Announcement

Unfortunately due to a couple of business matters not concluding in time I am having to postpone the Australian Alps Walking trail End to End until November 2013.

Sorry Tim - Book next years holidays in asap, we will be physically fit and more prepared next year.  And when we go we will succeed because we are only carrying the packs on our backs and not the weight of mental baggage with us.

To everyone who has been following, I really appreciate your support.  I will continue to post any new discoveries & research on the blog.

Happy trails!

ZPACK - Cuben Fibre (-12 Sleeping bag)

I want to start this post by mentioning that I don't trust buying online.  The size is never what you expect it to be, with or without the size charts they provide you.  The quality is rarely what you expect and returns overseas end up costing you more dollars on the dud you are trying to return.

But I gave it a crack & SCORED!




Zpack sleeping bags combine the best aspects of a down quilt and a down sleeping bag at a nearly unbeatable weight. The bags open up wide on the bottom for easy temperature control when it is warm out, and a 3/4 length zipper and neck elastic allow you to bundle up when the temperature turns cold. 


About 5 weeks ago I ordered their -12 degree sleeping bag with only the 3/4 length zip and zip cover in the Extra tall 6'6" length in a regular fit.

Have a look at their site for all the options.  I does take a little reading to understand al the options but well worth the read.

My first impressions of the bag was that I wasn't going to fit!  It looked too short & I wondered if they received my order correct.  I jumped inside.  All bags I have had previously had hoods so this was already a little different without the hod but i did fit and was very surprised that the bag still could be pulled tight around most of my head.  I will have a beanie with me on my trek so if i need to keep the head warmer I can just wear it to be.... easily done to keep the weight down.  First test - PASS

I then thought to myself that this is a really trim bag.  There is no moving around to figure out your best sleeping position, if you got in .... thats how you are sleeping.  At home my wife laughs that I sleep like I'm in a coffin, well that coffin shape is the only way to sleep with this bag..... Second test - PASS


I went over every seem of the bag to make sure there was no flaws or defects.  These are made to order and I wanted to make sure that every stitch was right..... its that sceptic of online purchasing coming out in me I guess..... Third test- PASS

I proceeded to pack the bag back into its cuben fibre water proof stuff sack.  Pushing and shoving I was a little worried about ripping either item as they do feel thin and weightless.  No problems there either.  I do wonder if an additional option for the stuff sack could be a compression bag though.... this is definitely a light bag but it will take up some room in the pack.  I'll probably get an after market and then put the compressed bag into the cuben fibre bag for water protection.  I hate to double up but this will have to do.  Another PASS

So everything looked great.  So I went out with the youth group I'm involved with for our local area to Walhalla to show them around the first day or so of the Australian Alps Walking Track.  We stayed out friday night in about 5 degrees.  Of course at that temperature I'd expect the bag to perform, it was warm as, I had both arms out the top.  the Final PASS.

I must say I'm torn.  There is an option of no zipper at all for this bag, which saves weight and to be honest the first 6 or 7 times I got into the bag..... I slid in without using the zipper.  I was thinking I messed up here & should have done the Sewn up no zipper option.  The flip side is those warm night when I will want only part of the bag on me...... so I think that unless I buy 2 bags, one for each climate condition (hot or cold) i think I did the right thing and got the 3/4 zipper.

Great bag, great weight, great construction, looking forward to great adventures!

Pack weight

Throughout the last 18 months as I have prepared for this adventure the enduring theme has been weight.

The less weight I am and my gear is, the less energy i need to create to haul myself up & down the mountain.  Keep in mind this is no flat track, from end to end will be the equivalent of 3 Mt Everest ascents & descents.

I've been getting better at thinking about the things I buy and making sure they are a light option, so I thought.  Having gone out on a couple hiking trips etc lately I have found my pack weigh manageable. But is that the point?  I can manage most weights so shouldn't I be heading for not manageable but enjoyable!

New Tent - 835g

After my Mt bogong weekend with Sam, I spent some time online looking at gear.  I was very impressed with some of the gear Sam was carrying & thought I'd have a look around again.  Sam had also sent me a couple links for sites to assist me with getting lighter.


I have really felt a momentum increase since looking into my pack weigh & gear.  Below is my current work sheet on what i'm bringing for the Australian Alps Adventure.  Keeping in mind that some of this gear I will be wearing as well so not all will be on my back.  I am super excited that my carry weigh will be a maximum 20kg and again this will only be once every 6 days as the weigh will decrease as I eat or use the items up, fuel, toiletries etc.

