Eva

    LNT

    Minimize Campfire Impacts

    BY

    How to to minimize the impacts of fires

    From one small spark a bushfire grows.
    Sellers of misery are our foes.
    Merging ruthlessly tongues of flame.
    Point your finger at those to blame. Paul Anthony

    Campfires can be a wonderful way of bringing a bushwalking group together to keep warm and cook food on, but it’s impossible to have a fire without leaving some trace of being there.

    Campfires leave a scar behind on the earth, and the scar can take considerable time to disappear depending on the habitat. Lighting a fire involves complete removal of firewood that may provide valuable habitat for wildlife in that system (e.g. nesting birds, invertebrates). Fires also increase the risk of bushfire which not only can be fatal for humans and human infrastructure but wildlife too.

    Alternative options to campfires
    Think about the reasons for wanting to light a campfire. Is it for cooking? For a cup of tea? To provide light? Or simply to have a social gathering?

    Stoves have improved immensely in the last couple of decades and produce boiling water far quicker than a campfire can. Lightweight stoves can be less than 150g (not including fuel) and can boil enough water for a few cups of tea in less than 2 minutes. Don’t leave a stove unattended, and make sure it’s fully out before going to bed. On shorter day walks, consider using a thermos or cold food that can be eaten cold.

    LED lanterns are excellent sources of light and ideal for car camping trips. Again, they’re much more effective sources of light than a fire. On overnight bushwalking trips use head torches and lightweight solar powered lanterns for light. Alternatively, use candles, but make sure they are always attended and extinguished before going to bed.

    Total Fire Ban Days
    There are strict rules about what is allowed and not allowed on total fire ban days.
    DO NOT LIGHT A FIRE on total fire ban days. In NSW and some other states, portable fuel stoves are also banned on total fire ban days.

    In NSW The Rural Fire Service Commissioner may decide to issue a Total Fire Ban when conditions become sufficiently dangerous. Generally, this is when conditions make it hard to contain a fire (i.e. sufficiently hot and windy) and fire risk to natural areas and human life become high. A decision to enforce a total fire ban is usually made during the afternoon and is effective from midnight for 24 hours. If conditions get worse, a total fire ban may be issued on the actual day.

    Check conditions on the Rural Fire Service website before the trip and know the risks and how to respond if caught in a bushfire.

    Fuel Stove only areas
    Some natural areas are fuel stove only areas, meaning that no campfires are allowed, and cooking must be done on fuel stoves instead.

    Land managers designate fuel stove only areas to reduce bushfire risk, to prevent depletion of wood supplies and to protect natural values. This is true for most of the Tasmanian natural areas where peat fires can smoulder underground for months and are hard to extinguish.

    Check out what rules apply to the natural area before leaving on the walk.

    How to have a minimal impact campfire
    If, after all this, the group still decides to have a campfire, follow these tips to have minimal impact.

    Selecting a fire location and collecting wood:

    1. Choose a clear location where the wind will blow flames away from tents and vegetation. Remove all dry tinder.
    2. Where possible, use existing fire scars. Never use a rock surface as it leaves behind a scar that doesn’t fade.
    3. Don’t surround the fire with rocks: the rocks get damaged and/or can explode.
    4. Don’t cut down live branches: use dead and fallen wood.

    Maintaining the fire:

    1. Never leave the fire unattended.
    2. Keep the fire small.
    3. Make sure there is enough water supplies to put out the fire at any stage.

    Extinguishing the fire and leaving minimal trace:

    1. Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving or going to bed. This means the fire must be completely cold and nothing left smouldering. The best way to put out a fire completely is to douse it with water.
    2. Disperse any firewood back to where it was naturally found.
    3. In wilderness areas, scatter all traces of the fire.

    Smoking
    Smoking is now banned in all NSW national parks and offenders are subject to on-the-spot fines. Parks aims to reduce littering, the risk of bushfires and offer a healthy natural environment to visitors. Smoking bans also apply to many other outdoor areas too under the Smoke-Free Environmental Act 2000: check the rules before lighting up.

    Smoking bans in National Parks do not currently extend to e-cigarettes. Smoking is also permitted in some commercially licenced areas.

    Bushwalkers should consider other options to smoking on a bushwalk (e.g. e-cigarettes, nicotine patches, gum etc.). If they still choose to smoke on a walk, they should move downwind from the rest of the group, and use a tupperware box to contain used cigarette butts and ash securely. They must carry out all rubbish. Note that irresponsible disposal of cigarette butts on a total fire ban day is an offence, with heavy fines and jail sentences.

