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.

PURPOSE

So training is going well.  Planning is forever, it continues to be an activity that will get even more precise as we come closer to our departure date.  Mentally I have hit a hurdle.  With the change of the seasons and a small operation I have found myself out of rhythm. 

I truly believe that a personal rhythm is a massive deference in how you feel about life, how you are progressing with your goals and your mental health in general.  Of course, the weather being a little colder and a little wetter as well has seem to weigh heavily on me.  

My training is good but it has been better.  This darn weather, if it wasn't raining I'd be more motivated.  I start to kick myself for ever slowing the training down.  I start to get negative, restless, and it is even causing me to not sleep.

It has made me think of the reasons I'm doing this hike.  Bringing up a young family, I want to show them an example on a number of levels.  I want to show them a good work ethic, community awareness, and self worth.  I want them to understand that sometimes we need to lean on others and external influences to make life work.  Hopefully they will understand at an earlier age how their own mind work and this will help them to become well rounded happy individuals.

So, I'm a little down.  I acknowledge that, so I went on to BeyondBlues website and had a read and self-assessment on a couple of their checklists.  Its good to know their are some discreet tools out there that we can all use to self check ourselves.  At the end of the day I've got the "Blues" but thats about it at this stage.  I know this is a small down at the moment and I just need to keep looking forward, especially looking forward to the hike.  As we get closer I know I will be so excited that I'll come good.  

If anyone else has the winter blues, chin up, have a chat to someone or jump onto the Beyond Blue website for assistance.  

As for me, I need to get outside and get some fresh air.  Sounds like a training hike is in order, anyone interested?

As a final note...  I want to send out my congratulations to my cousin Teresa Belanger for completing her Alaskan marathon last week.  So proud of you Terry.  Teresa raise funds for Cancer research which  is a very close topic for all Belangers.  Secondly, a big shout out to my good mate Troy Staples who last weekend also completed his Cancer fundraising even in Canada "Ride to Conquer Cancer".  Epic ride mate!

Packs & Packing

I have just come across this article on http://www.bushwalkingblog.com.au/, which he apparently picked up from www.briangreen.net. originally created by REI.

How to choose & use a backpack (Infographic)

Who is going to try it!

So one of things I've been thinking about is clothing.  The more I bring the heavier my pack.

NO, I'm not suggesting naked backpacking.  I'm just thinking about how much I really need.  We will have hot and cold and being too much of either will make me uncomfortable.  And do I bring a change of clothes, or is one set enough for 40 days.


So for the next 40 days I'm gonna wear the same clothes everyday.......okay so I can't really do that in real life, no one will sit beside me on the bus!  But I can none the less conduct a little experiment on at least one aspect of clothing for the journey.

I bought these great Merino wool socks for the hike, from Mountain Design Glenferrie Rd Hawthorn and for the next 40 days I'm gonna wear the same pair.

Merino clothing have a unique ability of holding in odours, so it shouldn't be offensive to anyone.

Here is a little write up from Mountain Designs website;
http://www.mountaindesigns.com/App_Assets/media/Brand_Catalogue/40-43_MD_brandcat_2010_Socks_Headwear.pdf

Fabric 80% Merino Wool 7% Polyamide 8% Polypropylene 5% Lycra Sizes M, L, XL Colour Warm Grey

High performance trekking sock specifically designed to provide warmth and comfort in extreme conditions. • Merino wool - Naturally regulates temperature

to keep your feet warm and wicks away

moisture keeping you dry & comfortable • Extra plush cushioning zones

to provide crucial warmth,

protection and comfort • Made in Spain

So What I'm interested in knowing is who is willing to wear their socks for 40 days with me, please add your name to the comment field below if you are willing to take up the challenge!

Keep trekking

Hyperthermia or Hypothermia

One of the truly difficult things to plan for with the adventure is the weather.  Traditionally in November I'd have T-shirt & shorts on but while on the trail through the high plains of Australia you are really in an environment where anything goes.  Mid summer may have extreme heat for a week then the next week could be snow every morning.

