In June 2025, we (Tom and Maddie – founders of The Adventure Gene) set out to complete a full winter traverse of the Australian Alps Walking track. We carried snowshoes from Walhalla to Mt Hotham, as we knew that sections of the trail can be overgrown and most of the time there wouldn’t be enough snow coverage to ski. Picking up our skis in Hotham, we carried them all the way through to Kiandra. For the last bit of the trail up to Tharwa, we didn’t carry snowshoes or skis as we knew the snow coverage was thin and we would make faster progress without snow gear. We wanted to ditch our skis for the ~150km section between the Omeo Highway and Dead Horse Gap, but unfortunately couldn’t sort out the logistics in time.
Walhalla to Mt Hotham (snowshoeing)
Total weight in list: 19.5kg
Worn weight (each): 3.6kg
Base weight (each): 6.2kg
Mt Hotham to Kiandra (skiing)
Total weight in list: 24.0kg
Worn weight (each): 4.8kg
Base weight (each): 7.2kg
Kiandra to Tharwa (no skis or snowshoes)
Total weight in list: 14.7kg
Worn weight (each): 1.6kg
Base weight (each): 5.7kg
Skis (Mt Hotham to Kiandra)
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skis | Voile Objective BC (fish scale). | 2176 | 2 | 171cm for Tom, 164cm for Maddie. |
| Leash | 20 | 2 | ||
| Leash clip | Zip ties | 1 | 4 | |
| Bindings | Dynafit Superlite 175 | 390 | 2 | |
| Skins | Montana Montamix Adrenaline (glueless) | 460 | 2 | Didn't work well in wet conditions. Would take normal 'glue' skins next time. |
| Boots Tom | Scarpa F1 LT | 990 | 2 | Size 27. |
| Insoles Tom | Formthotics Ski Dual High | 25 | 1 | |
| Boots Maddie | Scarpa F1 LT | 990 | 2 | Size 27. |
| Insoles Maddie | Sidas Activ Mid | 45 | 1 | |
| Helmet Tom | Petzl Sirocco | 170 | 1 | Always worn when skiing. Light enough that you don't notice it. |
| Helmet Maddie | Edelrid Salathe Lite | 190 | 1 | Always worn when skiing. Light enough that you don't notice it. |
| Goggles | Julbo Aerospace 0-4 | 120 | 2 | Amazing goggles with lenses that adapt to all light conditions and pop out for ventilation. |
| Ski socks | Sidas Merino Performance | 55 | 2 | |
| Ski wax | Swix F4 | 60 | 1 | |
| Skin wax | Pomoca Bi-colour | 20 | 1 | |
| Boot crampons | Petzl Leopard LLF | 330 | 2 | |
| Binding/boot adjustment | G3 Backcountry Binding Tool | 10 | 1 | Pozi #3 and Torx T20. |
| Scraper | 5 | 1 | For removing snow and wax on skis. | |
| Chux | 2 | 1 | For removing wax in scales. | |
| Boot vapour barrier liner | AliExpress/Temu | 20 | 3 | Long height. Carried one spare pair. To keep boot liners dry and warm. |
| Total | 9673 |
Snowshoes (Walhalla to Mt Hotham)
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice axe | Petzl Gully (1x Hammer, 1x Adze) | 280 | 2 | Carried only from Jamieson-Licola Rd to Camp Creek across the Crosscut Saw. |
| Snowshoes | MSR EVO Ascent | 1780 | 2 | More durable than the Lightning Ascent for Aussie conditions. |
| Microspikes | Snowline Chainsen Trail | 170 | 2 | Not used. |
| Shoes | La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX | 375 | 4 | See discussion below. |
| Gaiters | Montbell Gore-Tex Light Spats Semi Long | 145 | 2 | Great for keeping snow out of our boots. |
| Insulated overshoe | Pearl Izumi AmFIB Shoe Cover | 175 | 2 | For added warmth when snowshoeing. Held too much moisture, would take something else next time. |
| Walking socks | Injinji Liner | 34 | 2 | |
| Shoe vapour barrier liner | AliExpress/Temu | 15 | 3 | Regular height. Carried one spare pair. To keep shoe insulation dry and warm. |
| Shoe outer waterproofing | Mylar | 5 | 2 | DIY to make shoes more waterproof. |
| Total | 6723 |
Sleeping
