Mt Buller West Ridge

Summit Fire Observation Tower

Although i had originally intended to do this walk during the snow season, time flew by and here i am doing it now. The walk up Mt Buller’s west ridge starts in the Howqua Hills above the Sawmill Settlement and follows an exposed route all the way to the summit. Once you clear the tree line you will get fantastic views of the surrounding area including the Bluff, Mt Stirling and Lake Eildon.

To find the trail head, take the turnoff onto Doughty’s Rd when travelling along the Mt Buller Road, just past Sawmill Settlement. Doughty’s Rd should be no trouble for most 2WD’s, but 4WD is always handy. About 4km along the road you will reach the first turn off, an unmarked vehicle track veers left off a tight corner. If you reach a turnoff marked ‘Broadbent Rd’ then you have travelled to far, and should retrace to find the turnoff. (See foot note for alternate access via Broadbent Rd)

The unmarked turnoff on Doughty's Rd, closest access to the trail head.

Once you turn off Doughty’s Rd you can park in the clearing at the end of the vehicle track. From here you head uphill on a foot track towards the trail head. You should soon notice orange trail markers fixed to trees. From this point onwards it is a pretty solid slog uphill all the way to the summit.

The first break in the trail for a view is at Round Hill. At around 1300m you are still protected by the tree line and there are plenty of camping spots in the area if you were breaking the trip up.

The first view of the climb ahead, from Round Hill

Moving on from Round Hill, the serious part of the climb starts. Baring a few short descents, the track is steady uphill the whole way now. Much of the track is over loose rocks and shale, so it pays to take it easy.

The track is steep and rocky, only for the keen.

Eventually you will reach the final section before the summit. This is particularly steep and covered in loose rock, surprisingly, i found coming down this section much easier than going up. Once you finish the final climb it is an easy finish up toward the fire observation tower, and the best views of the whole walk.

View to the Bluff from the summit.

More photos of this hike can be seen in the gallery

Mt Buller West Ridge Walk

Distance: 11Km Return

Time:2-3 hours each way

Grade: Medium-Hard (Some steep rock scrambling)

Water: Mt Buller Resort

Access: Fair 2WD access

Mapping: Spatial Vision Buller-Howitt 1:50,000

*Broadbent Rd Vehicle Access

If you’d prefer, you can access the West Ridge Track via Broadbent Rd. Just after turning off Doughty’s Rd there is a large area to park. From here an overgrown vehicle track heads east towards the trail head. Not far along, the track will fork, be sure to take the left option. Follow this track till you pass a large logging clearing. Just after the clearing, take a right onto the trail which merges and head uphill towards the trail head. At this point you should start to notice orange trail markers fixed to trees.

MSR WindPro Stove

The WindPro is designed to be MSR’s base camp gas stove. It is also the only option in their range to run off gas in the remote burner setup, that is, the gas cylinder is connected to the burner by a short hose. MSR pitches this setup as a good idea for two reasons: Efficiency and Stability.

The first plus of the remote burner is that it allows you to effectively use a windshield and heat reflector, without enclosing the gas cylinder inside a hot environment. Using a windshield and heat reflector can greatly improve the performance & efficiency of the stove, making the most of those expensive gas cylinders.

The second advantage to the remote setup is that gas cylinder does not sit directly bellow the burner, making the stove much less of a tall tower. This is particularly useful for stability when using larger pots. No more worrying about a large pot sitting over the tiny footprint of a tiny gas can.

There is also another advantage to the setup which sets it apart from other stoves. If you’ve ever forgotten about the boiling water in your pot and turned around to a bubbling mess, then you’d be familiar with how tricky it can be to access the flame control. With the WindPro, the flame control sits on top of the remote cylinder so you don’t have risk burning yourself if your pot boils over.

Design and quality is everything you’d expect for the MSR price tag. The legs are sturdy and rotate around the burner to store as one. The hose is quite flexible and doesn’t get too much in the way, however it does take some time to get used to it being there. However I think the best thing about the WindPro is the large burner size. You can easily get away with 3L+ pot and still maintain even heating. In addition to the size of the burner, is the flame control. Unlike the one speed wonder lightweight stoves, you can actually set the WindPro to a simmer without any trouble at all. You really can slow down the cooking and simmer slowly if required.

All in all, a top notch stove for base campers wanting to avoid LPG or Liquid fuels and still maintain a compact unit.

Specs of the MSR WindPro Stove

Weight: 193 grams

Weight (With reflector and windshield): 297 grams

Burn Time (per 227g Iso-Pro can): 90 minutes

Whats in the Box: WindPro Stove, Heat Reflector, Windshield, Storage Bag, Service Tool

Bogong Early Season Snow Walk

On the 14th of May I tagged along with 10 members of the YHA Bushwalking Club for a weekend circuit of Mt Bogong, Victorias highest peak. As it happened the previous 7 days had seen over 20cm of snow fall in the Victorian high country, making the walk slightly more challenging but a whole lot more interesting.

On the Summit Ridge heading to Cleve Cole Hut

We set off from Mountain Creek just before 9am headed for the start of the Staircase Spur, the shortest and most direct route to the summit. Before long we had climbed high enough to be totally surrounded by clouds, and just a little bit higher that light snow started to fall. Within 2 hours we had reached the Bivouac Hut, the halfway point of the climb.

