Packing for a

Bushwalk
Jarrad Edwards & Erin Hicks
How to choose a pack?
- Appropriate for activity and weather
- Correct size: day pack 20L vs overnight pack 60L+
- Support: waist, shoulder and chest straps
- Comfort: try packs on with weight and walk around the store
- Packs should ideally weigh approximately 1/3rd - 1/5th of your body weight

For more information on packs, watch this short

video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSxjjTdZjyU&feat
ure=youtu.be
What do I pack?
Clothing Equipment Miscellaneous Group Leader Equipment
- underwear - 60+L pack - map / route card - contact information
- thick socks - food - compass - medical information
- lightweight walking pants - Pack Liner / dry bags - whistle - group first aid kit
- rain pants - tent - spare string - emergency shelter
- thermals - tarp for ground - duct tape - GPS / Sat Nav phone
- collared shirts (sunsafe) - sleeping mat - leatherman / knife - mobile
- rain jacket - sleeping bag - watch - spare food / water
- fleece jumper (lightweight) - head torch - power pack - spare clothing
- gloves - batteries - spare waterproof bag /
- beanie - trangia + fuel / gas cooker rubbish bag For more information
- water (1L per day) - cards
- wide brimmed hat regarding packing, what to
- sunglasses - cooking utensils - notebook
pack and daypacks check out
- toiletries (toothbrush, - cutlery / plate / mug / - pens
bowl - spare tent poles / pegs
these videos:
wipes, medication, sanitiser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNO
etc.) - lighter / matches
K2AIdDqk&feature=youtu.be
- sunscreen - scourer / tea towel /
sponge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GB
sl8aIlOo&feature=youtu.be
How to pack
Weight distribution needs to be
evenly spread across the pack.
- waterproof with a liner or
individually waterproof
belongings
- Ensure that heavier items such
as water and food are closest to
the back
- larger items at bottom: sleeping
bag and mat
- cooking equipment and food in
middle
- clothes stuffed in around empty
space
Minimising weight is an easy way
to ensure you have the lightest
pack available for your hike.
You can do this by:
- lightweight clothing such as
fleece
- compact sleeping bag and mat
- small gas cooker vs trangia
- blow up pillow
- compact water bottles
- condensing food
- multipurpose equipment
For more information on
packing, watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=gpiaX9n8Wjk&feature=youtu.be
Wearing & walking with a pack
1. Before fitting, loosen all straps
2. Ask for help / bend at the knees to lift pack on
3. Tighten hip straps on top of hip bone (holds weight)
4. Tighten shoulder straps so pack sits high
5. Pull all other support straps nice and tight
6. Secure chest strap for extra support

When walking with the pack, make sure it is comfortable and the
weight feels evenly distributed and balanced. If you become
fatigued, rest and have a pack off break.

Make sure to practise before your trip to guarantee comfort!

For more information on fitting your pack, this video will assist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmi8SnjDoRI&feature=youtu.be
Leader equipment
A leader carries additional resources to allow for
Leader
scenarios that are unpredictable and for safety
- large group first aid
precautions.
- GPS / compass
It is also the responsibility of the leader to be
- satellite phone / emergency finder
familiar with the route, manage the group to
- risk assessment & route plan
ensure safety and enjoyment.
- consent forms and contact information
- emergency shelter
- hiking poles
- emergency food & water
- emergency clothing
- repair kit; tent pegs, rope, tape, leatherman
- spare fuel / gas
 References
https://australianhiker.com.au/advice/how-to-pack-a-backpack-a-beginners-guide/

https://www.bushwalkingleadership.org.au/resources/

https://www.bushwalkingleadership.org.au/resource/choosing-the-correct-hiking-pack/

https://www.kathmandu.com.au/summit-journal/expert-advice/what-size-backpack-should-i-choose

https://mountaintrails.ie/15-features-to-look-out-for-when-buying-your-first-hiking-pack/

https://oghahtraveling.blogspot.com/

https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/insider-tips/Happy-campers-part-3

https://sectionhiker.com/how-to-size-a-backpack-daypack-and-backpack-volume-guide/#:~:text=Most%20daypacks%20range%20from
%2020,clothing%2C%20and%20the%2010%20essentials.

https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/beginners-guide-to-packing-a-rucksack/

http://www.wildbackpacker.com/backpacking-gear/backpacks/how-to-pack-a-backpack/