New to hiking - What essentials I need?

[Allchinoman]

Hey All,

Great forums you have here.

Im fairly fit and have a 7 month old Border Collie who recently he and I have been doing a couple of Dandenong walks, nothing onerous but maybe 2-3kms. He absolutely loves it, and I have to admit I also have.

I have hiking shoes, and all the attire I need, however from a backpack, water bottles, dog items, nutrition standpoint and not forgetting safety point, is anyone able to steer me in the right direction of a good place and or online area I can buy the right items. I presume there are many topics on this but hard to go through them all!

Cheers

[Strider]

To get you started

viewtopic.php?t=31

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

[GBW]

If you're looking for other places to walk with your dog, drive out to Big Pats Creek near Warburton and walk up to the Ada Tree. We recently took our Jack Russell on his first multiday adventure and he loved it...dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash (State Forest).

[Allchinoman]

Awesome thanks guys!

Yeah I might look at that trail too. Ease him into walking (even though I think he will dominate it moreso than me)

[GPSGuided]

Don't buy for the purpose of buying. Use what you have and see what item/s you want to change. Don't go to a shop and buy en-mass based on sales staffs' push. It'd be sure way to waste your money. For short walks, you really don't need much.

[Allchinoman]

Don't buy for the purpose of buying. Use what you have and see what item/s you want to change. Don't go to a shop and buy en-mass based on sales staffs' push. It'd be sure way to waste your money. For short walks, you really don't need much.

yeah no doubt the way to go.

As I am doing Kokoda next year I plan on starting my first 5-10 hikes as day runs, pushing into an overnight stay and then more and so forth.

Doesn't help I have back problems but have to keep active!

[gayet]

With back problems, start by considering walking poles. 1 or 2, its up to you, but with a dog on a lead, 2 may be impractical. It will save your back a lot of grief, as well as your knees.

[GPSGuided]

Depending on the specific back issue, some may suggest you taking a look at Aarn's range of packs. Best design for load balance but you'll then need to decide b/n it and ultralight packs to minimise the load. Then, it's a question on budget. Quality and lightness come with a hefty price.

[north-north-west]

A (working) brain. Pretty well everything else is negotiable.

[JohnStrider]

Hire/borrow stuff to begin with if you can. That way you can determine what you like/don't like and then slowly buy. Took me a good 6-8 months to get myself to a reasonably happy level with my gear. Get out there as much as you can and field test what you have and take it from there.

[madmacca]

In terms of water bottles, just use empty 1.25 soft drink bottles. These are lighter (and obviously cheaper) than anything you could buy. Because they are designed for pressurized contents, they are surprisingly strong.

A collapsible bucket/bowl is an essential so your dog can drink too.

[Moondog55]

Op-Shops are your friend
Raincoat is the only thing I would advise buying and that can wait a while
all other advice is spot on

[wayno]

have a look at this thread

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=31

feel free to ask any questions or elaboraton arising from what you read

[Zone-5]

Mini umbrella, makes a huge difference when it rains.