Personal Equipment Guideline
For a Day Tramp
See day trip guidelines in Tramping Information
For a Weekend Tramp
Overnight pack
Waterproof pack liner
Waterproof pack cover
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat (desirable)
Blow up pillow (desirable)·
Tent (if no hut is available)
Hiking boots or shoes
Tramping socks
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers
Hat (for shade) and/or beanie (for warmth)
Shorts or tramping trousers, (active wear, quick drying)
T-shirt or shirt (active wear, quick drying)
Thermal top or tops (fleece, merino or polypropylene)
Watch
Gloves
Change of clothes for hut wear
Light shoes/sandals for hut wear
Gaiters (optional)
Hiking poles (optional)
First Aid kit (including personal meds)
Survival blanket or bivy sack
Toilet paper (in plastic bag)
Small hand sanitiser
Basic toiletries and optional small towel
Sun glasses
Sun block (optional)
Torch and spare batteries
Whistle
Light weight bowl and mug
Knife and spoon
Cooker, with adequate fuel for unplanned extra day
Light weight billy
Matches or lighter
Small solar light or candle
Paper and pencil in waterproof bag
Compass and map / GPS
Insect repellent (depending on area and season)
Water bottle or hydration gear for your pack
Food for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, plus one extra day
Snacks or scroggin, plus enough for one extra day
Phone/camera
Power bank for phone/camera (optional)
A couple of plastic bags (for rubbish, dirty clothes)
Some Extra Tips
Because the weather can deteriorate rapidly, the need for fleece, Merino or polypropylene clothing cannot be stressed enough. You will need warm clothing which will dry quickly if it gets wet. Do not wear cotton clothing or jeans or cords
For the novice, the biggest hazard is carrying too much gear, which can be very tiring. It takes a number of trips to work out what your basic equipment should be
Organize your gear into logical groups. Put your sleeping bag in its own plastic bag in the bottom of your pack. Put the heaviest items (such as food) closest to your centre of gravity in the middle of your back. Keep items you’ll use often during the day (such as your water bottle, snacks, maps, camera) where you can get to them without taking off your pack. Keep wet weather gear or warm clothing near the top of your pack so you can access them more easily. Use compression straps to cinch everything down tightly
Once your tramp is underway, switch your mobile phone to Airplane Mode – use it as a camera, but still preserve the battery