    Further Reading References for minimizing impacts of campfires

    McClelland, Matt. Bushwalking and bushfires [online]. Nature New South Wales, Vol. 57, No. 4, Summer 2013: 18-19

    Bradstock, Ross Andrew, Jann Elizabeth Williams, and A. Malcolm Gill, eds.Flammable Australia: the fire regimes and biodiversity of a continent. Cambridge University Press, 2002.

    Abbott, Ian, and N. Burrows. “Aboriginal fire regimes in south-west Western Australia: evidence from historical documents.” Fire in ecosystems of south-west Western Australia: impacts and management. Symposium proceedings (Volume I), Perth, Australia, 16-18 April 2002.. Backhuys Publishers, 2003.

    Is it safe to walk by Matt McClelland, article from BWA emagazine, December 2013

    Should I postpone my walk by Matt McClelland, article from BWA emagazine, December 2014

    LNT

    Respect Wildlife

    BY

    How to have minimal impact on natural wildlife

    For most of history,
    man has had to fight nature to survive;
    in this century he is beginning to realise that in order to survive,
    he must protect it. Jacques-Yves Cousteau

    Australia’s native wildlife is threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, predation/competition by introduced species and general anthropogenic disturbance. Natural areas are the last refuge for many of our amazingly diverse and beautiful species including many that are vulnerable and endangered.

    Bushwalkers that use natural areas must respect wildlife, and cause as little disturbance as possible. Give wildlife as much space as possible and do not interfere with them.

    Human Food and Wildlife

    Carry out all food scraps and do not feed wildlife. Human food is not part of the natural diet of wild animals, and it can make them sick. This includes seemingly healthy and plain foods like fruit and bread. Animals that are fed by humans quickly learn to associate food with humans. They can become reliant on that human food and aggressive towards people. They will quickly learn to harass people or steal food from future bushwalking groups that pass through the same area. Even crumbs left behind at lunch can teach animals to associate food sources with popular rest points on bush tracks. Prevent this from happening by securely packing up leftover food scraps and carrying everything out, including biodegradable foods like apple cores, avocado pips and orange peels.

    Wildlife Photography

    Walk calmly and quietly through the bush: do not make sudden loud noises when walking. Consider buying a good camera with a sufficient zoom lens to take wildlife photos, instead of getting too close to the wild animal in person. Closing in on an animal can scare them away. Perhaps they were there to feed or breed, or escape from a predator. Scaring an animal causes unnecessary stress, and has the potential to have significant ecological consequences, particularly for threatened or vulnerable species. Never touch or corner an animal for the sake a photo. If you spot an animal, watch quietly and calmly, and take the experience home as a great memory.

    Pets

    National parks provide refuge for native animals to persist as human development increases. They provide important habitat for many vulnerable and threatened species to survive. While dogs are wonderful companions in an urban context, consider carefully which natural areas are suitable.

    Dogs are not allowed in:

    Dogs are allowed in:

    Many pet owners argue that because their pet won’t attack or harm any native wildlife, it should be allowed to access natural areas. But it’s not just the danger of a pet attacking a native animal, the mere presence of a dog can scare birds away from breeding areas. Researchers found lower bird abundance and diversity in dog walking areas even when dogs were kept on leads, suggesting that birds perceived dogs as predator threats regardless of if they could actually attack[note]Banks, Peter B., and Jessica V. Bryant. “Four-legged friend or foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas.” Biology Letters 3.6 (2007): 611-613”[/note]. So keeping a dog on a leash isn’t enough: when heading out into natural areas, organise for pets to be looked after back at home, and enjoy native Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.

    Injured Wildlife

    Occasionally a bushwalking group may find an injured animal on the track. If close to civilisation, consider alerting WIRES, otherwise, leave the animal alone. The animal will either recover naturally or die and become a food source for another animal or soil nutrients for plants.

