Frequently Asked Questions

We sure are! Alton was founded in Brisbane, Australia in 2015. Since day one, we have put our heart and soul into making expert-level outdoor gear and camping accessories that are a cut above the rest. We have grown a lot since we started, but we are still proudly Australian and fiercely independent.

We're based in Queensland, Australia. Our Brisbane HQ features a purpose-built workshop in which we conceptualise product ideas, research materials and develop our winning designs. Our product testing is predominantly expedition-based and occurs across some of Australia's most rugged and unforgiving environments.

Our ethos of gear for life is not just a nice slogan – we back it 100%. All our gear is covered by a Lifetime Warranty,* our All Good Guarantee. As long as you own your Alton product, we’ll ensure it is free from manufacturing defects and functioning as it should.  

Alton gear is available globally through our online store, with free standard shipping for all orders over $100AUD within Australia and $150USD in the USA. Click here for more information on shipping and delivery.

Alton’s All Good Guarantee is a Lifetime Warranty* that your Alton gear will remain free from manufacturing defects and function as it should for as long as you own it. When you purchase our outdoor equipment, camping supplies and bushcraft essentials, you are investing in gear that will last you a lifetime. 

Shop our full range of products available globally through our online store, with free standard shipping for all orders over $100AUD within Australia and $150USD in the USA. Learn more about shipping and delivery here. 

All orders will be processed and dispatched within 24 hours (excludes weekends and public holidays).

Yes. All of our orders come with complimentary tracking. Once your item has been shipped you will receive a dispatch confirmation email containing a tracking number. 

Didn't receive a tracking number? Email us with your order number and we will rectify this ASAP!

All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Brisbane, Australia.

International customers may be required to pay sales tax, duty and/or Customs charges depending on their country. These charges are the responsibility of the customer and are not included in the cost of the product or shipping charge. We suggest contacting your local customs office if you are unsure of the applicable taxes and customs fees that are relevant to your country. If taxes are refused and order is returned to sender, we will not offer a refund. If you have any questions or concerns regarding import taxes and customs duties, please contact us prior to placing your order.

EU Residents Please Note: Alton Goods Pty Ltd is not registered for EU VAT. If you are an EU resident customer, (from 1 July 2021) you will be required to pay VAT on any packages received upon collection, for all declared values. These charges are your responsibility and are not included in the cost of the product or shipping charge.

We will happily exchange or refund any online order which has not been used within 30 days of purchase. 

For exchanges and refunds on unused items, please click below to access our refund/exchange application form.

Once your application has been received, we will make an assessment within 48 hours.

We are committed to producing equipment of the highest quality and we encourage our customers to use this equipment in extreme conditions.

If your product is faulty or becomes faulty as a result of a manufacturing defect, please click below to access our warranty claim form.

Once your claim has been received, we will make an assessment within 48 hours.

If you are hitting the trail on foot or by bike, you are going to want hiking cooking gear that is ultralight and durable. Titanium cookware is a great choice for this scenario, thanks to its unmatched strength-to-weight ratio. Our Ultralight Titanium Cutlery balances form with ultralight utility, pairing perfectly with our Ultralight Titanium Plate. And, on a frost morning, nothing beats our Titanium Single-Wall Mug for keeping your coffee warm.

Car camping or travelling with 4WD? You can get away with carrying extra weight and bulk. While some people prefer to utilise things from their home kitchen, we still opt for durable titanium dinnerware that is better suited to outdoor use. 

Whatever your adventure plans, don’t forget the essentials like a stove and fuel, pots or pans, cooking and eating utensils and clean-up supplies. And, as always, consider how much weight you’ll be carrying, how long you're going for, what food you’ll be preparing and how many people you’ll be feeding.

Titanium is ultralight yet virtually unbreakable and corrosion-resistant, so it will not easily rust or degrade over time. And, very importantly, titanium is non-reactive, meaning it is non-toxic and will not mix chemicals into your food. 

However, titanium cookware is usually more expensive than stainless steel or aluminium alternatives. It doesn’t have the best heat distribution properties, which means hotspots can form when you chook, causing food to burn. You’ll need to stir regularly and keep the heat relatively low to avoid this.

So, is titanium worth it? It depends on what you’re planning to do. If weight and durability are not a big deal, then a titanium cookware set may not be necessary. On the other hand, if you want a camping cookware set that will last you a lifetime and offers the very best when it comes to weight, strength and durability, then titanium is 100% worth the price.