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tent | Durston X-Mid Pro 2 | 550 | 1 | DCF floor + extra guylines. See discussion below. |
| Shovel | Black Diamond Transfer LT | 405 | 1 | |
| Snow pegs | SULUK Olik | 14 | 6 | |
| Pegs | DAC J Stake | 11 | 6 | |
| Mini pegs | Swiss Piranha | 3 | 4 | |
| Sleeping bag | Feathered Friends Spoonbill | 1120 | 1 | |
| Sleeping mat | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Reg | 448 | 2 | |
| Foam mat | Plastazote LD 15 | 70 | 2 | For use during the day and to minimise draft between mats at night (given we use a two person sleeping bag). |
| Pad coupler | DIY sleeve | 35 | 2 | Two 10cm wide sleeves made from X. Holds mats together much better than store bought versions. |
| VBL suit | Aliexpress | 65 | 2 | |
| Mat inflator | RexCreations Pad-Pal | 9 | 1 | To avoid getting moisture in our mats and decrease how much mats deflate overnight. |
| Total | 3482 |
Kitchen
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pot | Evernew 1.3L with DCF case | 149 | 1 | Perfect capacity for 2 people. |
| Stove | Trail Designs Sidewinder | 67 | 1 | Alcohol stove with caldera cone. See discussion below. |
| Lighter | BIC Mini | 11 | 1 | |
| Stove plate | DIY foam covered in alfoil | 8 | 1 | Improves stove efficincy. |
| Plastic water bottle | Woolies 1L | 35 | 2 | For bidet and easy drinking whilst moving. |
| Winter water bottle | Nalgene HDPE 1L | 100 | 2 | |
| Bladder | 4L Hydrapak Seeker | 130 | 1 | For collecting large volumes of water. |
| Water bottle cover | DIY cosy for Nalgene | 33 | 2 | To stop water freezing. Made from Plastazote. |
| Spoon | Sea to Summit Tea Spoon | 7 | 2 | |
| Cereal zip locks | 2 | 4 | Smaller pack size than a container. | |
| Total | 719 |
Misc
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pack | Whippa Overland 60 Ultralight | 990 | 2 | See discussion below. |
| Shoulder pouch | Justin's UL | 25 | 4 | |
| Food bag | Nylofume | 28 | 2 | |
| Pack liner | Nylofume | 28 | 2 | |
| Poo kit | Outlined here | 75 | 1 | |
| Bidet | Culoclean | 8 | 1 | |
| Earplugs | 0 | 1 | ||
| Comb | 4 | 1 | ||
| Hair lackies | 2 | 4 | ||
| Carabiners | 5 | 2 | For attaching to waterbottles when filling up on snow. | |
| Cash & cards | 15 | 1 | ||
| Total | 2312 |
Clothes Carried
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active synthetic jacket | Montbell Ex Light Thermawrap | 205 | 2 | |
| Static synthetic jacket | Enlightened Equipment Torrid | 201 | 2 | |
| Rain jacket | Montbell Versalite | 170 | 2 | |
| Active synthetic pants | Zero G Gear Alpha Direct Fuzzy Pants (90gsm) | 100 | 2 | Next time would add zips to make them fully removable without taking shoes off. |
| Static down pants | Ice Flame Multifunctional Down Pants | 245 | 2 | Can be fully removed without taking ski boots off. |
| Rain pants | Montbell GORE-TEX Full-Zip | 200 | 2 | Would be better if they unzipped from the top as well for ventilation. |
| Spare socks | Macpac Liner Sock | 40 | 2 | |
| Sleep socks | Fleece | 60 | 2 | |
| Waterproof socks | DexShell Ultralight | 60 | 2 | For extra warmth whilst walking and to use for river crossings to keep our shoes dry. |
| Underwear | Montbell Cool Mesh | 30 | 2 | |
| Shell gloves | Montbell UL Shell Gloves | 5 | 2 | |
| Wind gloves | Montbell Wind Shell Gloves | 34 | 2 | Worn almost 24/7. See discussion below. |
| Waterproof gloves | Showa 281 L | 45 | 2 | |
| Insulated mitts | EE Torrid 4oz | 60 | 2 | Rarely used but essential for us. See discussion below. |
| Outer mitt | Blue Bolt Yeti | 94 | 2 | |
| Buff | OR Echo | 20 | 2 | |
| Balaclava | Gorewear Windstopper Balaclava | 45 | 2 | |
| Total | 3228 |
Clothes Worn (Tom)