Although I am pleased to see this Total weigh calculation, and know that some of these items will actually be carried by Tim, as we will be sharing the fuel, first aids kits, water filters etc.  I know I can still refine the list even more.  I'm hoping to shave a 1/2 kg off or so by packing smarter... I think I have too much clothes currently included so will keep testing things and hopefully reduce the weigh even more.

On top of that I am currently standing at 93.3kg and hope to get that down to about 90kg before I leave so that I'm not carrying anything excess at all!

Pack list		Weight		brand		detail
3litre water +bladder		3300		Kathmandu
2X350ml water bottles		800		blackwolf		350ml each
Back Pack		881		Hyperlite		Expedition
Sleeping matt		550		Thermarest		Neoair
Stove		860		Trangia		27-2 model
FUEL		1045		Metho
Tent		885		Hyperlite		Echo II
Sleeping bag		561		Zpack		20degree F bag
Sleepbag Liner		248		Sea2summit		STS thermolite reactor
Pillow		70
head lamp		83		Petzl		Tikka Plus 2
Spork		5		Mountain design
Water filter		390		Katydyn		includes carry bag
compass		72
First Aid Kit		205		green		current kit
1 Pack Wet wipes		20		buy
2 packs kleenex		20		buy
Laundry line		10
POCKET KNIFE		75
Walking Poles		500		BUY
Washing SoapX3		30		Kathmandu		Body wash packs
Repair Kit		250		duct tape - tent repair kit - sewing
thermal sleeves		78
Therml gloves		60
Beanie		100
Thermals Bottom		515
Thermal Top		210
shorts		280
pants		395
Running shorts		85		nike		nike
Jocks X 2		130		merino		kathmandu
Undershirt		105		merino		Kathmandu
Socks X 3		150		Mountain Design
Book		380		AAWT		Sisemen chapman
Maps		1200
Diary & pencil		200
2 quick dry shirts		400				to buy
1 quick dry long sleeve		190
Merino long sleeve		1200
Sunglasses/reading glass		18
whistle		5
Gaiters		300
trowel		28
Camera		500
Sunblock		100
Cap		79		OR		Sunrunner legionaire
Warm jacket		1050		Mountain Design
Boots		2300		North face
River crossing sandals		258
PHONE		145		Blackberry BOLD		Plus extra battery
GPS		262		Garmin		from SAM
SPOT		148				SPOT
Food 5 days		3800
TOTAL		25531

Mt Bogong Part II

Mt Bogong 2012
Staircase Spur Trail
Return Eskdale track









As mentioned in edition 1 of the adventure we made it through the night.  I had looked at the thermometer on the back of my emergency whistle and it had read about -11 degrees celsius just after dinner.  We didn't think it was quit that cold at that stage of the evening but by 4-5am the following day we felt every degree and there is every chance we got down that low.  My -5 sleeping bag plus silk liner had never left me cold before but that night I got out my $1 emergency blanket out of the first aid kit which kept me warm.  So the sun came up and we unzipped the tents ready to finish our weekend expedition.

The most important thing early in the morning is to go to the bathroom...... of course getting dressed is probably the first priority with the bathroom break a close second.  I had slept with my clothes at the bottom of my sleeping bag during the night so they were nice and warm when I put them on.  i also find this technique useful for blocking that subtle draft that can come through your zipper in the middle of the night.

The problem was getting my boots on.  They had frozen laces and generally the boot was very ridged.  A lesson learned is before bed to loosen the laces so in the morning the boot is easier to put on when its urgent!

Finally I'm out of the tent and taking a couple quick photos of the morning we have been offered.

Ahhh.... Mt Bogong in the morning.

When talking with other backpackers a topic of conversation always turns to food and cooking.  What stove & fuel do I use is a common question.  Typically met with "yeah but in the cold and at altitudes that won't work".  So this trip was also about testing some things out for myself.  I had bought a Trangia burner for the AAWT adventure based on the recommendation from blogs of hikers who have done the trail.  So this weekend was the test.  Did it light the same, did it cook fairly conveniently and was it generally similar to all lower altitudes and higher temperatures?  I found it a little harder to light but used about the same fuel ..... so don't see what the big deal is with these other blokes!  The AAWT won't be this cold and although we get up to this elevation at times I hardly think its an issue.

So morning breakfast was 2 sachets of warm Uncle Toby's Oats, Brown Sugar & Cinnamon with a swig of water and I was ready for the day.  Packing up is always a great feeling.  You know you ate and burned a little fuel so you are going to be a little lighter, and you know your pack won't be busting at the seems as you have a little less stuff to pack in there.

