EQUIPMENT

WHAT DO I NEED FOR A BUSHWALK???

This is a common question from beginner bushwalkers.

The following list is not all inclusive but is a guide as to what you may need. Depending on the time of year, the area you will going, how many days you will be walking and personal preferences you may make your own additions and deletions. It would be prudent to consult with the walks leader about what to bring.

Keep everything light and small: it is YOUR back it is going on!!!

For day walks the underlined items are advised. The other items listed are for longer weekend walks. Items available for hire are in italics.

If you are contemplating buying equipment it is not a bad idea to do a walk or two before you purchase so as to compare notes and see what others have. There are a number of specialised outdoor/bushwalking shops in the city and suburbs that stock the necessary items and have useful advice. It is not much good buying items at disposal or department stores as the quality is very often questionable. Above all else it is quite easy for bushwalking to be a healthy sport for you and your wallet.

CLOTHING:

Clothing should be strong quick dry polyester or natural fibre fabrics such as wool. Rainwear should be fabrics such as japara or goretex. It should keep you both warm and dry in conditions not necessarily found in the suburbs. Many people find it preferable to wear shorts in all but the coldest of weather. Jeans are generally not suitable unless it is bound to be a fine day, they become very cold once wet. If you don’t have bushwalking boots when going on a daywalk, runners generally suffice.

  • Boots and gaiters
  • Socks (thick)
  • Trousers (no jeans), shorts, overpants
  • Shirt
  • Jumper
  • Parka (rain jacket)
  • Hat (preferably wide brimmed)
  • Clothing for travelling to and from the walk

EATING & DRINKING:

Take appropriate food for the type and number of meals you’ll have on the track. For a daywalk, this will be lunch, a drink and some nibblies. Taking into account that you will be getting some good exercise, any food that is sustaining will suffice. For a weekend walk, it will generally be two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner, drinks and nibblies. It is important to keep food light and to take into account the absence of available refrigeration. Therefore, dried foods are often best. Sufficient nourishing food for the duration of the walk plus an “emergency” allowance to cover contingencies such as delays in completing the trip.

  • Sufficient nourishing food for the duration of the walk plus an “emergency” allowance to cover contingencies such as delays in completing the trip. Make sure it is light weight
  • Plastic plate
  • Plastic mug
  • Cutlery – fork, knife, spoon (Often just a spoon and pocket knife are sufficient.)
  • Water bottle
  • Water bag (The bladder from a wine cask works well)
  • Cooking pot/s
  • Camping Stove, fuel (shellite or gas), cigarette lighter/matches

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE:

Calls of nature must be attended to well away from water courses and tracks. All waste must be buried (dig a small hole before you start). Wash your hands in a container of water, not in a stream. Rubbish should be carried out by YOU as you carried it in, therefore take that into account when putting items in your pack. Leave any unnecessary packaging behind, it adds weight and then needs to be carried out again.

  • Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb
  • Towel, washcloth
  • Pot scourer, small tea towel
  • Toilet paper
  • Basic first aid kit, sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Tissues/Hankies
  • Plastic bag for rubbish

SHELTER AND SLEEPING:

Should your tent get wet it should be put into a plastic bag then into the tent’s stuffbag in order to keep the rest of your pack dry. A sleeping bag should be put into a plastic bag, then into the stuffbag so as to ensure it doesn’t get wet.

  • Tent, poles, pegs, groundsheet
  • Sleeping bag with liner, sleeping mat
  • Plastic bags

GENERAL:

What you need more than anything else is plenty of good humour, common sense and a willingness to put up with the occasional unexpected difficulty.

HIRE OF EQUIPMENT:

The club has a range of gear available for hire at a nominal rate. Preference is given to new members and visitors. More extensive equipment is needed for weekend trips, but before buying anything it is not a bad idea to do a few walks and compare notes on what is available with some of the experienced members.

DOWNLOAD AN INFORMATION BROCHURE

© Copyright