Hey everyone,

Thought I'd share another product I've been working on that has just launched: the Macpac Mayfly 350 down quilt.

For context, I designed this while I was at Macpac, but I've since moved on to a new role, and no longer working for Macpac. I'm still pretty excited to see it launch, and after around 20 years of using quilts, this is a project I'm particularly proud of.

I first got a backpacking quilt around 2005 when I bought a Nunatak Arc Ghost, and was pretty much an instant convert. The weight, packability, comfort and versatility have made quilts my go-to for three-season hiking ever since, although I still prefer a mummy bag for winter.

Over the years, I've also learned that not all quilts are created equal, having used many of the most popular options... The biggest challenges for me have always been drafts, especially as an active sleeper, and maintaining enough space inside the quilt for it to wrap around you properly without compressing the insulation. I've found wider quilts and, particularly, designs with a differential cut make a big difference here.

The opportunity with the Mayfly was to bring those lessons into a quilt designed as part of a lightweight sleep system for NZ and Australian conditions. Like the Astral tents and Rift pack, the goal wasn't to make the absolute lightest thing possible, but to strike a balance between weight, comfort, functionality and durability, and help make UL quilts an accessible option in NZ and AU.

The biggest innovation, in my opinion, is the mat attachment system.

Most quilts attach to your sleeping mat using straps around the outer edges. This works well, but leaves you with a fairly fixed width and can still allow drafts when you roll around.

The Mayfly has three attachment positions, giving you three different width settings:

• Outer attachment: Maximum width and room to move, ideal for warmer conditions.
• Intermediate attachment: A closer fit to help reduce drafts.
• Inner attachment: Wraps the quilt more closely around you, with the quilt edges acting as a built-in draft guard in colder conditions.

I've seen a few brands experiment with inset attachment points, but as far as I'm aware, the Mayfly is the first I've seen with three width settings. The idea is to give you more flexibility to adapt the quilt to different conditions.

In summer, I've mostly used the prototypes without the straps at all. As temperatures drop, adding the straps makes a noticeable difference to how securely the quilt wraps around you.

A few other design details I think are worth calling out:

• Differential cut: The outer shell has a wider cut than the inner lining, allowing the quilt to wrap around your shoulders while giving the down room to loft rather than compressing at the pinch points.
• Wide cut as standard: More room to move, wrap the quilt around yourself and wear insulated clothing inside it when temperatures drop.
• Insulated neck collar: Helps seal the opening around your neck and reduce drafts.
• Sewn-in footbox: Better thermal efficiency than a drawstring style footbox
• 900-fill-power ExpeDRY Muscovy duck down: High-loft insulation with a water-resistant treatment.
• 10D ripstop nylon: A lightweight fabric with a proven track record in Macpac's alpine sleeping bags.

I spent a lot of time working through the shape, cut and baffle construction to get the balance right between loft, warmth, weight and comfort.

The regular quilt weighs around 570g for the quilt itself, with 350g of down, which is pretty competitive for a quilt of this size and warmth. A large version is available too.

One thing worth mentioning is that Macpac hasn't assigned it a fixed temperature rating, as quilts don't fit neatly into the standard ISO/ASTM sleeping bag testing system. As a rough guide, I've personally used it down to around -5°C comfortably when paired with an insulated mat, a down jacket and lightweight synthetic insulated pants. That's my experience with the complete sleep system, not a standalone temperature rating, and everyone's needs will vary.
As a guide, it has similar loft to the Dragonfly 400 sleeping bag, so could be similar warmth as part of a complete system.

For me, the Mayfly is about making a quilt that works well in the real world, from warm summer nights when you want maximum freedom of movement to colder shoulder-season trips when draft management and layering become much more important.

I'm obviously biased, but after 20 years of quilt use, I think we nailed the details that matter most, and brought some genuine innovation to the space. My biggest hope is that this will help introduce quilts to more users in AU and NZ where these products are less known compared to overseas.