Technically we need to know the difference between these to illnesses and know how to treat each.  Being aware of how our bodies are feeling day in and day out will be a crucial element to making this a fun 7 successful journey.

Hyperthermia

If heat gain exceeds the ability of the body to lost heat, then body temperature increases above normal levels, a condition called hyperthermia. Hyperthermia can result from exposure to hot environments, exercise, fever, and anesthesia.

Exposure to a hot environment normally results in the activation of heat loss mechanisms, and body temperature is maintained at normal levels. This is an excellent example of a negative-feedback mechanism. However, prolonged exposure to a hot environment can result in heat exhaustion. The normal negative-feedback mechanisms for controlling body temperature are operating, but they are unable to maintain a normal body temperature. Heavy sweating results in dehydration, decreased blood volume, decreased blood pressure, and increased heart rate.

Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion have a wet, cool skin because of the heavy sweating. They usually feel weak, dizzy, and nauseated. Treatment includes reducing heat gain by moving to a cooler environment, reducing heat production by muscles by ceasing activity, and restoring blood volume by drinking fluids.

Heat stroke is a breakdown of the normal negative-feedback mechanisms of temperature regulation. If the temperature of the hypothalamus becomes too high, it no longer functions appropriately. Sweating stops, and the skin becomes dry and flushed. The person becomes confused, irritable, or even comatose. In addition to the treatment for heat exhaustion, heat loss from the skin should be increased. This can be accomplished by increasing evaporation from the skin by applying wet cloths or by increasing conductive heat loss by immersing the person in a cool bath.

Exercise increases body temperature because of the heat produced as a by-product of muscle activity. Normally vasodilation and increased sweating prevent body temperature increases that are harmful. In a hot, humid environment the evaporation of sweat is decreased, and exercise levels have to be reduced to prevent overheating.

Fever is the development of a higher-than-normal body temperature following the invasion of the body by microorganisms or foreign substances. Lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages release chemicals called pyrogens (pi'ro-jenz) that raise the temperature set point of the hypothalamus. Consequently body temperature and metabolic rate increase. Fever is believed to be beneficial because it speeds up the chemical reactions of the immune system and inhibits the growth of some microorganisms. Although beneficial, body temperatures greater than 41 degrees C (106 degree F) can be harmful. Aspirin lowers body temperature by affecting the hypothalamus, resulting in dilation of skin blood vessels and sweating.

Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited muscle disorder. Drugs used to induce general anesthesia for surgery cause sustained, uncoordinated muscle contractions in some individuals. Consequently body temperature increases.

Therapeutic hyperthermia is an induced local or general body increase in temperature. It is a treatment sometimes used on tumors and infections.

Hypothermia

If heat loss exceeds the ability of the body to produce the heat, body temperature decreases below normal levels. Hypothermia is a decrease in body temperature to 35 degrees C (95 Degree F) or below. Hypothermia usually results from prolonged exposure to cold environments. At first, normal negative-feedback mechanisms maintain body temperature. Heat loss is decreased by constricting blood vessels in the skin, and heat production is increased by shivering. If body temperature decreases despite these mechanisms, hypothermia develops. The individual's thinking becomes sluggish, and movements are uncoordinated. heart, respiratory, and metabolic rates decline, and death results unless body temperature is restored to normal. Rewarming should occur at a rate of a few degrees per hour.

Frostbite is damage to the skin and deeper tissues resulting from prolonged exposure to the cold. Damage results from cold injury to cells, injury from ice crystal formation, and reduced blood flow to affected tissues. The fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks are most commonly affected. Damage from frostbite can range from redness and discomfort to loss of the affected part. The best treatment is immersion in a warm water bath. Rubbing the affected area and local dry heat should be avoided.

Therapeutic hypothermia is sometimes used to slow metabolic rate during surgical procedures such as heart surgery. Because metabolic rate is decreased, tissues do not require as much oxygen as normal and are less likely to be damaged.

Keeping an eye on weather and the track

Welcome to Melbourne's winter!  The cold and wet has settled in for the season and I find myself accessing how this will effect Tim and I as we complete the Australian Alps Walking Track in November.