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long sleeve hybrid shirt | Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover | 100 | 1 | |
| Pants | Montbell Light Cross Runner | 150 | 1 | |
| Undies | Royal Robbins | 45 | 1 | |
| GPS Watch | Garmin 955 | 48 | 1 | Nylon band. With Suunto Clipper compass attached. |
| Hat | Raidlight Cap | 25 | 1 | With bulldog clips. |
| Sunglasses | Julbo Shield Cat 0-4 | 28 | 1 | |
| Trekking Poles | Zpacks Carbon | 410 | 1 | |
| Total | 806 |
Clothes Worn (Maddie)
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long sleeve hybrid shirt | Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover | 95 | 1 | |
| Pants | Montbell Light Cross Runner | 150 | 1 | |
| Undies | ExOfficio briefs | 30 | 1 | |
| Sports Bra | Montbell | 100 | 1 | |
| GPS Watch | Fenix 7s | 48 | 1 | Nylon band. With Suunto Clipper compass attached. |
| Hat | Outdoor Research Cap | 25 | 1 | With bulldog clips. |
| Sunglasses | Julbo Shield Cat 0-4 | 28 | 1 | |
| Trekking Poles | Zpacks Carbon | 400 | 1 | |
| Total | 876 |
Electronics
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Tom | iPhone 13 mini with case | 146 | 1 | |
| Phone Maddie | iPhone 16 Pro with case | 210 | 1 | |
| SOS device | inReach Mini 2 | 100 | 1 | |
| Head torch | Nitecore NU25 | 35 | 2 | |
| Spare head torch | Nitecore NU25 | 28 | 1 | |
| Headphones | AirPods Pro 2 | 54 | 1 | |
| Powerbank | Nitecore NB 10000 | 150 | 2 | |
| Wall charger | GaN 20W (2 USB-C ports) | 40 | 1 | |
| USB C - C cable | 10 cm | 5 | 2 | |
| USB C - Garmin adapter | 2 | 2 | ||
| Micro USB adaptor | 1 | 1 | ||
| Micro USB cable | 10 | 1 | ||
| Total | 973 |
Repair and First Aid Kit
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini scissors | AliExpress | 5 | 1 | |
| Mini knife | Dermasafe | 7 | 1 | |
| Zip ties | 10 | 1 | Multiple sizes. | |
| Aquaseal UV | 3 | 1 | ||
| Cord | Zpacks 1.3mm. Lawsoson Glower 2.5mm. | 20 | 1 | |
| Tenacious tape | 4 | 1 | ||
| Cloth tape | 15 | 1 | ||
| Straps | Voile | 54 | 1 | One long, one short. For A-frame ski carry and holding trekking poles together for tent pitch. |
| Needle and thread | 2 | 1 | ||
| Mat repair kit | 5 | 1 | ||
| Matches | 4 | 1 | ||
| Spare lighter | BIC mini | 11 | 1 | |
| DCF tape | Zpacks DCF tape | 4 | 1 | |
| Ibuprofen | 5 | 1 | ||
| Paracetamol | 5 | 1 | ||
| Antihistamines | 2 | 1 | ||
| No Doz | 5 | 1 | ||
| Snake bandage | Aero | 44 | 1 | |
| Total | 205 |
Foot Care
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breathable tape | Fixomull | 10 | 1 | |
| Rigid tape | Leukotape | 10 | 1 | |
| Duct tape | 10 | 1 | ||
| Cloth tape | 10 | 1 | ||
| K Tape | 10 | 1 | ||
| Friction reduction tape | ENGO patches | 10 | 1 | |
| Tape adhesive | Friars balsam / tincture of benzoin | 5 | 1 | |
| Toe gel protector | Scholl | 6 | 1 | 3pcs, various thicknesses. |
| Hydrocolloid plasters | Band-aid | 5 | 1 | For torn roof blisters. |
| Island dressings | Livingston Medium Joint Dressings (H bandage) | 8 | 1 | |
| Total | 84 |
Consumables
| Item | Product | Weight (g) | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun protection | Key Sun Zinke Stick | 6 | 1 | |
| Wind protection | Sudocrem | 10 | 1 | 15% zinc. |
| Lip balm | Carmex | 8 | 1 | |
| Moisturiser | Rawleighs Antiseptic Salve | 15 | 1 | |
| Hand sanitiser | 15 | 1 | In 15ml dropper bottle. | |
| Toothpaste | 5 | 1 | 5g tube. | |
| Toilet paper | 10 | 1 | If we didn't have water to use the bidet. | |
| Total | 69 |
Discussion
Shelter - Durston X-Mid Pro 2
Our decision to use the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (classed as a 3 season shelter) for a winter AAWT traverse was a calculated one, and definitely wouldn’t be the right choice for everyone.