Another thing we love about titanium is that it is easy to clean and care for. A little effort will go a long way towards keeping your Alton titanium camping cooking gear in excellent condition for years. Here are the basics of caring for titanium camp kitchen gear: 

1. Hand-wash your titanium camp cookware after each use. Use warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Be sure to avoid abrasive scrubbers, which will scratch the surface of the titanium and cause damage.
2. Always thoroughly dry your titanium cookware and store it in a dry place. While titanium is corrosion-resistant, you should keep it dry and moisture free. 
3. Cook over medium to low heat to avoid overheating. Excessive heat or putting an empty pot over heat can cause warping, regardless of the cookware material. 

Looking for more cooking and titanium care tips? Our Campfire Cooking Field Guide has everything you need to know.

We could spend all day debating what camping accessories are ‘essential’, but ultimately, it will be a little different for everyone. One of the great things about camping is that it can make you realise that you don’t need much to get by. When it comes down to it, all you need is food, water, warmth, and shelter. But that might not be the fun weekend away you had in mind! That’s why we have put together a blog post with a list of important camping gear to help you plan your next trip – read it here to learn more.

Cordage is one of the most useful outdoor camping accessories you can carry into the wilderness. You can use it to set up shelter, repair equipment and clothing, use it for emergency first-aid, make fishing lines or nets, set traps, traverse cliffs or rivers and more. So, which cordage is best? Here’s our take: 

550 Paracord

550 Paracord is the best cordage for wilderness survival, bushcraft and general outdoor use. Made of a nylon outer surrounding seven 2ply inner strands, it has a tensile strength of 550 lbs (249 kg). The US Military developed this robust yet lightweight rope in WWII for use as parachute suspension lines. 

Dyneema® Hardcord

Incredibly strong yet ultralight, 2mm Dyneema® Hardcord is another excellent option for outdoor use, especially hiking, bikepacking or pack-rafting. This ultralight cord only weighs 1.5g per metre yet can tolerate loads up to 180kg. Commonly used as guy lines for tents, tarps, and other shelter systems, Dyneema® Hardcord is also invaluable for gear repairs and emergencies.

Some hardcore ultralight hikers claim a hiking pillow is an unnecessary addition to your outdoor gear list. Their main argument is that a pillow for camping takes up precious space and weight in your pack. Toughen up and use some bundled up clothes instead.

But, when you are pushing your limits in the wild, being well-slept is crucial. A good night’s sleep aids muscle recovery, improves cognitive function and boosts your mood. It ensures that you are able to perform at your best, mentally and physically. For that reason, it is a crucial part of staying sharp and safe in unpredictable conditions. By increasing your comfort and neck support, a lightweight pillow for camping can dramatically improve the quality of your sleep.  

So, here at Alton, we think the benefits of a comfortable camping pillow outweigh the cons. And, the vast majority of hikers and adventurers agree with us!

When it comes to a pillow for camping, it needs to be just right. Soft, but not too squishy. Compact, but not too small. Well, we’ve created the “Goldilocks” of camping pillows. 

Our dual-layer design combines a soft synthetic fill and a puncture-resistant TPU inflatable chamber, giving you luxurious comfort without excess weight. In fact, the Alton Ultralight Camping Pillow only weighs 104g, so you won’t even notice you are carrying it. And, with an anatomically contoured form that cradles your head and supports your neck, you can wake up feeling fresh for a big day outdoors. 

For the ultimate in wild sleeping comfort, we recommend pairing our camp pillow with our Sleeping Mat Fitted Sheet, which has a built-in pocket to hold your hiking pillow in place on your mat that also doubles as a pillowcase. If you are keen to optimise your comfort, check out our complete range of high-performance camping gear today.

A groundsheet, also called a footprint, is a lightweight but durable protective layer that is placed on the ground underneath your sleeping set up, whether that is a tent, swag or bivvy. Most good quality groundsheets for camping are made from durable, waterproof material, designed to shield your gear from damage, moisture, and dirt. You can also get breathable mesh groundsheets that are suited to dry conditions where the ground is rough and abrasive. 

