TrailKitLab Team Bottom Line Up Front The Osprey Exos 58 and Gregory Zulu 55 are the two most recommended mid-weight backpacks for Australian multi-day hikers and they serve distinctly different buyers. They are not as directly comparable as their similar names and price points suggest — they are built around different philosophies and suit different types of … Read more
Ultralight hiking has grown rapidly in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. By reducing pack weight, you can hike further with less fatigue, lower your risk of injury, and improve your overall experience on the trail. However, ultralight hiking is not just about buying expensive gear. It is about adopting a system … Read more
Building an ultralight setup starts with understanding exactly what you need – and eliminating everything you don’t. This checklist covers all essential categories for ultralight backpacking in 2026, helping you build a lightweight, efficient system for any trip. What Is an Ultralight Setup? Ultralight backpacking focuses on reducing base weight while maintaining safety and functionality. … Read more
Water purification tablets are one of the simplest and most lightweight ways to make water safe to drink while backpacking. They are especially useful as a backup system or for ultralight hikers who want to minimise gear weight without compromising safety. In this guide, we compare the best water purification tablets for backpacking in 2026 … Read more
The Katadyn BeFree is a popular ultralight water filter known for its fast flow rate and simple design. For hikers who prioritise speed and ease of use, it offers a strong alternative to more traditional squeeze-style filters. Its integrated soft flask system makes it especially convenient for quick water collection and drinking on the move. … Read more
The LifeStraw Go Series is a popular all-in-one water filtration bottle designed for simplicity, portability, and everyday use. It is especially well suited to hikers and travellers who want a straightforward system without the need for separate filters, bottles, or additional setup. In this review, we assess the LifeStraw Go Series in terms of performance, … Read more
Bottom Line Up Front The Sawyer Squeeze is the most capable and versatile water filter available to Australian hikers at its price point. At 85g with a filter life rated to 3.78 million litres, it removes 99.99999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa including Giardia and Cryptosporidium – the two organisms most relevant to Australian … Read more
Choosing the right water filter is essential for any ultralight backpacking setup. A good system should be lightweight, reliable, and easy to use in a range of conditions. The best option depends on your priorities — whether that is speed, simplicity, durability, or weight. In this guide, we compare the best ultralight water filters for … Read more
Introduction Two-person backpacking tents are the most common choice for hikers because they strike a practical balance between space, versatility, and weight. They work well for solo hikers who want extra room and for pairs who are willing to share a shelter on the trail. In this guide, we break down the best 2-person backpacking … Read more
Bottom Line Up Front The Osprey Exos 48 and Osprey Exos 58 are the same pack in almost every way that matters — same suspension, same materials, same premium build quality, same fit system. The decision between them comes down to one practical question: how much space do you actually need? For multi-day hiking with … Read more