This week has been a real drenching, we have received a months worth of rain in the last day or two and flooding is scattered through some of the areas near the track.  You can see below that heavy rains have come through near Mt Baw Baw, Dinner Plain & Omeo, all areas we will be in or close to in November.  

On a positive note, if we have a wet winter the 3 litres each of fresh water both Tim & I will need everyday will become much easier to source!

On the downside, Tim & I have seen the destruction that flood can cause to bush areas.  The water may drain through but the rubbish it leaves makes life difficult.  When we camped at Black River (night 4 on our schedule) we could see up stream the massive log jams that clogged the area from the last flood.  Contractors have cleared from the camp down stream about 500m so that access is easier for the AAWT hikers but north of there is still jammed today.  I hope this fresh down pour doesn't flood the area with trees once more.

We recently read in a 4X4 magazine as well on Bush Victorias website ( thanks to Allan Gamble for letting us know about the article) that there has been significant clearing done in the areas we got bogged in last year.  Tim & I are both very excited to see what the place looks like now that its been cleared up.  Hopefully this winters weather doesn't destroy the area too much.

I also notice today that track legend John Chapman has updated his website with new track conditions.

See notes below as taken from John Chapman's site.  These notes work in with his trail book which can be purchased at http://www.osp.com.au/shop/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&keyword=australian+alps&search_in_description=1&categories_id=&manufacturers_id=&pfrom=&pto=&dfrom=&dto=

Anyone who wants to follow us while we are the trail can see through this book what we are experiencing day in and day out.

Current Track Conditions

It can be difficult to keep this up-to-date as storm damage and scrub regrowth from fires is unpredictable and also rangers and others may clear tracks without telling anyone else about it. This will be a summary of the latest I have heard about the condition of parts of the track and also planned track clearings.
Note - these changes all effect track times, if it has been cleared then expect to take less time and if a section is currently ovegrown expect it to take much longer. Its impossible to update track times as conditions keep changing and its hard enough just finding out what has recently changed.
Mt Baw Baw plateau - most of the plateau has been recently cleared of scrub by both volunteers and park staff, its now better than the photo on page 49.
Black River to Licola Road - was badly effected in 2006 fires and has been recently cleared by park staff.
Mt Sunday - the old vehicle track from the summit to Low Saddle has been cleared by park staff
Catherine Saddle to Barry Saddle - currently lots of treefall and VERY DENSE low regrowth scrub. Park staff have recently cleared and marked much of it but they expect more treefall and regrowth so dont expect the work to have made walking easy, at least you now should eb able to follow the track.
Barry Saddle to Harry Shepherds Track - burnt in 2003 fires, old track currently scrubby.
Van Damme Track to East Riley Road - burnt in 2003 fires, overgrown with some treefall - slow going, improved recently but expect to take longer.
Mt Bogong - burnt in 2003 fires, Duane and T-Spur have both been recently cleared, they have been cleared several times since the 2003 fire but keep overgrowing, this is a problem in many of the fire effected areas.
Mt Wills to Omeo Highway - burnt in 2003 fires, cleared and marked in January 2012 by volunteers
Omeo Highway to Gill Creek - page 128 - has been cleared and currently fairly easy.
Buenba Hut Site to Dead Horse Creek (page 140 to 146) was cleared and remarked in 2011, some by volunteers and some by contractors, should be fairly easy to follow for a few years.
Volunteer track clearings - Bushwalking Victoria organises voluntary clearing of many tracks including the AAWT. In recent years they (we often participate ourselves) have cleared Deadhorse Creek, Thomson River area, Baw Baw Plateau and Mt Will. Its mainly the same dozen people who come along and we really do need more to participate. Instead of complaining about overgrown tracks, why not assist to
Next track clearing for volunteers -2 clearings held in 2011/12 summer, one on Baw Baw Plateau to do a final cleanup, the other was at Mt Wills to reduce re-growth from 2003 fires, next clearings not yet announced.