Suggested Equipment for Walks

This is a general guide to assist new walkers. It is expected that experts may not completely agree with all the comments but it is essential that:

you are comfortable in the expected conditions (particularly with regard to your feet and a not too heavy pack);
you are prepared for survival in extremes of weather conditions, accidents and emergencies;
you are self-sufficient (in case you are separated from the rest of the party).

Equipment marked * is essential for any day walk:

* DAY PACK To carry all other equipment while leaving hands free. Walking becomes tiring if items are carried by hand.
* MATCHES Must be in waterproof container essential survival item should you be caught out overnight (it has happened!)
* COMPASS Learn to use it as soon as possible.
* MAP Ditto!
* MAP CONTAINER Keeps maps dry in wet weather.
* PENCIL, PAPER For emergency notes; anecdotes for "it ".
* WHISTLE Keeps louder longer than shouting.
* TORCH Reverse the batteries when not in use.

Clothing

Clothing should be wool or the better synthetics (polyester, chlorofibre, polypropylene) for cold, wet conditions.

* UNDERWEAR string, wool or synthetic best for cold, wet conditions
* SHIRT Long-sleeved, long-tailed, loose fitting; woollen in winter.
* SHORTS Best for warm weather in open country. Beware of sunburn and scrub (scratches!)
* TROUSERS Long trousers of some sort (possibly just overpants) should be taken on all trips in case of bad weather. For walking, long trousers should be comfortable and loose fitting (i.e. NOT jeans), particularly around the knee, and fairly tough. Woollen trousers (e.g. ex-army) are best for bad weather.
* OVERPANTS Must be wind and waterproof.
* JUMPER Must be wool or fibre pile. Many people use wool shirts instead. Two light ones are better than one heavy one.
* PARKA Essential for protection against wind and rain. It should be longer than your shorts, open completely at the front, and have a built in hood. "Goretex" is good but expensive. Dry or oiled japara are good. Proofed nylon or terylene are light but tend to leak and suffer from condensation.
* SANDSHOES For most (non-snow) walking near Canberra, sandshoes or running shoes are worn by most Club members.
* BOOTS Two pairs of socks, the inner ones thin, the outer thick wool, are usually worn with boots. Take such socks with you when buying boots; DON'T start a long trip in new boots.
* SOCKS Wool/nylon blend are best overall, but chlorofibre are good for wet trips. Other synthetics are hard on the feet and darned socks can cause blisters.
* HAT Wide brimmed to protect against sun and rain
* SWIM TOGS
* HANDKERCHIEFS Tissues get wet and litter the bush.
* BALACLAVA Woollen; useful even in summer.
* GAITERS Short nylon gaiters keep prickles and snow out of socks and boots, also reduces fear of snakes.
* MITTENS/GLOVES Woollen, fibre pile or chlorofibre.
* RESPECTABLE CLOTHES Left in car for return journey.

Personal Equipment for Day Trips

* LIP SALVE, SKIN CREAM, UV CREAM/STICK
* TOILET PAPER in waterproof bag.
* PLASTIC TROWEL
* FIRST AID KIT Personal medication requirements, safety pins, band-aids, scissors, disprin, tweezers, gauze and elastic bandages.
* WATER BOTTLE Plastic or aluminium or wine cask innards.
* FOOD Most people take sandwiches, etc. Do NOT rely on cooking.

Weekend and Longer Walks

The list below gives most items that are taken on walks. Some of the items are optional. The items marked # are essential on any weekend walk as well as those marked essential for a day walk.

