Hiking Camping Bushwalking

[obese_oner]

HELLO!

Just Recently a friend and myself have decided to take up hiking and camping
in rather off track and secluded places, as we did this a fair bit back in year 9 at school. We both found it quite enjoyable and came to the conclusion,
instead of sitting on our arses at pubs and home sinking tinnies every bloody
weekend, why not pack up some stuff and piss off up the bush and drink beers there.


We have planned to do our first trek on the 30th in the Lerderderg state forest in Victoria. A total of 32km and two nights out. I shall post pictures and what went down afterwards


Post any advice, stories, pictures and anything to do with the topic here!

[1GeKKo3]

i get out camping to the grampians and mount arapiles at least once a month...only a bit of hiking though until i hit a wall....then i climb it

[Bundy]

I can help you out with any advice you need on the drinking bit....

[Sandy_Beret]

Take good comfy boots.

[Saltbush]

Just throw all your rubbish wherever you feel like. It's OK to spoil if for everyone else.

There's nothing more special than coming across a burntout fire with a stack of broken glass and spent cans around it.

OK on a more positive note. Take yours and other people's rubbish home and dump it accordingly - leave the bush better than you found it.

Test your kit before you go. Miserable times can be had in tents that you couldn't make waterproof, boots that don't fit, and trying to get a stove working that won't.

Get into navigation as a hobby. So you don't become the numbnuts on TV being rescued!

[Xavo]

Originally Posted by Saltbush

Just throw all your rubbish wherever you feel like. It's OK to spoil if for everyone else.

There's nothing more special than coming across a burntout fire with a stack of broken glass and spent cans around it.

If you say so chief (Beerburrum comes to mind here)

[Saltbush]

Yeah Xavo. Pigs.

My wife and I love camping. I accumulate tent pegs coz people lose them. We clean up after pigs. We cook great food, we set up bush showers over a layout of river stones to massage our feet while we stand under hot water with a great view. We rest. We recharge our batteries. We spot satellites. We talk to cattle. We run away from crazy cattle. We gaze vacantly at dying coals with rum'n'coke in hand. Sensational.

[SamEEE]

Get quality boots - Meindls are good.

3 things you need. Your wheels, a good sleep and shelter. Map & Compass is essential if you are going off trail. One is useless without the other. Keep the map dry.

You are only as sharp as your knife in the bush too. The glock field knives are pretty cheap & hold a good edge.

I tramped all over the South Island the 5 years I lived there. Put your TP in a plastic bag too.

Pack liners are key too. Also a good quality head torch - Petzl MYO xp was good at the time I bought mine.

Specific questions? Let me know - I know a great deal on the subject.

[McDethWivFries]

Originally Posted by Saltbush

My wife and I love camping. I accumulate tent pegs coz people lose them. We clean up after pigs. We cook great food, we set up bush showers over a layout of river stones to massage our feet while we stand under hot water with a great view. We rest. We recharge our batteries. We spot satellites. We talk to cattle. We run away from crazy cattle. We gaze vacantly at dying coals with rum'n'coke in hand. Sensational.

Its the life hey, hanging out for when the kids are a few years older so we can take em on proper camping trips.

[mrchickenfool]

A good walking website for ye New South Welsh, especially Sydneysiders
http://www.wildwalks.com/

[Saltbush]

Obese I re-read your post. Going into remote / offtrack? Seriously, make sure your nav. is up to scratch. Doing sports like Rogaining / orienteering really teach you to read terrain-to-map. (I see a hill on my right and a creek in front of me so I'm at this point on the map.)

Take a compass, even if you have a GPS. Venture out on the assumption that the GPS might break down, run out of power, whatever. Know how to use the compass.

Make sure you get home without others searching for you.

If you can afford the weight, take a camera! Go quietly, you never know what you'll spot.

Take first aid gear, and, ideally get a course under your belt.

Enjoy.

[Xaboo22]

Make sure you have good waterproof outer layers (jacket + pants) Gaiters are really good as well - especially in thick scrub.

Good boots are a must - Depending on what you plan on doing down the track goretex (waterproof) boots with a high cut are a good investment for keeping water out. I can highly recommend Salomon boots - used them for years and never been disappointed.

In my opinion one's comfort in the bush (or mountains) is heavily dependant on gear - so if/when you are buying don't buy cheap, buy good high quality kit (do your research first) and you will never regret your decision. Any specific gear questions, just ask.

Final piece of advice - never let ego or bravado get in the way of common sense. Know your limits and experience and know when to turn back or cancel if need be. Take the necessary precautions even if it adds more weight, its much better to be prepared.

[McDethWivFries]

Actually have a family camp down the Stirling Ranges coming up either Sept or October so am looking for some decent boots myself. Also thinking of picking up a compass and playing around with some 'nav' work while at the camp site (not a propper camp site but one we have access too on a private property that is great for bushwalks & kids). Also need a new bladder for my camelbak as well so might get the last two from either Wellington Surplus or Kitbag (have a friend working there).

Bit of a bugger trying to locate printed topographical maps of areas, lots of digital format for car/4wd gps systems but doesn't appear to be much for bush walkers/hikers. Anyone know of any good places to try out?

[Xavo]

Salty will have an answer for your map woes.

One of the best pairs of boots (and shoes for that matter) that I've ever tried on are my Original SWAT boots that I got from a surplus store in Townsville. They're superlight, pretty cool, waterproof to the ankle and have a fancy carbon fibre tip or something to stop you bashing your toes on rocks and things.
Can't go wrong with a decent pair of Army boots!

[Sapper28]

Originally Posted by Xavo|xXx

Can't go wrong with a decent pair of Army boots!

I disagree, but maybe army boots have improved from the crap they were handing out 20 years ago.

[Xavo]

Haha I can see where you're coming from (the cadet boots I was issued were Godawful). I should've said - You can't go wrong with Army boots that you purchase yourself from a 3rd party.

[mo0nbuggy1]

My latest trip to the nitty gritty mountains in Victoria.
Went there with the intention of getting a few foxes but it was simply to wet so they decided to stay in-doors, lucky....
Instead we just hit up some of the best trial riding spots in Victoria and arguably, Australia.

Some of the terrain.
Doesn't look it but it's nearly vertical there, a killer walk.



Where I suspect Mr. Fox lives.


The undergrowth claiming another victim.



On the right side is a 100 metres drop, makes riding just that much more interesting.



Deer country.


You used to be able to cross this river, no chance any more. It's well and truly safe to the say the Victorian drought is waaaay over. Bonny Doon actually had water in it, better yet, it was nearly over the road.



Getting juicy.


Stalled it, what a noob.



And here's a picture of a cat.

[McDethWivFries]

Yeah I was looking at a pair of Hi-Tech boots (either Spec-Op or Elite, cant recall now) last year as they were down from $220 to around $140, but Wellington didn't have my size.

Have seen some Salomon Elios 2s at Mountain Designs that look pretty comfy so am thinking of giving them a go.

[Saltbush]

Maps... love 'em.

http://www.mapworld.com.au/

[Xaboo22]

Originally Posted by McDethWivFries

Bit of a bugger trying to locate printed topographical maps of areas, lots of digital format for car/4wd gps systems but doesn't appear to be much for bush walkers/hikers. Anyone know of any good places to try out?

Tried your local outdoor stores eg Aussies, Anaconda etc? Many have topo maps for areas within your region.