Sustainability

Shared Not Shut is a campaign about fairness, accountability, and the right to enjoy outdoor spaces in a way that respects cultural heritage while maintaining access to outdoor recreation. Through unity and strategic action, they are pushing for necessary legislative changes and holding our government accountable to ensure long-term protection of outdoor users' rights for all.

These videos are a part of a growing collection of stories to show the importance of Mount Arapiles in the lives of so many - courtesy of Climbing Victoria. Watch this space for more!

In November 2024, the Victorian Government and Parks Victoria announced plans to close 63% of climbing and prohibit off track bushwalking at Mount Arapiles / Dyurrite. There has been no consultation with the local or climbing community. The future of Australian rock climbing is at stake. The climbing community urgently needs your help. Check out the short film by Lucas Corroto - including Brand Ambassador Ashlee Hendy!

Open Letter to The Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP and the Premier Jacinta Allan. A request for a full and proper consultation with the climbing community and other affected stakeholders before the Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park Plan of Management is amended.

The Mistral is a new shoe from La Sportiva dedicated to climbers in the evolution phase. Built for comfort and versatility the shoe is a great all rounder, a comfortable indoor training shoe to a great multi pitch trad machine. With added environmentally friendly additions the Upper and insole are made entirely without the use of animal products and the sole is made from recycled Vibram rubber offcuts from the La Sportiva factory in Italy.

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.

Late last year, Sia came to the rescue of a pair of hikers on the Staircase Spur Trail to and from Mount Bogong. She came prepared for all conditions and was able to revitalise the two adventurers with "warm dry clothes, food, hot water, a sleeping bag, and a magnitude of wisdom and kindness". Check out this first hand account from one of the rescued - Rachel Fulford.

What a great day for a field trip at the Rogaine - a little rain, but generally great Rogaining weather, although the cloud came down early as we finished. We ended up with 17 participants in 5 teams of 3 or 4 (many of them were trail runners), which enabled excellent learning opportunities. There was great enthusiasm prior to starting the exercise with everyone well kitted out for the drizzling weather conditions - Merv Trease.

As of 2022, Exped have updated their hiking mat range. You can now choose with confidence from a selection of sustainably made mats that will fit your needs, whatever the adventure. Learn about how sustainability is at the core of the new Exped hiking mats.