With our summer 2024 shoot wrapped recently, the Mountain Designs team kicked back for some well-earned rest.

“Chasing the awe and wonder of our beautiful backyard will always push me to explore more and is the testing ground for challenging myself to be more than I am.”

While Emma-Lee Whyte’s passport is both full and varied with destinations from all across the world, it’s the North American wilderness that really holds a special place for her.

In this visually-masterful short film by Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassador Harrison Candlin, we follow Alysha and her aim to educate the masses about conservation practices and the importance of protecting the wild.

Nearly one year on from the documentary's own successful release, we caught up with Kate to reflect on how the film was received and gauge the impact it had on women’s/non-binary sport.

Check out some of the epic imagery the awesome team of Christopher Wills, Tim van der Krogt, Divya Gordon and Aaron Dickfos wanted to share with you.

We sat down with Chris Wills, who produced the documentary along with Tim van der Krogt and Rampage Media, to get an insight into the makings of this masterpiece.

The very cool 36° South is a film about the Australian alps and what it has to offer those chasing the ultimate pow ride down under.

Following a team of four adventurers that head into the Australian backcountry looking for the steepest terrain the red continent has to offer, this is a story filled with stoke and snow.

Winter might be crawling towards us this year, but that’s no reason to not get stoked for some time in the snow.

With a background in marine science and food sustainability, Ari Comben recently had the unique opportunity to put her skills to work in the name of helping create a more sustainable future.

Julia D’Orazio's destination guide here gives a full insight into the 125km trail in Western Australia that thousands of Australians hike each year.

Zach and Kaitlan are two Aussies off on an adventure to see more of the world. Kandersteg was one place they would recommend to anyone heading to the Alps as nothing beats being surrounded by mountains and crystal blue lakes to swim in.

Zach and Kaitlan, two Aussies from Queensland set off on the trip of a lifetime. When they found out how big bikepacking is in Europe they had to get on a bike and give it a go

Jet-setting off from Brisbane, Australia, Zach and Kaitlan have made it their mission to find unique corners of the world.

As Karen Loudon entered the final 6-week preparation phase of her summit attempt of Nemjung in Nepal, we were granted an incredible insight into this adventurous woman’s mind…

Meet Karen Loudon, who is as normal as any of us. Except she also runs marathons and climbs mountains that are over 7,000 metres high in elevation.

You may recall our adventurous mountaineering friend Claire Mackay from her previous climbing escapades in South America…well late last year Claire was back at it again, this time returning to Nepal for a summit attempt on Mera Peak.

Adventure-loving couple Zach and Kaitlan - who recently jetted off to Europe on their once-in-a-lifetime trip, have found the next incredible location to tick off their travel bucket list - seeing the Northern Lights. Watch their video and read their…

Do you love the fresh crisp air on your face? The smell of pine, cobbled streets, wooden boardwalks, getting lost in the mountains and immersing yourself in the Fjords? Then Norway is for you! Zach and Kaitlan are an adventure-loving couple from…

After solo cycling across eight countries including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cambodia and Vietnam, I was searching for a bigger endurance challenge and where better than Australia. I have learnt copious lessons from my past tours and I have had time to…

The Blue Mountains, located in New South Wales, Australia, are steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Dating thousands of years back, the Gundungarra and Darug tribes were the traditional custodians of the Blue Mountains area. They hunted…

We have road tripped to Australia's Red Centre four separate times and fallen in love with the harsh beauty, the endless expanse of red-coloured country and the wide open spaces. This time however, we wanted to experience it in a different, more…

Meet Nigel and Sue, an adventure-loving Aussie couple passionate about the outdoors, who since the beginning of 2021 have been travelling Australia in their self-converted Mercedes Sprinter Van. Producing weekly films showing you the highlights and the…

Part 2 of Top Hikes In The Top End sees our intrepid travellers Nigel and Sue venture through Nitmiluk National Park. A challenging day walk took them to the magical Butterfly Gorge, scenic Jedda’s Rock, Pat’s Lookout and more. Watch their video here…

