australia:bushwalk_ultralight
ultralight bushwalking
emergency shelters
emergency radio beacon
lighting
navigation
toilet gear
always obey the rules of good toilet on hikes:
DIG a hole 6-8“ deep at least 50m (preferably much further than this) from a trail, camp site or water - Do NOT just find a hole under a rock and put the rock back
mix stool with soil and cover but do not bury toilet paper (TP) as this takes a long time to decompose - wrap a bit of clean TP around the used before putting it in some ziplock bags (freezer bags work well to keep it from smelling), then dispose bag in bins on the way home.
lightweight trowel to dig the hole
toilet paper or similar - although some use natural material such as leaves and leave the TP home
ziplock freezer bag for used TP
hand sanitiser
trekking / hiking poles
these are essential to reduce risk of damage to your knees when going up or down steep hill sides, or when crossing slippery or very uneven areas eg. creek beds
can also function as camera tripods (see below) and also as the support pole for small tents
check out the Black Diamond folding trekking poles
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Helinox poles are generally regarded as a step up from the rest and the TL folding poles are around 152-180g per pole
clothing
warmth
AVOID denim and cotton - these take a long time to dry if it gets wet and will make you cold
wool is great and do not need to be washed as often as synthetics
synthetics are great - but these need washing each day!
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compact down-filled vest
usually shorts will suffice for leg wear for most walks but you will get cold when you stop walking
if temperature will be 6-8degC or so, wear thermal pants and perhaps a thermal top
if temperature will drop below 4degC, add additional layer such as track suit pants or synthetic pants to wear under the rain over-pants
see also:
rain and wind proofing
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convertible poncho / tarp / groundsheet
waterproof shoes
for more durable wear in very cold conditions consider Goretex clothing but this is heavier, more bulky and more expensive
sun protection
broad-rim hat
sunglasses
UV lotion
lip balm
long sleeve shirt
water
take plenty of water even though it is heavy
1 water bottle may be fine for a 2 hour walk but if it is hot, sunny or you get lost - you will be needing a lot more!
Gatorade type bottles are lighter than Nalgene type ones or water bladder systems but you should discard more frequently to avoid degradation of the plastic
drink a lot at each water source so you carry less
gaiters
these are VERY handy
normally worn UNDER your long pants to ensure:
can be used OVER your potentially trauma-prone wet weather gear to reduce damage from sharp sticks, etc
food
you need protein!
reduce weight by aiming to for foods with > 100 calories per ounce such as protein bars, and you may not need to bring a stove!
if possible cache food in advance so you don't need to carry it
insect protection
ultrasonic devices do NOT work so don't waste money and weight carrying them
avoid wearing scented products such as perfumes as these tend to attract insects
avoid dark clothes and cover all skin if march flies are problematic
if walking in high risk areas, apply a repellent containing DEET
ensure tent has a full insect-proof mesh with tub floor and keep it zipped up when not entering/exiting tent
camera gear
camera and lenses
needs to be light, compact, meet your needs, high image quality and preferably dust proof and weatherproof
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tripod
unless you are carrying a heavy camera and lens or really want the improved versatility and steadiness of a high quality carbon fibre tripod - leave it at home!
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you can just bring a trekking pole tripod device such as:
Trail Pix - cheap, light, just requires a 3rd pole and a tripod head
backpack
more survival gear
starting a fire
knife
vaseline
australia/bushwalk_ultralight.txt · Last modified: 2018/02/08 16:58 by gary1