Backpack Essentials
Get this gear on your back and you’ll be able to cope with most emergencies; and remember some of this gear is optional, most of it isn’t!
25-litre pack: Get a good – read expensive – one. It’ll be more comfortable and won’t fail in the bush. There are some excellent purpose-built models available.
A sat-phone or EPIRB: An EPIRB will get help; a sat-phone will do it a lot quicker. Mobile phones work well in some areas.
GPS: Now very affordable. Shop around to get the one that suits such as the best map units, but remember even a cheapie is fine for telling the cavalry where you are. Carry the GPS with the batteries removed so it can’t switch itself on and flatten the AAs.
Maps: While a GPS is good, nothing beats a map for an over-view of an area.
Rope: This is a light, strong climbing rope. The carabieners can act as pulleys in a pinch, and it can be used as a tow rope, as tie-downs, luggage straps, you name it.
Torch: Very handy at night …
Swiss Army Knife or similar: A million uses.
Lighter: When it’s cold, fire is your friend and it can also be used to signal your position.
UHF radio: Essential for communications within a group.
Food & Water: A plastic container stops fruit and sandwiches from being crushed. Go for healthy snacks that will sustain you, like fresh fruit, raisins, small tins of corn, and energy bars. Carry at least two litres of water, and a couple of Puritabs in case you need to replenish from a creek.
Mozzie repellent: Mosquitoes can make a long wait especially miserable. A smoky fire helps deter them, too.
Sunscreen: Skin cancer sucks.
Toilet paper: Beats grass and leaves.
- First Aid kit: You wouldn’t go out without one. Make sure it includes a space blanket – injured people get cold surprisingly easy.