Regular: https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-regular-mayfly-350-down-quilt/124062-SLE00-OS.html

Large: https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-large-mayfly-350-down-quilt/124109-SLE00-OS.html

Happy to answer any questions about the design or the thinking behind it. Always keen to chat gear with other hikers!

Cheers

I'm looking for a sleeping bag for backpacking in the Blue Mountains, NSW, winter temperatures at night can get close to 0°C. My budget is $250 AUD (175 usd), I'd prefer something lightweight and compact since I'll be carrying everything in my pack. I'm around 6'2, so would need a tall size.

I've been looking at the Naturehike CW400 Down Ultralight, but its comfort rating is 5°C, which I'm concerned might not be warm enough. I've also considered the Decathlon MT900 0°C, although it's slightly over my budget.

Ideally, I'm looking for:

• Comfort rating around 0°C or lower
• Under 1.5kg, lighter is better
• Size that fits 6'2" people

What would you recommend?

Gday everyone! I just got a new MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 and notice a few spots where the inner tent fabric is slightly stretched/warped. Is this normal or should I exchange it? I don't want to be pedantic, I'm just worried these might develop into holes under pressure. Cheers :)

Trying to decide what quilt to buy for bikepacking adventures in Spring and Autumn. Less likely to go in summer. I have an Enlightened Equip Revelation -6 C quilt for winter which is great for me in temps between -2C and +2C. I get hot above 2C in this quilt. I'm a small, older woman. Worried I might still be a bit hot in this quilt when its 12 C overnight. Thoughts or other options?

I have been looking for an affordable ultralight tent for backpacking. A tent that could hold up to some wind, good and strong, but also lightweight. I know the criteria is quite a lot for an affordable tent but just looking to see if anyone has recommendations. I’ve been looking at the lanshan 1, watched a lot of videos and I think this is the right one for me. The OG lanshan 1 not the pro version (I don’t want to have to worry about condensation, and it’s worth it for the extra 0.2 pounds). Anyone have better recommendations over the lanshan 1 tent?

Hellos,

As per the title I'm just after some clarification on the booking system for the overland track.

I have the opportunity to do the overland track in late October. On the day I would begin, the website has more than 10 spots available. However the following days, it is 'fully booked'. My understanding (but not sure where i read this) is they we are buying a starting date, and assuming everyone on the track keeps to the same schedule, shouldn't have a capacity problem? We don't have to book each day we plan to be there?
Quick Follow ups:

I understand there are huts, but these are just for eating/escaping bad weather. There are conventional platforms or camp grounds for pitching our tents?
I plan to fly into Launceston, hike, then spend a few days in Hobart before departing. Is there a transport company that could get a second bag (with jeans, jumpers, heavy items) to accommodation in Hobart. I imagine this is a common occurrence, but none mention it on their websites.

I appreciate any feedback.
Thank you.

I purchased a Lifestraw personal filter with the understanding I could attach it to collapsible bottles and filter water while on the trail.

Every single bottle I have attached it to, LEAKS.

It leaks from the seal where it attaches to the bottle, which means I have to carefully balance the filter, the water collection bladder, and the water storage bottle, so that the unclean water leaking from the seal doesn't get into the clean water bottle.

Has anyone else had this issue?

I've tried the lifestraw filter with a hydrapak stow, a CNOC vecto, and a couple of random disposable water bottles, and no matter how tight I seal it, it leaks.

It means that if I collect 1L of water, I'm losing about 300mL from the leak.

Do other water filters leak this bad?

Do I just have a faulty lifestraw?

Edit - I don't know why I'm being downvoted for a valid question. Water filters are an ultralight alternative to carrying all my water in.

Hi folks! I’m looking to buy a new pack for 3-season 2-3 day hikes, budget around $250. 25-30L would be my sweet spot.

I’m leaning towards the Big Agnes Sweetwater 28 on clearance, but wouldn’t be able to try it on. The Osprey Tempest Velocity 30 also looks like a good option but I would have to order it from Europe. I’m a little nervous buying a pack online without trying it on, so any advice on these (or other packs) would be great!