We started heading down about 9am.  It wasn't long before we came across the dozen skiers we had seen the day before.  They were trekking back up for another day on the untouched slopes.  I would have thought they'd be a little disappointed this day as the night had really crusted up the fresh snow of the day before so wouldn't be a perfect...... I mean the day before was just unheard of beautiful conditions so pretty hard to back that up 2 days in a row.

So we flew down the mountain pretty quick.  Going down hill in snow shoes is a little less simple than trekking up the mountain but still I was grateful to have them.  We passed a hiker coming up the Eskdale trail without them and he even commented that "it looks like I'm gonna regret leaving them in the car".  We agreed! Just to make him feel better.

About an hour down the mountain we took off the snow shoes as we were gone to the raw soil again and started to peel off the layers of clothes again.  Who are these 2 posers!

The drive home allowed some reflections whilst driving.  Yes, don't eat yellow snow! But also I need to get lighter for the AAWT.  I need to keep looking for ways of carrying smarter stuff not more stuff.  My cooking set up is fine, no need to make any adjustments.  The clothing I had planned to wear for the AAWT is over kill.  I will definitely not need so many layers, I was warm at -5 or -11 whatever it may have been which is easily 10 degrees colder than I will come across in November.  So a heavy layer can stay at home, I will have enough with me even if it does get to 0 degrees.  My fitness is good so just keep maintaining the physical exercise & I will be primed for the big event.

And SPOT works.  I had borrowed a friends SPOT tracker to see how it functioned.  This is a GPS tracker that allows friends and family to follow my progress online through a web interface.  To view the trail Sam & I did for this Mt Bogong trek click the below link which will take you to the SPOT page showing our progress.  

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0IfpjgOPc9W652tjCXEupmmm05DVpSqYQ

A similar page will be set up for the Australian Alps Walking track in November so stay tuned for the link so you can follow Tim & I for the 40 days.

Mt Bogong - Victoria's Highest Peak Edition 1

I was devastated a month back when a mate invited me to do some winter hiking/camping up Mt Bogong, Victoria's highest peak.  I already had family engagements interstate so I couldn't go.

So you can imagine my excitement when I found out he went elsewhere that weekend and was in fact going up to Mt Bogong last weekend.  I was stoked.

At 1986m, Mt Bogong is placed amongst Victoria's premier ski fields in the Alpine National Parks.
There are a couple routes up to Bogong peak but the most direct and difficult route is the Staircase Spur track.  Sam is an experienced adventurer and I have been tracking some good work recently so we were really keen to give the Staircase Spur a strong effort.  No slacking!

Having left home at 4am and arriving at the car park around 10am we were ready to get stuck into the mountain.  The car park is located at about 360m so the overall climb ahead of us was around 1625m over an 8km trail.   At the low altitude the thermal underwear was a little over kill but we knew as we ascended they would come in handy.  It was still a pain to be climbing and sweating like mad.  I had to remove my glasses as they were useless with all the sweat.

About an hour and a half walking along your standard dirt and rock trails we started to get into the snow.  We came across a Scout group descending that had gone a distance ahead but had now given up and were returning as the sunny day was melting the snowy tree tops and they had been struck with large chunks of falling snow.  We laughed and continued.  Wasn't so funny a half hour later when we copped a couple ourselves.  If was fairly entertaining though as you would hear some of the big ones crash right beside you and you'd think to yourself....that would have stung.  By this time we had already stripped off the jackets and light jumpers we had departed with and were down to t-shirts.  Cold wet snow falling 30m onto flesh wasn't devastating but there was a certain sting to it!

Below you will see the swollen result of a large chunk of snow crashing onto my left bicep.... or is that always how my arm looks! Anyways...

As we continued to ascend the snow cover continued to thicken so we finally decided to strap on the snow shoes.  Honestly this was the perfect day for a winter hike.  The sun came out, there was barely a breeze and the snow was fresh powder.

The Climbing didn't get an easier.  As we edged closer to the summit the rate of ascent increased dramatically and the weather dropped degrees and visibility virtually in minutes.  The below photo is Sam blazing the trail.  We could see on the opposite peak (when the sky cleared) a number of other people backcountry skiing.

