REVIEWS

Bluetooth earbuds Australia

Great Outdoors, Great Sound: LG’s T90S earbuds make going wireless easy

If you’ve been using plug-in headphones for years and are finally ready to go wireless, the LG TONE Free T90S earbuds are a smart and surprisingly simple way to make the leap – especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Whether you’re walking the dog, hiking in the bush, running in the park or just strolling around the neighbourhood, these earbuds are packed with thoughtful features that feel made for real life.
Right away, you’ll appreciate how comfortable they are. LG redesigned the shape of the T90S in collaboration with a top Korean science university (POSTECH), and it shows. The earbuds are small, lightweight and fit securely. New oval-shaped ear tips adjust naturally to your ears, so they stay snug even if you’re moving around a lot, while helping block out background noise for a more peaceful listening experience.

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Zippo Firefast Torch

Fuel your adventures with Zippo

Lighting a fire has been an essential part of outdoors survival throughout history. From early humans discovering fire through natural sources like lightning strikes to learning how to harness and control it, fire has been crucial for warmth, cooking, protection and even socialising around the campfire. It has meant the difference between survival and peril, whether used for cooking meals, warding off wildlife or simply staying warm during long nights in the wilderness.

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Vitis V Face TonIQ natural grapeseed oil skincare for glowing skin

Skincare’s natural all-rounder

The Barossa Valley, famed for its bold and beautiful shiraz grapes, has brought a new kind of beauty to the world – skincare. These powerhouse grapes are now being harnessed for their impressive skin-rejuvenating properties, and the results are nothing short of transformative.

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Solmates for the whole family

Solmates are a fantastic product, appreciated by both the young and the old, making them an ideal gift for almost anyone – even that friend who seems to have everything. These planet-friendly products are designed for everyday use, making them an easy addition to any routine. Solmates’ versatility is one of its standout qualities, with many customers praising how practical and helpful they are in their daily lives. Co-founder Caroline Farrer notes, “Whether you’re buying for an outdoorsy friend, a teacher you don’t know well, or a colleague who loves to travel, Solmates ticks all the boxes.” The brand set out to create a product that seamlessly integrates into their customers’ lives, and the positive feedback reflects just that.

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Cooler bags

Ice-cold convenience

Dometic, a Swedish company founded by outdoor enthusiasts from Electrolux, has become a global leader in outdoor tech by expanding from compact refrigeration to climate systems, cooking, shelter, marine, power solutions and more. Their commitment to usability, innovation and quality is evident in their range of durable products designed for long-lasting outdoor adventures.

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Merry People stylish waterproof gumboots for all-season wear

Stylin’ in the rain

Sometimes a spark of inspiration can come from the most mundane of situations. For Merry People founder Danielle Pearce, it was on her daily office commute in Melbourne’s irregular weather. It was then and there she decided it was time those in the corporate world deserved a pair of comfortable, quality everyday boots that were both 100 per cent waterproof and stylish. “Growing up in South Gippsland, Victoria, I was familiar with just how useful gumboots can be, but I couldn’t find a pair that bridged the gap between city and country life,” she said.

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Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2025 featuring Launceston and Tamar Valley

Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ destinations for 2025

Global travel authority Lonely Planet has unveiled its top destinations to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, its 15th publication of their annual collection. Highlighting Lonely Planet’s expert predictions for the coming year, this best-selling book, along with its online and social editions, showcases 30 must-visit destinations from all around the globe. This year, the guide includes the Top 10 Countries, Top 10 Cities, Top 10 Regions and Top 10 Emerging Travel Trends.

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From city streets to mountain peaks

Mountain Warehouse’s High 50L Rucksack is perfect to carry your clothes and personal items on a weekend away travelling by air or by foot. Its design allows you to fill the storage capacity to the max and then squeeze it to decrease bulk, enabling an easy fit into a plane’s overhead locker.
If you are walking out into the bush for a solid day hike that may extend to a night or two, you can certainly fit in plenty of clothes and gear to keep you exploring. It has exceptional carry capacity in its main compartment, with two small side pockets that fit a water bottle, GPS or phone. The compression straps on three sides pull the cargo in tightly and provide points to attach and hold various items.

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Organic Valanolia skincare and haircare products made from Alpine Valley olives.

Apply nature

When thinking about olives, it’s safe to say edible goods come to mind for most people. But what about their natural use for the outside of your body? With over 50 years’ experience running award-winning olive groves in Victoria’s stunning Alpine Valley region, Valanolia has ‘branched out’ with their botanical range of squalane-enriched skin and hair care products. Their olives are the sought-after Kolovi variety, native to the Greek island of Lesbos, and as the old saying goes: “Olives may be small, but they carry the richness of the Mediterranean.”
So, what exactly is squalane and how does it enrich our hair and skin? Squalane is harnessed as the hydrogenated form of squalene, a hydrophilic (water loving) compound found in olives that is bioidentical to squalene lipids (organic compounds) naturally found in the human body. It hydrates skin by penetrating the outer layer while enhancing the delivery of key actives and ingredients. Squalene fills hair with vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen it while aiding with repair and growth.