Looking towards the Summit from the Bivouac Hut

Once snacks were had and the group reformed we continued on up the second and steepest half of the Staircase. From here on the track became more exposed, and with that the wind picked up very quickly.  By the time we reached around 1600m we had left the tree canopy and fog and were surprised to see a clear sunny day. Unlike before, now there were only whispy clouds being swirled around by the up-drafts of the mountain. We passed Castor and Pollux Outcrops and stopped for lunch just bellow the summit at the memorial cairn. Although the icy wind was hitting pretty hard (making lunch pretty unpleasant) it was quite calm compared to what we soon encountered across the summit ridge.

Just bellow Castor and Pollux Outcrops

It didn’t take long for the group to get cold sitting round so we continued up the final section of the Staircase and onto the summit ridge. The weather was still clear and the views were amazing but the howling wind made it difficult to walk a straight line. From the top of the Staircase the plan was to head down to shelter at Cleve Cole Hut, about an hour and a half’s walk. The walk round to Cleve Cole would normally offer great views but just about everyone was pretty focussed on making good time to the hut and getting out of the cold.

Looking back to the Summit

As the group slowly filtered into camp we pitched tents and then all headed for the warmth of the fire inside the hut. With heads and hands re-warmed a smaller group decided to make the short trip down to Howman’s fall before dinner. Only half an hour down into Camp Valley, Howman’s Falls was this time different to how i’d ever seen it before. Amongst the snow was an icy flow of water well worth the walk. Several logs had ice hanging from them, something which seemed to appeal to the photographers within the group. With memory cards full we headed back to Cleve Cole just as the sun was starting to set.

Ice formations at Howman's Falls

After dinner and several hours wasted in front of the fire we ventured out of the hut and into out tents. I had hoped to find a dusting of snow on the tent in the morning but was surprised to find not even the slightest bit of frost, the night had been clear and perfectly dry. With morning came even better weather than the day before. Another bluebird day and a hope that the wind on the summit had eased. With breakfast out of the way we broke camp and started our reverse route back to Mountain Creek.

Summit Ridge on a bluebird morning

The weather could not have been any more ideal, as we made our way back to the summit only light winds were present and the views were as far as the eye could see. This time the walk along the summit ridge was much slower as we were constantly stopping to check out the view and snap a photo. We all made out way to the summit cairn and assembled for a group photo, before starting the decent back down the Staircase.

Image c/o David Sutanto

After the fairly tiring decent down the staircase we eventually all made it back to Mountain Creek. A fantastic 2 days of early snow season were had by all.

More photos of this hike can be seen in the gallery.

Mountain Creek to Cleve Cole Hut

Distance: 20Km Return

Time: 5.5 hours each way

Grade: Medium-Hard

Water: Spring and Tap at Cleve Cole Hut, Tank at Bivouac Hut

Access: Easy 2WD access from Mt Beauty

Mapping: Spatial Vision Bogong Alpine Area 1:50,000

Mt Speculation & The Crosscut Saw

Wild flowers on Mt Howitt

If I were to make a list of my favourite hiking destinations in Victoria then the area surrounding Mt Howitt would be in heavy competition for the number one spot. The hike from Mt Howitt to Mt Speculation follows the path of the Australian Alps Walking Track as it makes its way along the Crosscut Saw. Many would describe this as one of the must-do hikes in the Alpine National Park and having just made the journey myself I can only but agree.

The region falls into the Wonnangatta-Moroka unit of the Alpine National Park, approximately a 5 hour drive from Melbourne. We completed the hike in a South to North direction so the starting point was Howitt Plains car park. There are several other ways to access Mt Howitt but none as close or with as little ascent as Howitt Plains.

Travelling via Traralgon and Licola the drive to Howitt Plains is by no means quick or easy, but it does pass through some amazing alpine country along the way. Licola will be your last opportunity to make sure you have appropriate fuel and supplies for the trip as it is approximately 80km each way to Howitt Plains. From here on there are very few facilities along the route. Shortly after leaving Licola the road will become unsealed and climb into the alps, from here on weather conditions can change rapidly with snow being possible nearly all year round. Depending on the road conditions it can take 2hrs or more to reach Howitt Plains from Licola however there is no shortage of stops that can me made along the way to breakup the trip.

Howitt Road

Before travelling along Howitt Road you should check the conditions in advance with Parks Victoria either online or over the phone. In addition to the seasonal closure from the Queens Birthday weekend in June to the 28th of October, the road may be closed at any time due to flood damage or snow inundation. Howitt Road is really only suitable for AWD/4WD vehicles with higher clearance. 2WD vehicles may at times be able to make the trip if conditions are favourable.

As you make the trip along Tamboritha and Howitt roads there are a few stops which are definitely worth a look. Down low just after leaving Licola there are many campsites beside the river which would make a great place to stop if you were arriving in the area too late to reach Howitt Plains. A little further into the trip (after turning onto Howitt Road) you will reach a turnoff for Dimmick Lookout. A short 4WD trail leaves the main road and takes you towards a steep cliff at the edge of the high plains. The lookout has fantastic views down into the Wonnangatta Valley.