By this stage I was cooked.  Sam seemed to still have plenty in the engine, no surprises there.  The man is a machine.  I was following in his tracks pretty closely and as we could see the summit and started our final climb I noticed his tracks, and also mine that followed became shorter under foot.  In other words, each step was really only 6-8 inches at a time.  The weigh of our legs and the aggressive incline just wouldn't allow regular steps.  Inches at a time we ground our way to the summit.  The summit was blowing a gail and the temperature was really cold now.  Keep in mind we had stripped down to t-shirts and were sweating so much that we didn't want to put on thick layers as we climbed so we only had our outer shells over t-shirts.  We spent the first 5 minutes on the summit getting dressed appropriately...which involved taking off the jackets to get the layers on underneath... Cold, oh yeah!

But we made it, happy & health.  The photos at the top makes it worth the journey.  Sam still had energy to climb the ice block, I was happy to just be standing.  Good on yah Sam, like I said.... your a champ.

At first I had a thought of camping right there.  The wind was just cutting right through us so we decided to head down a peak or 2 and hope for clearer conditions.  So glad we did.  We had great view back toward Mt Bogong peak, a Sunset that stayed with us till about 7:30pm which is easily an hour later than normal and overall just really great conditions for camping out.

As we made some food and set up camp the thermometer read -11 degrees .... which we thought was probably off by a couple.  Didn't feel a degree colder than -10 !
While preparing dinner we took some photos, had a good chat and enjoyed our surroundings.  As night fell there was really no reason to stay up and later than we needed too.  So with the sense of accomplishment and delight in the day that had been we closed up the tents and tried to get some sleep.

It got colder through the night but we both are alive to tell our tale.  Part II will be the descent.... stay tuned.

Local newspaper article

SORRY PHOTO WOULDN"T COPY

4 Heidelberg Leader July 10, 2012

ED: HB PUB: HBV DATE: 10/7/12 PAGE: 4 COLOUR: CMYK

John Belanger (left) and Tim Marsden are embarking on a 680kmtrek across the Victorian Alps, the distance equivalent of scaling Everest

seven times. Picture: JOSIE HAYDEN N02HB300

High times for a brave duo

IVANHOE EAST

JOHN Belanger is ready to face all

the highs and lows Australia’s

mountain ranges have to throw at

him, all to raise money for a cause

close to his heart.

The Ivanhoe East property

developer, along with friend and

Camberwell firefighter Tim

Marsden, wi l l this

November tackle the 680km Australian

Alps walking track, which

has been compared with ascending

and descending Mt Everest seven

times.

The track travels from Walhalla

in Victoria through the Great Dividing

Range and finishes in Canberra.

Mr Belanger said the 38-day jaunt

would test the pair, both physically

and mentally, as they try to raise

more than $5000 for Beyond Blue in

honor of a close friend dealing with

depression and anxiety.

The 32-year-old, who was born in

Montreal, Canada, said the duo had

spent 18 months training, often facing

serious dehydration and

exhaustion during test runs. But he

said he was confident the two would

be ready by the time they embarked

on their mammoth effort.

‘‘In my family we have a very long

history of hiking, so I originally

looked up these trails and I thought

I’d be able to go 40 days,’’ Mr

Belanger said.

Details: beyondblue.org.au.

To follow the pair’s journey go to

their blog: oz4adventure.blogspot.

com.au

NEWS

3-12

25 Tips

Ensure a successful walking trip each and every time by adopting these tried and tested tips from the experts.

Hiking on Hinchinbrook Island. (Credit: Getty Images)

YOU HAVE ARRIVED at the campsite after the first of five long days walking. The view is spectacular as the sun dips between the surrounding peaks, sending shafts of light splintering across the valley.

You delve into your hastily loaded pack, glancing at the surrounds and wondering if life could be any better. Then you reel in horror - your hand hits a wet patch, deep in what should be dry territory. You delve further, only to find a soaking sleeping-bag.

The culprit is a cracked water bottle. It will be a long, cold night. The cardboard packaging that houses the rice you had planned to eat for dinner is also wet and has created a soggy mess down one side of your pack. You sit to compose your thoughts and remove your boots - a lace snaps.

To top it off, as the sun disappears and the cold silence of the evening engulfs you, you can't remember where you packed your head torch, the ignition on your new stove is not working and the only matches you have are also wet. What should have been a magical evening has turned into an uncomfortable affair.

What lessons could be learnt from those who have experienced such wild and unforeseen moments for years? Those who walk often develop habits and routines through extensive experience; handy tips that most often remain a mystery to us mere mortals. Here, the experts impart their wisdom.