Nigel and Sue head to Litchfield National Park for Part 3 of their Top Hikes In The Top End series. Here they wandered the Cascades, experiencing an epic day hike full of challenging climbs, amazing landscape views, refreshing rockpools and even an…

Many a photographer has captured the celestial brilliance of the Milky Way. But trying to orchestrate its location with clear weather and moon phasing from a nearly-inaccessible slot canyon that plays a significant part of the framing? Well that's…

Hopefully by now you've seen our brand project 'A Shot In The Dark', a short film that follows an adventurous crew aiming to capture a unique astro shot of the Milky Way. The 6-strong party - led by producers James Bennett and Clyde Vaughan - were…

If you're into your outdoor photography and you've checked out our brand project 'A Shot In The Dark' then you'll know the complexities of pulling together an incredible outdoor photograph or film. We sat down with James Bennett and Clyde Vaughan...

Earlier this year when international borders reopened, we were as keen as anyone to get back out and start adventuring again. So we tagged along with Jasmine and Bevan, two well-versed Aussie travellers with a penchant for exploring new cities, delving…

Intrepid Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassador Harrison Candlin recently had a case of summit fever, keen to experience the euphoria of sitting atop an elevated peak with camera in hand, partner Madison by his side and a step-count in the many…

At 8:45am Australian time (4:30am Nepal time) on May 14th, 2022, Gabby Kanizay took her step to stand on the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 metres). In doing so, it made Gabby the youngest Australian to ever summit the world's highest peak, the young…

On May 14th, 2022, Gabby Kanizay become the youngest Australian to summit Mount Everest. In doing so at the ripe old age of 19 years and 68 days, she broke the record of fellow mountaineer and Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassador Alyssa Azar, who…

One of my absolute favourite trips to take is from the Blue Mountains to Kosciuszko National Park. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Sydney for the alpine region of Kosciuszko gets me excited every time. As you drive closer to the Snowy Mountains, the…

If you drive 10 hours north-west from Brisbane, what you'll find will leave you speechless. A true hiker’s paradise of massive sandstone walls, hidden gorges, towering trees and crystal clear creeks rise out of the surrounding desert plains. This is…

Madison and I were stoked that we recently had the chance to travel to North Queensland for a week of road tripping and adventures in August. Living out of a van for the week definitely brought back memories of our time in the US and Canada last year…

It’s a strange thing to try to fulfil someone else’s bucket list but that’s exactly how Candice Wyatt found herself in Nepal on a trek she had never intended to take. Read on to hear about the Network Ten news presenter’s journey to the Annapurna Circuit…

At this time of year, as ANZAC Day approaches, I would normally be somewhere remote along the Kokoda Track. But with COVID-19 changing the current landscape of the world right now, guiding groups of people in the outdoors (let alone overseas in Papua…

With a resume that includes Kala Patthar, Imja Tse, North Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas, Australian adventurer Claire Mackay is far from an amateur mountaineer…

If anyone understands the importance of preparation and perseverance, it's former AFL star Alex Johnson. The 27-year-old footballer spent countless hours preparing for the big stage of his 47 AFL games...

The 2019 Mountain Designs A1 Racing season culminated recently with another epic adventure, this time Wildside Adventure Race Southern Highlands Edition throwing out the challenge to all-comers...

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is one of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges that anyone could face. At 5,895 metres above sea level and as the highest free-standing mountain in the world, you can understand why. The high...

For most people, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - the world's tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 metres above sea level - would be a once in a lifetime experience. For Meg Draffin and Nath Roye, it was an opportunity they never imagined would come...

Mountain Designs Hells Bells was recently hosted on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland by Wild & Co event director Chris Dixon, and as per previous editions this year’s course was certainly one not to be underestimated. We caught up with Kim Beckinsale...

Under new event director Chris Dixon and his Wild&Co team, Mountain Designs GeoQuest delivered to the adventure racing community an event of epic proportions. After completing Australia's premier adventure race...