    Further Reading References for minimising wildlife impacts

    Effects of Nonconsumptive Recreation on Wildlife: A Review. Stephen A. Boyle and Fred B. Samson. Wildlife Society Bulletin (1973-2006). Vol. 13, No. 2 (Summer, 1985), pp. 110-116

    Influence of Recreational Trails on Breeding Bird Communities. Scott G. Miller, Richard L. Knight and Clinton K. Miller. Ecological Applications Vol. 8, No. 1 (Feb., 1998), pp. 162-169

    Effects of Ecotourism on Distribution of Waterbirds in a Wildlife Refuge. Mary L. Klein, Stephen R. Humphrey and H. Franklin Percival. Conservation Biology. Vol. 9, No. 6 (Dec., 1995), pp. 1454-1465.

    Does Repeated Human Intrusion Cause Cumulative Declines in Avian Richness and Abundance? Samuel K. Riffell, Kevin J. Gutzwiller and Stanley H. Anderson
    Ecological Applications. Vol. 6, No. 2 (May, 1996), pp. 492-505

    Banks, Peter B., and Jessica V. Bryant. “Four-legged friend or foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas.” Biology Letters 3.6 (2007): 611-613.

    Kerlinger, Paul, et al. Wildlife and recreationists: coexistence through management and research. Eds. Richard L. Knight, and Kevin Gutzwiller. Island Press, 2013.

    water

    Water Balancing

    BY

    Getting the water and salt intake balance right

    Water is the only drink for a wise man. Henry David Thoreau

    Keeping well hydrated is a balancing act between drinking enough to stay hydrated but not so much that essential salts are too diluted. While both can lead to serious medical conditions, they’re easy enough to avoid with proper planning and awareness.
    Urine colour is a visual cue of hydration levels. In general, the better hydrated the body the lighter the urine colour.

    The human body makes the best use of water when ingested in small amounts regularly, allowing time for water to be absorbed and used in the system. That’s why it’s important to drink regularly on a bushwalk. Hydration bladders make drinking small amounts regularly very easy.

    Some people struggle to drink enough water. If so, try lightly flavouring water with cordial or setting a drinking goal, perhaps marking “drink-to” points on the water bottle. Note that flavouring water will render this water and perhaps the container unsuitable for meals or other drinks.

    Caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee are mild diuretics, causing increased passing of urine. Drinking these can lead to dehydration if they’re drunk in large quantities or if the body isn’t used to them, but in small amounts such as on a bushwalk they provide similar hydrating qualities to water.

    Due to the high sugar content, soft drinks and energy drinks are less effective at hydrating than water. High sugar concentrations in these drinks slows fluid absorption into the blood system. Some energy drinks also contain caffeine, guanine and preservatives which may have  negative effects on performance. Occasionally, people react badly to these kinds of drinks, so it’s best to try these at home first, or better – just stick to water!

    Dehydration Dealing with dehydration in the bush

    Dehydration affects physical performance and occurs when the body loses water faster than it is replenished. When the overall body water content drops by 2%, dehydration signs and symptoms take effect.

    Condition Signs and symptoms
    Early dehydration
    2% of water body mass loss    		 Flushed skin
    Weariness
    Sleepiness
    Impatience
    Moderate dehydration
    4% of water body mass loss    		 Apathy
    Muscle fatigue
    Nausea
    Severe dehydration
    6% of water body mass loss    		 Headache
    Dizziness
    Shortness of breath
    Tingling in limbs
    Very dry mouth

    If someone in the group has signs of dehydration, stop in shade and administer first aid. First, apply DRSABCD: check for any danger and make sure you are still getting a response from the patient (continue to – SABCD if necessary). Remove the patient’s hot clothing and encourage them to drink small sips of water. Consider shortening the trip and not walking in the hottest time of day, about noon-2 pm. Check all the party for dehydration and encourage everyone to drink.

    Electrolytes Why electrolytes are so important

    Electrolytes are body salts necessary for our muscle and nerve function. As with body water, electrolytes too are lost via sweat, and must be replenished via eating healthy foods that are high in electrolytes. This applies in particular when bushwalking on hot days and when working hard.

    In general, eating a balanced diet of fruits, nuts, vegetables and dairy is a healthy way of replacing salts such as sodium, chloride, potassium and calcium. This diet includes:

    • Coconut water
    • Leafy greens
    • Tomatoes
    • Celery
    • Bananas
    • Yogurt
    • Nuts
    • Beans

    It’s not practical to carry some of these foods on a bushwalk, instead, stock up before and after the walk on items like yogurt and greens, and take nuts and fruit on the walk. Note that some food requires more water than others to digest.