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Brewed awakenings

There’s something magical about savouring a cup of coffee in the great outdoors. The aroma mingles with fresh air, creating a sensory delight that invigorates the spirit. Each sip warms your hands and ignites your senses, while the sounds of nature – a gentle breeze, birds chirping, leaves rustling, water flowing – form a soothing backdrop.
Whether you have just woken up at the campsite or are perched on a mountaintop, enjoying coffee outside transforms the simple act into a mindful experience. It invites you to pause, breathe deeply and connect with the world around you. As the steam rises, so do your thoughts, swirling into the tranquillity of the moment. You are present, fully immersed in the beauty of nature. It’s a small ritual that brings joy, peace and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Beyond the delightful experience of sipping coffee in the great outdoors; there’s also host of benefits thanks to the caffeine. As you take in the fresh air and natural beauty, the caffeine can boost your mood and enhance your focus. This stimulant helps get your day started and increases alertness.
As you enjoy the rich flavour, you’re also supporting your body’s metabolism and promoting physical endurance. This makes those outdoor adventures feel even more rewarding. Whether you’re hiking, reading or simply soaking in the scenery, coffee outdoors elevates your experience, turning a simple break into a revitalising escape.
As Australians have evolved as coffee drinkers, so too has the humble ‘bush cuppa’ thanks to skilful brewers like Single O. Their cool artwork caught our attention, and their vibe is bang on for enjoying life and the great Australian outdoors, so we just had to give their products a try!

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Like a warm hug

Suffering from what has felt like a never-ending and miserable winter, we looked to up the warmth factor in the great outdoors with added clothing. Not wanting to break the bank, we turned to the Teddy Women’s Half-Zip Fleece from Mountain Warehouse and couldn’t be happier (or warmer).

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Land of ‘Plendi’

Gone are the days where we are at the mercy of beauty and skincare regimes from unethical companies using artificial chemicals that are lab-tested on animals. As we continue to turn to nature and a much more environmentally friendly approach, the benefits unfold.

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Hasta la Vista… cold weather

During the colder months, most people escape the chill by staying indoors, sitting under a blanket, or sitting by the fire. But where’s the fun in that? Nothing is quite as rewarding as testing yourself in uncomfortable conditions. That used to be the case, but thanks to Mountain Warehouse and a wide array of their products, you can take comfort in the uncomfortable. After receiving the Vista Padded Jacket in the stylish khaki colourway, we put the jacket through its paces.

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Ever so Co-Z

When it comes to outdoor clothing and gear, Kathmandu are always at the forefront – for good reason. With decades of experience, this New Zealand established brand has put together an extensive range of pioneering items for all members of the family.

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Taking the bite out of the outdoors

Reading through Australian Hunter issue 86, the article ‘Snakes Alive!’ got me thinking twice about my slightly lax attitude about Australia’s slithering critters.
My first outing with our new ute and rooftop tent saw my wife and I out to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. North of Blinman, we found a remote camping spot to test out the Hunters Element Venom V2 Gaiters, designed in ‘good old New Zealand’.

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Dirt and Dust by Amelia Olsen

‘It’s not that dad didn’t choose me, or Mum or my sister. He simply didn’t choose life…’ Dirt and Dust is a tumultuous fair dinkum story of circumstances surrounding the suicide of a father narrated by his son Riley and written by his widow Amelia. Readers join the cautious duo as they embark on a 1400km ‘journey’ together on dirt bikes to the tip of Cape York.

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Dog tales of Australia by Kerry Martin

It’s a dog’s life… or so the expression goes. And for outdoor adventurers and hunters who want to take their beloved pets along for the ride, things can sometimes turn tricky. Regulations and rules at various pit stops can become tedious. But if a dog is man’s best friend – and hunting companion – here is a book that can help you along the way.

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USE THE FORCE

Get the kids away from the screen and thinking creatively with a Geomag Mechanics Motion kit. The construction platform combines the forces of magnetism with a world of mechanical construction, to stimulate creativity, inventiveness and ingenuity.

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Grampians Walks by Monica & Phil Coleman – book review

If you love hiking and discovering incredible walking tracks, while taking in spectacular views, you need to grab yourself a copy of Grampians Walks.
It’s a brand new guide book with hundreds of photos illustrating the tracks, as well as descriptions of the Grampians Peaks Trail and many other day walks in the Grampians where all the planning has been done for you, allowing you more time to enjoy your walks. Written by veteran local walkers Monica and Phil Coleman, their love of the Grampians shines on every page.