Adventure racing is all about pushing the physical, mental and emotional boundaries of the human body. Hear from Kim Beckinsale and Jan Leverton, two members of the Mountain Designs Wild Women team, who this week will be tested to the max...

There's a lot more to Melbourne than its trendy bars, delicious bakeries and thriving live music scene. Beyond the city you'll find spectacular hiking trails just waiting to be explored. Here are some of our top picks...

Deep in the mountainous province of Guizhou, an ancient death-defying practice is alive and well. A handful of locals free climb enormous cave walls to gather rare medicinal herbs for their village. These daring climbers are known as Spider-Men...

It's no secret that Canada is a popular destination for winter sports and activities. What you may not be aware of, is that for 24 years now, it has also been home to the world's longest recreational walking trail -The Great Trail...

Are you ready to experience some of the most breathtaking trails in the world? From single-day hikes to multi-day treks, here are 10 incredible walking tracks that will make you want to get packing, tie up your hiking shoes and head off.

Not sure what to expect while you're travelling Australia? Who better to ask than other people who have done the trip themselves? We've done the ground work for you, gathering some important tips and tricks from some of our favourite...

Did you know Australia is considered the world's sixth-largest country in terms of total area? That means there are a lot of places to visit and adventures to be had when you're road tripping across this vast land.

The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walking trails, stretching nearly 1000km from Kalamunda, a suburb in the hills on the outskirts of Perth, to the historic town of Albany on the south coast.

Understand... After walking the Kokoda Track over a dozen times now you might wonder why I keep going back. I smile to those who ask, knowing they have not been there or they would not ask the question for those who go.

The Blue Mountains are a unique mountainous region in New South Wales that offers challenging and varied climbs, stunning landscapes and huge sandstone walls that make you feel as small as you are against them.

Mountain Designs Pro Elite represents the pinnacle of our technical gear, refined through more than 40 years of field testing and using the world's most advanced and innovative technical fabrics. Mountain Designs recommends the following care...

The outdoors gets pretty wild and occasionally you’re going to catch a snag with your gear. For your sleeping mat or pillow, this may be in the form of a puncture, so unless you want an uncomfortable night’s sleep, it’s best to understand how to use…

Take regular care of your sleeping bag and it will take care of you on a cold night in the outdoors. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions - Cleaning Your Sleeping Bag - Machine wash your sleeping bag with...

Taking care of your pack is super important - after all, it does store and protect all of your gear while you're on the move. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your Pack - Remove all your gear from...

Taking care of your sleeping mat guarantees you keep getting the good night's sleep you deserve after a long day of adventuring. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your Mat - Hand wash with a mild soap or...

Your down jacket is an excellent insulating garment that will keep you warm, winter after winter, if you look after it properly. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your Down Jacket - Before washing, remove any...

While your hiking boots or shoes are designed to take serious punishment while out on the trails, regular care will ensure you can keep lacing them up trek-after-trek. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your...

Your snow apparel is designed to handle the rugged nature of skiing, snowboarding and other snow adventures. Regular care will help to maintain its high performance. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your...

Regular care and maintenance helps to maximise the performance and ongoing use of your hiking poles. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your Hiking Poles - Disassemble the hiking pole into its various parts. Wash each...

Your tent is your home away from home. Taking regular care of it ensures ongoing comfort and protection long after your first night under the stars. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions. Cleaning Your Tent - Hand wash with...

You can keep the adventure going even if the heavens open with a high-quality rain jacket, but you need to look after it to ensure it performs the way it was designed to. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions: Cleaning Your…

Garments made with 100 percent Merino wool offer breathable insulation, are moisture wicking and quick drying, and adapt to changing weather conditions. To ensure these performance qualities are maintained, take good care of the Merino...

A GORE-TEX® rain jacket is an investment in your adventure lifestyle. Take care of it and it will take care of you on wet days over and over again. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions…

Putting your feet up after a long day hike is a simple moment to relish. Taking regular care of your chair or table will ensure you enjoy the comfort of that moment adventure after adventure. Mountain Designs recommends the following care instructions…

For an unforgettable holiday adventure to a seemingly lost part of the world, it's hard to go past the peace and tranquillity of Lord Howe Island. Renowned for its incredible natural beauty and relaxed island vibe, it is a hidden jewel in the Tasman...

Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassadors Glenn and Alyssa Azar regularly take groups to the top of Australia with their Adventure Professionals trip, The Aussie 10 Peaks Challenge. Here they provide expert insight into what gear you'll need to pack...

Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassadors Alyssa and Glenn Azar recently lead a team of adventurers to the summit of Mount Elbrus in Russia. Here they offer an insight into what you'll need to pack, providing a gear list based directly on their experience...

There's something about tapping back into our primal skills and getting back to basics in the great outdoors that makes camping so appealing. Whether you're comfortable in a sleeping bag on the ground under a tarp or you prefer...

Day walking is a great way to escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in the wilderness. The relaxation that comes from the sights, sounds and smells makes it worth every effort. But you never know what Mother Nature...

Keen to feel the rugged terrain of a backcountry trail under your feet? Whether you're taking off overnight or you're up for a multi-day trek, it's important to make sure you've got everything you're going to need. Pack light but pack...

There's nothing quite like backpacking - new places, new people, new languages, new cultures. As the excitement builds and you're thinking about all the sights, food, bars, and experiences you'll encounter, there's always the temptation to throw your...

Tackling the slopes or building snowmen, whatever your thrill, the snow is a fascinating travel destination with much to see and do. To make sure you're going to stay warm and organised, use this packing list as a guide for your...

From visiting far-off places to meeting people and experiencing their way of life, travelling is all about embracing the adventure. There's a whole world out there for you so use this gear list to help pack everything you're going to...

So you'd rather go over it than around it? We think it's more fun that way too. This gear list will help you get going onwards and upwards! Clothing & Footwear: T-Shirt, Shorts, Head buff, Climbing shoes and Sandals. If it's cold...

If the mountain summit is your destination of choice, you'll need to be super prepared in both training and gear. Use this gear list as a guide for what you will need for your expedition to the top of the world.

For those who thirst adrenaline and competition, adventure racing offers a mentally, physically and emotionally challenging journey set against the backdrop of epic natural landscapes. Having the right gear is essential to beating the clock and your…

For the minimalist explorer, a tarp is arguably the most lightweight, easy-to-pack shelter. Shelter here is the operative word, however, because if you don't know how to set it up properly, you're likely not going to have a great night's sleep. Using…

Intensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays can cause skin damage from sunburn to skin cancer. To avoid these effects when you’re outdoors, you need to protect your skin. Clothing can help shield UV radiation, so to help you make sun-smart…

Whether you’re a first-time traveller or you fancy yourself an overseas aficionado, a few tricks can make a world of difference to your trip. So if you’re planning on getting away overseas or interstate, try out this list of simple travel hacks we’ve…

Taking a trip into the wild during the peak of summer can get a little uncomfortable at times. The good news is, with a couple of extra additions to your packing list, you can maximise your comfort. Here are our top ideas for making the outdoors your…

Rainy weather doesn't have to ruin your day out on the trails. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can keep the good times rolling even when the heavens open up. Here are our top tips for hiking in wet weather: Hacks For Hiking Comfortably In…

When embarking on a hike or travel, never underestimate the importance of pack organisation. It can affect your comfort, centre of balance, back health (if worn for extended periods) and accessibility to items. Use this guide to ensure you're packing…

Knowing how and when to use a different shutter speed in certain situations can help you create dynamic photos that can either speed up or slow down movement in an image. For example, running water from a waterfall can be slowed down to give it a…

I shoot the bulk of my work directly into the sun. I love the backlit feel, with sun rays shining through and the silhouette possibilities. I know for a lot of photographers this is their worst nightmare, especially in film days, but with the post…

One thing that makes a photo ‘great’ is the ability to convey an emotion. Often, landscape photos can be beautiful but nothing more than that they can be empty with no feeling to connect the viewer. Here are some tips on how to create a shot that…

