Gear Reviews

I originally got my Ultimate Direction Fastpack Her 30 to use for my off-race season. I wanted to use the pack for a full day run/hike out on the trail in the alpine region where I can pack more food, water and gear for the unexpected and forever changed weather conditions.

For ease of understanding and to make it as widely accessible as possible, I like to think of fastpacking as: multi-day bushwalking, where you run a bit. Of course, for some people, “a bit” might be the whole way, for others it will be short sections here and there. For the most part it doesn’t matter. Unless you’re trying to set an FKT (fastest known time) on a particular route, fastpacking isn’t really a competition sport. It’s a novel way to see the world.

A descendant of the common walking stick, trekking poles have been commercially manufactured since the 1970s. I however stubbornly held off using them for some time; I was worried that they would be more of a hindrance then a help in Australian scrub.

I’ve been trialling the new RAB Veil 6L Trail Running Vest over the past few months, and I have to say I am very impressed with it. Small enough to feel like an item of clothing rather than a backpack, but big enough to get you through most mandatory gear lists, or big days out in the mountains.

Bogong staff member Mathilda put an Australian favourite to the test, the Mont Guide Hoodie.

A unique pair of trail running shoes tested by Bogong and La Sportiva Sponsored Athlete Matt Crehan. After over 300 km of training, plus a win at the 100 km Buffalo Stampede Ultra, learn about how the Jackal II BOA's performed when put to the test.

Read what Bogong staff member Sam thought of the La Sportiva Mutant trail runner after putting them to the test.

Find out what Bogong Equipment employees Mike and Mitch think about the Asolo Finder Gore-Tex hiking boot.

Find out why we think you should pack a pair of microspikes on your next trip where you may encounter light snow or ice.

Is this your next ultra training shoe? Matt Crehan reviews the La Sportiva Karacal.