What to Bring on A Hiking Trip
A range of bits and pieces. Some you would take hiking, some you wouldn’t.
There’s nothing quite like heading out for a hike. Whether it’s a half-day or full-day excursion or an overnight, multi-day adventure, getting out into nature and away from everyday life (and people!) is a wonderful tonic for your mind, body and spirit.
Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking and bushwalking. From the stunning coastline, stark desserts, hinterlands and mountains, sub-tropical rainforest and tall eucalypt forest with plenty of waterfalls, babbling streams, undulating picturesque mountain trails and even coastal sand dunes to explore.
It’s all in the planning. You do need to plan your hike in advance and a major aspect of planning is to know what you need to take with you.
What to Bring on an overnight hiking Trip
PREFACE - When considering what to take I would like to make sure you consider that gear must be fit for purpose. You can get caught up in the hype and buy the most expensive of everything and put yourself out $10,000 pretty easily. BUT WHY!? Why get a four season tent for $1000 when you’re going on a short hike in the tropics in summer? Buy something that will keep you dry if it rains and is relatively light, save yourself $700 or more. That being said, don’t skimp when it comes to buying something that you rely on (such as a cooker).Overnight or multi-day hikes require more planning and much more equipment. You’ll need to be able to carry it all with you.
gear must be fit for purpose
Your pack should be of good quality and comfortable to carry, incorporating waist and chest straps for stability and added comfort for your back and shoulders. It should suit your height. Ideally, have waterproofing options or a pack liner to protect the contents against rain or for water crossings.
As well as the items listed above for day hikes, you’ll also need to take:
Change of moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing in light layers and suited to the season and local climate. Pack these in a dry bag and it can double as a pillow for sleeping. Bring a plastic bag for dirty or wet clothing.
Tentage depends on your comfort requirements and the expected weather. Some people are happy simply with a tarp over them; others prefer a tent. Keep in mind creepy crawlies and biting insects like mozzies, sandflies and leaches.
A hiking sleeping bag (in a drybag) is lighter and smaller than a regular one. Make sure it is temperature-graded for the season and location you’re hiking in. Use a sleeping bag liner instead of a sleeping bag if possible as it is very light and small.
Sleeping mat (inflatable is ideal for hiking). This is one thing that you don’t want to skimp on as a good night of sleep works wonders for your body and your spirit.
Emergency Contact System - Personal locator beacon (PLB) or Global Positioning System (GPS) device like SPOT or Garmin if possibly going out of mobile range – you may never use it but, if you need it in an emergency, it could save your or someone else’s life.
Ignition source (e.g. lighter, flint or matches) and a small camp stove with fuel if you’re in a National Park with fire restrictions or if it’s going to be wet weather.
Plenty of food and water including snacks of trail mix, energy bars, etc. Dehydrated meals are great if you’ll have access to plenty of water.
Utensils including camping cutlery and a plate/mug/bowl which you can also cook in.
Water treatment (tablets, liquid or filter system)
Spare water container
Standard toiletries and hygiene supplies (hand sanitiser, wipes) and required medications
Head torch or lamp, spare batteries.
Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
Small quick-dry towel
Whistle
Blister treatments
Gloves and a warm head covering if cold nights are expected.
Share the load with your hiking partner as some items do not need to be doubled up (e.g. cookware, first aid kit, emergency beacon, etc).
Bush Safety 101: If you are hiking the Australian bush in spring, summer, or early autumn, you need to be snake aware (even though snakes generally only bite humans in defence). If you’re hiking in areas where there are narrow or overgrown trails or off the beaten path where there is no trail at all, you may opt to wear gaiters. These are densely-woven lower leg coverings which can help protect you if you startle a snake and it tries to bite in response. (They also help keep you dry in muddy or rainy conditions).
Otherwise, wearing long loose trousers for hiking and thick socks which extend above your hiking boots is a good idea.