Getting back to nature is a beautiful thing – but what about when nature actually calls? Experienced adventurers would have their ways but for the first-timer, knowing how to relieve yourself in the wild might be a foreign concept. There’s many ways…

A big part of adventure photography is knowing how to shoot a subject in the outdoors, be it a person or a product. For me, the bulk of my work comes from shooting people moving in – and connecting with – wild places. I also spend a lot of time doing…

Waking up to a wet sleeping bag or cold water dripping on your forehead are pretty high up there on the list of unpleasant experiences in the outdoors. You’ve bought yourself a high quality, waterproof tent – so why is this happening? It doesn’t matter…

Snuggling around a campfire in a warm sleeping bag, hot cuppa and toasted marshmallows in hand, with the freshness of the cool winter air slowly circulating, is a truly beautiful experience. But what if you're not so snug and warm? Keeping warm is one…

Your perfect tent will provide you with the right weather protection and space at a low weight. With this in mind, you should be considering the weather conditions you expect to meet and how many people you want to accommodate. Then you can compare…

Choosing the right pack or bag is essential to your adventure. It will be your companion – sometimes even your house – wherever your journey takes you. Too big and you'll have too much extra weight to carry, too small and you'll never fit anything in...

Adding a sleeping mat to your outdoor gear will increase your comfort levels at night considerably. Obviously sleeping mats provide cushioning from the ground but they also play a big role in thermal insulation. Read on to learn more about the things…

Keeping your tent and its surrounding area clean and tidy will make your days around the camp site much more enjoyable. With a bit of basic organisation...

Choosing the right jacket for an outdoor adventure can be difficult because of the huge range of options available to you. You'll have to consider all the technical and functional features you need for your chosen activity and destination...

The key to a memorable and enjoyable road trip is planning well and covering your bases before the ride. Whether you're escaping for a long weekend or planning a bigger trip, there are some simple things you should check off before hitting the road...

When it comes to the outdoors, you need to use gear that suits your adventure, and this notion is even more relevant for trail running given the high performance nature of the sport...

Most hiking poles are designed with wrist straps, and knowing how to work with them will go a long way towards using your hiking poles effectively in the great outdoors...

Like with all your outdoor gear, using a sleeping bag that is fit-for-purpose will help make your outdoor adventure more comfortable, enjoyable and safe. But choosing the right sleeping bag can be tricky...

Most hiking poles are constructed with a carbide tip at the pole end to provide greater traction on standard trails or on slippery surfaces such as ice, snow and mud. These tips can also be covered with a rubber foot for...

Layering clothing is crucial for the comfort and protection of any adventurer. This simple concept allows you to make quick adjustments based on your activity level and changes in the weather. Call it an art or call it science, when the...

From a casual bush walk to a rugged alpine trek, there is no more important asset for hikers than their feet. To optimise the performance and comfort of your hiking boots, there are a number of methods to lacing them...

When you're setting up camp for the night, all you want is to get your tent pitched quickly so you can sit back and relax. This becomes even more crucial if bad weather has rolled in and you have to bunker down.

One of the keys to a comfortable backpack is to get a pack that is the right size for you. Your torso length - not your height - is the key measurement. Hip size can also be helpful. Follow these simple...

One little blister can mar an otherwise wonderful hiking trip. The best way to ensure your feet keep you moving forward out on the trail is blister prevention. Before heading out, ensure that you have chosen moisture wicking socks, the right shoes...

There are few better feelings than waking up in the outdoors as the sun creeps up over the horizon, and the sound of birds chirping and the smell of nature fills the air. Your sleeping mat has a big impact on...

When embarking on a hike or travel, never underestimate the importance of pack organisation. It can affect your comfort, centre of balance, back health if wearing for extended periods, and accessibility to items. Use this guide to ensure...

A peaceful night of rest is essential after a long day of hiking. Your sleeping mat plays a big part in whether you wake up the next day ready to hit the trails again, or feel like you've been run...

Your hiking poles are designed to enhance stability and provide support on a variety of trail surfaces. To get the most out of them you need your poles set at the correct height, which varies from user to user depending on...

