pack is partially indestructible and fairly water-resistant. See how I said water-resistant? Never assume that a pack is water-proof. Always water-proof your gear if there could be rain or water that could get into your pack present in the environment you are hiking in.
I have only done one "road test" of this pack, and I was carrying 18kg (a failed attempt at packing light) I had no concerns that the pack would rip, nor that I was putting tension on the straps that they couldn't handle. Albeit, this was not pushing the limits of the pack's weight capacity, but it was a comfortable weight for an overnight hike.
I'm not trying to be wizard like here, but once I touched the pack, it gave off an aura of durability. You can tell from the get-go that the gridTECH won't fail you. If you ever get the chance, at least go to a Kathmandu store and touch one of these packs. You'll see what I mean. It feels both durable and water-resistant. Almost edging on water-proof.

Function

A pack can look as good as it wants, but that means nothing if it doesn't work. The Incite does both. Despite looking quite good in the graphite/orange colour combination, it also serves its purpose. Though 18kg of gear doesn't quite push the limits of the pack's functionality, it shows how easily one can store gear in this pack. My sleeping bag fits horizontally at the bottom of the pack, which helps save a lot of space. I was then able to put everything else on top of it, including my sleeping mat, towel, clothes (which I had way too many of) and food bag. Unfortunately, the fold down top of the pack makes it hard to stuff extra gear in, but makes the pack thoroughly more water-resistant than other drawstring top packs. Perhaps this was done to make hikers like me take less gear... Aside from this, my only other complaint is the side water bottle pockets While they make great hiking pole holsters, I need them to hold water bottles when my pack is full. Which they couldn't. I will do further testing of this, to see if it was just the way I was packing my pack, but I don't think it was.

Elemental Resistance

Kathmandu Incite 60L being an alpine

pack as labelled

By this I mean how well the pack fairs against rain, snow, wind etc. The Incite seems to hold its own against water. I haven't been able to test how water-resistant it is yet, due to the lack of storms at times when I am hiking, but the quality of its material speaks for itself. I am not particularly worried about water-proofing my gear, just from the feel of the fabric. The gridTECH feels water-resistant, and even the seems seem water-resistant (see what I did there?). The zipper on the top of the pack has a water-resistant outer lining, making me feel even more secure about this pack in winter conditions. The Incite is even labelled as an alpine pack, and if there were alpines in Australia, that's where I would be taking it. I truly believe that this pack can stand up to the elements. But just to be sure, I strapped a Deuter 60-90L raincover to the back of it.

Capacity

The Incite is labelled as a 60L pack. Now, I'm not about to go crazy and pour water into it to see if this is true or not, but I'll suffice to say it is big enough. It's not the largest pack, but it fits all my gear in, plus too many clothes and a 2L water bladder. It even fits my sleeping bag in horizontally, which is more than can be said for that $80 pack I bought on sale... But the moral of this story is the pack is thoroughly big enough to fit all your gear for multi-day hikes, assuming you pack what you need and not every comfort item you can find in your house.

Bells and Whistles

Kathmandu Incite 60L - Removable top

Though not essential for a hiking pack, it is nice to have some functional features when you're paying $300 dollars or more for a good pack. Starting from the top, there is a mesh pocket inside the top compartment. This makes it easy to store things such as pocket knives, medication, earphones, wallets, phones (assuming they aren't the size that sticks out of your pocket) etc. Also a feature of the top compartment is that it is fully detachable. This is a feature that cannot be found on some packs, and makes a hand replacement for a pillow when filled with clothes. Inside the pack there are many hidden features that can be found. Below the fold down top, there are two slits for hydration bladder hoses to be put through, which can attach to the clip on the left shoulder strap (another nifty accessory). Speaking of hydration bladders, there is also an inbuilt holder for hydration bladders. This features an elastic top seam, so your hydration bladder stays secure in its position in the pack. Above this pocket, there is another zip pocket, for more storage of small items. This is bigger than the pocket found in the top, and is made fully of fabric, not mesh. This makes it easy to store larger items, such as excessively large phones, maps, basic first-aid gear, gps, satellite phone etc. The pack also features water bottle holders, but as I mentioned before, when the pack is full, these don't really function as water bottle holders as much as hiking pole holsters. In between these water bottle pockets is an elastic lattice, which is useful for many things. However, the only purpose I have found for it is holding my raincover, which it does securely and with ease. Hidden in behind this are two daisy chains, forming an 'A' shape, presumably making the labelled "A-frame ski attachment". Whatever that is... Below this, there are two ice-axe loops, which I'm sure would function well in a country which has a) snow, b) ice and c) a need for ice-axes. Finally, there are loops on the hip belts, which are labelled as "gear holsters". The only purpose I have found for these though is putting my thumbs in, to rest my arms. Which is also useful.

Comfort

Kathmandu Incite 60L - S2 Pro harness

This is possibly the most defining factor of a pack. It needs to be comfortable enough that you aren't feeling pain as soon as you start on the trail. With my 18kg testing weight, properly distributed and adjusted, the pack was fairly comfortable for the 7km that I walked. The pack was quite easy to adjust, except for the torso size. The Incite features Kathmandu's S2 Pro harness system, where the adjustment mechanism for the torso size is hidden behind the moulded back pads. Despite this vast range of adjustment capabilities, I found that the pack did not have quite enough padding for me. It seemed to dig in in places, namely just above my hips and my shoulder blades. This was possibly due to my slim figure (I have less padding than most), but I think it was more due to the lack of padding on the pack's harness. After a while, I got used to it, but I can't help thinking there isn't enough padding on this hiking pack, which is an essential feature.

Overall this is a great pack with a lot of features and capabilities, but it misses out slightly in the comfort area. I would love to see this pack come back with more padding and some pockets on the hip belts, so I can have easy access to my camera. This, if nothing else, would help me build a following on my Instagram account, featuring lots of hiking related pictures. Speaking of which, if you're interested in hiking pictures, hit me up with a follow! Search rohanjc and click that follow request button.

Take a further look at the Kathmandu Incite 60L here: http://www.kathmandu.com.au/incite-gridtech-xt-pack-graphite-orange.html

Adventure on!

- Rohan.

An Introductory Post

Who am I?

My name is Rohan. I am an active Australian teenager and an avid hiker, currently in grade 11. I am just starting out in the hiking scene, and I am already in love with it, so feel free to comment any suggestions or tips you have, so I can learn more and become more experienced. My aim for this blog is to provide an insight into the world of a hiker, and hopefully teach the world a little from the knowledge I have. I myself, would also like to learn more about hiking, so I can further develop my skills and knowledge, and have more enjoyable adventures.

In this blog I would like to talk about different aspects of hiking, give tips, advice and product reviews. I feel this will help improve my knowledge and hopefully that of the readers of this blog. On a side note, if you've got connections, feel free to get in touch with me and I might be able to review your products, helping companies and consumers.

That's all for now, you'll learn more about me as we go along!
If you have any questions, would like to further discuss something, or have your own tips, please comment. I will do my best to read all comments and reply appropriately. Subscribe to this blog to keep up to date with all my tales, reviews and tips.

Adventure on!
- Rohan.