Dimmick Lookout

Another place to well worth a stop is Howitt Plains Hut. Built in the early 1900′s by a grazing family from the Wonnangatta Valley, the Hut was used for refuge when grazing cattle on Howitt Plains in the summer months. Although parts of the hut have been rebuilt over time, much of it remains in its original condition. The site around the hut would be great for camping and there is a pit toilet nearby also.

Howitt Plains Hut

Not much further along the road from the Hut is Howitt Plains car park. This is the starting point for the hike. Having made a few stops along the way it was already about 4pm but this wasn’t a problem as our camp for the night was only an hour away at Maccalister Springs. The track to Mac Springs snakes its was through the snow gums with only a few small climbs along the way. This track can get a bit boggy if there has been rain, so gaiters and waterproof hiking boots would certainly come in handy. Just before reaching Mac Springs there are 2 options for the last few minutes of the walk. You can either follow the track direct to the campsite, or you can take a route closer to the edge of the ridge. If you take the 2nd option you will get a great view out to the Razor and the Viking, along with the Wonnangatta Valley.

The Razor & The Viking in the distance

When you reach Maccalister Spring you will be greeted by the pleasant site of Vallejo Gantner Hut. More often just called Gantner Hut, this refuge is pretty cool both inside and out. It has an eye catching triangular design which is far different to most of the other huts in the high country. On the inside there is a second floor mezzanine for sleeping which has a huge glass window that looks out onto the Crosscut Saw. Around Mac Springs there are heaps of campsites available and the spring is a fairly reliable water source. Also worth noting is the pit toilet which also has a large window overlooking the valley. Probably a one of a kind loo-with-a-view.

Vallejo Gantner Hut

After cooking up pasta with tuna for dinner we settled into our sleeping bags and watched the clouds get caught on the Crosscut. About 8 hours later we woke to a completely different view, this time the morning sun was catching the eastern side of the Crosscut, highlighting the hike before us. With breakfast and all the usuals out of the way we got moving and headed towards Mt Howitt. The track dips down as it passes along the top of the Devils Staircase before rising up again onto Mt Howitt. We reached the junction of the Australian Alps Walking Track and chose to leave our packs here.

AAWT Junction

The walk to the summit of Mt Howitt is nice and easy and offers great views in just about every direction. Having been at the summit on a sunny day on a previous trip to Mt Howitt, it was just our luck that the weather would be different on this occasion. As we approached the summit a band of clouds slowly moved closer and closer, by the time we were at the top we were totally surrounded. Although these clouds were harmless and dry, it does highlight how easily the weather can change in this area. We could have just as easily been drench by rain or snow if it was a little cooler.

Surrounded by cloud on Mt Howitt

Having made an early start we were back at the track junction by 9.30am. From here we picked up the AAWT and headed in a northerly direction, before long we reached the first section of the Crosscut Saw. The ridge line of the Crosscut links Mt Howitt to Mt Speculation, and as the name suggests, its terrain is much like a saw blade. There are many short, sharp climbs and descents to negotiate along the way. But don’t be deterred by this as there are many other great aspects to the walk, the views are spectacular and the terrain is constantly changing to keep things interesting.

The Crosscut Saw

Just after commencing the Crosscut walk you will pass a Wilderness Zone entry sign. This marker indicates that the AAWT is passing through a declared wilderness zone and that there will be no directional markers along the route. Although most sections of the foot track along the Crosscut are pretty well defined, there are a few areas where the track may disappear or become difficult to follow. Junctions of the AAWT and other walking tracks are not marked and can be very easy to miss. You should be confident enough to navigate your own way along the route.

Wilderness Area entry sign

After about 2 1/2 hours, and a lot of up & down we reached Mt Buggery. The final drop then climb up to the peak was pretty tough so it made a great lunch spot. There isn’t all that much at Mt Buggery, just a small clearing and a rock cairn to mark the top. To either side the Crosscut the terrain drops steeply so it does feel a little bit isolated, but the view into the Wonnangatta and Howqua Valleys makes up for that. There is enough of a clearing to camp if you got into trouble, this would be one of the few flat and protected sites along the Crosscut.

A rock cairn marks the top of Mt Buggery

After lunch we donned our packs again and started the steep descent down the northern side of Mt Buggery. This would be the last dip in the Crosscut before reaching Mt Speculation, unfortunately with every dip comes a climb though. The climb to Mt Speculation does start off quite steep but slowly eases off as it approaches the summit. Just before reaching the top there are also a few rock chutes that much be negotiated. Some of the lower ones are smaller and can even be walked around but the final and largest one must be climbed. The foot track ends right at the base of the 4 or 5 meter high chute. The channel up the rock is obvious but care must be taken, especially on the way back down with a full pack. In the wet it might even be worth making a longer walk around the ridge to avoid the chute all together.

Luke climbing the final rock chute

Having made it up the chutes it is an easy stroll along the summit ridge. The views are fantastic in just about every direction and you get great perspective on the route just travelled. Camping on the summit in nice weather would be fantastic, but to my knowledge the nearest water is 1km or more away at Camp Creek. We chose to make the extra walk over the northern side of Mt Spec and down to the campsite at Camp Creek, the track to reach the campsite forks off at a yellow AWWT tree marker, very easy to miss so keep your eyes peeled.

