Blue Mountains local – and self-confessed slow walker – Brooke Nolan shows us the contents of her backpack.
Mountain Designs Lightweight Chair
Is it necessary? No. Is it that lightweight? Not if you’re a toothbrush-handle-trimmer. Do I have regrets when I carry it? Absolutely not. I bought this on a two-for-one sale, and my bestie and I have been the envy of many a camper ever since. What can I say? I like to camp in comfort, and if I’m on a two or three-day hike, I’ll always carry this. For anything longer, I switch out for a foam sit-mat.
mountaindesigns.com
Teva Sandals
Look away now if you’re squeamish. I once did the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail and lost seven toenails. After years of faithful service, my trusty boots decided I was Enemy No.1 and ate my feet one step at a time. With no other footwear options, I had to keep hobbling. I’ve carried these Tevas ever since; they’re lightweight (ish), great for camp, ideal for river crossings, and a good alternative if my boots ever decide to turn on me again.
au.teva.com
First Aid Kit
Whether it’s a quick day hike or a multi-day epic, a first aid kit is always top of the packing list. Living in the Blue Mountains, I also do a tonne of canyoning, so I love this small, waterproof kit. It has everything I need in it, except a snake bandage, which I carry separately.
stjohn.org.au/first-aid-kits
Personal Locator Beacon
When I moved here from the UK in late 2016, I had never even heard of a PLB, and now I won’t go on an adventure without one. I do a lot of solo trips, which means it’s even more important to have a way to get help if there’s an emergency. One of the things I love about Australia is that so many places offer free hire of PLBs. There really is no reason not to carry one.
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB - For sales phone: 02 9417 5755 or email: sales@intertrek.com.au
GME MT610G PLB - gme.net.au
Sea to Summit THERMOLITE Reactor Extreme sleeping bag liner
I love versatile gear, and this liner is a prime example. It doubles as a summer sleeping bag and pairs perfectly with my 0°C bag for winter. Combined with some thick Merino thermals, a Therm-a-rest Closed Cell Sleeping mat, and a sip or two of port, and I’ve slept soundly on even the coldest winter night in the Snowy Mountains.
seatosummit.com.au
LifeStraw water filter
As a fundamentally lazy person, when I discovered the LifeStraw, I knew I was onto a winner. I’ve drunk from some seriously dodgy water sources and survived; simply fill it up and get sipping. No need to pump, filter, squeeze or do anything else that would probably just make me say ‘yeah-nah’ and give that dodgy puddle a go. It lasts for 1,000 gallons, too, meaning it’ll keep the average hiker gastro-free for years.
lifestraw.jadavey.com.au
Words_Brooke Nolan