"What's in my pack?" Part I
After years of bushwalking all over the country, Emma Griffiths knows a thing or two on what to take on a multi-dayer.
Safety First: ResQLink+ PLB and Survival Handy First Aid Kit
These two items always come on any hike with me. This PLB is a buoyant, solid piece of equipment that requires registration upon purchase with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and regular checks (I check mine every 6 months or prior to going out on a multi-day hike) on the battery and GPS, all of which takes about 30 seconds to complete.
Before each trip you can update information on AMSA, including the trip details as well as a map and emergency contacts. Make sure you let your emergency contacts know where you are going! If anything goes amiss, the beacon can be set off alerting emergency services that you need assistance and the PLB signal will guide them to your location.
The Survival First Aid Kit is jammed packed with everything you need to perform minor first aid on yourself or someone else. Thankfully I’ve only ever had to patch up a few blisters and hand out some electrolytes.
Weight: PLB - 148g; first aid kit - 535g
ACR ResQLink 400 PLB: (RRP: $389) For sales phone: (02) 9417 5755 or email: sales@intertrek.com.au
Survival Handy First Aid Kit (RRP: $84.95): survivalfirstaidkits.net.au
Macpac Women’s Dispatch rain jacket
I really like this lightweight raincoat, not only is it a great colour but the deep hood and weighted bill can be manually shaped and holds down well, even in the strongest of gales. The jacket features two zippered pockets, Velcro cuffs, two internal pockets and toggles at the base of the coat to draw in the seam. It packs away neatly into its hood, or you can stuff it easily into any spare nook remaining in your pack.
Weight: 230g
RRP: $289. ($140 for Macpac club members)
Website: macpac.com.au
Merrell MOAB 2 MID (Gore-Tex) boots
I love these comfy hiking boots, so much so that these are my second pair I’ve bought after I had to lay my previous ones to rest – they lasted five years of solid outdoor abuse. While not 100 per cent waterproof, a bit of scotch guard helps repel water off the exterior surface. The grip is good, and the boot comes up above the ankle to provide support but doesn’t rub or irritate. I have had this pair for well over 18 months and I wear them not only hiking but also to work every day, so they cop a beating and still hold up.
Weight per pair: 737g
RRP: $299
Website: merrellaustralia.com.au
Trangia Ultra Light stove and 500ml spirit bottle
While not as light as a gas burner this Trangia set certainly does the job for two people. I love the unique style of this cook set up which comprises of a two-part windshield, two bowels, a fry pan, a tea pot (which I feel is too small for a decent sized cup of tea, so this gets left at home), a spirit burner and a Spondonicle – yes, that is spelt correctly! The simplicity of its design means a quick set up/pack up with little chance for breakages while in transit. I carry about 550ml of fuel which seems to last about three days in total for two people, however, this can be swapped out for a gas burner attachment.
Weight: 1.35kg
RRP: Stove set: $170, Spirit bottle: $35
Website: trangia.se/en
Sea to Summit Amplitude WLtII sleeping bag
This sleeping bag is amazing! After freezing in less than adequate sleeping bags in the past, the comfort and peace of mind knowing you’ll be warm at night is well worth the investment. This sleeping bag is designed for women, zipping up right around the shoulders without being restrictive, ensuring heat is trapped where it’s needed most. It has a temperature comfort rating of -10 degrees C and features a small, zippered pocket inside the sleeping bag for your phone to live in on those cold nights that tend to drain the battery. Sea to Summit also provides a unique storage bag to store your bag when not in use so the down doesn’t compress and clump.
Weight: 1.2kg
RRP: $639
Website: seatosummit.com.au