The junction of the Mt Spec walking track and the AWWT is marked only by an easy to miss yellow tree marker.

The campsite at Camp Creek doesn’t really have any interesting views but it is sheltered and has welcome water and a fire pit. A series of small clearings flow into the trees so don’t be fooled into thinking you have to camp on the edge of the gravel road. However if you do follow the road south for 50m or so it will lead you to water at the creek. We had arrived at Camp Creek by 3pm after our walk along the Crosscut so we had plenty of time to setup camp and have an afternoon siesta. After waking up we made mi goreng for dinner followed by dehydrated apple crumble for desert. Having been carried along to many trips in the past we finally got to make the apple crumble, and to our surprise it was actually really good. Backpackers Pantry was the brand. After cleaning up we called it an early night and went to bed ready to make an early start in the morning.

Campsites at Camp Creek

The next morning we had packed down camp and were ready to leave by 7.30am. Quite an early start but we had the full walk back to Howitt Plains ahead of us, plus a 5 hour drive back to Melbourne. After picking up the AAWT we were back at the summit of Mt Speculation again, this time in the early morning sun with clouds hanging in the valleys. Amazing.

Early morning on Mt Speculation

The morning temperature was cool and fantastic to walk in, even the climbs up and down Mt Buggery went by without too much frustration. In true wilderness zone style, as we made our way back along the Crosscut, just south of Mt Buggery we noticed we were following a totally different foot track to that of out outward journey. This was infact a bonus as were taking a much higher route with far better views. It does however prove how easy it could be to journey in the wrong direction without even realising, fortunately the Crosscut is a narrow ridge and the direction of travel is quite obvious. We made good speed back along the Crosscut and arrived back at Mac Springs by lunchtime. With only a short stop we continued on keen to make it back to the car park. Things really couldn’t have worked out any better as at this point cos’ some horrible looking clouds were starting to roll in from the east. About an hour after leaving Mac Springs we were back at the car, feeling pretty happy with what we had managed to achieve, helped along by 3 days of good weather in a typically unstable area. I suspect this will last as one of my best trips in the area, although I hope there are many more to come…

More photos from this hike can be seen in the Gallery

Howitt Plains to Mt Speculation via Crosscut Saw

Distance: 27km Return

Time: 5-6 hours each way

Grade: Medium/Hard (Some steep scrambling)

Water: Fairly reliable at Mac Springs and Mt Spec

Access: AWD/4WD only (Seasonally Closed)

Mapping: Spatial Vision Buller-Howitt Alpine Area 1:50,000

Mt Bogong via Eskdale Spur

I was lucky enough to have a few days off and some excellent weather for an overnight trip around Mt Bogong. The plan was drive into Camp Creek Gap and ascend via Eskdale Spur, then camp at the summit. The next day I wanted to make a trip down to Cleve Cole Hut and the Camp Valley, before returning to the car by the reverse route.

This was the first time i’d made the drive all the way into Camp Creek Gap so I was a bit unsure what to expect. Up until this trip i’d always been limited by a 2wd car but with my recent purchase of a Subaru AWD I was very keen to see if I could make it all the way to the Camp Creek by car.

Trappers Gap Track, freshly graded.

The  trip leads off from Mountain Creek Campground on Trappers Gap Track, at this point in time the track had been recently bulldozed and graded following the extensive flooding in the area. This track will lead to trappers gap junction, from here you need to follow the Camp Creek 4wd track. Although recently redesigned and cleared, Camp Creek 4wd track is really not suited for 2wd vehicles (i’m sure some will disagree). The first section of the track may fool you into thinking its going to be an easy ride all the way, but just before the end is where to tricky bit is. Just before arriving at Camp Creek Gap there is a significant climb and decent to negotiate. There were a few crests which would have been pushing at the clearance limits of my Forester, but would be a piece of cake for larger 4wd’s. The vegetation really closes in along this last section of the track so don’t venture out if your overly precious about the clear-coat on your paintwork. After making a steep and windy decent down you will arrive at Camp Creek Gap, don’t expect much cos theres really nothing there, just the start of a walking track. There’s enough space at camp creek to camp if you wanted to, but finding water involves a short walk to find mountain creek. There is no toilet.

Trappers Gap, and the start of Camp Creek 4wd track

From here I got my gear together and started to climb up Eskdale Spur. When I left the car the thermometer read 26 degrees so I was always going to be in for a workout, but after starting the climb I could not believe how humid it was down low in the trees. With no wind to move the air around it was very hard going, every so often as the track became more exposed you could find a windy spot to take a rest in, but these were few and far between. So apart from the heat on this particular day, Eskdale Spur really is quite and enjoyable walk, in places the track has become a bit rutted out, but in my opinion a nicer walk than the Staircase Spur. Not too long into the climb you will reach Eskdale Creek, this is a great place to stop for water if you’ve murdered your supplies in the first part of the climb. There a a short and steep climb up from the creek crossing which leads you into a much more open forest section, unfortunately this doesn’t last. The track continues on up the spur slowly levelling out as you approach Michell Hut. If your not paying to much attention to what’s ahead of you the hut will almost appear out of nowhere, in some ways quite a pleasant surprise. Michell Hut is one the newly built alpine huts so its a nice place to stay if your that way inclined, but there isn’t really all that much useful camping space in the surrounding area. If your going to camp there are nicer spots to be had at the junction of Granite Flats and Eskdale Spur, only a few hundred meters up the spur.

