Packing Lists.

Packing Lists are about as individual as they come. What works for one person, might be completely unsuitable for another. What you pack for one trip might also differ to what you need for the next trip.

However, in my opinion there are a few things that need to go into every pack you ever take - be it a day pack or a multi day pack. I will call them my essentials and there is a brief explanation below as to why I would never leave home without them.

No matter how many times I have packed a day pack or a multi day pack I ALWAYS use my list. Why? Because I get busy and I never want to forget to pack something that might be essential out on trail. Using my list also prevents me doing the opposite - packing too much!

You will find a copy of my Day Pack List and my Multi Day Pack List on this page to guide you into coming up with your own lists. Want to know what Day pack I use? Find the answer here.

Navigational Aids.

Absolutely NEVER entrust yourself to someone else. Always, always know the plan for the trip and have your own copy of any maps (electronic or paper). If something happens to your walking buddy/group or you get separated you need to be able to rely on yourself to get to safety. Obviously make sure you also know how to read said maps! Head to the section on Planning A Walk for tips. And there are also some navigation tools on the site to help you.

First Aid Kit.

Once again this is an item that every walker should carry for themselves. If you get separated you absolutely must have access to a first aid kit. The basic list of items in my first aid kit can be found here. If you take any regular medications ensure that you pack a nights supply into your pack even on days walks. If you get delayed on your trip it means you do not miss out on your medication. An example of an item that may go in my pack but not another persons pack is an EpiPen.

Warm & Weatherproof Layers.

Every trip - summer or winter. Weather in Tasmania can change extremely quickly. Heading out in shorts and a T-shirt because its sunny when you leave the house and not packing extra layers is simply asking for trouble. Even if you think you will only be out for “a short walk” pack these items. If you break your leg and have to wait for a helicopter or ground crew it could take hours and hours. That is more than enough time for hypothermia to set in if the weather turns.

Personal Locator Beacon - PLB.

Yep - I consider this an essential item. They can save your life - literally. Phone reception is not guaranteed out in the bush in Tasmania and only a PLB will allow you to contact emergency services, quickly. They can be hired from Service Tasmania and/or many private companies if you do not wish to purchase one.

A Headtorch.

Even if you are only planning on being out during daylight hours make sure to pack a head torch. Things can turn pear shaped out on trail and there are no street lights in the bush! Relying on your phone light won’t help if your phone is flat. Always check that your head torch batteries are charged or that you have a spare set in your pack.

My personal preference is a headtorch that takes batteries (rather then rechargeable). I always keep spare batteries in my first aid pack. I don’t want to have to rely on a flat power bank to charge a flat headtorch! Make sure you always lock your head torch before it goes into your pack. That way it wont get accidentally switched on and go flat!

Food and Water.

This one seems pretty obvious but its amazing the amount of people I run into that are not carrying any food or water! Carry your own food and water - or at least enough that if you get separated from your walking party you have some supplies. There are some great suggestions for food on my website.

Safety Contact.

Obviously your safety contact isn’t going into your pack. But it is an essential component on any trip. Tell a reliable person where you are going (exactly where - don’t be vague), when you will be back and how and when you expect them to raise the alarm.

You don’t want them sending in the cavalry if you are 5 minutes late but you also need to let them know the steps they need to take if you fail to return. Who should they contact, how should they contact them and when? Don’t assume your safety contact knows these things.

While you might be tempted to use your mother/best friend/neighbor - choose your safety contact wisely. I use a good friend Haydyn as my safety contact because he understands bushwalking, doesn’t panic easily and knows the steps to get me help if necessary. I trust my life with him and know that he keeps a close eye on me from afar (via my InReach tracker). My mother loves me dearly but would go to water if she thought I was in trouble. Plus she probably would call in the cavalry if I was five minutes late!