New Hiking Equipment

[Hikinghigh]

Hello all,
I am a new starter to the hiking scene, My Aunty has also started and is preparing for an Aries Rock hike soon. I am just wonder what size bag I would need for day trips to being with, once i am confident i would like to do weekend hikes soon, should i buy two different size bags or get one in between, also i don't own any hiking shoes yet do you recommend anything??
I am residing in Blackwater CQ QLD and majority of my hikes will be Blackdown tablelands, look forward to your response.

Regards
Andrew

[Strider]

Welcome!

A daypack around 25L is a great size for day walks, but won't quite be big enough for overnighters - which will depend (mostly) upon the compactness of your sleeping gear and shelter. Whatever you go with, make sure it has a comfortable hipbelt and a sternum strap.

As far as shoes go, get whatever fits best and has Vibram soles. Avoid Goretex unless you enjoy having REALLY hot feet.

P.S. We call it bushwalking in Australia, hence the name of this forum

[wayno]

whoever's carrying the tent will probably need around a 70 litre pack for a weekend walk, that will cover you for carrying cold weather gear. the person without the tent could get away with a 50 litre pack

[Hikinghigh]

Thanks for your response fellas, I am looking into a
Osprey ketros 38 hopefully for about $40-50 second hand been used twice. I might just stick with that till im confident enough for one out overnighters, I have seen a few reviews about shoes and alot are saying tge runner style is the fo, but id pefer a bit of ankle support with sole flex, have you got anyfeed back. Also does anyone know of any good stores in Brisbane. Cheers

[Strider]

Thanks for your response fellas, I am looking into a
Osprey ketros 38 hopefully for about $40-50 second hand been used twice. I might just stick with that till im confident enough for one out overnighters, I have seen a few reviews about shoes and alot are saying tge runner style is the fo, but id pefer a bit of ankle support with sole flex, have you got anyfeed back. Also does anyone know of any good stores in Brisbane. Cheers

Flexible soles will quickly result in sore feet in my experience. Some people can handle it, however. Salmon Synapse get a good review if this is the kind of footwear you are interested in.

38L is overkill for a daypack and too small for overnighters unless the rest of your gear is very compact. I usually only half fill my Osprey Talon 22, but it does get filled on occasion. Definitely don't need anything bigger though.

[wayno]

you can use the 38 if you're carrying all your gear for both of you. if its all you've got , it will do for day walks

[Picaro]

Stores in Brisbane ?

If you can get into the Valley, there is a strip of outdoor stores in Wickham St.

Theres Macpac, Mountain Designs, K2, Columbia, Paddy Pallin....and a couple more I cant think off the top of my head.
You might want to take a packed lunch !

Wild Earth is great if you ever get around Burleigh, but you can also shop online with them, as well as Mainpeak online.

[Bluegum Mic]

Gday Andrew
Personally I tend to use my 40l pack for day walks and up to three days (and that includes my subzero/snow gear). It really comes down to the gear you wind up purchasing and materials used etc. Mind you most people start with heavier/cheaper gear and tend to lighten their load along the way once hiking more often (or getting older knees lol). As my 40l pack has a really good compacter system it can be cinched right down to a much smaller volume pack so thats something to keep in mind. Another point is where you live there will be times of the year you'll need to carry a fair amount of water (Ive had to carry up to 6l for a walk here in SE QLD during the summer months so Id imagine its even hotter where you are).
In brissy youve got a couple of options. K2, paddy palin, macpac, kathmandu etc are all near each other in fortitude valley. Globetrekker is in west end and has a good range too. Ive purchased a couple of things from them and found them to have great customer service.
Also don't forget you can always put a wanted to buy in the market place as someone may have a good condition second hand pack etc. Enjoy! Shopping for gear is always fun.