We significantly increased its storm-worthiness by adding six extra long guylines to the mid-panel and peak tie-outs, creating a more tensioned and robust structure capable of shedding wind and snow. This reinforcement was made more effective by the use of anchors like trees, rocks, and DIY deadman stakes in snow.
These alterations were paired with a conservative camping strategy enabled by our fitness and experience. We felt confident in our ability to push over exposed sections to find protected campsites below the treeline. We also knew the limitations of our setup and were willing to wait, skip, or postpone sections if we felt it was unsafe.
Had we anticipated many night camping on exposed ridgelines, or if we lacked the confidence to reach a sheltered campsite each night, we would have instead opted for a dedicated 4-season tent like the Slingfin WindSaber.
Packs - Whippa Overland 60 Ultralight
Note: Our packs were given to us by Whippa free of charge.
For this trip, we took the Whippa Overland 60L packs. The materials used, weight and build quality were all excellent, and we were particularly drawn to the large, enclosed front pocket—a feature that proved invaluable in winter conditions. Unlike traditional mesh pockets, it made it significantly easier to keep daytime items (clothing layers, food, skins etc.) dry and snow free. This also significantly reduced the number of times we had to open our packs, enabling faster progress and kept the snow (and rain!) out.
The side buckles were perfect for A-frame ski carries, although we would have preferred the ability to tighten and loosen the side pockets.
The pack’s primary weakness was its frame. We didn’t find the plastic framesheet to transfer load as effectively as an aluminium inverted U frame (like on the Durston Kakwa). This was most apparent when carrying our 5 day resupply with full ski equipment from the Omeo Highway to Dead Horse Gap. We definitely had sore shoulders.
Another consequence of the framesheet was that it would bend and distort when you sat on the pack. Whilst we typically try avoid sitting on our packs, this is something we haven’t experienced with other framed packs.
We would be really excited to see an updated frame as it would cement the pack as the highest performing winter multi-day expedition pack of this size.
Shoes - La Sportiva Cykon Cross GTX
Choosing the right footwear for this trip was a bit of a challenge. The tricky thing about a winter AAWT traverse is the huge variety of conditions you will encounter; regular hiking, walking through shallow snow/slush, snowshoeing in deep powder, and navigating icy terrain.
On standard 3-season trips we usually opt for highly breathable, non waterproof shoes. On this winter trip, our priority shifted to ensuring our feet stayed warm!
We ended up using the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX. They were waterproof and we really liked the concept of the integrated, zippable gaiter.
The biggest win was that the BOA dial was excellent. Not having to tie your shoe laces with cold frozen hands was luxurious!
However, the shoes were not as warm as we had hoped. This was because the waterproof layer was placed right up against the foot, meaning that the gaiter and fabric of the shoe could still easily accumulate moisture, making them very cold and slow to dry. We expect this design to work very well in conditions with dry, fluffy snow – which isn’t that common in Australia!
