As the resident hiking "expert" (yes I agree with the common definition) at work, I occasionally get asked advice on gear.
A lady I work with (who considers walking from her car park to the office as a long hike) has a son (around 16 or 17yo) who has got the hiking bug via school.
Over the next few months he has several multiday hikes including an 8 nighter in Tasmania (she did not know where!)
She is trolling ebay trying to find a "cheap" sleeping bag - (must be rated minus 5) and a waterproof jacket
She really has no clue what she needs or what to buy (and is on a tight budget)
My first suggestion was to hit the outdoor stores in Melbourne city and talk to the sales staff. They are generally very experienced and USUALLY give good advice. I am talking Bogong, Paddy Pallin , MB etc here not some of the larger chains. She basically needs to do some research and get a handle on what her (limited) dollars will buy.
I am looking for advice from my learned friend here on a :
- Good quality (-5 ) sleeping bag
- waterproof jacket suitable for multiday trips in Tassie.
Thanks in advance.