    There’s a huge amount of hype and media around sports drinks and their hydration power, although research shows there’s little difference between them and water. Their main selling point is to replenish electrolytes, although this is only needed for prolonged intensive exercise.
    As sports drinks tend to be extremely sugary and filled with artificial flavouring, eating a balanced diet is a healthier alternative.

    Hyponatremia Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia

    Hyponatremia is a rare condition that occurs when the sodium content in the blood is too low. This causes fluid to move into the cells making them swell, and has been known to be fatal.

    Hyponatremia may occur by drinking too much water or losing too much salt (via sweat), but also from organ abnormalities or reactions to medication.

    Signs & symptoms of hyponatremia include:

    • Headache
    • Muscle cramps
    • Heart palpitations
    • Decreased consciousness
    • Confusion
    • Fatigue
    • Lethargy

    On a bushwalk, if hyponatremia is suspected, follow the DRSABCD action plan and apply first aid. Stop and rest in the shade, and encourage the patient to eat something high in sodium (e.g. biscuits, chips) or pure salt (keep sachets in first aid kit). Monitor the patient and call for help if the situation deteriorates.

    Although rare, hyponatremia is becoming more common due to people drinking too much when exercising. It must be treated seriously as it can be life threatening, just the same as drinking too little water. In short, it’s about getting the balance of water and salt intake right.

    So on a bushwalk, drink well according to the body’s water needs under various temperature conditions, eat well and have fun!

    LNT

    Consider Hosts and Other Visitors

    BY

    How to interact respectfully with other on the track

    It is necessary for a man
    to go away by himself
    to sit on a rock and ask
    ‘Who am I, where have I been, and where am I going?’ Carl Sandburg

    Although people escape to the bush for a variety of reasons, most people enjoy entering nature in a quiet and reflective state to reconnect with nature and escape from their loud and busy city lives. It’s also the best way to see wildlife with minimal disturbance.

    Let everyone in the group Immerse their senses into their surrounding. Who knows what interesting birds and animals the group might hear! Leave any music devices and speakers at home, and turn all mobile phone to silent.

    Walk in single file so that oncoming walkers can easily pass. If the group stops for a break, make sure that it’s not blocking the track for other bushwalkers. Similarly, give way for other bushwalkers to overtake the group on the track if their walking pace is faster.

    Say a polite “hello” or “g’day” to other walkers on the track, but be aware that not everyone will be up for a lengthy chat. As a general rule, most bushwalkers are there to walk, engage with nature and reflect on their own lives, rather than have long conversations with every person they meet. The exception, of course, is if people look in trouble, or lost. It’s definitely ok to start up a conversation to gauge if they are capable of getting out safely and what equipment are carrying.

    Keep a few paces between you and the person in front: this stops the group running into each other or stepping on heels. Relay track information to the back of the group (e.g. “watch out for that slippery section”, “there’s a loose rock here”). If the person in front walks through a branch, be really careful that it doesn’t spring back suddenly: best to hold the branch and pass it onto the next person to minimise injury risk.

    Respecting your hosts

    Remember that rangers and land managers work tirelessly to maintain tracks and trails, signs and information in natural areas. Make their job easier by respect signs and other infrastructure, and reporting any damage.
    After the walk drop into an information hut to thank the local rangers and land managers for maintaining the facilities. Consider volunteering one weekend to help out with track maintenance, weed control or community events.

    water

    Conserving Water

    BY

    How behaviour affects water requirements

    Be still.
    The quieter you become,
    the more you can hear. Ram Daas

    Choosing when and where to walk under particular weather conditions can make a major difference to the amount of water needed by the human body. Water requirements increase dramatically as temperature and workload goes up. So selecting to walk in cooler conditions means less water loss via sweat and makes for a more enjoyable trip.

    Choosing the time of day to walk can turn and exhausting mountain scramble, into a pleasant stroll up a hill. Select a route that tackles steep, exposed sections first or last in the day. During the heat of the day, find a shady lunch spot to rest and relax.

    Wear light and loose clothing, nothing that sticks or irritates the skin. Select quick dry materials that still insulate when wet. Use sun protection and stop to re-apply sunscreen during the walk.

    Last, and most importantly, slow down! Going as fast as possible not only exhausts the group, but it means they have less energy and incentive to enjoy their beautiful natural surroundings. People go to natural places for different reasons, but often it’s for many more reasons that getting from A to B: the journey is every bit as enjoyable as the end point, and slowing down allows more time to get to know the people in the group and relax.

    gear_daywalk

    Food and Drink

    BY

    How much food and water to carry

    For a fun and safe trip, it’s important that everyone in the group packs and drinks enough drinking water throughout the bushwalk.