# PACK Most people prefer packs with an internal or no frame. Older style packs with an external H frame are still used. When buying, test by filling the with 10 to 15 kg of gear.
CANYON BAG Heavy duty plastic bag for lining pack to keep the contents dry in bad weather and river crossings. Garbage bin liners make cheap, light but easily damaged substitutes.
TENT,PEGS You carry it, so reasonably lightweight!
# FLY Most members use a simple nylon fly (rather than a tent) in summer conditions.
TENT POLES Below the tree line, trees often suffice.
# GROUNDSHEET Waterproof nylon. Desirable even if your tent has a floor, for emergency bivvies, eating lunch etc.
BIVVY BAG Sleeping bag sized plastic bag used in emergencies.
# SLEEPING BAG Most used for car-side camping are too cold, bulky and heavy for bushwalking. Superdown filling and box walled construction give the best weight and volume efficiency. Good "fibre fill" bags are bulky but may be suitable in wet conditions. A full length side zip is essential for year round use of a single bag.
INNER SHEET Keeps sleeping bag clean and provides extra warmth. Acetate or silk are lightest.
SLEEPING MAT Superior to a lilo type air mattress. Essential for snow camping (and for many people essential full stop). Many people now use "Thermarest"s or similar rather than the cheaper sealed cell foam ones - they are excellent but expensive.

A tent, pack and sleeping bag will be the major items of expense, comfort and safety. These can be hired from the Club at nominal cost (see below) and inexperienced walkers are advised to do so while they observe the equipment of other walkers (who will readily give advice).

Miscellaneous Equipment

* SPARE BULB, BATTERIES or another small torch.
* CANDLE for both light and fire starting.
* REPAIR KIT needle,thread, safety pins, rubber bands, plastic bags ...
* PLASTIC TUBING for starting fires, getting water.
* WATCH, MONEY, CAMERA, FILM, COMB, BRUSH.
* TOOTHBRUSH,PASTE/POWDER small or near empty.
* TOWEL/SOAP hand towel or Chux, small pieces of soap.

Cooking Equipment

On weekend walks people normally cater for their own meals. Communal meals, particularly for evening, are commonly organised on longer trips.
Containers plastic bags sealed with rubber bands are suitable for most things. Aluminium or plastic screw top containers are useful.
Emergency food a small bag containing food of high calorific value such as chocolate, nuts, raisins and items of psychological value such as instant soup and tea bags.
In summer, it is a good idea if most of the food can be eaten without cooking because of the fire risk (the same applies in winter because conditions can be too cold and wet for cooking).
Meat, e.g. chops and sausages, keeps better if precooked and can be reheated. Precooking is usually not necessary unless it is hot weather with a Friday night start. Salami and smoked meats keep better than fresh meat.
Cooking time versus gourmet appeal; the compromise between these factors is usually towards shorter cooking time and lighter weight!
Weight of food is not as important on weekend compared with longer walks, but there is little point in bringing too much food.

Generally, glass containers (fragile, heavy) and cans are not taken on walks.

Ideas for Food

Morning: It should be quick if cooked. Usually limited to hot water for a brew and porridge. Rolled oats or muesli (most use muesli), sometimes eggs/bacon, sausages, toast.

Noon: Never cooked:

1. Bread, biscuits (granita, wheatmeal, etc)

2. Spreads (butter, jam, honey, fish paste, etc)

3. Cheese, salami

4. Fresh fruit, tomatoes, vegetables

Night: Whatever you like provided that it can be prepared easily (in a billy or frying pan). e.g.:

1. Packet soup

2a. (Heavy) fresh meat, onions, vegetables

2b. (Light) rice or pasta or instant potato, plus Surprise vegetables, cheese or dried meat

3. Combinations of instant pudding, jelly, rice, custard, dried fruit (apples, apricots)

Anytime: Keep nibbles handy during the day. Drink powder (Tang, Staminade), chocolate, nuts, sultanas, sweets, hot chocolate/coffee/tea (by the ton), powdered milk, sugar.

Packing the Pack

Remember that everything you take you carry; if it isn't really necessary, don't bring it. In summer, most people's weekend pack weighs around l0kg or less, and a little more in winter. You can often save weight by arranging to share a tent or fly (and perhaps even cooking equipment) with a friend by carrying it in turns or each carrying a component. If you cannot find someone to share with the leader may be able to help.

Most people put their sleeping bag at the bottom, wrapped so it will remain dry even if the pack is dunked in a river. Items used during the day should be readily accessible. Billies etc should NEVER be tied to the outside of the pack as they are then easily lost. You will find it better to put soft items, rather than hard, near your back. The pack will be easier to carry if the heavy items are close to your back and at the top.

While it is important to be adequately equipped and self contained, stress from a too heavy pack can be dangerous [Most beginners start with a pack which is too heavy].