2 Years with My Fave Bushwalking Gear – Still Worth It? 🚶‍♂️🌿

🔥 Alright folks! Been hitting the trails around Sydney for over 5 years now, and I’ve put some serious kilometres into my go-to bushwalking gear. Let me tell you what’s held up and what hasn’t after two years of proper Aussie adventuring!

📅 My Journey

G’day! So I picked up this full bushwalking setup back in early 2023 – just before the big wet season hit. Started with local walks in the Blue Mountains, then took it up to the Great North Walk, and even did a 5-day trek in Kosciuszko. From scorching summer days to freezing winter mornings, this gear’s been through it all. I’ve probably logged about 800km in total across different terrains – from coastal tracks to alpine conditions. Bloody glad I invested properly instead of cheaping out!

💪 Durability Check

Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about dropping $300+ on hiking pants, but these have been absolute champions! The fabric’s still water-resistant (though not as beady as day one), and zero tears despite snagging on countless branches. The zip-off legs? Still working perfectly after maybe 50 conversions. My hiking shirt’s held up too – no major pilling, UV protection still legit (got tested at the skin cancer clinic last month). Only gripe? The elastic in the waistband is starting to stretch a bit after 2 years of weekly washes. The boots though? Best investment ever – still waterproof and the soles have heaps of life left!

😮 Unexpected Findings

Biggest surprise? How much I bloody love the convertible pants! Thought they’d be daggy, but they’re perfect for our weird Aussie weather. Also discovered the built-in belt saved my arse when I lost weight on a multi-day trek. The quick-dry fabric was a lifesaver during that unexpected downpour at Royal National Park – was dry again in 20 minutes. But here’s the kicker: the ‘breathable’ shirt actually makes me sweat MORE than a cheap cotton tee on humid days. And those zip pockets? Turns out sand gets trapped in them way too easily at the beach!

🔄 Would I Buy Again?

Heaps yes for the pants and boots – they’re worth every cent and have probably saved me money in the long run by not replacing cheaper stuff constantly. The shirt though? Nah, I’d probably go for something more breathable next time. Might try a different brand that does better in humidity. Also learned I don’t need all the fancy features – some of those extra pockets and loops I’ve literally never used. If I was buying fresh today, I’d skip the expensive base layer and just get a proper sun hoodie instead. Live and learn, right?

⭐ Long-Term Verdict

Overall rating: 8.5/10! This kit’s been ripper for serious bushwalking, especially the pants and boots which are still going strong. They’ve handled everything from bush bashing to proper track walking without missing a beat. The value’s been brilliant when you spread it over 2+ years of regular use. Lost points for the shirt’s breathability issues and waistband stretch, plus some features I never use. For anyone starting out or upgrading their gear – invest in good pants and boots first, you can save on the rest. This gear’s taken me to some amazing places and never let me down when it mattered most. Absolute legend of a kit!

💡 Tips & Warnings

✅ Always try boots on with hiking socks you’ll actually wear – saved me from blisters!
❌ Don’t cheap out on waterproof gear – learned that the hard way in a Victorian storm!
⚠️ UV protection fades after 50+ washes – get your shirts tested annually!
✅ Store gear properly – dry it fully before packing to avoid mould (especially in humid NSW)

🚀 How long have you had yours? 🚀

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