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Osprey Aether Plus 70L Mens Hiking Backpack - Black - L/XL
Richard's must-have for multi day hikes. It has all the pockets anyone could need. The Aether Plus 70 easily helps you carry heavy loads - and with multi day hikes that could be up to 20KG's (not quite ultralighting yet). The adjustable hipbelt and shoulder strap are easy to change mid hike, helping you find the perfect fit. A removable lid also allows for conversion into a daypack for side excursions.
Mont Bell Lightweight raincoat
In 2024 Richard snuck in a hike in Japan at the end of a business trip (click here for more details), and had the pleasure of trekking to the summit of Mount Takao, an hour north west of central Tokyo. Not only was the hike a winner (he got to see Mount Fuji from the top!), the company excellent (lots of older incredibly healthy Japanese greeting me with a loud "Konnichiwa!"), but the shop at the foot of the trail was filled with Mont Bell branded kit, which is hard to locate here in Aus.
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He had been looking for a lightweight raincoat for some time, and the jacket he bought on the day is now one of the most important pieces of kit he owns.
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We can't seem to find the damn jacket anywhere now, so instead we've simply posted a pic and a link to the Mont Bell site here in Aus. Good luck!
Neck Gaiter
Richard had a Dakar racing neck gaiter for about a decade, and loved it - despite the fact that he had never been anywhere near that particular adventure (especially not after watching what happened to poor old Charley Boorman...). Regardless - this is a must on any hike. Not only is it a great way to keep the sun off the back of your neck, but you can shift it to your wrist and wear it as a sweat mop (yes, we know - grim). This Macpac offering is lightweight, and comfortable to wear - even if it is polyester (that Dakar one was cotton and was pretty much a sponge...)
FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device
Check out this little bit of ingenuity...
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Ever been on a bunch of hikes and then got to the end and realised that you have a bunch of gas bottles - none of which seem to be entirely empty? This little gizmo can help with that. By simply connecting two gas canisters via the FlipFuel you can transfer gas to a single location, thus ensuring you don't get caught on when you're out and about.
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