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Adventure Cooking – Fire to Fork

Feeling hungry on a trek into the Outback? Then maybe Harry Fisher can offer some advice. His recently released book Adventure Cooking – Fire to Fork delivers food for thought about how to rustle up recipes for peckish adventurers eager to consume tucker after a strenuous day in the wild.
But this does not mean any expected rudimentary fare such as eggs on toast. And it’s a long way from the baked beans stodge slopped out in the classic cowboy passage from the Mel Brooks’ comedy film Blazing Saddles.

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Remote area first aid: your field guide

The lure of Outback adventures is a tantalising prosect for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike. But traversing the vast expanse of Australia’s wilderness can be fraught with pitfalls as well as the pleasures of savouring the thrill of new experiences.
Whether trooping along solely on foot or travelling from behind the steering wheel of a rugged All-terrain vehicle (ATV), it is critical to know what steps to take if misfortune derails the situation.

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Plan and survive with an expert by your side

This ultimate guide to survival in Australia’s many varied and remote landscapes will set you up for success thanks to one of our country’s most respected experts.
Bob Cooper is known for his work over the past 30 years to educate thousands on how to survive in Australia’s Outback.

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Polaris ATVs fuelling outdoor fun

On occasions, when outdoor enthusiasts enter rugged and testing terrain, they may require something more than just sturdy foot power to extend the exhilaration levels.
To bolster whatever mission is mapped out on the exploration agenda, the next step could entail looking to vehicular assistance for trail and recreational riding.

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Conservation: A question of values

In the preface to his acclaimed book Wildlife Conservation: In the Belly of the Beast, Australian author and conservationist Professor Grahame Webb admits his reason for writing it will be achieved if it ‘stimulates others to think in more depth about wildlife conservation’.

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Lighter on your wallet

Striker LED driving lights are one of the few kits in Australia that are supplied with an electrical relay kit and harness ready for owner installation. This saves quite a lot of money as auto-electricians can charge the price of the lights again in labour and parts.

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The gospel according to conservationists

The Conservation Through Sustainable Use of Wildlife forum, hosted by the University of Queensland, and financially supported by the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia, followed on from a convention held more than 20 years earlier of similar name. The foreword of this publication outlines the why’s and the context of sustainable use of wildlife that has been carried via these two summits

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Camp freely with the Wedgetail Hawk

Darren Houston, who owns Wedgetail Campers, based in Broadmeadow, NSW, is a family man and a hunter. He’s also a fully-qualified electrician. So, having a long, hard think about what he wants when he heads out scrub, Darren decided to make a camper for budget conscious hunters and campers like himself.

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The Airstream International caravan

You’ve probably always wanted to drive a Ferrari. But, what about living in one? Great Australian Outdoors magazine heard that the Ferrari of caravans, the Airstream International, had hit our fair shores and that they need to be seen to be believed. So we did just that.

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Licence to grill, 24/7

Your day is winding up and it’s time to relax around the campfire. The sun is dropping towards the horizon and the air is beginning to chill. It’s comfortable next to the flames and you just don’t want to move away from that radiating heat.

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Among the pigeons: Why our cats belong indoors

This fascinating book offers a telling insight into the conundrum raised by conflicting appraisals of the enigma of the domestic cat. How can a cuddly, purring household pet be transformed into a sleek, feline killing machine once it steps outside the threshold and makes the outdoors its domain?

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Lifestraw

LifeStraw is a simple and widely celebrated water filter which removes more than 99 per cent of bacteria and 99.9 per cent of protozoa (single celled organisms) by the time water is sucked from one end of the straw to the other. While the original LifeStraw can filter up to 4000 litres of water, newer and larger versions of the LifeStraw can filter up to 25 times that while also removing 99.9 per cent of viruses and microplastics from water.

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Leatherman Wave multi-tool

Leatherman upgrade takes Wave multi-tool to next generation.
Leatherman has been a name synonymous with excellence since the Oregon-based tools manufacturer burst onto the scene in 1983.

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Off-road with the Hema HX-1 GPS Navigator

Hema is a Brisbane-based Australian company with 25 years experience in producing detailed street and wilderness trail maps and GPS units. Hema products are popular with off-road, 4WD camping and caravanning enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand.

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Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning affords perfect cover

If the Rolling Stones’ catchcry from yesteryear was Gimme Shelter, Rhino-Rack is happy to oblige with the Batwing Awning.
Come rain or shine, the Batwing will provide shade and shelter for all outdoor enthusiasts on the move.
The Rhino-Rack pioneers have been crafting top-notch racks and related accessories since 1992 with the Batwing the latest innovative item off the production line.

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