    Allocate 0.5 L of water for every 1 hour of walking. For example, on a 4-hour walk, carry 2 L of water. Keep one container near the top of the pack for easy access.

    Some walks pass water sources (rain-tanks, cafes, streams) where water bottles can be refilled with drinking water, but be careful about relying on these as water tanks can run dry.

    In some cases, water can be collected and treated on the track. On longer trips carry water treatment tablets.

    Snacks Great snacks to carry

    Snacks are a great way to boost dwindling energy resources. Carry foods that can be eaten on the move, and have a high energy to weight ratio.

    • muesli bars
    • fruit (fresh or dried)
    • nuts
    • crackers
    • biscuits
    • English muffins
    • peanut butter sandwiches
    • scroggin (aka trail mix)

    Pack any chocolates (or muesli bars with chocolate pieces) in zip lock bags to prevent them from melting inside the backpack. Avoid using external or lid pockets for chocolate (or other heat-sensitive foods) because they tend to heat up the quickest.

    Lunch Great food for lunch

    Lunch is a time to relax, take in the surroundings and refuel. Take foods that need minimal preparation in the field. Either pre-prepared sandwiches or wraps (with spread, cheese, salad etc.), or take base ingredients that are quick to assemble.

    Some ideas include:

    • Bread: flatbread, wraps or mountain bread.
    • Crackers: savory wheat or rice.
    • Toppings: cheese, salami, jerky, small tins or packets of tuna
    • Spreads: hummus, tahini, vegemite, peanut butter, jam, honey.
    • Extra protein: sachets or tins of tuna, salami, salmon.
    • Fresh veggies: cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, celery, apples.

    Sometimes it’s nice to bring a small cake or other sweet treats to share with the group.

    Backup Food Food to carry as backup

    Backup food is a good idea on longer trips or trips into remote areas.

    Backup food should not require any preparation and should be edible on the move so that it can be used in situations where the group is delayed, or there has been an unexpected event.

    Muesli bars are a great backup food because they are lightweight and filling: carry ones that have high energy content for their weight. Sweet biscuits are another good option.

    Snacks such as lollies and dried fruit also work, but being lower in carbohydrate content don’t provide as long-lasting energy release as muesli bars or biscuits.

    Download our complete Day Walk Gear Checklist.

    gear_daywalk

    Be Prepared

    BY

    Useful gear to cope with the unexpected

    Things sometimes don’t go to plan out in the bush: the weather might suddenly change, the group might be moving slower than anticipated, or there may be an injury.

    Carrying a few extra pieces of gear makes it much easier to cope with any unexpected changes, and is essential for groups heading out on remote tracks. It gives that safety buffer, that is, enough capacity to survive when things change. Finishing a walk without any food left is fine, unless something goes wrong.

    For longer walks, and walks out of phone reception, carry one PLB – personal locator beacon – in the group. Activate in situations that are (or potentially are) life-threatening. Also, each person in the group should carry a whistle for attracting attention. Some backpacks have an inbuilt whistle in the top chest strap.

    Weather Useful gear to buffer against weather changes

    Wearing appropriate clothing is an effective way of buffering unexpectedly hot, cold and wet weather conditions.

    If conditions are hotter than expected, remove any tight, heavy clothing, drink plenty of water and monitor for early signs of dehydration. Avoid walking during the heat of the day and consider shortening the trip. Take appropriate action to minimise bushfire risk.

    If conditions are cooler than expected, layer up with thermal layers and wear a beanie. Also, consider using rainjacket as an extra layer. Monitor for early signs of hypothermia. Avoid getting unnecessarily wet (e.g. optional river crossings) and consider shortening the trip.

    If conditions become wetter than expected, pull on a raincoat (and extra thermal layers if needed) and seek temporary shelter. Assess options including shortening the trip. If a thunderstorm is approaching, take appropriate action to avoid being struck.

    First Aid Kit Contents for dealing with injury in the bush

    Carry at least one complete first aid kit among the group, ideally one that is tailored for dealing with injury/illness in a remote context.