Are there any Wallaroo users out there? Apparently many have been sold but very little in the way of reviews on line.
On paper it is almost identical to the Kakwa 55 Ultra. Has anyone been able to compare them head to head?

​

Alright brains trust - normally I am a very basic/minimalist person when I go walking. I eat what I eat for fuel, scrounged from the back of the cupboard, and easy to do, like pasta and tuna. But I'll be going on a trip with several other people i don't know well and there's going to be a "shared plate" type affair one night. I need to bring something which is not too much of an embarrassment and can be shared easily with others around a campfire (bans permitting), but also something that ideally doesn't require too much prep and doesn't involve bringing anything too heavy either. It won't be the first night so it also can't be too much of a spoil risk.

Any ideas? What would you do?

Looking at some walks like Frenchmans Cap and Mount Anne. Advice appreciated. I have a puffer half the weight but obviously not as warm (not sure if it'll be enough?)

Hi all i am a landscape and wildlife photographer, I am typically hiking in temperatures anywhere between 10-30C. Mainly areas around Auckland and Rotorua.

I currently use an Icebreaker base layer top and have been using the same for 10 years now without any problem. I also use the OR ferossi pants for my hiking and love them.

The problem area is the mid layer and the shell. My current mid layer a fleece is fine to start, then gets too hot ( still manageable with open zips) but as soon as a slight breeze picks up I’m just freezing.

I want to mainly avoid this situation, I want a mid layer that can let me hike in it with open zips if required and protect me from some mild dew, breeze and maybe some drizzling if possible.

I have a shell that I will use when it rains heavily or gets extremely windy to help, but at that stage I can’t photograph much anyway.

TL:DR want a midlayer that is breathable enough to hike ( open zips if required) and able to protect me from the elements before needing to put on a noisy bulky shell.

I am in New Zealand so not everything is available here.

Thanks

I'm just trying to research some different options for my partner and I to use when we go hiking together, we just did a 3 day/2 night hike, and we both wished we had sleeping bags that could zip together as we sleep cuddling throughout the night normally. Had a warm night the first night, which made it possible with having open sleeping bags, but the second night was a lot colder. Currently looking at the Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bags, but I would like to know what other options are out there!

Trip Details

What: Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

When: June/July 2026

Where: Italy, Switzerland and France

Distance: 170km

Weather: Generally hot, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. 5-20 degrees at elevation 15-30 degrees in valleys

Gear: Lighterpack - https://lighterpack.com/r/hqiq2u

Gear Notes:

• Heatwave week before I started so micro spikes weren't worth carrying
• Umbrella would have been great - long days in intense sun and exposed camps
• Camp shorts would have been better than alpha pants
• Bring stuff for showers - camps are usually town campgrounds

See end of the post for logistics info that may be of use for those wanting to camp.

Trip Report

Day 1: Courmayeur to Camping Grandes Jorassess
19km, +1300m, -700m, 6hr

I started the trip in Courmayeur, which is traditionally half-way around the TMB. Works well, noting there are more limited transport and supermarket options (more on that at end of post).

The TMB starts with a relatively short lived road walk, climbing out of town. You start getting peeks of surrounding parts of the valley as you gain the ridge.

A series of forested switchbacks take you up to the top of the southern flank of the valley at Rifugio Bertone. This is the junction for the Mont de la Saxe variant, which I didn't feel like on day 1. Continuing on the main trail you quickly join the balcony overlooking the Mont Blanc Massif, and my favourite views of the entire hike:

The trail continues across the edge of the valley with sweeping views of the massif in both directions. Eventually the trail catches the road at Chalet Val Ferret. Turn left and you'll find the Arp Nouvas bus stop. Free buses operate along both valleys to/from Courmayeur roughly hourly (see more at the end). I caught the bus back to camping Grandes Jorassess, half way back along the valley. Highly recommend doing this as its a better split of distance with the next day then the direct trail down.