Michell Hut sits just bellow the tree line on Eskdale Spur.

From Michell Hut you’re just over 2km shy of the Summit. Although this section of the track is by far the steepest section, the surrounding view will be more than enough to keep your mind off the difficult climb. From here onwards the track can be a little hard to follow but the snow poles make the way ahead clear. Before long you will top out at Eskdale Point, from here there is a spectacular view of the entire Bogong summit and surrounding ridges. A much easier walk is left to reach the Summit Cairn at 1986m, the highest point in Victoria.

The Summit Cairn at 1986m

I pitched my tent just to the side of the summit with an amazing view of the Bogong High Plains. The vegetation on the summit is a little bit rough but there are normally a few spots which are level enough for a tent. If you have decided to camp at the summit then come sunset you will likely be rewarded with something amazing. As the sun disappears over the west peak you will want to have your camera ready for an amazing sunset.

Sunset over the West Peak.

The next morning I rose to a slightly different view of the High Plains, with the morning sun running right into the valley of Big River and Cairn Creek, an area which is often in shadow. Yet another fantastic view. I had made the choice to leave my tent pitched at the summit and make a side trip to Cleve Cole Hut. From the summit it is just over an hours walk down into the Camp Valley where the hut is located. The track follows the ridge around to the east passing signposts for many of Bogong’s backcountry ski runs. You will slowly descend down to the tree line and before long the snow pole line will lead you straight to Cleve Cole Hut.

Cleve Cole Memorial Hut.

Cleve Cole Hut is one of the top alpine huts in Victoria, despite the fact that the only access is by foot. Inside there is a sink with running water, bunks with thick foam mattresses and a wood heater. The hut is infact divided into 2 sections, one which is public and a locked section controlled by the Mt Bogong Ski Club. There is a shower, gas stove, solar power and radio equipment however this is only available to club members or lucky friends. Nearby the hut there is also plenty of even camping space and a toilet. After taking a break and looking around the hut for a while I decided to make another short trip to the nearby Howman’s Falls. Once again you can follow the snow pole line further into the Camp Valley where there is a signpost at a creek crossing for the Falls. If you do not cross the creek and instead follow the faint foot track you will soon reach the falls and hopefully the sight of running water.

Howman’s Falls in the Camp Valley.

After checking out the falls I made my way back to the hut and stocked up on water before starting back towards the summit. By lunchtime I had arrived back at my tent and started to break camp, from there I made my way back towards Eskdale Point and started the steep descent back to the car. The hike from the Summit down to Camp Creek can be tough on your legs and feet but if you keep a steady pace it will be over before you know it. Far quicker than the climb up. Back at Camp Creek I was very glad to find my car where I left it, after a rest I got all my gear in the car and started the drive back out to Mt Beauty.

More photos from this trip can be seen in the Gallery.

Mt Bogong via Eskdale Spur

Distance: 9km Return + 13km Return for Cleve Cole/Howman’s Falls side trip.

Time: ~6hrs Return + 3hrs Return for side trip.

Grade: Medium to Hard (some very steep climbs)

Access: 4WD/AWD only

Hilleberg Soulo Hiking Tent

Soulo pitched on the Summit of Mt Bogong 1986mASL

When it comes to hiking gear there are always compromises to be made. Wether its weight, function, size or durability it is rarely possible to have it all. This is exactly the case with hiking tents, and as a result different manufacturers design their tents with different users in mind. Having owned a few other 1 person hiking tents, ive had a chance to work out what my needs are and what to look out for when buying a tent.

Before purchasing the Soulo I came up with the following criteria:

• Weatherproofness: The tent must be considered 4 season and have a non mesh inner tent.
• Strenth: The tent must have a pole structure which is capable of withstanding wind, rain and snow.
• Size: The tent must have sufficient internal space to be livable for extended periods.
• Weight: Willing to compromise on this factor but the lighter the better.
• Pitching: Must be an outer-pitch-first design to keep the inner dry on wet days.
• Durability: This is a high priority, the tent must be built to last and to handle all conditions.

After a decent amount of seaching I narrowed things down to 2 tents. The Tarptent Scarp 1 and the Hilleberg Soulo. Both these models have a strong pole design, although the Scarp does not come with the extra crossing poles as standard. Both tents have decent internal and external space and pitch as the outer first. I decided to go for the Soulo because of its crossing pole design which i think offers far more strength and space than the Tarptent. Also, for me a downside of the Tarptent was its unsealed tape seams. Although it seems this is not a hard process to complete yourself, id prefer it be done by the manufacturer and have them responsible should the tent leak.

Despite the pricetage that comes with the Soulo, i think the rest of this review will show that it is very worthy to be called and absolutely bomber tent whilst still coming in at a weight suitable for one.

