OSPREY AMBASSADOR

DARREN EDWARDS

Hi, I'm Darren. I’m passionate about exploring wild places—discovering them safely, protecting them, and inspiring others to do the same. The outdoors is where I feel most alive, whether I’m standing on a rugged mountain ridge, trekking through ancient forests, or following winding trails to breathtaking views. Hiking has profoundly changed my life, offering not just adventure but a deeper connection to nature and myself. With decades of experience exploring Australia’s landscapes and beyond, I’m dedicated to helping others embrace the outdoors safely, discover the joy of adventure, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

What has been your most memorable adventure so far?

Hiking the Walker’s Haute Route with my wife, Julie, in September 2024 is probably the one that stands out most. It’s a 14-day, 225 km trek through the Alps, and it really demands a lot, both physically and mentally. Over that time, you settle into a rhythm where it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other.

What caught me off guard was the scale of the landscape, especially on the high passes. There were a few moments where I stopped, looked back at the trail we’d just come through, and felt genuinely overwhelmed. It wasn’t something I expected, but it stayed with me.

More than anything, it was the experience of moving through that environment day after day with Julie. That shared effort and understanding is what made it so memorable, and it’s something I’ll always carry with me.

What adventure pushed you the most mentally or physically?

Without a doubt, it was our six-day journey through the Western Arthurs in Tasmania. It’s a wild, untamed range, and from the moment we started, it felt like we were straight into it. The weather had already turned before we even set off, and once you’re in there, you’re committed.

Physically, it’s relentless. There are no easy kilometres. You’re either hauling yourself up steep quartzite rock, working through tight, awkward scrambles, or picking your way down technical descents that demand full attention. Sections like Mount Pegasus and the Beggary Bumps really stand out. At times the route just disappears into boulders, slabs, and dense vegetation, and you’re constantly working out the best way through it.

By the end of each day, the fatigue is real. After a few days of that terrain, we found ourselves just moving in a bit of a trance, focused on the next step, not really thinking much beyond that.

Mentally, it’s just as demanding. There’s very little downtime. You’re managing exposure, route finding, and changing conditions the whole time, and the weather can turn quickly. There were definitely moments where it tested us, especially on some of the more exposed sections where you have to stay completely focused.

What made the biggest difference was going through it with Julie. There’s a kind of quiet understanding that builds over a trip like that. You don’t need to say much, you just keep moving and working through it together.

It’s a place that really tests you, physically and mentally, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding. It stays with you.

If you could go back to when you first started exploring the outdoors, what advice would you give yourself?

I’d probably tell myself to slow down a bit. Early on, I focused a lot on planning and gear, which are important, but they’re really just the foundation. What matters more is how you move through it all and how you respond when things don’t go to plan.

I’d also tell myself to trust my instincts more and lean into the experience, especially on the tougher days. There’s a rhythm that builds when you’re out there for long stretches, just putting one foot in front of the other, and that’s where a lot of the value sits.

Most importantly, I’d remind myself to stop more often and take it in. Some of the moments that stay with you aren’t the big milestones, they’re the quiet ones where the scale of it all really hits.

We are super excited to follow along all of Darren's adventures over the year, make sure you follow him on Instagram to stay up to date with his epic trips! @trailhikingaust⛰️