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Bushwalking - Gear & Equipment

Check your gear is appropriate for the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packing the right equipment makes the difference between a good experience and a bad one. If your pack is full of unnecessary stuff you’ll be carrying a heavy load and you won’t enjoy your walk. As a general rule, depending on fitness, around one-third of your body weight is a comfortable carrying load for most people.

 

If you leave essential gear behind to save weight, you risk discomfort and danger when weather conditions change.

Correct bushwalking equipment is also important to help minimise your impact on the environment. Use our checklist to make sure you’re carrying the right equipment. Remember, even in North Queensland in winter, mountain tops can get quite cool, especially if it's raining. Remember, pack and dress for the prevailing climatic conditions.

 

Essential gear for your comfort and safety

 

• Good quality tent with built-in floor and poles

• Warm sleeping bag (kept dry)

• Sleeping mat

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof overpants

• Warm clothing in layers (fleece, thermals)

• Spare set of clothes kept dry

• Sturdy boots, woollen socks and gaiters

• Gloves, warm hat or beanie

• Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses

• First aid kit

• Map, compass, whistle

• Toothbrush & personal toiletries

• Torch and batteries

• Lightweight, nutritious food

  • Cooking and eating utensils

  • Fuel stove

  • Lighter / matches

 

Optional gear

 

• EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) or PLB (personal locator beacon)

• GPS (global positioning system)

• Satellite phone

• Sleeping bag innersheet

• Rope or cordage

• Notebook and pencil

• Books or field guides

• Camera

• Camp shoes

• Playing cards

Source:

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Information Brochure: Before you Walk: Tasmania's essiential bushwalking guide

and trip planner. December 2008

In summer in North Queensland it is possible to pack lite with minimal warm gear & just light weight tent, clothes & sleeping bag etc.

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