BUSHWALKING ESSENTIAL GEAR
Essential Bushwalking Items. This is the gear you must take on a tour with NoTraces.
There are 24 items that you will need to take with you on our tours. I added 2 more items that are included for your comfort.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you don’t want to take one or more of the 24 essential items.
PACKS
– Backpack
The backpack should be between 50 and 75 litres and have a quality harness. When full, it should weigh between 10 and 15kg. If it weighs more than 15kg, you will carry some stuff you will not use during the walk.
It is essential for your comfort and well-being to keep the weight as low as possible. Food bags weigh from 2 to 3kg, so your pack should be at most 12 kg before I give you the food bags.
– Daypack Foldable
The daypack will be used to carry a pair of sandals, a lunch, a bottle of water, a torch sometimes and small personal gear. It should be light and simple.
SLEEPING
– Tent
There are now plenty of single 1kg tents on the market. I would strongly suggest that you take the fly. Even if the chance of rain is very unlikely during the dry season, it remains a possibility.
– Sleeping bag
Nights can be surprisingly cold in Northern Australia during the dry season (May to September). Depending on your sensitivity to cold weather, you need a sleeping bag between 0° and 10 ° Celsius. You must take a sleeping bag; it is not an option to participate without one during the dry season.
– Mattress 3 seasons
Air mattresses can be as light as 360 grams. They will isolate you from the ground and keep you comfortable at night when we will sleep on gravel or irregular ground.
– Pillow
It is not a compulsory item, but for 50 grams, it will improve the quality of your nights.
– Head Torch
You can take some spare batteries; even if one set should be enough for the length of the tour, it is better to be prepared.
COOKING AND WATER
– Bottles
You must be able to carry 2 to 3 litres of water, and I would like you to carry at least 1 litre during our walks.
– Cup
For tea/coffee and conviviality.
– Bowl
Take a bowl wide enough to use for meals when we serve food.
– Fork
For spaghetti, noodles…
– Spoon
For the soups, meals…Don’t forget it!
CLOTHES, SHOES, GAITERS AND GLASSES
– Shoes
Your shoes must have been used for at least 15 days. They have to be comfortable and in a good state. They should not be damaged in any parts.
– Sandals
For the camp and the river crossing.
– Socks
At least two pairs of light Merino socks (200 base layer). Socks with 50% merino, 45% polyamide, and 5% Elastane are a great compromise. They will protect you from blisters, are very comfortable, dry fast, and reduce odours.
If you are subject to blisters, I suggest wearing two pairs of light merino socks. It should reduce friction enough to prevent blisters.
– Gaiters
Off-track walking means walking in sting grass and through scrubby areas. Gaiters will protect your skin and your trousers.
– Trousers
I think you should wear long-legged trousers.
– Shirt or tee-shirt:
I advise you to wear long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts.
– Hat
It is essential to wear a broad-brimmed hat in North Australia!
– Sun Glasses
It is an essential item for sun protection.
– Gloves
It is strongly advised to protect your hands in scrubby areas. Personally, I take a simple pair of construction gloves. You can buy some for $5 to $10 at Bunnings.
PHARMACY
– Sunscreen
You must always protect your naked skin from the sun but never before swimming!
– Personal hygiene
Toothbrush, Toothpaste.
– Personal First Aid kit
For minor bruises and personal medication.
– Trowel
It will be necessary to dig a 20 cm deep hole for toileting.
– Toilet paper
Please reduce the amount of paper you will use. Paper can be replaced by water.