Essential Adventure Equipment and Skills
Posted on May 21, 2008 under Tips & Advice |If you want to get the most out of your next adventure trip, then you need to buy the right gear. This comprehensive guide will ensure that you’ll venture farther and enjoy yourself more. The following information is relevant to all outdoor adventures in New Zealand.
Before you go…
Before your trip get as much information as possible by reading guide books, talking to the staff at the local DOC office or visiting your local outdoors club. Leave your trip intentions with someone responsible at home, or at a DOC visitors centre. Always take a good map. A compass, and the ability to use it is essential for some of the adventures featured on this blog.
First aid
For every adventure take a good first aid kit. At the very minimum take a bandage, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, a needle, painkillers, sunburn cream, waterproof paper and pencil, and any special medication needed (for asthmatics, etc). However, the most important thing of all to take is a good knowledge of first aid. Go on a first aid course and buy an outdoor first aid manual.
Camping
Choose a well drained camp site that isn’t likely to become an island or a lake if it rains. If cooking over a fire, light it downwind, as sparks easily melt through nylon tents. In really wet conditions it may not be possible to light a fire so it is always advisable to take a portable stove.
Weather
The weather in New Zealand is very difficult to predict. Be prepared for extremes at any time of year, especially if heading above the bush line.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold, wet or windy weather conditions. If a person in your party appears exhausted, uncoordinated or claims not to be cold when everyone else is freezing, they probably have hypothermia. You must act quickly to save his or her life.
Set up an emergency camp immediately. Get them out of the wind and rain, put dry clothes on and get them into a sleeping bag with someone else (not someone who is also developing the symptoms). Do not massage, do not give alcohol, do not apply heat quickly, and, most important, do not push on to make it to a hut. The little heat they have left must not be drawn away from their internal organs. If they are conscious, give them warm sweet drinks. If there is no sign of improvement, go for help.
Food
Take whatever you want, and eat as much as you can, as long as you can carry it. Remember though that food is your fuel and it must have a high energy content. Many outdoor books give a comprehensive list of the types of food that are best to take. You don’t have to buy expensive, dehydrated, freeze-dried mush. Don’t forget billies to cook it in and cutlery to eat it with. Also take lots of snacks that don’t require cooking (biscuits, chocolate bars, fruit, etc).
Rivers
Most New Zealand rivers rise and fall within a matter of hours (sometimes less) during heavy rain. Never attempt to cross, float or paddle down, a flooded river. Apart from their obvious swollen nature, flooded rivers can be recognised by their brown colour and the faint rumbling sound of boulders being swept downstream. Crossing rivers even in normal flows can be a major danger in the back country. Rivers often require experience to cross safely and/or patience to wait until their level drops.
Tents
A tent fly (large square of nylon with guy ropes attached) is perfectly adequate for camping below the bushline. However, an insect-proof tent makes life a lot more bearable in the sandfly and mosquito-infested South Island forests. Tents come in two main designs: the old-fashioned A-frame, and the tunnel, tube or dome tent. Tube tents are strong, waterproof and lightweight, but also expensive. A-frame tents are cheap and roomy, but heavier than tube tents.
Sleeping bags
Basically there are two types of sleeping bag: synthetic or down. Synthetic bags are cheap but bulky and heavy. Down bags (filled with fine duck or goose feathers) are very warm for their weight and compact well, but cost an arm and a leg (and a few ducks). Down bags are next to useless when wet; synthetic ones are better. To keep sleeping bags dry, always pack them in a plastic bag inside the stuff sack.
Sleeping mats
A closed cell foam mat is the most commonly used insulation between you and the cold ground. They cost about $15 and are light, waterproof and warm. The inflatable Thermarest is waterproof, warm, comfortable, and expensive (unless it gets punctured, in which case it’s only expensive).
Stoves
Stoves are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative to fires. There are several types on the market but two of the best are the MSR for a high heat output, lightweight, easily maintained, high altitude (and possibly multi-fuelled) stove, and the methylated-spirits fuelled Trangia for a low cost, low maintenance, lightweight stove.
Fuel
White spirit for camping stoves is sold at most petrol stations and comes under four different brand names: Shellite or Shell X55 (Shell), Calite (Caltex), Britolite (BP), and Pegasol AA (Mobil). Methylated spirits and kerosene are widely available.
Clothes
For any trip into an isolated area you’ll need a rainproof parka/jacket and warm clothes. Waterproof-breathable materials such as Goretex and Reflex are comfortable but expensive. Japara or PVC raincoats do the job almost as well, for a fraction of the cost.
You’ll need at least three warm tops and one or two warm bottoms, made out of materials such as wool, polypropylene, or polarfleece. There’s not much difference in the performance of wool compared to synthetics. Wool is warm in very wet conditions. Synthetics are light and fast drying (they’re also quite flammable). Most of the wool clothes you need can be bought for a few dollars at the local Op shop. Cotton is next to useless when it’s wet. Also take warm socks, a hat or balaclava, windproof over-trousers, and gloves or mittens. Pack everything inside a plastic rubbish bag or pack liner to keep it dry.
Other essential items
Always take a torch (with spare bulb and batteries), candle and matches, water bottle, pocket knife, toilet paper, map and compass.
For all outdoor activities, except caving, you should take good sunglasses and sunscreen (factor 15+). They are absolutely essential for sea kayaking and snow travel.
Survival Kit
In the event of being lost or trapped in the bush, this tiny little kit will become invaluable for your survival. Pack it into a plastic bag inside a waterproof container, and carry it in your bumbag or pack:
- Waterproof matches (packed inside a film canister)
- Waterproof paper and a small pencil
- Half a candle
- Pocket knife or razor blade
- Small roll of Leucoplast tape
- Fish hooks and a few metres of line
- Length of cord
- Survival bag or blanket
- Whistle.