Whether you're chasing coastal views, alpine air or a quiet forest loop, finding the best trailhead near you is the first step to a great day out. At PAST Outdoors, we spend as much time on the trail as we do behind the counter, and we've put together our guide to choosing the right gear for whatever trailhead you're heading to next — from your local reserve to the high country.

Trailhead near me: Our Guide to trailheads across Aus

Start with the right footwear for the trail

No trailhead adventure goes far without the right boots underfoot. Our LOWA Renegade GTX Mid Wide boots are a top seller in our Helensburgh store and a favourite with our emergency services and military customers, thanks to their all-terrain grip and no-break-in-required comfort. They're built for everything from a weekend day hike with the dog to a full day on rougher terrain, and there's no better place to start than getting your fit right — have a read of our hiking boots comparison guide before you buy, or check our hiking sandals vs hiking shoes guide if you're weighing up your options for warmer trails.

Trekking poles for every trailhead, every season

Once your boots are sorted, the next upgrade for any serious trailhead near you is a good set of poles. We stock the Leki Ultratrail FX.One trekking poles, a lightweight carbon pole with a glove-style strap system that transfers power straight into every stride — perfect for steep climbs, technical descents, and everything in between. They fold down small enough to stash in a daypack, so there's no excuse not to bring them along, whatever the trail throws at you.

Pack smart for the distance you're covering

A comfortable, well-organised pack makes or breaks a day on the trail. If you're still working out what size and style suits you best, grab our free Osprey backpack fit guide before you buy, and browse our day pack buying guide for advice on choosing between a daypack and an overnight pack. We also love the craftsmanship in Swedish-made gear, so if you're after something a little different, our Fjällräven backpack guide is worth a read too.

Moving faster? Gear up in our trail running collection

More and more of our customers are covering their favourite trailhead at pace rather than on foot alone, and our trail running collection has everything from hydration vests to lightweight shells to keep you moving comfortably, whatever the distance. Pair it with the Leki poles above for long climbs, and you've got a setup that will see you through anything from a local loop to an ultra.

Stay dry, stay warm, stay out longer

Australian weather can turn quickly, especially once you're up in elevation, so a reliable shell layer is non-negotiable. Our Outdoor Research range covers everything from rain jackets to gaiters, and if you're new to hiking altogether, our beginner's guide to hiking is a great place to start building your kit list from scratch. For those tackling cooler months, our CEO Dave has put together Dave's 5 winter hiking faves, drawn from his own two decades of experience in the Australian Special Forces.

Why hikers, emergency services and military customers choose PAST Outdoors

We're a family-owned and operated Australian business based in Helensburgh, NSW, and we've built our range around the same gear we trust on our own adventures. With over 2,000 customer reviews, same day dispatch before 4pm AEDT, and compostable packaging right down to the tape, we make it easy to gear up properly before you hit the trailhead. Our team includes former Special Forces operators and passionate everyday hikers, so whatever advice you need, we've genuinely walked the trail ourselves. Ready to find your next trailhead? Shop the full range at PAST Outdoors and let's get you out there.