Tag Archives: winter

Outdoor Clothing: The Art of Layering

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Whether you’re hitting the trails, camping under the stars or carving up the slopes, winter is a great time to soak up the plentiful benefits of the great outdoors. To ensure your outdoor pursuits are experienced to their maximum potential, keeping warm and staying comfortable is key, especially if the weather turns grim without warning.

So without further ado, meet your new winter bestie: the famed 3 layer system.

Base Layer

Base layers, otherwise known as thermals, are the articles of clothing that are worn directly against your skin. These layers are essential as they will draw moisture away from your skin, allowing you to move around while still staying warm. When choosing your base layers, steer clear of cotton as cotton will not dry or absorb your body’s moisture, and instead, leave you feeling cold, clammy and uncomfortable underneath your top layers. Merino wool is a great base layer, as well a plethora of vegan-friendly synthetic fabrics.

Middle Layer

The middle layer is your ticket to long lasting warmth! We recommend opting for something that’s breathable and has great insulation properties, such as a wool jumper or a synthetic fleece shirt. If the temperature is at an all time low, down insulated jackets and vests will be your saviour. What’s more, down clothing is lightweight and a dream to pack!

Outer Layer

The outer layer is the protective shell your other layers need to do their job, especially if strong winds take hold and rain-filled clouds looms above. When choosing a shell, ensure you do your homework as you’ll need something that will properly shield you from natural elements, such as rain and wind. We recommend investing in an outer layer that is high level water and wind resistant, lightweight and comfortable.

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5 Reasons to Camp in Winter

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Ah winter… the season to fasten down the hatches and hibernate until the spring – said not us!

Too often we channel our inner hermit as soon as temperatures drop, but unbeknownst to many, winter is actually the perfect time to reap the benefits of the outdoors.

Our favourite and most tried and true cure for cabin fever during wintertime is to go camping.

Here’s why:

Less People

Camping is a great way to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for the soothing sounds of nature – and it’s even better to do it in winter. There will be less people pitching tents at your choice of campground (if any!) and those last minute reservations are always welcomed. You will have first dibs on the perfect spot as well as the communal BBQ facilities, showers and toilets. Massive pros!

Fewer Bugs

After a gruelling summer swatting flies and running from cockroaches, you can finally rest easy because those pesky bugs are few and far between in wintertime. Like certain animals, many types of insects will go into hibernation to escape the cold temperatures.

For precautionary purposes, we still recommend you stay armed with aeroguard – just in case…

An Excuse to Upgrade Your Gear

Winter camping offers a scenic splendour that is often unrivalled, however those breathtaking surroundings can turn from beautiful to unbearable in an instant. To enrich your experience outside and stay comfortable while you camp, don’t skimp on quality.

Opt for a dome or tunnel-shaped tent as it will retain heat and withstand wet weather. Choose a 4 seasons sleeping bag or add a thermal liner to keep you warm after dark, and separate yourself from that bitterly cold ground by adding a foam strip under your inflatable mattress.

Campfire and S’mores

An open campfire accompanied by some tasty s’mores is a sure way to create a warm winter wonderland outside. But before you grab the guitar and ignite the night with standout sing-alongs, always follow the campfire rules and etiquettes – and be sure to check your campsite’s fire restrictions and regulations.

Witness More Wildlife

During peak camping seasons, the presence of wildlife can be scarce. With fewer campers around in winter, your chances of seeing more wildlife are very high. Some of Australia’s most spectacular species can be found across a range of National parks – and they’re worth keeping an eye out for.

Check them out here

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Where to go to escape the cold

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Let’s face it—not many people really like winter. It makes noses red and runny, hands cracked and dry, and on particularly cold days it can turn your feet blue. Blue! Feet aren’t supposed to be blue.

If winter is not your friend and you’re itching (literally, your hands are so dry and itchy!) to chase the sun, below are our top destinations where your nose won’t run, your hands will be soft, and your feet will be a lovely shade of human colour.

 California, USA

California palm trees in vintage style.

Cali, as the locals call it, is a great destination to escape the winter blues. The Golden Sate is the place to be for the best surf and mostly year-round sunshine! You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to a prime spot of golden sands to relax on, as well as loads of cool local art galleries and boutiques to browse.

Puerto Rico

 Puerto Rico is another wonderfully warm destination to escape to, and all you need is your Latino dancing shoes and a bikini (or budgie smugglers). Enjoy the pristine Caribbean beaches and sumptuous American food whilst soaking up some Spanish colonial history. Walk through the winding streets of Old San Juan or take a visit to El Yunque National Forest – the commonwealth’s tropical diamond that teems with noisy wildlife and jungle waterfalls. Oh, and don’t forget to try an authentic Pina Colada—Puerto Rico is famous for them after all.

 Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang Sunrise

Nha Trang, the capital of Vietnam and only a hop, skip and a jump away from Australia, is a vibrant city dotted with tropical islands and sweeping crescent beaches. They’ve got cheap beer and plenty of tasty pho noodle soup. The best part? A holiday guaranteed not to break the bank. If you’re a keen surfer, there are plenty of waves to catch, or if you’re a cultural junkie, you can check out some of Vietnam’s oldest temples.

Marrakech, Morroco

As soon as you arrive in Marrakech you’ll notice something very unique about the city: there is no predictability or sense of direction. However, in this vibrant town, you’re better off without them. Wander through the narrow alleyways and bright souks (markets) in the city’s Medina district. You’ll find plenty of sunshine to soak in and a plethora of delectable foods to be eaten.

Whitsundays, Queensland

Whitehaven beach lagoon at national park queensland australia tropical coral sea world heritage.

If an international escape is not on your radar, perhaps something closer to home will do the trick. The Whitsunday Islands in Queensland enjoy an eternal summer, and winter is arguably the best time to visit. With the water at its clearest, it’s perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers. Take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach, home to the world’s whitest sand, or dive off the coast of Hook Island, the place where the oldest Aboriginal archaeological sites are found on the East coast of Australia.

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