Hiking Gear

Equip yourself with Australia’s top-rated hiking gear

With over 5,000 five-star reviews from committed adventurers just like you, Alton is proud to have earned a rep for making some of the best hiking gear Australia has on offer. Whether you’re shopping for a new hiking mattress, looking for comfortable, high-performance hiking clothing, or wanting a durable yet lightweight hiking chair - you can rely on Alton outdoor equipment for peak performance in the wild. You deserve the best. Don’t settle for less.

Quality hiking equipment you can count on to take you further

Here at Alton, we think hiking gear should last for life. That’s why all our hiking equipment is crafted from the premium materials, hand-selected for their durability and performance advantages in real-world wilderness conditions. But our commitment to quality doesn’t stop there. We put all our hiking gear through rigorous testing to ensure it meets our industry-leading quality standards, and back it up with a Lifetime Warranty* to prove it.

Professional-grade hiking equipment that’s responsibly made

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us, it's a core value woven into the fabric of all our hiking gear – literally. From our hiking sleeping bags and hiking pillows, to our best-selling selection of ultralight hiking tarps, every Alton product has been developed with performance and sustainability in mind. That means we promote environmentally friendly and ethical practices at every step of our production process and utilise industry-leading materials, such as bluesign® APPROVED fabrics and RDS-Certified goose down, whenever possible.

Hiking Gear FAQs

  • The exact gear you need for hiking is going to vary depending on your plans and preferences, but here is some general advice to get you started:

    Clothing & Footwear

    We highly recommend investing in some good quality hiking clothes and comfortable hiking boots. Hiking clothing is designed to be moisture-wicking, quick-drying and highly durable – everything you need for outdoor adventures.  

    Hiking Backpack

    Even for short treks, you’ll need a good backpack to carry your hiking gear. Choose a well-fitted hiking backpack with comfortable straps and multiple compartments to carry essentials.

    Hiking Shelter & Sleeping Gear

    Camping out overnight? Then you’ll need some kind of camping shelter, such as a tent, hiking tarp, or a camping hammock, as well as the other essential sleeping gear for camping, including a lightweight sleeping bag, hiking mattress and ultralight pillow.

    Food & Water

    For short hikes and day trips, pack energy-rich snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit to snack on along the way. You’ll also need to carry an adequate supply of water for your hike; most people drink between 0.5L to 1L water per hour of hiking at a moderate intensity in mild conditions. Overnight hikes will require careful meal planning to make sure you have enough food and water to fuel your adventures, but that’s a part of the fun.

    Cookware

    If you are going to be preparing food on your hiking trip, then at the very least you’ll need a few basic camping cookware items (eg. ultralight pot, cutlery and a trusty camping mug), plus a hiking stove, such as a twig stove, alcohol stove, or ultralight gas stove.  

    Personal Items & Safety Gear

    As always, consider the personal items and safety gear you need to minimise any risk to yourself and others. If you’re hiking in remote areas, bring a map, compass or GPS device to navigate and invest in a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn and don't forget essential camping accessories like insect repellent, gear repair kits, cordage, a garbage bag to pack out waste and an ultralight trowel for burying your business.

  • Choosing the best gear for hiking is all about understanding YOUR needs, and then looking for the gear that will be able to fulfil them. 

    Here are the Alton team’s tips for selecting the best hiking gear for any adventure:

    Step One: Identity your needs
    First, ask yourself what type of hiking you'll be doing. What’s the terrain like? Weather conditions? How long are you hiking for? How experienced are you? How often are you going to be using this hiking gear? At the same time, think about what is important to YOU. What are your ‘needs’ vs ‘wants’ for this hike? Consider the trade-offs between weight, durability, and functionality to find the right balance for your needs.

    Step Two: Research the hike
    Now you have a bit of an idea of what you need and want, take the time to research what other people suggest. Read reviews, watch gear guides or even consider reaching out to experienced hikers or outdoor professionals to gain insights into what they recommend and why. And you can always get in touch with our team here at Alton for expert advice – we’re happy to help. 

    Step Three: Prepare your hiking gear
    Now it’s time to choose your gear. If you’re buying new gear, we recommend that you invest in high-quality gear that is built to last. Look for durable materials, reliable construction, and reputable brands known for their performance and longevity. Here at Alton, we offer a Lifetime Warranty* on products so you can be confident you’re investing in the highest-quality gear. 

    Step Four: Take your gear for a trial run
    Set up your camping tarp in the backyard, adjust your backpack to fit perfectly, go for a day trip with that new hiking jacket. This will ensure you are familiar and comfortable with your hiking gear before you have to rely on it in the wild.

    There you have it! By following these steps you can choose the best hiking gear for your outdoor activities.

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  • It’s hard to say what you should carry when hiking without knowing where you’re going and what conditions you’ll face. That said, here’s a list of what we usually carry in our pack when heading out on a day hike: 

    • Navigation (eg. map and compass, GPS or phone with maps downloaded)
    • PLB (if hiking alone or in remote locations without mobile coverage) 
    • ~3L of water + water purification filter
    • High-energy snacks
    • Waterproof and/or warm hiking clothing outer layers
    • Extra pair of merino socks
    • Hat, sunglasses, & sunscreen
    • Insect repellent (if hiking in bug-prone areas)
    • Headtorch
    • Waterproof notebook & pencil
    • Multi-tool or pocket knife
    • Basic first aid supplies
    • Bandages, adhesive tape & antiseptic wipes
    • Blister treatment pack
    • Emergency blanket 
    • Pain relievers & antihistamines
    • ID and a note with emergency contact & any medical conditions listed
    • Ultralight trowel & toilet paper
    • Small trash bag for carrying out waste 

    This list should give you a starting point for making your own gear packing list for your next hike. Remember, always consider your specific needs and the conditions you’ll be hiking in when planning what hiking gear to carry with you. Be safe out there!

  • Everything we make at Alton, from our hiking mattress to camping chairs and ultralight tarps, is covered by a Lifetime Warranty*, our All Good Guarantee. This is our promise to you that all your Alton hiking gear is made to the highest performance and quality standards of any outdoor store in Australia. 

    Discover our full range of best-selling outdoor equipment online now, with free shipping Australia-wide for all orders over $100 AUD. For more information on local and international delivery, please visit our shipping & delivery information page.