Gear for Walks
To participate in club activities you need to be able to supply your own equipment. This includes clothing, shoes/boots, backpacks and camping equipment. The club does have a limited range of overnight camping equipment for hire and can advise on equipment to purchase. It is also possible to hire equipment from some bushwalking shops.
Gear for walks varies according to the duration, the area, the season and the size of the party. It is a good idea to check with the leader and other members before deciding what to take.
The golden rule is to minimise the weight of the pack without leaving behind essential items.
The following list covers the basic gear requirement (not including food) for most club walks, whether day or extended walks. This list has been based upon a typical walk in the Blue Mountains. Always take these items!
You may also like to download and print the following Word docs: Overnight Packing Checklist 2010 or Day Walk Pack Checklist 2010 (PDF Versions: Overnight Packing Checklist 2010 and Day Walk Pack Checklist 2010. Save it to your computer and personalise it with your own preferences. Your exact personal gear list may well be different to someone elses. The finer details of what people choose to take along on a walk is a personal decision and after several trips (and after sussing out everyone else's kit) you'll probably come up with a list that works for you.
TIP: Most members also leave a change of clothes in the car for the trip home, or to make us a bit more respectable for a dinner stop at a pub on the way!
Equipment
- torch with spare batteries (and globe if incandescent)
- matches (in waterproof container) or cigarette lighter
- first aid kit
- sunscreen, good quality SPF 15+
- lip salve
- full water container (eg. drink bottles/camelback) - ask leader for capacity
- compass and relevant map
- day or weekend pack
- toilet paper and hand sanitiser gel (eg. Purell)
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Clothing
- waterproof parka with hood (eg. Goretex style)
- polar fleece, woollen or similar jumper
- walking shoes/runners or boots (a good tread is required)
- socks
- long sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
- shorts or lightweight cotton/synthetic trousers (not jeans)
- gaiters maybe advisable for some conditions
- broad brimmed hat
- spare underwear (for overnight walks)
- swimwear and small handtowel (if swimming opportunities available)
TIP: Bush walking can be tough on clothing especially when going off track!
Extra items for cold weather, such as experience on Winter walks in the Blue Mountains
- full length top and bottom thermal underwear (eg. polyprop or wool)
- beanie or balaclava
- gloves
- spare dry socks
For overnight walks, you will also need camping and cooking gear. Refer to the Overnight Packing checklist for items you will need.
See also some interesting articles on Lightweight walking. This is intended for people with some experience in the bush who are familar with the uses of their equipment and who can improvise in utilising it. Just remember, the lighter the pack (consistent with reasonable comfort and safety) the more enjoyable your walking will be.