We eventually fashioned some mylar into a waterproof shell that could be placed under the gaiter which significantly improved the situation.
While we still like the design concept, we concluded that for similar trips in the future, we would try find a shoe with a fully waterproof, non-breathable external shell that can then be effectively paired with a vapour barrier liner. Ideally something like a trail runner version of the Baffin Borealis.
Cooking - Trail Designs Sidewinder
We opted for an alcohol stove for this trip due to its absolute reliability and logistical convenience. Alcohol stoves are famously simple with no moving parts to break, and they perform consistently in cold weather and at high altitudes where canister stoves can struggle or become fiddly. They are also extremely stable, and you can use alternate fuel sources (like wood) if need be.
The primary drawback of this system is its slow boiling speed and complete lack of temperature control. It’s about half as fast as a Jetboil. However, this was a calculated trade-off that suited our specific needs. As our menu consisted solely of dehydrated meals, pasta and 2 minute noodles, we only needed to warm water up. Crucially, we were also confident that we would have very few occasions where we would need to melt large quantities of snow, meaning the slower boil time was a manageable inconvenience. Indeed, we only ended up melting snow a couple of times.
Hand System
While carrying five pairs of gloves might seem excessive, our handwear was a deliberate modular system designed for versatility and safety in changing winter conditions. Our daily workhorse setup, used for about 90% of the time, consisted of a primary pair of wind gloves. We specifically chose these over standard fleece because their water-resistant fabric and waterproof palms didn’t get saturated from constant contact with snow. When conditions turned wet or colder, we would simply layer a pair of waterproof gloves over the top, creating a fully waterproof and warmer combination that offered excellent dexterity for most tasks.
For severe cold, we relied on a three-part mitten system as our essential safety net. This was built around heavily insulated mittens, which were critical for restoring warmth to dangerously cold hands and preventing the loss of dexterity. These were paired with a durable, waterproof outer shell, which we chose for its toughness to prevent damage on sharp ice (and from falls whilst skiing). The final component was a pair of thin shell gloves worn inside this setup. This addition meant we could remove the insulated mittens to perform complex tasks without exposing our bare skin to the cold. Not to mention, it made sliding damp hands back into the mittens much easier.
Overall we felt our hand system was nearly perfect.
Conclusion
It is essential to note that our gear choices for our winter AAWT were highly personalised and would not be suitable for all hikers. In particular, our 3 season shelter would not be the right choice for everyone.
We were really happy with our layering system, and were able to keep warm in all conditions as long as we were moving. Additionally, we were happy with the skis, ski boots, snowshoes, helmets and googles we took. Next time, we would take normal skins instead of glueless ones.
Make sure to reach out if you have any questions. If you’re looking at getting out into the Australian Alps, we also run guided winter snow camping trips. Pack weights are under 15kg and no previous experience is required. We also provide all of the gear, food and transport from Canberra – just bring your clothes according to our supplied packing list!
3 Responses
Great write up! A couple questions:
Is the 4.5m snake bandage still effective compared to the 10m? Wasnt aware the smaller size was available and its a significant weight saving for something im unlikely to use.
What is your strategy for avoiding batteries/power banks depleting in the cold, especially given how hard it would be to recharge?
Thanks Liam!
For the 4.5m vs 10m, the 10m would be more effective for sure. We chose the 4.5m because it was winter and we were pretty sure we weren’t going to see any snakes. We probably shouldn’t have even brought one – we didn’t see any snakes unsurprisingly. We just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave it as home as we’d feel very silly if we got bitten in one of the warmer, low lying areas of the route. In summer I’d take the 10m and accept it’s part of hiking in Aus.
For the powerbanks, we only had 2 drops (in Vic) where we picked up spares. Luckily running a guiding company means we have plenty lying around 😅 We carried 2 x 10 000 mAh. The rest of the time we recharged in town.
The cold doesn’t actually make battery packs deplete faster or lose charge. Instead, it makes it harder for the powerbank to charge devices, and the powerbank might think it’s flat sooner. Once you warm it back up it will function again correctly. That means charging in a jacket pocket, or in your sleeping bag ☺️