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
If you don’t want to take one or more of the 24 essentials items, please contact us.
PACKS
– Backpack
Between 50 and 75 litres with quality harness. When full, your pack should weigh between 10 and 15kg. If it is more than 15kg, it means you will carry some stuff that you will not use during the walk. It is important for your comfort and wellbeing to keep the weight as low as possible. Food bags will weigh from 2 to 3kg so your pack should not exceed 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 is now plenty of single 1kg tents on the market. I strongly advise you to 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 North Australia during the dry season (May to September). You will need a 0° to 10°celcius sleeping bag, depending of your cold capacities. You must take a sleeping bag is not an option to participate without during the dry season.
– Mattress 3 seasons
Air mattress can be as light as 360 grams. They will isolate you from the ground and keep your night comfortable 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
Take some spare batteries even if one set should be enough for the length of the tour.
COOKING AND WATER
– Bottles
You have to be able to carry 2 litres of water. I will always ask you to carry at least 1 litre during our walks.
– Cup
For the tea/coffee and conviviality
– Bowl
Take a bowl wide enough to help for the serving of food
– Fork
For the spaghetti, noddles…
– 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 good state. It should not be damaged in any parts
– Sandals
For the camp and for river crossing
– Socks
At least 2 pairs of light merino socks (200 base layer). Socks with 50% merinos, 45% polyamide and 5% Elastane are a great compromise. They will protect you from blisters. They are very comfortable, dry fast and reduce the smell.
If you are subject to blisters, I advise you to wear 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 you trouser.
– Trouser
I advise you to wear long legged trousers
– Shirt or tee-shirt:
I advise you to wear long sleeved shirts or t-shirts
– Hat
It is absolutely essential to wear a broad brimmed hat in North Australia!
– Sun Glasses
It is an essential item of sun protection
– Gloves
Strongly advised to protect your hands in the scrubby areas. Personally, I take a simple pair of construction gloves. There is some from $5 to $10 at Bunnings
PHARMACY
– Sun cream
You will have to protect naked skin from the sun at all time (never before swimming!).
– Personal hygiene
Toothbrush, Toothpaste.
– Personal First Aid kit
For small bruises and personal medication.
– Trowel
Will be necessary to dig a 20 cm deep hole for toileting. I can get a trowel for you on request.
– Toilet paper
Please reduce the amount of paper you will use. Paper can be replaced by water.