Take A Hike Podcast - Hikers Christmas Gift Guide and 2022 Wrap-Up

The Ultimate Christmas Wishlist for North Queensland Hikers

With Christmas just around the corner, host Blair Woodcock sat down with Townsville Bushwalking Club regulars Cherry Judge and Luen Warneke to talk about what should be waiting under the tree for the outdoor lover in your life. If you are struggling to avoid the chaotic shopping centres, here is the ultimate hiker-approved gift guide.

Budget-Friendly Stocking Fillers

• Dry Bags: You can truly never have too many of these. They are absolute essentials for keeping your gear safe from unexpected tropical downpours.
• Safety & Maintenance: Power banks, Aquatabs for water sterilisation, hydration tube cleaning kits, and quality snake bandages are practical gifts that show you care about your loved ones' safety.
• The Classic Buff: A versatile headwear piece that no hiker will ever turn down.

Mid-Range Gear & Gadgets

• High-Quality Headlamps: Blair admitted he struggles to keep a headlamp lasting longer than a year or two. Luen's advice? Spend over $100 for something that lasts. He recommends Black Diamond or the ultra-lightweight Nitecore models, which are so light (around 50g) that trail runners often swap the headband for a simple elastic cord.
• Lightweight Thermos: Cherry loves the idea of walking three hours into the bush and opening up a steaming hot coffee. Look for lightweight titanium options or brands like Klean Kanteen.
• Flip Fuel: A clever gadget that allows you to transfer leftover gas from one backpacking canister to another, ensuring you never carry half-empty canisters.
• Solar Lanterns: Perfect for the car-camping adventures Cherry has planned for the new year.

Big-Ticket Upgrades

• The "Big Three" Upgrades: If you are treating yourself, look to upgrade your tent, sleeping bag, or backpack.
• Hammock Tents: Luen highly recommends hammock tents for off-track camping, as they allow you to set up anywhere there are trees or sleep flat on the ground with a fly net. For top-tier lightweight gear, look into Hummingbird Hammocks, which use incredibly strong parachute material.
• Garmin GPS Watches: The ultimate premium upgrade for navigation and tracking.
• Adventure Vouchers: National Parks gift cards or hiking vouchers from local stores make incredible gifts. If you are feeling exceptionally generous, you could even try securing a permit for the iconic Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island!

Reflecting on 2022: Our Favourite Adventures

Before wrapping up the year, the team looked back at some of their standout hiking moments from 2022.

Cherry's Pick: The Atherton Waterfall Circuit

In May, Cherry stayed at Yungaburra and tackled the waterfall circuit during heavy rain. While she often spends her year searching for complex, off-track bucket-list hikes, this trip reminded her that sometimes the simplest, most accessible walks are the most beautiful.

Luen's Pick: Technical and Remote Exploring

Luen had too many highlights to choose just one. His year was packed with diverse adventures, including rock climbing on massive granite boulders along remote ridgelines, pack rafting down Stony Creek, exploring the deep canyons of White Mountains with ropes, and a short, easy trip to Cowley Falls.

Blair's Pick: Exploring Magnetic Island's Hidden Bays

Blair kept it local but spectacular, spending a day on Maggie walking between Geoffrey Bay and the surrounding spots. While Luen joked that the northern Five Beach Bay walk (including Huntingfield, Lovers, Maud, and Joyce Bays) can be complete torture on foot, Blair stuck to the gentler, more scenic trails.

Looking Ahead: Epic Plans for 2023

What is on the horizon for the crew next year? The goals are big, ambitious, and stretching across the globe.

• Cherry is incredibly excited to tackle Tasmania's legendary Overland Track in August. Yes, in the absolute depths of winter! She is also focused on rebuilding her strength post-surgery to resume remote hiking.
• Luen is on the mend from a broken ankle and has been dipping his toes into other sports. On his radar for 2023 is Moochoopa Falls in Far North Queensland. His dream itinerary involves a 15k to 20k off-track hike in, followed by pack rafting down the Russell River to Golden Hole.
• Blair has the biggest challenge of all: a 500-kilometre solo thru-hike in America. He will be zigzagging around the crowded John Muir Trail (JMT) to explore deep off-trail wilderness. His training involves hiking up Mount Stuart once a week with a 25kg pack and wearing it on everyday dog walks. He will also have to carry a bear canister to keep his food safe from the local wildlife!

Keep Exploring

If you want to learn more about any of the tracks, trails, or gear mentioned in this episode, check out wanderstories.space or listen to the full archive.

Have a safe holiday season, enjoy the break, and happy hiking!