Packing for a Bushwalk

Josh Sowton & Cameron Hancock

Types of backpack:
(Mountain Warehouse Ltd, 2018)

Daypacks
* 10L – 30L
* Best suited for 1-day trips/walks/hikes
* Not suitable for carrying overnight gear
such as tents & sleeping bags

Medium Rucksacks
* 35L – 50L
* Best suited for 1-2 night
trips/walks/hikes
* Similar features to a daypack,
however with additional padding,
pockets & fixing points for extra
equipment
* Room for camping gear such as
tents & sleeping bags

Large Rucksacks
* 50+ Litres
* Best for travelling, backpacking, long
expeditions
* Recommended for trips that require a lot
of gear (e.g. both hot and cold climates)
* Can include a detachable daypack on the
front for multi-purpose use
What to pack for a day trip:
(Lotsafreshair, 2014)

Essentials:
* Dry-bag (to line the backpack)
* Raincoat
* First aid
* Water (minimum 2L)
* Food/snacks
* Paper towel/toilet paper
* Map
* Compass
* Hat
* Sunglasses
* Sunscreen
* Insect repellent
* Mobile phone (+waterproof/shockproof case)
* Warm layer (down jacket/fleece jumper etc.)
* Camera

Add-ons if going off the beaten track:

* Personal locator beacon
* Torch/head torch
* Gloves
* GPS
* Whistle
* Shelter
* Communication device (phone/walkie-talkie)

How to pack your backpack:

(SierraDesigns Gear, 2016)

* Items not needed until later in the trip are to go in

the bottom of the bag (jacket, warm clothes etc.).

* Items needed earlier on in the day towards the top

of the bag (food, first aid, rain gear).

* Items needed regularly throughout the day to be

placed in exterior pockets (water, camera, map,
compass etc.).

* Heaviest items should be placed down the centre of

the bag, or evenly distributed on either side of the
bag, to maintain spinal support.

* Roll up clothes to save space

* Keep wet and dry items separate using dry bags

References:

Lotsafreshair. (2014). How to pack for a day hike [Video]. Retrieved from
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay73RVOX2O0>

Mountain Warehouse Ltd. (2018). Rucksack Guide. Hiking Buying Guides. Retrieved from
<https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/rucksack-guide/>

SierraDesigns Gear. (2016). How to pack a backpack: organization & load distribution
[Video]. Retrieved from < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1UZvwPnA_o>