Capt DropBear wrote:- be sensible with what you need to take and what you can leave behind, and how much you really feel comfortable carrying.
Now THAT is the most sensible thing I've read here!
We (4 of us) dehydrated our own meals, vac packed them, for our Overland Track walk in Tasmania just recently. The meals were spread among us, so that each of us lost a meal each day (almost) as we walked. We could not survive without a decent coffee - so we carried a couple of packs of coffee and a plunger - it was absolutely worth it! Our rubbish bag for the entire trip for the 4 of us was LESS than a standard supermarket singlet bag!
Essential Gear
- tent that doesn't leak (our mates had a supposedly good tent but in a light shower the seams dripped water into the base)
- food for all days that you'll be away (plus a bit for emergencies)
- cooking gear (we took a pair of stoves and too much fuel - better than running out! - and 2 sets of pan/pot and a billy)
- spoons (no need for any knives, forks, all our food could be eaten with spoons)
- Breakfasts can be oats - they are rehydrated overnight and cooked in the morning. Far better than the dried eggs/pancakes we also packed.
- a couple of changes of clothes (for the 6 day walk) Don't take more than you need!
- a good strong backpack (we had one planet bags, and they performed without fault! our mates had other brands and they were just as good.)
- pack cover (in case of rain, to protect the bag and contents)
- camera (why would you go anywhere without one?)
- maps and other location/direction gear. We had laminated maps of the walk, day by day, as well we carried a compass and GPS unit (for route tracking rather than locating).
- decent boots (my AKUs had a bit of a problem with delamination of the sole - will talk with the dealers and see what can be done)
- cheese, bikkies, scotch/rum for pre-dinner drinkies, and port for afters (along with chocolate!)
- aforementioned coffee and plunger PLUS a slab of fruit cake for morning tea!
Not sure there are any other things (apart from the dunny roll, trowel, hand sanitiser, etc) that are essential.
John
"Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to jail for sex - You'll get it but it'll be rough!" Adam Hills.