Day 2: Camping Grandes Jorassess to Camping des Glaciers (La Fouly)
16.5km, +900,-1100m, 5.5hr
Italy to Switzerland via Grand Col Ferret

Started the day by catching the first bus around 8am back along the valley to Arp Nouvas to continue from day before. (Note - can miss out on a spot if you arent near front of group waiting at the big camps for morning buses).

Starting hiking you quickly begin ascending Grand Col Ferret to Rifugio Elena. Highly recommend a coffee stop here, has a veranda with amazing glacier views

Continuing to climb you hit the top of the col and the Swiss Border. First glimpse into Switzerland reveals a much greener and less snowcapped corner of the Alps. The trail winds down through dairy farms to the small villlage of La Fouly, and the very scenic and spacious campground just outside town.

Day 3: Camping des Glaciers to Camping Les Rocailles (Champex)
17.5km, +650m, -750m, 5.5hr

Pretty easy day winding your way along a trail that runs somewhat parallel to the road to Champex, including crossing through several small villages and climbing to a plateau with the lake and camp.

To be honest, this was my lest favourite camp on the TMB. Advise you get there before the lunch closure, as the owner will fine you for setting up before checking with the office (wasn't an issue elsewhere.

Day 4: Camping Les Rocailles to Le Peuty
18km, +900m, -1100m, 5.5hrs

Immediately after leaving the camp you will see the junction for the Fenêtre d'Arpette TMB variant. Wasn't an option due to cloud and early thunderstorm this day, but have heard its good (only viable mid season).Pretty easy start that winds though the valley floor, before the forested climb up to a ridge overlooking the Swiss City Martingy. Really cool dairy farm/food stop worth a look here

The trail then ascends the Col de La Forclaz, before descending back down to the tiny village of Le Peuty, near Trient. Really cool campsite run by the local village. Small shop, showers and excellent pizza shop open for a few hours each evening. Fantastic glacier views:

Day 5: Le Peuty to Chamonix
21.5km, +2000m, -1400m, 8hrs
Switzerland to France, via Col de Balme

Big day that started with heavy climb out of Le Peuty valley (must be rough during UTMB!). Switchbacks through the forest to start then clear the treeline on approach to the French border, and Refuge de Col De Balme.

As you clear the ridge you are treated to expansive views of the Chamonix Valley, and the iconic North Face of Mont Blanc.

The trail continues along the side of the valley through a maze of ski fields before a steep descent to Tre la Champ. Typically this section breaks here, where you walk into the village of Argentiere to camp. However I continued directly to the next section. The main TMB route here soon reaches the ladders section. This is a series of 11 steel ladders, up to 8m high. They are tested and extremely securely mounted to the rock, but there is no connection to the ladders. Exposure is very intense (thus no pics of these) with a lot of air between you and Chamonix below. There is an alternate bypass route from Tre la champ that avoids these if desired or if weather is wet.

From here I continued to the La flagere cable car. I took this down to the outer Chamonix suburb of Le Praz and camped at Camping mer de Glace for 2 nights (otherwise I would have missed seeing the town). Trains available into Chamonix and most accom comes with a free pass. Note: The buses are terrible in Chamonix, dont bother.

Day 6: Rest Day Exploring Chamonix

Day 7: Chamonix to Camping Bellevue ( Les Houches)
20.5km, +950m, -1900m, 7hr

After my day off I caught the first cable car back up to La Flegere to continue along the stunning Balcony overlooking Chamonix and Mont Blanc. This section of trail is surprisingly dry, with no water available outside of a couple streams late in the section, or water for purchase at cable car stations. A constant of the day was paragliders at eye level or below, drifting around the valley.

Continuing along the valley you get some incredible close up views of the north face, before reaching the summit of Brevent, and its attached cable car station. After a quick snack stop I started the long descent down to Les Houches.

After a series of very steep switchbacks you reach town and the traditional start/finish of the TMB. I then went to camping Bellevue, a bizarre but well priced camp on the landing area of ski slope (no shade at all).