First Impressions

Having waited a few weeks for the Soulo to ship from the united states, I was very much looking forward to seeing if the tent was all it had been talked up to be. The answer is yes, this tent is impressive. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is certainly what i think to be one of the best one man tents out there. Hilleberg’s very high standards were easy to see from the first time I took the tent out of the packsack. The build quality is excellent, nothing seams cheap and nasty, but then for the price you’d expect that. By combining thoughtful design with the best parts and materials, Hilleberg have produced a tent which well exceeds the standards that most would have becomed used to.

On the Outside

The flysheet of the Soulo (as with nearly all the Hilleberg tents) is made from a material called Kerlon 1200. This is a tripple coated siliconised nylon material which Hilleberg claim to be 4-5 times stronger than other lightweight tent fabrics. As with most lightweight fabrics Kerlon 1200 does have a very thin feel to it, but it certainly does seem quite strong. I really cant comment yet on the long term durabilty of the material, but given the quality Hilleberg has shown soo far I dont expect any trouble.

There are three 9mm DAC Featherlite NSL poles which fit into specifically designed pole slips in the bottom corners of the flysheet, the rest of the fly attaches using snap clips. The bottom sections of the pole slips are reinforced using a heavier material to provide durability over time. I was very impressed by this way of securing the poles as it makes pitching very straight forward but still quite secure.

Snap clips hold the poles to the outer. Spotless build quality.

One thing I always look for in tents is the way the pole(s) are configured as this obviously has a very big effect on their overal strength. I was very pleased to see that not only did the Soulo have 3 poles, but also that they were setup in a vertical 3 way cross configuration. Nowadays some dome tent designs are using the traditional cross design, except with the arch of the poles on an angle less than vertical. I suspect this is done to increase the internal space of the tent, but to my mind it greatly reduces its strength. I was very glad to see all 3 poles standing vertical in what is an incredibly strong configuration.

Ventilation is taken care of by one triangular shaped vent in the top of the flysheet door. The material used appears to be the same as that used for the inner tent. The vent is then covered by an umberella which clips onto the flysheet at 3 points. This cover allows the vent to be left fully opened in all but the worst weather. Hilleberg claim that when closed the vent material is still very air permiable yet resistant to rain and snow.

The multi-function vent is covered by a flysheet umbrella

The Soulo has 12 guyline points, more than enough to hold the tent steady in even the worst weather. On each of the 6 pole sections there are a high and a low guy point. Both points are fixed webbing to the flysheet. The high point is long enough that it can be looped around the pole. This puts more of the load on the pole and less on the flysheet. I have remove the lower 6 guylines as they are probably a bit excessive for the conditions I am likely to encounter.

On the Inside

The Soulo inner tent is made from a solid ripstop nylon material, this keeps the inner much warmer in cooler climates as it stops the wind making it way inside. The groundsheet of the inner is a bathtub style to help keep unwanted dirt or snow out of the tent. The inner attaches to the flysheet using toggles and can be easily removed in seconds, if required the inner can be partly unclipped to provide more cooking space.

Space wise, at 183cm tall I find the room in the Soulo excellent. There is plenty of room for a full lenth sleeping mat, and you can sleep without the inner tent right in your face. There is additional width in the inner tent for storing gear inside, if need be you could fit a hiking pack inside without much trouble. But given the ammount of space in the vestibule, the left over space inside is great for storing clothes or other important gear. Headroom inside the Soulo is pretty good. I can comfortable sit up without hitting my head on the roof. The dome design of the tent means that you can easily sleep in either direction as the headroom tapers off equally, and that you dont end up with floor space that you can’t access.

The inner easily fits my full length (182cm) Exped Synmat 7

The inner tent can be vented using the mesh panel of the left side door. The mesh can be revealed from the top down allowing variable ventilation without letting a cold draft in down low. This mesh panel aligns perfectly with the vent in the flysheet. The inner tent door is divided into two sections, both can be opened fully allowing for easy loading of gear or extra internal space.

There is one vestibule in the Soulo on the door side, big enough to probably store 2 hiking packs. If only carrying gear for one then its is easy to have all your gear in the vestibule without blocking the entrance, no need to move your gear to get in and out. Because the entire side of the inner tent can be opened it is easy to access your gear no matter where it is.

The vestibule can be made even more weatherproof by adding a footprint

On The Trail

My first trip with the Soulo was an overnighter around Mt Bogong. I was hoping to encounter some strong weather to give the tent a test but luckily for me things stayed clear. I pitched the Soulo just to the side of the Summit cairn on one of the few levels spots available, unfortunately once i’d pegged the tent down I noticed i pitch the tent on top of some sort of sticky weed, such a pain. With 6 guy lines pegged out the Soulo felt solid as a rock and i was in no doubt that id have a worry free night. Through the night the wind picked up enough to ruffle the fly a little bit but nothing more, not a single drop of rain anywhere.

All in all i’ve been very happy with the Soulo, i expect it to be a solid tent well into the future. If your looking for an absolutely bomber tent for all seasons then this one is well worth looking at.

Other detail photos of the Soulo can be seen in the gallery.