A quality tent can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, so using an affordable groundsheet for added protection just makes sense. As well as keeping your gear in good condition for longer, a groundsheet shields you from the elements. Especially if you are wild camping with a bivvy or swag, a swag groundsheet goes the extra mile to keep you dry and cosy.

Weighing only 295g (including 4x aluminium pegs), the Ultralight Bathtub Groundsheet has some huge benefits. Once staked in, this groundsheet has taut 15cm side walls that keep you in place throughout the night, deter creepy crawlies, protect against any rainfall runoff in wet weather, and help keep your sleeping setup free from sand, dust and dirt. 

Our flat groundsheets are more versatile compared to the bathtub design. Laying flat to the ground with no barrier walls, these groundsheets are perfect for use as a footprint under a tent, a picnic blanket or even an emergency tarp shelter. The single-sized Ultralight Groundsheet only weighs 182g (including 4x aluminium pegs), while the Ultralight Double Groundsheet weighs 335g.

Whichever option you choose, getting a good quality groundsheet is one of the best investments you can make to protect your gear from wear and tear.

Absolutely! A quality camp quilt such as the Alton Ultralight Top Quilt offers an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, versatility and comfort, making it an excellent choice for camping. Quilts give you insulation where it is most effective, on top and around you, while leaving it off where it is compressed (and ineffective) underneath you. Along with the lack of a zipper, this design feature contributes to camping quilts having excellent thermal efficiency without excess weight.

Camping quilts can be used open or cinched up around you, allowing you to adjust your sleep setup to the conditions. This also makes it easy to regulate your temperature, contributing to overall sleep quality. And, because camping quilts cover the whole mat surface area, they are fantastic for side sleepers or anyone who likes to spread out and get comfy when sleeping wild.

There are some key differences between camping quilts and sleeping bags, but ultimately both serve the same function: keeping you warm in the wild.

In a nutshell, sleeping bags have a zip, allowing full enclosure, and this draught-proof and full-coverage design provides maximum warmth – albeit at the cost of a little additional weight and bulk. Sleeping bags are a great choice if you like to feel tucked in and super cosy.

In contrast, camping quilts are zipperless and backless, prioritising insulation where it is the most effective over the top of you, often using an attachment system to fit onto your mat, reducing potential heat loss from draughts. Quilts are lightweight and compact while still keeping you toasty. 

We have an entire blog post devoted to the sleeping bag vs camping quilt debate; check it out for a detailed breakdown of the unique benefits of each design.

Here are our setup tips to get you started with our Ultralight Top Quilt:

1. Unpack your quilt and remove the attachment straps. 
2. Inflate your sleeping mat and lay your quilt over it. Take note of the attachment anchors on the quilt and where you will place the straps in the next step.
3. Slide the attachment straps over your sleeping mat.
4. Clip your quilt to the bottom attachment strap. 
5. Get in and clip in your quilt to the upper two attachments, keeping the quilt in place over you all night. 
6. Make further adjustments as needed. For maximum warmth, you can fasten the top collar of the quilt behind your neck and cinch it tight using the two toggles. Unclip one or both sides of the top attachment strap for more airflow. 

Watch our video on how to use your Alton Ultralight Top Quilt to see this guide action!

Here at Alton, we love hammock camping. But, just like everything in life, there are pros and cons to using a camping hammock as a shelter in the wild. Here is what you need to know:

Pros

• Enhanced sleeping comfort compared to sleeping on the ground
• Versatile campsite options as you aren’t dependent on flat or even terrain 
• Lightweight and compact
• Optimal airflow and ventilation
• Doubles as a comfortable place to sit or relax during the day

Cons

• Dependant on finding suitable trees or anchor points
• Limited space – there is no additional space for gear 
• Initial learning curve to get used to the setup process
• Requires different insulation strategies to stay warm in cold weather.

We've written a handy article on everything you need to know about hammock camping. Read it here to learn more!

Without adequate preparation, a hiking hammock can be colder than a tent for camping because air circulates freely around your body when you're suspended in a camping hammock, increasing heat loss. But there are ways to counter the cold and ensure you can stay warm and cosy in your hammock, whatever the weather.

Along with a top quilt or sleeping bag with the appropriate temperature rating, using a hammock underquilt, such as the Alton Ultralight Underquilt, can significantly reduce heat loss. Underquilts wrap around the outside of your hammock, providing essential insulation around and underneath you. Hammock underquilts are perfect for maximising warmth where you need them the most.

