Chris Burtenshaw's basic gear list is a great way to make sure you're packin what's needed on your next bush walk, commonly referred to as tramping, in the land of the long white cloud. Be it for hut to hut use or self contained travel, have a look before learning through experience what creature comforts you really don't want to leave behind. You'd be surprised what you can get away with once you have a few key reliable items of gear.

(Click the links in black to open our shop pages in a new tab and find the corresponding gear.)

Clothing:

3                      Socks, woollen or wool/synthetic hybrid

4                      Underwear, if you need it (not cotton)

1-2                   Base layer top, wool works best

1                      Base layer bottom

1                      Lightweight nylon trousers or shorts

1                      Walking boots, of your choice relevant to trip

1 (Maybe)         Gaiters - protect boots and legs from moisture, mud, abrasion

1 (Maybe)         Sandals, Crocs or something to wear around the camp/hut

2                      Lightweight mid layer

1                      Fleece + ultra-lightweight windproof or

1                      Soft-shell / Windstopper.

1                      Good rain jacket

1 (Maybe)         Waterproof pants

1                      Warm gloves (woollen is best or windproof, polypro too cold)

1                      Warm hat

1                      Sun hat

1                      Sun shirt (old white synthetic shirt from the op-shop is good)

Cooking:

2                      Pots + lid as frypan

1                      Cooker and all you need with it

1                      Cup/bowl

1                      Spork of the unbreakable variety

1                      Good cutting knife

1                      Coffee machine of course

Medical:

1                      Sun block and lip balm

1                      Roll strapping Leucoplast (use for taping blisters)

1                      Elastic tape

1                      Roll elastoplast

1                      Tweezers

1                      Betadine

1                      Scissors

1                      Packet of painkillers, antihistamines and anti inflammatory

1 (Maybe)         Second Skin / equivalent for blisters and triangular bandages

1                      Insect repellent

 Mountain Equipment Recommended Additions:

2                      Liner socks, Coolmax / Thermal (polyester / polypropylene)

1                      Repair kit / spares 

 (buckles, cord, glue & fabric patches, duct tape, sewing etc)

1                      Multi-tool

 (1st aid + repairs, doubles as sharp knife/cutlery)

1                      Quality walking poles, a pair with mud/snow baskets

 (25% stress transferred from legs when used)

1                      Footbeds

 (eg.Superfeet - increase walking efficiency)

1                      L.E.D. head torch or lantern

1                      Hydration unit

 (or cup/bottle to drink from rivers)

1                      Appropriate map/guide/compass

1                      Trowel

 (bury your business 10-15cm deep, keep insect/ animal/

 run-off transferred contamination to a minimum)

1                      Camera dry case, accessories

1                      Pencil and paper

1                      EPIRB: locator beacon

 (use only in a life or death situation/last resort)

 

Imagine what could go wrong, what you can do to avoid it and what you'll be carrying to help fix it. Find gear that has double or multiple uses and where applicable is field repairable. Always do ample physical preperation, with the gear you plan to use on a given trip, so you are confident it's the right stuff for you. Check in with the local authorities and seek local knowledge on environmental conditions - tracks, huts, weather, rivers, avalanche risk, pest control etc. Leave a trip plan/intentions with family or friends as well as the local authorities/park management. Work in a contingency day/s if neccessary, along with extra food/shelter.

Imagine you get stuck between swollen rivers before reaching the days end. Imagine you get lost or a member of the party gets hurt. If you plan for these eventualities, you'll be confident and in control, if they happen, however small the chance. Manage and minimise the risk. This requires experience and research, not just one or the other. If you don't have either, invite a friend along who does, or better yet join a guided party. Guides are a wealth of knowledge and can create a low stress learning experience which you'll likely never forget.