Which Victorian Bushwalking Club?

[ErichFromm]

Which reminds me: have I posted about the new Tarptent Double Rainbow I recently got? Truly awesome - weighs less than 1KG and easily fits my 6'1" without me scraping my head. I also recently got a Katabatic Gear Palisade which is really awesome. Weighs practically nothing and is super warm.

Am still trying to decide between my Fallkniven F1, which is VG10, and my Bark River Gunny in A2. I use a Lenser torch - 115 Lumens - not sure if there is better out there given the weight.

I currently wear some Scarpa boots but always get blisters, am considering getting some Asolo Powermatic 200 boots with the Goretex.... what do you think - I'd love to discuss with you.....

[north-north-west]

I currently wear some Scarpa boots but always get blisters, am considering getting some Asolo Powermatic 200 boots with the Goretex.... what do you think - I'd love to discuss with you.....

There is one very simple rule with footwear - make sure it fits. None of this 'wear it in' rubbish, just ensure that whatever you walk out of the shop with is a good comfortable fit with the sort of socks you'll be wearing whilst walking.
There is nothing so individual as the fit of footwear, nor anything more sure to make your walk a misery if it isn't right.

[pazzar]

I currently wear some Scarpa boots but always get blisters, am considering getting some Asolo Powermatic 200 boots with the Goretex.... what do you think - I'd love to discuss with you.....

There is one very simple rule with footwear - make sure it fits. None of this 'wear it in' rubbish, just ensure that whatever you walk out of the shop with is a good comfortable fit with the sort of socks you'll be wearing whilst walking.
There is nothing so individual as the fit of footwear, nor anything more sure to make your walk a misery if it isn't right.

Definitely agree with that. If it doesn't fit in the shop, it's probably never going to fit. Don't let a salesperson con you into thinking otherwise.

On the topic of clubs, I'm still doing my research. I've been loitering around the Monash Outdoors Club Facebook page for a while, but they don't appear to do a lot of walking, and when they do, I'm generally not free.

If anyone is up for starting a walking group from the forum, I'm keen. I'm 25, fairly fit - plenty of walking experience, and I'm happy to walk with all sorts.

[richard 3926]

This forum topic took my attention because for a long time, I was in a situation of wanting to hike with people, but not knowing who to go with. My university (Deakin) did not have an outdoors club and many of the existing clubs I visited were comprised of people much older than myself.

In July 2012, I founded Melbourne Young Hikers through meetup.com. If you're looking for a group of younger people to hike with, check out MYH, a broad-base of hikers aged between 18 and 35. We are a friendly, welcoming and inclusive group.

We offer a wide range of trips, from easier introductory day hikes near Melbourne, through to off-track multi-day pack carries into the Alps and beyond. In addition to the hikes, we have social events, including a monthly social dinner and information nights of interest.

Unlike most meetup groups, we are now members of Bushwalking Victoria. Being members of BV, that includes the benefits associated with BV membership, including public liability insurance.

Check out our website for more info - http://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Young-H ... tup-Group/

[ErichFromm]

Well I'm 37 - so I guess that means I can't join the Melbourne Young Hikers. Does it mean that i am also no longer "young"?

[icefest]

Well I'm 37 - so I guess that means I can't join the Melbourne Young Hikers. Does it mean that i am also no longer "young"?

You'll have to make à new group: the younger Melbourne hikers.

[Snowzone]

Well I'm 37 - so I guess that means I can't join the Melbourne Young Hikers. Does it mean that i am also no longer "young"?

No but it does mean you are older and much wiser and know how to have much more fun...

[Lophophaps]

Well I'm 37 - so I guess that means I can't join the Melbourne Young Hikers. Does it mean that i am also no longer "young"?

Young man, do be careful. Age is just a label. You have relative youth, with perhaps fitness, stamina, experience and judgement. This is an enviable age. Other good ages have the number starting 1-9 and ending in 1-0. One club advises that insurance is not available for punters over 85. You have 48 years to go, lots of trips, lots of stories, GB of pictures, many chances to get never truly lost.

[ErichFromm]

I mentioned in another post that I was up in Mt Speculation over the weekend. At one point I ran into 10 teenagers that were just finishing 10 days hiking around the area. At first I was very impressed. Later that day though as i stumbled into Macallister Springs with weary and aching legs i spoke to another hiker who commented that the teenagers had arrived some time ago, dropped their packs and then "run off" for a quick visit to Mt Howitt. It was at that point that I started disliking young people

I've also come to the realisation that perhaps I shouldn't be carrying 7 litres of water for every hike....I'm a slow learner....

[vicpres]

Hi Lophophaps

If the club you refer to is affiliated with Bushwalking Victoria and their insurance cover is through Bushwalking Victoria the Public Liability and Personal Accident policies apply until age 94.