Whatever time of the year you decide to go you need to be prepared for the full range of weather conditions. It is vital not to skimp on safety items but also not to overload your pack! This will greatly detract from your enjoyment of the walk. Between one fifth and one third of your body weight (depending on fitness) is a comfortable carrying load for most people.
For any overnight trip into the wilderness a number of items are essential survival gear. Use the list as a guide, experience will teach which items are less necessary:
Gear check-list
Clothing
- thermal underwear (woollen /synthetic - not cotton)
- shirt (woollen)
- trousers (woollen)
- shorts
- lightweight inner socks
- heavy woollen socks
- sun hat & warm hat eg balaclava
- sun/snow glasses
- woollen jumpers or fibrepile jacket
- mittens/gloves
- overmittens (waterproof)
- rain jacket (waterproof with hood, goretex/japara fabric, knee, length)
- overtrousers (waterproof)
- gaiters
- boots and sandshoes (make sure they are worn in)
- change of clothes for wearing in tent
Accommodation
- tent, poles & pegs
- groundsheet
- sleeping mat/thermarest
- sleeping bag (down or equivalent insulating value, at least to -5°C)
- inner-sheet
- rucksack
- waterproof pack liner (eg heavy duty plastic bag)
Cooking
- fuel stove & fuel
- 1 or 2 billies
- waterproof matches
- knife, fork, spoon, plate and cup
- water bottle or wine cask inner
- scourer (for washing up)
Food
- high energy food (scroggin, chocolate etc) for eating on the track.
- main meals (take things like rice or noodles, fresh vegies, cheeses, freeze drieds or other lightweight food; avoid heavy items especially tins and remove any excess packaging).
Navigation
- compass
- topographic map
- whistle
Incidentals
- note paper and pencil
- sun screen
- lip salve
- toilet paper (unbleached - degrades faster)
- tooth brush and paste
- lightweight hand trowel (for burying faecal waste)
- candle
- camera & film
- rope (for pack hauling and safety on some walks)
- torch and batteries
- plastic bags (to keep your gear dry)
- Spares (shoelaces, needle & thread, cord etc)
First Aid
- first aid kit (including antiseptic, bandages, tape for blisters, scissors, tweezers and any medication)
Walker Pass
Many parts of the World Heritage Area, particularly alpine areas, are extremely fragile and subject to erosion. The increasing number of walkers has meant that a number of tracks and campsites are suffering severe degradation--damage the Department does not have the funds to redress. To decrease this damage a walker pass system with limits on the number of walkers going to some areas is being considered.
The Pass system (without number limits) is currently (1992) being trialed on the Overland Track and is likely to be progressively introduced for all tracks in the World Heritage Area. Whatever track you intend walking in the WHA check with the local ranger station prior to walking to see if a pass is necessary and if any number limits apply.
Let Someone Know Before You Go
A trip plan could save your life. Write down the details of your walk and leave it with someone reliable (a friend, family member or the police) before you commence your walk. The person chosen will raise the alarm if you have not returned by the date you indicate.
