Minimal Kit for a day walk plus:
Packing for a Bushwalk Stove (trangia) and Fuel (methylated spirits)
Food supplies
When packing for a bushwalk, you should ensure that the
majority of the items in your bag have multiple uses. The
Toiletries/ Bathroom Kit suggested weight of your bag is no more than 20-25% of
Camping Mug your body weight, meaning the packing must be concise.
Trekking Poles Suggestions to minimise weight:
Tent and Tent Poles Spread required equipment and load between
Lip Balm walkers.
Compression sack sleeping bag Ensure that a lightweight backpack has been
Sleeping Pad utilised
Any additional clothing Sleeping requirements i.e. tent/shelter/sleeping
Water Filter bag/ sleeping pad are ultralight gear - these items
will be higher priced due to the nature of
Extended Walk for leaders: material costs.
Water packed for extended walks tends to bear a
First Aid Kit
large weight within the bag. The use of water
GPS / Satellite Phone filter pens/tablets will enable you to utilise
Medical Details natural water sources
Maps and Compasses
Day Walk Packing List Emergency shelter/ Tarping
Waterproof Matches
Minimal kit for day walks: Extra Rope/ Shoelaces
Dry bag to create a lining for the backpack Spare clothing/socks/gloves
Raincoat Spare Water
Personal First Aid/Survival Kit Torch/Head Torch
Water (minimum 2L)
Food and Snacks Watch this link for video of packing
Sunglasses for a bush walk.
Hat
Sunscreen
Map and Compass https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Insect Repellent
Camera/Mobile Phone v=OE2I79dzzAY&feature=youtu.b
Waterproof/Warm Jacket e
Multi-tool/ Lighter
Garbage bag to line the inner of the backpack
Extended Walks Packing List Types of Backpacks and
Ways of Minimising Weight Suggestions for Groups
you do not hurt yourself and to keep yourself balanced. Build up practice walks gradually
When choosing a backpack, you need to do research and Additionally, you need to think about what you need to Train with your actual backpack so you can
put thought into what features you will require depending access easily throughout the day and what order you will learn to adjust to the feel of it
on length of hikes, weather and how many years you want need to take things out when you reach camp. Make use of hills and stairs
use out of the purchase. The following list and image display the order you need (“How to… train to carry a heavy pack- Great Walks”,
Features to consider when suggesting backpacks for groups to pack gear in from bottom to top: 2020)
include: 1. Pack your sleeping gear such as sleeping bag
Easy-access zippers and pockets and sleeping mat first and put clothes in around
Adjustable backpack frame for even weight these items Fitting Packs to Suit Individuals
distribution 2. Place heavier items such as cooking gear and
Detachable rain cover fuel in the middle, closest to the back of the Determining the right fit of a pack to every individual is
pack- this will maintain your centre of gravity just as important as the size of a backpack. The fit will
Multiple compartments
3. Next place food, water and a warm jacket or determine how comfortable someone is whilst hiking, so
Concealed compartment for valuables
jumper it is crucial that it’s correctly fitted. Getting a pack fit
Double layered material to resist wear and tear wrong could result in an extremely uncomfortable hike
4. Place your tent at the top of the bag for easy
Comfortable shoulder straps for support access as well as a rain jacket in case of a change with back pain or injury.
(Anaconda, 2020) in weather, also a first aid kit. The following table gives a general idea of a size guide
5. Finally, in small pockets around the pack, place for buying packs, however, is it crucial to physically try
small toiletries, navigation tools and electronics on bags prior to purchase.
(Beginner Guide to Packing a Hiking Bag”, 2020) Body Size Torso Length Pack Size
155cm- 170cm 38cm- 43cm Small
170cm- 192cm 44cm- 50cm Medium/ Large
192cm- 200cm 51cm-56cm Extra Large
Rain jacket Maps
& first aid kit Compass There are five main points you should remember when
Whistle
testing out new backpacks:
Adjust the shoulder and hip straps
Tighten shoulder straps
Tent
Water Toiletries
Adjust and tighten the load lifter straps
Warm jacket
or jumper
Electronics Tighten chest strap
Ask yourself- do I feel comfortable?
References
(Anaconda, 2020)
Cooking gear Sleeping bag
Fuel Sleeping mat
Walking and Working with a Pack Clothes
Adelaide Bushwalkers. (2020). Gear List -Weekend
Walks | Adelaide Bushwalkers. GEAR LIST –
When planning a day walk or a multiple day walk, it may WEEKEND WALKS.
Packing Principles for Weight be a good idea to go for a few walks to prepare your https://www.adelaidebushwalkers.org/hikes-
activities/hiking-tips/gear-list-weekend-walks/
body, so the hike experience is pleasant and not a painful.
Distribution Tips for preparing for the hike include:
Anaconda, T. (2020). The Ultimate Buying Guide To
Do a lot of research around your pack and the
When packing a hiking pack, it is crucial to have the Choosing Bags + Backpacks With Anaconda | Anaconda.
hike you intended to complete
weight of the gear packed in the right place to make sure Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/packs-
bags/packs-bags-buying-guide#type
Beginners Guide to Packing a Hiking Bag. (2020).
Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/beginners-guide-to-
packing-a-rucksack/
Collaton, B. (2017, June 29). Reduce your pack weight in
5 simple steps. Snowys Blog.
https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/reduce-your-pack-
weight-in-5-simple-steps/
How to... train to carry a heavy pack - Great Walks.
(2020). Retrieved 30 July 2020, from
https://www.greatwalks.com.au/how-to/how-to-train-to-
carry-a-heavy-pack
Kamleitner, K. (2020, January 13). How and what to
Pack for Long-Distance Hiking and Trekking. Watch Me
See. https://watchmesee.com/blog/packing-for-long-
distance-hiking/
Ryan, C. (2020, July 9). What to Pack for a Day Hike.
Lotsafreshair. https://lotsafreshair.com/2014/04/14/what-
to-pack-fo-a-day-hike/