At 8:45am Australian time (4:30am Nepal time) on May 14th, 2022, Gabby Kanizay took her step to stand on the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 metres). In doing so, it made Gabby the youngest Australian to ever summit the world's highest peak, the young…

On May 14th, 2022, Gabby Kanizay become the youngest Australian to summit Mount Everest. In doing so at the ripe old age of 19 years and 68 days, she broke the record of fellow mountaineer and Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassador Alyssa Azar, who…

At this time of year, as ANZAC Day approaches, I would normally be somewhere remote along the Kokoda Track. But with COVID-19 changing the current landscape of the world right now, guiding groups of people in the outdoors (let alone overseas in Papua…

Taking a group of adventure-seekers to the highest points of Australia is all in a day's work for Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassadors Glenn and Alyssa Azar...

Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassadors Alyssa and Glenn Azar recently took on the might of Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak, when they lead a team of adventurers on the 5,642-metre summit attempt. Here Glenn recounts the remarkable journey to...

Mountain Designs Adventure Ambassadors Alyssa and Glenn Azar recently lead a team of adventurers to the summit of Mount Elbrus in Russia. Here they offer an insight into what you'll need to pack, providing a gear list based directly on their experience...

For many of us setting out on weekend hikes or even month-long overland treks, the prospect of scaling the loftiest of peaks - Mt Everest herself - seem far off, the result of years of training and conditioning. Fewer of us still were...

Alyssa Azar recently returned from successfully summiting the dangerous and unpredictable Mount Elbrus. At age 19, Alyssa has now completed four of the Seven Summits. We caught up with the determined adventurer to talk about her Elbrus climb and...

You've been keeping pretty busy since your Everest Summit. What are some highlights from the past year? It has been a busy year since Everest. The highlights would be the release of my book, receiving the Key to the City of Toowoomba...

Alyssa's Everest Summit is a story of sheer determination, strength, courage and human endurance. After surviving two natural disasters on previous attempts, Alyssa has finally become the youngest Australian to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Armed with unwavering determination, Queensland teenager Alyssa Azar has become the youngest Australian to reach the Summit of Mount Everest! After being stopped by natural disasters two years in a row, Alyssa returned this year for her third attempt.

Since we arrived in New Zealand, the world as we know it has been turned upside down and reshaped over the space of two months. We were ordered to six weeks of strict lockdown, with only a local walk and drive to the supermarket permitted. No other…

Hello all. Once again, thank you for stopping by and reading the monthly Journals. We’ve now really settled into life here in Queenstown, we’ve found a new house, and everything has worked out better than expected. We’re now in the smack-bang middle of…

Touch down in New Zealand. Back in our favourite country on earth, and probably staying here for a while. Our plan is to live here until July and then see where to next when the time comes. We had departed Canada abruptly three days before Christmas…

For the month of December, we made it to the great white north – Canada. From our first time driving on ice, to sleeping in a frozen car at -16°C, this month had plenty of rough times, learning curves and times where we questioned if we were doing the…

Hi everyone, we’re back again for instalment 5 of The Journal. Thanks for sticking around and following along with our travels. Our journey is starting to get really interesting, nights are getting really cold making it more of a struggle to live out…

After a quick trip home to Australia to see our family, Madison and I got back to The States refreshed and ready for our next adventures. We left California at the end of September ready to see another new area of the country: The Pacific North West…

This month has been one of our favourites. Constant sunrise to sunset days and a whole lot of good light, weather, memories and people. We spent almost two weeks in Wyoming, a state that we never knew much about nor ever really wanted to visit.

Here it is, the second instalment of the monthly Journal. I hope you are all ready for it. We travelled far and wide this month, definitely covering most of our ground yet. We took a 3-week trip starting in Big Sur, turning it east to the Sierra...

This month has been a whirlwind but also better than I could have imagined. We arrived in San Francisco on the 17th of June to a hot stinker of a summer's day. Since then it's been pretty mild with some cold days. Odd for summer. We've been planning…