1. CHECKLISTS, CHECKLISTS, CHECKLISTS!Handy checklists are part of every experienced walker's pre-trip routine. Leaving behind a vital piece of equipment could prove uncomfortable at the very least, and life-threatening at worst. Seasoned walkers have a master checklist that they update for each outing. A good checklist is vital to ensure you have all the equipment required and, finally, to ensure all the equipment actually gets packed. Question how important each piece of equipment is to the trip and justify its carriage before loading it - this is a good habit to get into. 

* Create an equipment checklist and a separate food checklist with the trip menu.
* Start the food list by breaking down the trip into individual meals. For example, on a five-day trip you may require four breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners and 10 snack breaks. The menu and a list of ingredients are then created. 
* Once you have a master list of ingredients and foodstuffs it is a good idea to calculate weights and amounts required for your group or your individual needs. Update your master list each trip.

2. DIY DEHYDRATIONA sure sign that someone is hitting the bush regularly is a food dehydrator in the kitchen cupboard. Dehydrated food is light and much easier to carry. Simply cook your meals, place them in the dehydrator, then pack. A commonly quoted line from dehydrating connoisseurs is: "If it can be cooked it can be dehydrated." Experienced walkers will bring wonderful-tasting sauces and condiments that with a touch of water will set the culinary adept among the group into a feeding frenzy.

3. LOVE ZIP LOCKS AND TUPPERWAREWalkers love zip-lock bags. Storing foodstuffs in these handy little bags saves weight and space. The muttering of the words "save weight and space" will set the pulse racing of any hot-blooded regular walker. Zip-lock bags pack well and keep food fresh. Removing food packaging will also mean less rubbish to carry out. For larger groups, Tupperware is the answer. Yes, the ultimate kitchen solution has transcended the generations; Tupperware is lightweight and comes in a mindboggling variety of shapes and sizes. Look out for the latest flat-packing versions. Bring on the Tuesday night Tupperware parties.

4. KEEP ENTERTAINEDSitting in a tent for 48 hours being battered by storm fronts in the Western Arthurs with a mate will indeed test your patience and conversation skills. A pack of cards, a paperback novel or a lightweight field guide could be worth its weight in gold. A game of cards is social and great for bonding on a long trip. Unexpected circumstances could have you in the wilderness for longer than planned. Some form of entertainment or mental stimulus will help you get through the long hours and boost morale.

5. BE WATER WISESo simple yet often overlooked when heading out for extended periods, a tube or siphon could just save your life. Used for siphoning water from tiny springs or soaks, this small piece of equipment is especially important in much of Australia's dry walking environments. In Australia, water sources can be extremely unpredictable, so fill up at any opportunity. Note the location and distance travelled from the water source should you or a group member have to return for water.

6. MORE WATER, LESS WEIGHTA fold-up water bag or the trusty wine bladder is excellent for carrying extra water.

7. SMOOTH IT OVERVaseline is a staple in any self-respecting regular walker's kit. Chaffing can be irritating at least and downright painful at worst. A touch of 'vaso' on sensitive areas and you'll be gliding along the trail.

8. TREAT YOURSELFLet's face it unless you are a complete masochist the main reason you are out in the bush is enjoyment. Experienced walkers will tell you a little treat can make all the difference after a long day and lift spirits when times are tough. A cup of coffee, a slice of chocolate, a glass of wine or a dash of whiskey. Pack a little extra for your walking buddies and it'll be a happier camp all round.

9. TAPE UPA roll of duct tape will prove its worth in time of a quick repair. Wrap the tape around a trekking pole, or a container if space is a real concern. Duct tap will fix a torn tent, a ripped backpack, hold a flapping boot sole at bay, extend a cracked water bottle's life and even help prevent blisters.

10. NAVIGATION 101Even on well-marked trails experienced walkers are always navigating. They will look behind at regular intervals and get a feel for the route should they have to return. They will identify points of interest such as rock formations, distinctive trees, or changes in the terrain. This simple routine should become every walker's habit. With the advent of GPS such simple habits can be easily overlooked.

11. RUBBER RESCUE If walking in cold climates, take a pair of kitchen rubber gloves. Not only will they make washing up
on cold evenings much more pleasant, they are also good for doing jobs around camp like pulling up tent pegs in the rain.

12. DON'T DOUBLE UP If you are walking with a group, use each member to evenly distribute equipment and food. Depending on the group size and dynamic you may need only one tent, one stove or one first-aid kit. Often gear is double loaded in small groups of inexperienced walkers. Before the trip it is a good idea to compare checklists and use common sense. Ensure loads are evenly distributed and match people's physical ability and strength. Be fair and practical and you could all save a few kilograms.