    Important items include:

    • Bandaids – a range of shapes/sizes (use good quality ones that stick well).
    • Alcohol wipes – for cleaning wounds.
    • Sterile non-stick compresses – for large, open wounds.
    • Triangular bandage – a range of uses.
    • Heavy Weight Crepe Bandage – for sprains, snake bites. Can buy bandages specifically for snake bites that have markings on them to help apply correct pressure.
    • Steri-strips – for holding together lacerations.
    • Medical tape (e.g. Elastoplast Classic)
    • Lighter – for sterilizing items e.g. tweezers.

    Avoid pre-packaged first aid kits as they tend to lack essential items and comprise of poorer quality products. For a complete list of first aid contents, check out our first aid kit checklist.

    Carry a personal first aid kit with any personal medication (e.g. asthma inhaler) and personal medical action plan (e.g. for asthma, angina, allergies).

    For legal reasons, a first aider cannot administer drugs. Medication must be administered by the patient – this includes painkillers. Therefore, also carry personal supplies of medication for things like pain relief and anti-inflammation.

    Benighted Kit Helpful gear if you have to spend the night out unexpectedly

    Bushwalkers use the term ‘benighted’ to refer to the situation where the group is forced to stay out overnight. This could happen if the group misses an exit or takes longer than expected to traverse a section of the walk.

    A few pieces of lightweight gear can make all the difference, and turns a tricky situation into something far more manageable: the aim is survival, not comfort.

    • Space blanket – a lightweight emergency blanket made of reflective foil. It’s waterproof and windproof, and the reflective foil reduces heat loss via thermal radiation.
    • Head Torch – helpful if walking at dusk or if the group gets benighted.
    • Emergency food – muesli bars have high energy to weight ratio, but anything else dense in energy (chocolate, biscuits, etc.) works.
    • Water purification tablets – to prevent illness from contaminated water.
    • Fire lighting kit – a lighter & fire starters for lighting an emergency fire to keep warm or attract attention. Small 3-5cm chunks of bicycle inner-tube work well as fire starters (lightweight and reliable), and are effective in wet conditions.
    • Watch – to figure out the pace of the group and how much time until nightfall.

    Repair Kit Useful repair items

    On longer walks, a small repair kit can be helpful.

    • Penknife – for cutting materials and making general repairs (also useful for first aid treatment e.g. cutting bandages).
    • Fishing line – for quickly repairing items such as clothing or backpacks.
    • Spare shoelaces – in case shoelaces break on the walk.
    • Cloth tape (e.g. Elastoplast Classic) has a variety of uses for temporarily repairing rips and tears in gear.
    • If carrying a hydration bladder, take suitable patches for repairing punctures (e.g. Thermarest repair stickers).

    Download the complete Day Walk Gear Checklist.

    gear_daywalk

    Navigation Equipment

    BY

    Navigation equipment to pack for on track day walks

    Navigation is the process of planning and following a particular route. This requires matching a physical location onto a map and vice-versa.

    In an urban context, navigation relies heavily on GPS units (now ubiquitous in mobile devices), however, in the bush if the device fails or runs out of battery, there must be a backup.

    Therefore, using multiple of navigational aids (including paper maps and compass) is advisable, particularly when entering remote areas.

    Navigational aids include:

    Track notes How to use bushwalking track notes

    Track notes generally provide information on walk length and approximate time for completion and give an indication of the difficulty. Most notes include some kind of map, but the quality varies (e.g. the map may schematic, rather than topologically accurate). Some track notes include specific navigation information (e.g. turn left at the intersection) and information on facilities (e.g. parking, toilets, lookouts).

    Before the walk, print out and read track notes. Re-read notes on the morning of the walk. Store notes in a waterproof case that is easily accessible (e.g. zip-lock bag or map case). Refer to notes and map regularly throughout the walk. Every couple of hundred meters cross check the map with the physical surrounds. If the surrounds don’t match, stop, assess, and retrace steps if necessary.

    Carry multiple sets of tracks notes in the group in case one set gets lost.

    Download track notes for bushwalking in NSW from Wildwalks.

    Map & compass Topographic maps & compass used for bushwalking

    Topographic maps graphically represent topological (mountains, valleys, slopes), hydrographic (creeks, rivers) and other natural or urban features. Features are drawn to scale on a coordinate grid so users can determine their relative and absolute positions. Using a map and compass, bushwalkers can plan and navigate a walking route.

    Map reading is a skill that takes time to master but opens up off-track walking options. Bushwalkers can determine the most efficient way to navigate down a ridge, cross a river, and even avoid scrub just by using a map and compass.