Another tactic to increase the thermal efficiency of your hammock camping gear includes using a sleeping mat in your hammock for extra insulation. As well as giving you an additional barrier between you and the cold air outside your hammock, sleeping mats also can enhance comfort by giving you a firmer base to sleep on. With some planning, you can enjoy hammock camping all year round.

Looking for top-quality hammock camping gear at a fair price? Shop Alton's entire range of hiking gear online now.

Why not do both? Hammocks and tents are excellent ways to experience the outdoors and connect with nature. Depending on the conditions, one option might be better, but that doesn't mean you have to be exclusive!

Tents are the choice for hiking locations with minimal access to sturdy trees, such as in the desert or alpine environments. They are also fantastic if you want more storage space or extra privacy. A tent offers you more freedom to sleep comfortably while hiking with your partner.

On the other hand, you might opt for a hiking hammock for many reasons. Lightweight, compact and comfortable, camping hammocks can be used anywhere you can access trees or other suitable anchor points. Giving you both a comfy bed and a spot to relax at any time of day, hammocks can make spending time outside feel extra enjoyable.

Whether or not you need a mosquito net for camping depends on the conditions. If you are camping somewhere with lots of mosquito activity or if mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent, you need a camping mosquito net. You can sleep comfortably and safely without worrying about insects biting you overnight by providing an enclosed, insect-free space.

Even in places where mosquitoes are not as prevalent, a good camping insect net may still be beneficial because it protects you against other pests, such as ants, spiders and leeches. The added security against pests of all kinds can help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed. That’s a great reason to invest in a good mosquito net for camping!

You can do a few things to help keep mosquitoes and other insects away when you are camping.

Here are our go-to strategies: 

1. Do some research. Take the time to research where you are going so that you know what to expect ahead of time, which is especially important in locations where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. 
2. Wear protective clothing. Reduce the amount of skin you have exposed by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks. Opt for loose outer layers because mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothes.
3. Use insect repellent where your skin is exposed. It goes without saying to follow any instructions on the label and avoid sensitive areas, such as your eyes.
4. Consider where you set camp. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so try to pitch your camp in open areas, away from any bodies of water or those with dense vegetation.
5. Use a good-quality camping mosquito net. The mosquito net will protect you against mosquitoes and insects of all sizes as you sleep. 
6. Build a campfire. Campfire smoke can help to deter mosquitoes and other insects. If conditions don’t allow a campfire, try burning some mosquito-repellent incense.

Keep these tactics in mind and reduce the chances of mosquitoes bugging you on your next adventure. If you are looking for outdoor equipment that you can rely on, shop Alton’s technical camping gear online now.

If you plan to sleep wild in Australia, a mosquito net for camping will be very useful. Australia is home to various mosquito species, including some known to transmit diseases like Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses. Although the risk of contracting anything from mosquitoes is low in Australia, it is worth being prepared, especially in certain regions and specific seasons. Coastal and wetland areas tend to have higher mosquito populations, particularly in warm, wet weather. As always, research before your trip to ensure you are adequately prepared.

Plenty of ways to deter mosquitoes and other insects when camping in Australia exist. We suggest using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and taking bug netting camping. A good mosquito net for camping, like the Alton Ultralight Bug Net Tent, gives you an enclosed bug-free zone to sleep in, protecting you from mosquitoes, spiders, ants and other pests.

Unfortunately, yes, mosquitoes and some other insects may be able to bite you through the bottom of your camping hammock, depending on the thickness and composition of the material. A camping hammock does offer some protection against insect bites, but insects are known for exploiting any potential gaps or openings in the fabric of a hammock to reach their target. Likewise, anywhere the material of your hiking hammock is compressed against you, mosquitos and other bugs may be able to bite you.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites or other pesky insects spoiling your camping trip, take steps to protect yourself, such as using insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding camping close to stagnant water. For complete protection, a hammock mosquito net that encloses your camping hammock will give you the best possible protection.

While a hammock with built-in mosquito net protection offers convenience and easy setup, this design has a significant downside. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, mosquitos and other insects may still be able to bite you through your camping hammock, as we mentioned before. That's why we recommend a removable hammock mosquito net. It might require additional setup time, but it is worth it. By fully enclosing your hammock, top to bottom, you get the most effective protection against insects and additional space to move around and get comfy.