Shopping for a hiking-mad friend or rellie? Everything in this guide is Australian made, from our own merino to gear from the mates we hike with. Buy any 2 of our merino apparel items and we'll add a merino neck gaiter or hand warmers, on us.
Aussie Made Gifts Under $50
Looking for a thoughtful stocking filler or sensible secret santa gift? Here’s a bunch of great Aussie made stuff for under $50.
Woodslane Walking Guides Book
Woodslane have published some of the best Australian walking and hiking guidebooks on the market. What's more, many of them are authored by friends of Ottie Merino Julie Mundy and Debra Heyes!
A couple of our picks are The Grampians Peaks Trail and Best Walks of the Great Ocean Road.
On Track Meals - MREs and Snacks
Edible and drinkable gifts are always the best. If the lucky recipient tends to eat freeze dry food on the track they must give these ready to eat meals a go—perfect for those shorter trips where you want to eat yummy tasting food. Everything in the On Track Meals range is under $50 so why not buy a few or one of their Meat Lover, Vegan, or Spice Lover Packs.
Feed the Hike - Dehydrated Food and Books
Another great Aussie food option. In fact, we spoke to Michelle as part of our Aussie Made Mates blog series recently. Feed the Hike makes a range of delicious soups and dehydrated meals, and Michelle has even written a couple of books.
How to Navigate by Caro Ryan aka Lotsafreshair
Speaking of books… This is the sort of gift that shows your loved one you care. Or, shows them that you think they’re a pretty lousy navigator. How to Navigate by the insanely wise and experienced Caro Ryan is a must for any Aussie hiker’s collection.
By the way, Ottie Merino’s Chief Merino Fanatic, Paul, even gets a mention on the ‘Acknowledgement’ page. Caro is a mate of ours. :)
Want to take your navigation skills to the next level, do one of Caro's nav courses.
Ottie Merino Neck Gaiter, $40
One tube of merino, four ways to wear it. Our merino neck gaiter is made in Melbourne from superfine Australian merino.
Ottie Merino Hand Warmers, $40
Fingerless merino hand warmers that keep fingers free for zips and the stove.
Ottie Merino Gift Voucher, from $25
Not sure of their size or colour? A digital gift voucher lets them choose.
Humphrey Law Merino Socks, $19.95 to $29.95
The socks we wear on the track, knitted in Melbourne by our mates at Humphrey Law. See the range.
One Planet Frisbee
Perfect for some campsite entertainment, this nifty Australian made frisbee by One Planet is made from upcycled canvas—the sort of stuff they use for their backpacks.
Guided Short Hikes
If you’re wanting to gift something truly memorable then an experience is the way to go. With Big Heart Adventures you can do some forest bathing, grab a voucher, or book something bigger. And for $40 you can do a day hike in the Dandenong Ranges, You Yangs, or Werribee Gorge.
Aussie Made Gifts Under $150
You've set a budget of $150 for a present this year. Here are a few fantastic options.
Ottie Merino 100% Superfine Merino Hiking Shirt, $110
It would be a bit odd not including ourselves, right? Our 100% superfine merino hiking shirts are made in Melbourne and cut longer to stay tucked under a pack.
Available in a range of colours, in men's and women's fits.
Ottie Merino Thermal Top or Bottoms, $110 each
Our merino thermals are made to hike in, sleep in and wear for days.
One Planet Snake Gaiters
Yeah, the lucky recipient will look like a bit of a dill wearing these One Planet Snake Gaiters but gaiters are a must in snakey territory or when mud, rocks, and prickles are on the cards. These babies are made in Melbourne.
Guided Day Hikes
A guided hike in the Yarra Ranges, Cathedrals, or even Glass House Mountains in QLD with a gourmet lunch and glass of champagne to finish it off? That’s how Get Outside Australia rolls. They also do a range of overnight and glamping experiences.
Aussie Made Gifts Under $200
Ottie Merino Long Sleeve 100% Superfine Merino Hiking Shirt, $135
For cold starts and sunny tracks, a long sleeve hiking shirt in 100% superfine Australian merino.
Ottie Merino Leggings, from $180
High-waisted merino leggings with two side pockets.
Tier Gear Peregrine Hammock
Made in Tasmania, the Peregrine Hammock is ideal for the camper that likes to get up off the ground, or for general lazing. Tier Gear also makes top-quality quilts and tarps and accessories.
Aussie Made Gifts Over $200
The Full Ottie Merino Kit, $440
Two 100% superfine merino hiking shirts plus a thermal top and bottoms. With 4 apparel items, both the neck gaiter and hand warmers come free.
One Planet Backpack
Known for their great harness systems, One Planet backpacks are made in Australia and are made to last. We reviewed their Zipless daypack a little while ago and this is without doubt the best daypack we've ever used. They do a heap of bigger packs too, and more 'urban' style packs.
Summit Gear Backpack
Another great Australian pack maker, Summit Gear in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains make a range of small daypacks (under $200) and bigger bushwalking packs. They're built rugged for the rugged Aussie bush.
Your loved one more of an ultralight head? Get 'em a Summit Gear Solitary 35. We test drove one in NZ earlier this year - and on many many day hikes around Sydney since - and we've loved it. We'll publish a review soon.
GME MT610G PLB
We've banged on about the importance of always carrying a PLB time and time again. What better gift to show your loved one that you care, than an Aussie made PLB. They genuinely are a must in any hikers or campers or 4WDers kit.
You can buy these PLBs from Snowys, Caravan Mods and Outback Equipment.
