The Pod Well Travelled team Penny Thomas, Stephen Scourfield and Megan French tackle the great outdoors in a new episode of their Packing Series. Penny seeks packing tips ahead of her trip to Japan to hike one of the world’s premier spiritual roads — the Kumano Kodō, ancient pilgrimage routes which crisscross the Kii Peninsula. Outdoors-man travel editor Stephen and fashion writer Megan present a brief overview on the history of outdoor gear and how fabrications evolved as popularity for hiking and outdoor exploring gained momentum throughout time. From the importance of layering to what a hiking day pack should contain, the trio cover extensive ground on the topic. + Subscribe and listen to The Pod Well Travelled where you get your podcasts — and share it to your family and friends. + Sign up for eTravel via thewest.com.au/manage-email-preferences. It’s our free digital edition of travel that gets delivered to your inbox once a week and is full of new stories, fresh podcast episodes, upcoming events and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.