One of the first things you need to consider before setting off for a bushwalk is what to take with you - and this starts with what you'll carry it all in.
Firstly, you need to figure out whether you need a daypack, or a backpack for multi-day hiking. If you choose a daypack, make sure it has sturdy shoulder straps which have good padding and curve to fit the human body - cheaper daypacks may well have straight straps which will cut into your shoulders and chafe your collarbones. Make sure that the zips are strong and durable - the thicker the teeth the better - and that the zipper is large and doesn't fall off with a good tug.
The most important feature of a good rucksack is its harness system - and the larger the pack, the better the harness must fit. Other things to look out for are an unwieldy shape and good quality material - most good-quality ones use Cordura over canvas.
Finally, ensure the rucksack has a waist strap, which takes much of the weight off your shoulders, and is not wider than your body or uncomfortably long.
A rule of thumb when bushwalking is to pack lightly, but pack well. The only thing you should take too much of is water. As a rule, start off with about three or four litres, or about three 1.25 litre bottles. Make sure there's water along your route, and take puri-tabs or iodine tablets to clean your water before you drink it.
When it comes to food, try not to take too many heavy cans, but opt instead for dehydrated meals and high-energy snacks packed with vitamins. For a longer trek it's best to pack by meal. For example, if you take rice, measure it out beforehand and pack portions separately in plastic bags. Remember that sustained exercise means your body needs more food, so it's a balance between ensuring you have enough, but aren't carrying around kilos of food you are unlikely to use.
As for clothes, prepare for all situations. Long sleeves and cotton trousers help protect against the sun; jeans do too, but are difficult to dry and get heavy when wet. Have spare, dry clothes for the night, and wear running shoes with a good grip, or boots with ankle support. A good, waterproof jacket is essential - make sure you always know where it is. A space blanket can save lives.
Your tent should be as lightweight as possible, which generally means it will be expensive. Your sleeping bag should suit the conditions. Most are marked with a temperature rating - if you are hiking in the tropics a higher rating will sufice, but in places where it gets cold, a lightweight bag with a very low rating is better. A foam mattress also helps keep out the cold.
To cook your food you need lighters and waterproof matches - make your own by dripping candle wax over matches and box - and a small gas burner and bottle.
Other essentials include a detailed map and compass, a first aid kit, a torch, sun screen, insect repellent, rope, toilet paper, spare batteries, sunglasses and a pocket knife - as well as an aluminium cooking set. It's very advisable to take a friend too.
Packing your rucksack is just as important as what you carry in it. The first thing you should consider is the distribution of all that weight - otherwise you run the risk of overbalancing and falling, especially in wet weather and when tackling hills. Heavier items should be packed as low as possible, and it's best to strap your tent and bedroll underneath the pack. Make sure they are completely secured and don't hold the bottom of the pack frame away from your back.
Loose items can be difficult to find and may increase the bulk of the pack, so tightly-roll clothing and stuff items in plastic bags or nylon 'stuff bags' - available a camping supply stores. This will also improve waterproofing. Avoid large bags inside the rucksack, as they tend to be difficult to pack and unpack. Hard and angular items should be packed to stop them jabbing into your back.
Another thing to think about is accessibility. Before packing everything away, take a few minutes to think about what items you'll need most often, or in a bad situation. For example, don't pack your rain jacket, torch, water, snacks, matches, spare socks or toilet paper at the bottom of the pack, because the entire thing will have to be emptied to get at them. Instead, place as many important items in your pack's external pockets.
If you need to strap things to the outside of your rucksack, make sure they are well secured - it's better to have them at the bottom of your bag than five kilometres down the track.
NSW National Parks can be closed at times of bushfire danger. It is advisable to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Either phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
4WD