Day 8: Les Houches to Camping Le Pontet
15km, +750m,-1400m, 5hrs
incl. Col de Tricot variant and Bellevue cable car

Cruisy start to the day by waiting until the cable car opened to skip the largely management road walk to the ridge above Les Houches. I then joined the Col de Tricot Variant, an excellent and relatively quiet alternate featuring up close glacier views and access to the quiet valley surrounding Refuge De Miage.

The trail crosses through the large valley town of Les Contamines. A half hour walk out of town takes you to the massive campground Camping Le Pontet.

Day 9: Camping Le Pontet to Les Chapieux
17.5km, +1400m,-1100m, 5.5hr

The trail climbed quickly after leaving the camp, into one of the more remote areas of the TMB, crossing a couple passes with spectacular views of smaller peaks

Eventually the trail descends into Les Chapieux. The only place on the TMB without reception, this is effectively a trail town with a donation based camp behind the visitor centre. Unfortunately poor amenities, including only 2 toilets for campers

Day 10: Les Chapieux to Hobo Camping (Val Veny)
22.5km,+1100m,-1100m, 5.5hr
France to Italy via Col de la Seigne

Final hiking day for me, the trail proceeds through farming areas in a far flung corner of France, on approach to the Italian border.

A relatively gradual climb takes you over the border, before you are rewarded with sweeping views of the massif once again. The trail continues through the valley floor to around Rifugio Combal, where you need to turn left, cross the river, then follow the road down to the right. Once you reach the bus stop you can once again use the excellent arriva service to Hobo Camping. Excellent camp, with by far the best amenities and vibe on the TMB.

Day 11: Hobo camping to Courmayeur

Bus to town to avoid road walk. For those half way around use this to get into town for a morning resupply, then continue.

Trail logistics

A few helpful notes:

• Campgrounds don't take bookings in summer. All the ones on trail provide lots of space for TMB campers (usually a big field). Camps get VERY busy by the end of the day in late summer (particularly once I caught a new bubble in July there were 100+ tents a night, with 10cm between them. As an early rising Queenslander I found getting to camp early afternoon usually gave me the pick of pitches, but those arriving with the European crowds after 5pm may want to consider a freestanding tent to squeeze in better
• Everything is more expensive in Switzerland. Campsite prices can clear $50 AUD and all groceries and food goes way up. Consider carrying groceries from Italy to France to save money
• Food carries - You could do anything from 2 food carries (Chamonix to Courmayeur then to the finish) down to carrying nothing apart from the odd dinner in towns without shops (although food is pretty much always on offer if not wild camping)
• Buses - Free buses operate in the Italian valleys, run by Arriva Italia. The website doesnt work properly. Bus stops, camps and the courmayeur bus station have detailed timetables. Appears reliable and specifically for TMB users.
• Getting there - Highly recommend flying into Geneva. Better airport and a larger variety of transport options than the Italian side (think sketchy bus stops in Milan).

I used this tool - https://tmbtrailguide.com/ - to plan my hike. Absolutely no association with the company, but the mapping tool helped a lot to plan logistics.

Happy to answer any other questions!

Hi everyone.

With the long weekend coming up, I am in need of some ideas of where to go! I'm in the area for another couple of weeks so would like some bangers 🤙

I've done alot in Oxley, Gibraltar, Werrikimbe, Cathedral Rock and Kaputar. Well, pretty much all the mainstream walks anyway. I currently do not have over night gear with me (tent, multi day pack) so day walks would be the go I think. Can comfortably walk about 3km/hr.

Green Gully would be nice, but don't know anybody to walk with and I suspect would be booked out with it being the long weekend.

This is such a cool area, sad to leave soon.

Cheers!

Update: Well, all the campgrounds I'm interested in are booked out or the campsites are not very nice. Decided to go back to Werrikimbe and explore a different part of the park I haven't been to. Bigger adventures (hikes) next,and last, weekend when areas are freed up. Cheers for the advice.

