Multiday trips

Most people start tramping with day trips. They then move on to weekend or multiday trips.

For our Club, weekend and multiday tramps are planned several months in advance. They are first communicated to members through Ngatira, the Club’s monthly e-newsletter, and through monthly Club meetings.

Club members always have priority for these tramps.  Non-members can ask to join a trip, and may (or may not) be accepted.  The best option – join the Club!

Guideline for multiday trips

General tips

Discuss with more experienced people where you are tramping to, how many days the trip will last, where you’re hoping to sleep, etc.

Need some new equipment? You don’t have to rush off and spend lots of money on expensive gear – to begin with, borrow some, pick up other stuff second hand.

Out on the track

  • For most people, take a pack of between 50 – 60 litres.

  • A waterproof pack cover.

  • Purchase a heavy-duty plastic pack liner for inside your pack. Use this for the gear you want to keep as dry as possible.

  • Sturdy tramping footwear - boots or shoes.

  • As a beginner, start off taking two sets of basic clothes: 2 each of t-shirts, socks, underwear and shorts (or 1 shorts and 1 trousers). One set for tramping, one for evenings.

  • Hat.

  • Take some gear for warmth – thermal tops and tights (fleece, merino or polypropylene).

  • A beanie, neck warmer, gloves.

  • Rain jacket and wet weather trousers.

  • A map of where you’ll be tramping, and compass.

  • Sun block.

  • Sun glasses.

  • A watch.

  • Camera/phone.

Resting and sleeping

  • Sleeping bag (in its own dry-bag or plastic bag).

  • Light shoes/sandals for hut wear.

  • Head torch (with spare batteries).

  • Small bag of basic toiletries.

  • Toilet paper (in plastic bag) with miniature hand sanitiser.

Hydration

  • We all need water, but our needs vary depending on weather conditions and individuals. An advantage with tramping on day trips is that you will begin to learn how much water you need to carry.

  • Plastic bottles or a water bladder, or a combo of both? Go with the bottles until you know what will work best for you.

Cooking equipment

  • Acquire a light-weight outdoor gas cooker and pot. They come in many varieties.

  • Gas bottle.

  • Grab a light-weight cup, knife and spoon.

Food

  • You must decide what food and drinks to take. The balance will be between what will give you strength every day, what its shelf life in your pack will be, what you enjoy, and how much weight you’re prepared to carry.

  • Food planning tip: map out the number of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, hot drinks, or snack bars you will need, and pack accordingly.

  • Pack one extra meal, in case you have to stay in the back country for an extra day.

  • Carry a little of what you enjoy – chocolate? nuts? biscuits? sweets?

  • Don’t forget 1-2 bags for carrying out rubbish.

If there’s an accident or emergency

  • A basic first aid kit, including any personal meds.

  • Survival blanket or bivy sack.

  • Whistle.

  • Pencil and paper.

  • Cigarette lighter or matches.

  • A PLB, carried by you or by others in your group.

Other equipment

Depending on where you are going and personal preference

  • Hiking pole or poles.

  • Gaiters.

  • Sleeping mat.

  • Sleeping bag liner.

  • Blow up pillow.

  • Tent or Fly.

  • Insect repellent.

Final suggestions

  • If you are new to multiday tramping, take your larger pack and extra gear on some day trips. Make sure your pack is fitted correctly to your body before heading out on a major tramp.

  • Avoid denim and cotton clothes. Once wet, they take too long to dry and can contribute to hypothermia.

  • Your rain jacket and wet weather trousers can be useful even when it doesn’t rain. Worn properly, they protect you from wind and help keep you warm.

  • Do not head off-track unless you’re with people with the skills to navigate in back country areas. Ask them to teach you too.

  • After every trip, do an assessment of what gear you took, what you didn’t use, and then consider whether you should take it next time.

Disclaimer

Trip participants are reminded that certain risks exist with tramping and outdoor activities.  Trip leaders and Club officers will use their experience to provide advice to participants about safe practices in the outdoors.  But these people are unpaid volunteers and they are human – like everyone else – and participants in Club trips are ultimately responsible for their own safety.