The Specs

Soulo Tent Dimensions

• Minimum Weight: 1.7kg / 3lbs 12 oz
• Packed Weight: 2.2kg / 4lbs 13oz
• Inner Tent Area: 2.0 msq / 21.5 ftsq
• Vestibule Area: 0.7 msq / 7.6 ftsq
• Flysheet: Kerlon 1200 Silliconised Nylon
• Inner Tent:
• Groundsheet:
• Poles: 9mm DAC Featherlite NSL
• Pegs: 12 V-Pegs

 

Exped Synmat 7 Air Mat

The Exped Synmat 7

No one likes a cold or uncomfortable nights sleep when camping out, but so many of us probably settle for it thinking that there isn’t much of a choice. Obviously everyone has different requirements of the gear they use, but for me the Exped Synmat ticks all the boxes.

Prior to the Synmat I was using a ‘thermarest style’ sleeping mat. This did me well and was obviously very light, but over time I started to notice a few shortcomings in this design of mat. Firstly is insulation, although thermarest and the like are pretty good I was still needing to use an extra 6mm foam mat underneath when camping on snow. The concern with the 6mm foam wasn’t the weight, more the space that it took up either on inside or outside of my pack.

The second shortcoming I noticed was the thickness of the mat, most self inflating foam mats come in at a max of around 3-4cm. As someone who likes to sleep on their side, I was finding that most nights I would be waking up constantly with a numb shoulder. This was obviously as a result of my shoulder resting on the ground through the mat.

If these scenarios sound familiar to you, then perhaps take a look at an insulated air mat like the Synmat.

The Synmat doesn’t look all that much different to a traditional lilo but the differences are hidden on the inside. The Synmat has 8 chambers running the length of the mat each lined with synthetic insulation. The insulation is glued to the inside of the chamber to prevent it moving throughout the life of the mat. The combination of the chambers and lined insulation gives the Synmat far better insulation properties than other mats. With an R Value of 4.9 the Synmat surpasses even the warmest Thermarest which has a R Value of 3.8

The other big difference with this type of mat is the thickness. This helps to provide a far more comfortable nights sleep and protection from the ground bellow. The Synmat 7 is 7cm thick which is more than double the thickness of most other self inflating mats.

This picture shows the difference in thickness between a Synmat 7 and a Thermarest equivalent mat.

The Specs – Synmat 7

• Dimensions: 183cm X 52cm X 7cm
• Weight: 860grams
• Packed Size: 21cm X 16cm
• Temperature Rating: -17 C
• Filling: 150g/qm Texpedloft Microfibre

Exped also manufacture  the Synmat in a Deluxe version which is longer and slightly wider. Also available is the Synmat 9 (9cm thickness) and the Downmat 7 & 9. The Downmat is identical to the Synmat except with a down filling to provide extra warmth.

Trail Testing

I used the Synmat for the first time on an overnight trip up Mt Bogong. I was happy to not wake up at all because of numb body parts, I was both warm and comfortable. The thickness of the Synmat is such a benefit when camping on uneven ground, it makes a good nights sleep more likely. So far ive been happy with the durability of the mat, I don’t really feel like I need to be too careful with it. I very much look forward to testing out the insulation properties of the mat in the coming snow season, but until then ill just have to enjoy the extra comfort. I highly recommend this mat.

Mt St Leonard Lookout Walk

The lookout at Mt St Leonard would most likely be overlooked by most with the nearby Mt Dandenong being the popular place to go for a view over Melbourne. Requiring a short walk to get to there and with no fancy restaurant at the top the lookout might not be everyones cup of tea, but for the keen the view is well worth it.

The car park at the start of the trail.

Mt St Leonard is located just out of Healesville which is around an hours drive from Melbourne. The area can be accessed by following St Leonard’s Rd and Myers Creek Rd to the Toolangi State Forest. After a short drive you will reach a small car park with signage for the State Forest. From here the road (Monda Rd) becomes unsealed, but in most conditions it should be accessible to 2WD’s. The road zig zag’s its way up the side of the mountain and takes you to another car park with signage for the Mt St Leonard Walk.

The short 20 minute walk to the lookout follows a management trail which is wide and a relatively easy grade. When you reach the clearing at the top you will be welcomed by a large compound that surrounds a fire observation/communications tower. Just to the side of the compound is a small lookout tower which is open to the public. The added height of the tower brings you above the tree line and opens up what is quite a spectacular view.

Panorama from the lookout tower.

Once your done with the view you have to option of taking an alternate route down to the car park. If you follow the power lines you will travel along a less obvious foot track and emerge back at the bottom of the management trail. This trail doesn’t really make the trip any shorter but it is something different to see.

More photos from this walk can be seen here.

Mt St Leonard Lookout Walk

Distance: ~2km

Time: 45 minutes return.

Grade: Easy

Access: 2WD if its dry.

GME MT410G 406 MHz PLB

After quite some time (and much pressure from the parents) I have decide to add a PLB to my kit. Although it may seem like a significant outlay, when you look at the fundamental ideas behind a PLB, you tend to overlook the cost and focus mainly on its benefits. A PLB may save your life, thats the short of it. If your someone who ventures into the outdoors either by foot, car, air or boat then you should really consider making this valuable purchase.