13. LACE UPCarry extra bootlaces. The saying goes "you're only as strong as the weakest link" and you wouldn't want a simple bootlace to be the undoing of an otherwise well-planned trip.

14. TRY IT AND TEST ITRegular walkers love nothing more than playing with their gear. A great habit to develop is inspecting and using gear regularly between bush sojourns. Keep abreast of the operation of equipment; this will assist you if you have to set-up gear in tough conditions, and will ensure you don't set off with faulty or damaged gear. A simple problem could compromise the safety of you and your group. In particular, trial new gear before you go bush. Much walking gear, such as stoves, require assembly and can have many different parts.

15. BE WEATHER AWARECheck the forecast before you depart. On route look for signs of deteriorating weather and plan your walk accordingly. Even though a walk should be well-planned, common sense should prevail and you need to be prepared to be flexible in your approach if the weather changes.

16. STUDY HARDSeasoned walkers will study areas and routes with often meticulous vigour. Going bush is not without
its risks. 

* Have a solid knowledge of the terrain and plan the route beforehand. 
* Go deeper than the guidebooks or local walking blog. 
* Find topographic maps and look at them over and over during the preparation phase. 
* Plan alternate routes and escape routes where possible.
* Have a contingency plan should issues arise. 
* No matter your level of experience, always notify others of trip plans and timeframe. Consider providing detailed trip notes for long walks in wilderness areas.

17. BLESSING IN A BAG You should waterproof all gear, at the very least use a waterproof pack liner. However, most seasoned walkers will tell you it is imperative to show some extra vigilance with your sleeping-bag and one set of warm underclothes. Wet clothes can be walked in and may have to stay wet, as is often the case in Tasmania, however to sleep dry and warm is imperative for enjoyment and safety. Ensure each morning you repack your dry underclothes and sleeping-bag well and it is waterproof sealed.

18. LIGHT MY FIREExperienced walkers will always carry at least two ignition sources. Should one fail you can be safe in the knowledge you have another.

19. LESSON IN LAYERSPlan your clothing according to layers. The rule of thumb of experienced walkers is to break clothing into at least three layers - base layer, middle layer and outer layer. Carry what you require for each layer only. This will assist your packing and ensure you don't carry unnecessary clothing. Be mindful to pack the outer layer so that it is easily accessible. Your nice new Gore-Tex jacket may roll down and fit beautifully in the bottom corner of your pack, but you will regret your inefficient packing as soon the first shower hits and you have to empty your pack to find it! 

20. IT'S OKAY TO CANCELIf the weather conditions are terrible or key personnel on the mission pull out, you have to be comfortable to cancel. If conditions are likely to be dangerous, then make the call as early as possible. The decision is never easy, particularly when you've planned and waited for a trip, but any outdoor adventurer has to make the call at some stage, and you need to be content with your decision. As travel author Ken Eastwood said, "It just means you are wise; not a wuss".

21. ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINERegular walkers love routine. For example, get into the habit of always setting up the tent the same way. Packs under one vestibule, food in a bag in the top pocket, torch in your pant pocket - whatever works for you, just as long as it's consistent. This will avoid you spending half the evening looking for things in your bag, miss half the ingredients for dinner or have to blindly scramble around the tent looking for your torch when you're busting for the loo.

22. KEEP THE CAMERA HANDYHaving to take your pack off every time you come across a good shot means every chance of missing that great unexpected moment or wildlife encounter. Keep it in a pants or hipbelt pocket for quick and easy access.

23. HANDY CORDA simple length of cord has so many uses: handy for drying clothes, tying things together, lowering a water bottle into a water source, lowering a pack down unstable track or as a guy rope for a tent or shelter.

24. EMERGENCY FAREOn any extended trip into the bush you must account for emergencies and carry extra provisions. How much will vary on the remoteness of the area and the length of the trip. A good extra emergency meal is one that doesn't require cooking. In unforeseen circumstances this will mean that, if water is short and fuel is running low, you will still have a meal. This could be as simple as a bag of dried meat, dried fruit and biscuits. Remember it's about sustenance not gourmet for
this meal!

25. DOUBLE-DUTY GEARDouble-duty gear is gear that can perform more than one task. Garbage bags will carry food, act as a pack liner, provide an extra rain layer, can be sat on in the wet and even carry garbage, while a sleeping-bag cover stuffed with clothing is a great pillow.

Source: Australian Geographic Outdoor March/April 2010.