Ideas

For as long as I can remember, hiking and mountaineering have been more than just hobbies - they’ve been my way of life. My journey began with a moment I’ll never forget: meeting the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. Even now, the memory brings a lump to my stomach and tears to my eyes. As if guided by something greater, I happened to meet his son, Peter Hillary, on my very first overseas flight. It felt like the universe was nudging me toward the path I was meant to follow, the mountains.

Patagonia in autumn. It’s a bucket list experience for many, and a place I was lucky enough to visit earlier this year while backpacking. It spans over a million square kilometres of land, encompassing the southern most parts of both Chile and Argentina. There are countless hiking trails to choose from. We however, opted for the most popular areas - Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, and El Chalten and surrounds in Argentina.

With less than 2 weeks to go until The Track 520km - the epic journey from Alice Springs to Uluru - I threw myself into the Buffalo Stampede 100km with one clear intention: this was not just a race, but a rehearsal for something much bigger. Check out Sia's heartwarming account as part of her preparation for the big one in May this year.

Katrina Watson OAM (received in 2018 for services to medicine) recently came in for a pack fitting with staff member Gerhard for the 3 Capes Track in Tasmania, just in time for her 70th birthday!

Congratulations to our Major Prize winner Miriam Powell on winning a Bogong Equipment climbing gear pack as well as 2-Day Climbing Course with Melbourne Climbing School and 10x Pass for Climb West Melbourne Bouldering Gym! We received 80 entries to the competition from members of the community wanting to make their voices heard.

As part of preparing for my trip to Italy where I competed at the Club Crew World Championships with Melbourne Flames Dragon Boat Club, I was made well aware of pickpockets (prior to my departure from family and friends plus recall regular announcements on trains and stations in Florence and Rome) and knew I needed not only a pack to transport my dragon boat gear for training/racing with ease but essential items for my travels across the country as well.

A deep dive into the life of former World Tour rider and moustachioed hard man Mitch Docker with his brother Kirk Docker! Adversity is what makes the outdoors alluring. Testing yourself against perceived limits. Mitch understands this more than anyone.

Congratulations to the winners of The Way, My Way - Ticket Giveaway! We received around 40x entries and everyone that entered sure made it hard for us to choose our top 10. Beautiful short stories of triumph, spirituality, humour, romance and family. Without further ado, here they are.

We couldn't help but share all the other gems that missed the cut by "that much" (Agent 86, Get Smart). Here are the honourable mentions!

All climbers know the struggle of not sending a route. You know you're capable, you know the beta, but you fall off at the crux EVERY TIME! Bogong Sponsored Athlete Ashlee Hendy knows the feeling all too well. Find out how she has managed to push through and find success.