    For on-track walking, bushwalkers rarely use a compass to identify where they are on a track, but rather rely on other map features (e.g. hilltop, creek junction). However, a compass can be useful if someone needs to step off the track to go to the toilet.

    Mapcase Why carry a mapcase?

    A map case protects maps and track notes from damage and weather, and can be worn around the neck for easy reading. Even a small amount of rain can make notes illegible, and maps can be easily lost when scrambling along a bushwalking track.

    A few more tips:

    • Use a water-tight map case that is big enough to see a good amount of the track.
    • Keep the map on one side of the case and the track notes on the other side; flip between sides to view notes and map without having to open up the case (keeps maps and notes protected from water and damage).
    • Carry multiple sets of tracks notes in the group in case one set gets lost.

    GPS/smartphone Electronic navigation equipment

    GPS units and smartphones can be helpful at pinpointing where the group is on the track but for off-track walking, additional map reading skills are needed to identify and navigate a course through the bush.

    Avoid relying heavily on electronic GPS units in case of failure. Carry spare batteries and suitable protection for the unit and batteries from rain/heat/cold (e.g. zip-lock plastic bag stored at the bottom of back).

    Respect others on the bushwalk: a common reason that people go bushwalking is to escape the overload of modern technology. If using the phone as a GPS device, turn it to silent and only make phone calls in an emergency.

    Download our Day Walk Gear Checklist.

    gear_daywalk

    Bonus Gear

    BY

    Extra gear for comfort

    Some extra gear can make for a fun and memorable bushwalk – these items will add extra weight, so choose wisely!

    • Camera – for taking photos of the group or wildlife.
    • Binoculars – for examining the landscape or wildlife.
    • Cooking equipment (billy and stove) or thermos – for that nice cuppa half way through the walk.
    • Foam mat to sit on at lunch – can make the lunch stop a bit more comfortable.
    • Cards – for entertainment on the way home or over lunch.
    • Spare clothes and snacks for journey home (to leave in car).
    • Walking poles – some people find these ease the pressure on the knees (particularly on steep sections).
    • Notebook & pencil – useful to take down numbers and details of the group or for use in an unexpected situation.
    • Swimmers & towel – if the walk goes near a nice swimming hole!
    • Pack cover – protects against rain.
    • Gaiters & gloves – additional protective clothing.
    • Lip balm – to prevent lips getting chapped.

    Download our Day Walk Gear Checklist.

    gear_daywalk

    Day Walk Backpack

    BY

    How to pack for a day walk

    Backpacks vary in shape, size, colour, contents and so on. It’s a personal choice what works best. For starting out, just use an old pack, no bigger than 30 L capacity. On the track, chat to other bushwalkers about what they like in a backpack and consider trialing a few different packs before buying.

    A few features to watch out for:

    • Durability: select materials (straps, buckles) that are sturdy and check that the seams are well stitched. Also, check how easy it will be to make repairs (some companies offer repairs under the initial warranty).
    • Ventilation: modern backpacks sit slightly off the back (either with an external frame or with mesh fabric) generating airflow, allowing sweat to evaporate more easily, and keeping the user cool.
    • A separate hydration compartment to keep the water bladder in position and limits damaged.

    Waterproofing How to waterproof a backpack

    Separate gear into things that can and can’t get wet and water-proof accordingly.

    Examples of gear that needs waterproofing:

    • Clothes
    • Maps
    • Food (e.g. biscuits, bread)
    • Phone

    Examples of gear that can get wet:

    • Penknife
    • Compass
    • Plastic-wrapped lollies
    • Sunscreen

    Double wrapping gear in garbage bags is a reasonably effective way of keeping gear dry. Alternatively, dry bags work well but are more expensive and easily damaged (if too thin). Some packs have inbuilt pack-covers that provide an additional waterproof lining, although generally not good enough to keep out the heavier rain.

    Order of packing What order to pack gear

    Less is more when it comes to bushwalking: a lighter pack makes it easier to walk through and enjoy the bush.

    Pack heavy gear (e.g. water bottles) close to the spine as this is most effective way of distributing the weight.

    Keep a small water bottle near the top of the bag or in a side pocket for easy access.

    Keep snacks also handy, either in the lid pocket or side pocket.

    Download our Day Walk Gear Checklist.

    Created by National Parks Association of NSW inc in partnership with wildwalks