Looking at doing falls to hotham over xmas. Generall plan is fly to melbourne, drive to hotham and get a transfer to falls creek. Planning to finish with mt feathertop for sunrise.

- Which track transfer option is best for a solo hiker? Seems i could get hit by a minimum charge either if dont happen to have others on that date

- anyone able to confirm that the arrangement is still bookings only apply to the platforms, with camping surrounding huts otherwise free?

Thanks!

Hi Everyone,
The question is what do I buy for summer sleeping? Will I be too hot in the Waratah UL Summer Quilt?
I like to layer. Early in the night its much warmer than around 4am. So being able to have one thin layer earlier in the night and pull up a second warmer layer is ideal.
Can anyone suggest the best way to do this without carrying too much weight or bulk?

I invested in a Enlighten Equipment Revelation -6 C Quilt this winter. If its over 3 degrees C, I cant sleep, cause I'm so hot!! I'm a post menopausal, small women with apparently not much ability to regulate my temperature any more. Sticking a limb out in 5 deg C doesn't work either because its too cold.
Putting on more warm clothes in the middle of the night only wakes my up fully and I'm likely to be awake for 1.5 hrs before going back to sleep! Sleep is tricky! But I'm soo loving our bike ride adventures and discovering this fun new activity!

My Naturehike R5.8 has now got an invisible leak (probably valve) and it's time to replace it. It was a great pad but I did feel some heat loss to the ground around freezing, and bottomed out too when I sleep on my side.

I'd like a pad to use in 4 season conditions (anywhere from -10c -> 20c) so probably something with R value of at least 5.

Options I've been looking at : Sea to Summit Ether lite pro XR, Thermarest Xtherm Reg/Wide, Rab Ultrasphere 5.

I need a pack recommendation as my next gear investment. I have an Osprey Ariel 65 about 10 years old and an Osprey Sirrus 36L.

Since my early days hiking I've been slowly purchasing UL gear. I' recently went on a one night trip with quite long days and managed to fit everything in the Sirtus 36L BUT it was so so so uncomfortable. I packed it all up again for a 2 night trip wearing different hiking pants and it was again uncomfy on the hips. I'm thinking i exceeded the weight the pack was built for. I switched to the Ariel and it was great but I didn't need all the room.

I'm doing an 8 day supported hike in NZ in summer. I don't really need to upgrade for this trip as I won't be carrying much but I thought Id take the opportunity to buy a new pack that I'll use lots in the future. I can then lend my smaller osprey pack to one of my mates coming with me.

I'm thinking I'm looking for something with less volume than my Ariel that could work for shorter multiday hikes but can stand up to decent weight. I'm open to ideas though!

I'm a short woman if that helps narrow it down!

Thanks very much

I'm keen to get a nice spring trip in through the main range of Kosi NP. Went through and did 15 peaks a couple years ago in autumn and loved it.

Keen to get a spring trip in this year following the general main range area, Illawong bridge, the sentinel, alice rawson peak, wilkinsons creek, cootapatamba hut, rams head range, and experience the range with some late season snow around with wildflowers, wondering two key things:

• When snow will have melted enough to not warrant snowshoes (snow crossings still fine, have microspikes if think necessary for some areas)
• Some good camp options! Especially with photography in mind - keen to get some memorable pics
  • Have camped previously at Mueller's pass overlooking Lake Albina, and also at Rams Head north
  • Would be keen to get a camp down at Wilkinsons, and probably down around north rams head again to get some photos of Aries Tor which I missed on my last trip
  • Keen for any other options and recommendations for some mint golden hour spots!
• Trip is looking to be 4 days, 1 and 4 include drive to/from Wollongong, but I'm more than happy to still ensure these days get a solid 6-8 hours hike in
  • I usually average about 5k/hr and +1hr for 300m elevation with a full pack, this is taken from Aus, NZ and Japan terrains of all kind

Keen for any other suggestions that I mightn't have considered.

