Meet Cindy: Ultralight Gear Ambassador

What is your favourite hike?

If I had to pick one favourite, it would have to be the Clarke Gorge Walk in the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales.

It’s only about 5km return, but it’s packed with adventure and absolutely stunning landscapes. You get multiple river crossings through a stunning limestone gorge, cool caves to explore along the way, and a beautiful waterfall waiting at the end, which if you’re brave enough to take a dip…. DO IT, it’s so refreshing!

Even though it’s short, it feels like a proper adventure, the perfect example of why I love hiking: quality over quantity.

I highly recommend it if you’re in the area. It’s a little hidden gem that always leaves me smiling. 🌊

Any exciting adventures planned for 2026?

This year, I’ll finally be ticking off a big bucket list hike: hiking the Routeburn Track in New Zealand as my very first international solo overnight adventure! (Please, I’m just a baby at this 😂)

New Zealand has completely stolen my heart. I try to get back there every year because the dramatic landscapes, ancient forests, and that pure wild energy are addictive. 

The Routeburn is a stunning 33km Great Walk that links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. It takes you from lush beech forests and river flats up through alpine meadows and rocky ridgelines, with epic views over mountains, valleys, sparkling tarns, and waterfalls. Crossing the Harris Saddle with panoramic views for days is going to be unforgettable.

I can already picture myself soaking it all in, heart pumping, pack feeling light, and the biggest grin on my face. This one feels big, exciting, and a little bit scary… but I can’t wait!

What piece of gear could not live without?

My Aeropress coffee maker… Yes, really.

Some people say their tent or sleeping bag is non-negotiable which is fair enough. But if I don’t have my morning coffee in the bush, not to be dramatic but the hike might not even happen. 😂

The Aeropress is ultralight, packs down tiny, and makes a ridiculously good coffee with just a bit of boiling water. Whether I’m waking up at a camp or sipping by the river that I’ve hiked to, it turns a solid hike into a civilised adventure.

Light on the pack, strong in the cup, that’s my kind of gear.

How did you get into hiking?

I’ve always been an outdoorsy person. Growing up, my family took me camping and fishing on weekends, and I quickly fell in love with escaping the city and spending time in nature. While others gravitated toward shopping or city outings, I was always drawn to the bush, the mountains, or anywhere I could breathe fresh air and feel free.

In 2022 I started solo camping, which gave me the confidence to explore on my own terms. Then in 2025 I took the big step and completed my first solo overnight hike — trekking into Little Waterloo Bay in Wilsons Prom National Park. That trip was a game-changer. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about carrying everything I need on my back, setting up camp by the ocean, and knowing I did it all by myself.

That sense of independence and connection with nature is what keeps me coming back. ❤️

What’s your best advice for new hikers?

 My top piece of advice is to always do your research before heading out. Know the track, check the weather, and download an offline map. Phone signals aren't always reliable, and you never know when you might need it.

Most importantly, start small. You don’t need to jump straight into a big multi-day hike. It’s perfectly okay to turn around early, shorten your plans, or just do a short day walk. Every step counts, and building confidence gradually is what matters. Hiking is about enjoyment, not ego.

Listen to your body, respect the trail, and celebrate the small wins. You’ve got this! 🌿