The PLB I purchased is the GME MT410G, this is the GPS equipped version of GME’s most popular PLB. With the addition of the GPS receiver the accuracy of the PLB is increased to less than 100 meters, compared to a few kilometers with a non GPS model. If you are looking at purchasing a PLB I would definately recommend spend the extra few dollars on a GPS equipped unit.

This PLB is made specifically for activities where space and weight are a consideration. Weighing in at 250g and measuring just 13cm x 7cm x 4cm, the capabilities of this PLB totally outweigh the burden of carrying it. The battery which powers the unit has a guaranteed 7 year lifespan, and being a non HAZMAT type, you can safely carry it aboard commercial airliners without trouble. Designed to transmit for a minimum of 24 hours at -20C (even longer at warmer temps) along with being waterproof to -1M, you can be assured that there is very little that will stop your distress call getting through. For further specifications on the GME MT410G you can see the product brochure here

For a long time I put off buying a PLB simply because i thought the chance of something happening to me wasn’t very likely. Im sure many others out there would think that way too, but its not like you have the option to buy a PLB when your lost in the bush so it makes sense to carry one and be sure. You really cant put a cost on your life and im sure if you ever needed to use the beacon you would be glad that you made the right decision to carry it.

Mt Howitt & McAllister Springs

Panorama from Mt Howitt.

For this hike we had planned to make our way along the Crosscut Saw from Mt Howitt to Mt Speculation. Unfortunately the weather had other plans in mind, so we were only able to make the trip to Mt Howitt and Vallejo Gantner Hut. Consider this part one of the journey, with part two to come after the snow season.

Our starting point was Howitt Plains car park, this is one of the highest areas accessible by road in the Wonnangatta-Moroka unit of the Alpine National Park. I should state first up that although I say road, I really mean track. The roads you will need to travel on to get to Howitt Plains are not suitable for most cars, those without AWD/4WD’s should really consider other access options.

From Melbourne, the easiest route is via Traralgon and then Licola, approximately 5 hours drive. The roads will cause you no harm until just after Licola, where they change to gravel on Tamboritha Rd. Shortly after making the turn onto Howitt Rd, the surface will change to dirt. From this point onward the road travels at an alpine altitude, thus meaning that road conditions can be boggy, icy, or even snow covered. (Howitt Rd is seasonally closed from the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June through till October). We made our trip in mid May and still found the road to be quite boggy in places. The drive from Licola up to Howitt Plains will take approximately 2 hours depending on your speed and the road conditions.

Despite the difficult access, the drive along Howitt Rd is unlike many others. The alpine landscape offers views which you just don’t get on more popular routes. The road may be slow and rough in places, but if you take your time and have no need to hurry then the trip will be enjoyable.

Once we arrived at the car park we got our packs, filled out the logbook, and set off towards Mt Howitt. Our destination for the afternoon was only a short distance away at McAllister Springs. The track made its way through open grassland and snow gum forests with great views in all directions. After about an hour we reached McAllister Springs and the fantastic Vallejo Gantner Hut. The camping area is covered by snow gums and sits right on top of the ridge, with perfect views of Mt Howitt and the Crosscut. Not only does Vallejo Gantner hut have quite an eye catching design, but it is also well setup on the inside. There is plenty of space for eating and drying gear, a fantastic fireplace and even a loft for sleeping. This hut is probably one of the nicer ones in the high country and well worth a look. Also worth mentioning is the nearby toilet. Although often not a highpoint of any back country trip, this toilet is (as far as I know) the only one around with a floor to ceiling window overlooking the surrounding valley.

Vallejo Gantner Hut at McAllister Springs

Having arrived at McAllister Springs by about 4pm we decided to make the trip to the summit of Mt Howitt. From the hut it is about a 45 minute trip each way, all uphill but well worth it. We arrived at the summit just on sunset and were rewarded with spectacular views in all directions. Many photos were taken before the wind got too cold and we decided to head back to the hut. After arriving back at McAllister Springs, we spoke with the leaders of a school group who mentioned that the weather was going to deteriorate over the next few days. We had taken this into account from a hiking perspective and we were carrying appropriate gear, but getting the car back along Howitt Road after recent rainfall was concerning us. We made the mistake of bringing a 2WD wagon, and had only just made it to the car park as it was. During the night we made the decision to not continue along the Crosscut to Mt Speculation and instead return to the car while we knew we could still drive out.

Sunset from Mt Howitt

The next morning we made one last walk up to the summit of Mt Howitt and took in the clear daytime views of the surrounding area. We could see clouds looming over the mountains all around us and knew that  rain was almost a certainty before the day was out. Once we were done with the view we headed back to the hut, picked up our gear and made the short trip back to the car. Although we had cut our trip short and missed out on travelling the Crosscut and onto Mt Speculation, we were happy to not have the thought of not being able to drive out looming over our shoulders. As we slowly got further away from Howitt Plains we could continue to see ominous looking clouds over the area, lucky for us we were headed in the other direction.

Unfortunately we will now have to wait till the road re-opens after the snow season to make it back for the rest of the trip, and we will do so with a 4WD and a much greater understanding of the area.

For more photos from this hike see the gallery.

Howitt Plains car park to Mt Howitt

Distance: ~10km return

Time: 5 hours return

Grade: Medium

Access: AWD/4WD only. Seasonally Closed.