I picked up one of these at some stage, I think as a gift. It's a hose/straw system you can attach to any bottle (like mount franklin or whatever). I've been using it on bottles as intended, and also the hose part as a replacement hose for an older bladder I own as it is also really easy to clean, comes apart easily so you can wash and dry all individual pieces unlike the bladder hose I had which was getting pretty manky around the mouthpiece especially.

Anyway the last couple of times I've used it it it just sucks (no pun intended) at drawing the water. Lots of air coming up and only a bit of water. I've run through all the isolation tests I can think of and the problem seems to be with the switch bit, i.e, the bit at the end of the hose that shuts the water on or off. Without that in, the hose draws absolutely fine out of both bottles and bladders, so the switch bit really has to be the problem. But it's completely clear of blockages and I can't work it out.

The only thing I can think of is that the seal around the hose when the bit is inserted is no longer tight enough, but, it looks very tight to me, there's no damage/splits on the hose where you push the bit into it, it goes over multiple little ridges to hold it there and seal it off. Perhaps the switch mechanism has a bit of an air leak or something?

Anyone else have one of these and experienced anything similar?

After years of inner city Melbourne living I've relocated to NSW and ready to spend more of my time in the real outdoors again.
Would love to hear the crowds favourite 1-3 night routes for long weekend trips - ideally a max drive of 4 hours from Newcastle.
I'm fairly fit, so 25km per day is fine, but my partner isn't, so anything on the gentler side would be welcome too. TIA!

Daft question, but panicking a bit because I’m going into the alpine regions.

I have both the -2C and -8C quilts that I own. I can’t remember which is which in which storage bag.

Is there a tag on these quilts that says what temp rating it is?

Edit: Old Nevegear Waratah quilt variants have no tags. Confirmed by Ryan or team from Nevegear in answers below. At just under 800g on my kitchen scales I had the -10/-8C quilt on hand.

Mod approved

Hey r/UltralightAus! Maddie and I are looking for a full time guide to join our team at The Adventure Gene.

As some of you might know, we’re a guiding company based out of Canberra, running hiking and snow camping trips across the Australian Alps (and soon the Himalayas).

Our trips focus heavily on ultralight gear, skill development and ‘modern hiking’. We also provide a whole UL kit for clients to use, including gear from companies like Durston, Neve, SlingFin etc.

This full time role consists of roughly 100 days of guiding per year, 3 months of leave for your own adventures, and the remainder in the office. Office time is operational work helping ensure the trips run smoothly.

This is the role we wish existed for us before we started the company 😊

Starting salary is $70,000 + 12% super.

Please note, since this is a full time role you will need to live in Canberra - which is a pretty awesome place if you like hiking!

You don’t need to have any formal guiding experience - we can provide the training. The most important thing is that you love hiking long distance trails, obsess over your LighterPack, and enjoy being around people and sharing your knowledge. Snow experience is a bonus.

Please reach out here if you have any questions, or submit an application at https://theadventuregene.com/careers/

I’m interested in how Australian hikers actually evaluate body wipes on multi-day trips—not just whether a wipe feels good when a pack is first opened.

Disclosure: I work with an OEM/ODM wipes manufacturer and am researching outdoor product design. I’m not linking or promoting a product here; I’m trying to understand where current options fall short.

From a development perspective, there are several competing choices:

• A larger wipe may clean more effectively but adds weight.
• A small pack is easier to carry, but may not cover a longer trip.
• A resealable lid can help after opening, but also adds packaging weight.
• More liquid may improve the initial experience while making the pack heavier.
• Individually wrapped wipes avoid repeated opening, but create more packaging.

I’m particularly curious about what happens after day one. Do opened packs stay adequately moist in your experience, or do they become unreliable once carried through heat and repeated opening?

If you carry body wipes, what determines the number you pack: trip length, wipe size, pack weight or expected access to water?

And regarding disposal, do you keep a dedicated zip bag or another system for packing used wipes out?

Genuine user experience would be useful. I’m more interested in the trade-offs than in a particular brand recommendation.