What to bring on a Bushwalk
We want your day with us to be a fantastic experience! To help us make it great,
we'll need you to bring some personal items - for your safety and comfort...
Click here for information on what WE SUPPLY
Each of the following links takes you to a section of this page that describes
the things we'd like you to bring:
Click here to download a PDF checklist of things for you to bring
Clothing
dress for success...
The Western Australian bush is beautiful, but conditions can be harsh. At Outabout Guided Walks we're pretty sensible and avoid the hot, nasty time of the year (December through March). Still, we do get days when it can be fairly warm - and other days when it can be cold, wet and blowing a bit. None of this is a problem, if you're dressed for it.
What to bring:
- sturdy long trousers
- sturdy long-sleeved shirt
- brimmed hat - much better than peaked 'baseball' style or visors
- light jumper (windcheater/pullover/sweater) - late afternoons can turn cold fairly suddenly...
- rain gear (poncho, raincoat, rain protection for your pack)
Boots and Socks
the life and sole of the walk...
See the section on Foot Care on the Health and Safety page
To a large extent, walking can be a pleasure - or a nightmare - depending on the quality of your footware. We don't intend to get into a discussion here about brands and technologies - life is too short...
Our rule is simply that your footware is flat soled (no stilletos) and closed (no sandals, jandals, thongs, or bare feet).
Socks are a vital (if hidden) component of happy feet when walking. Our recommendation is to wear two pairs, to minimise rubbing that causes blisters and pressure sores. Good socks will also soak up your sweat, so your feet don't become damp and soggy (not nice..!). It's good to bring a spare pair of socks, in case your feet get wet.
What to bring:
- sturdy, closed, flat-soled boots or shoes
- three pairs of thick, woolen socks - two pairs on your feet, and the third pair as spare socks in your pack
Water (and other drinks)
the elixir of life...
Water is essential to carry with you on a bush walk, all year round. The problem with water (drinks, in general) is that it's heavy to carry. One litre (approximately 1 quart) weighs 1kg (2.2lb). Over the course of six hours walking and activities, most adults will need between 1.5 and 2 litres of water.
WE SUPPLY
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We supply 2 free bottles of water for each walker, which provides 1.2 litres (2 x 600ml) of your water. If you want to bring your own water/drink, you are certainly welcome to do so. We can provide more water if your require.
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What to do:
- Drink a couple of glasses of water when you get up in the morning
- Drink some more water at The Base, before getting on the bus to drive to the walk start - this will have you well hydrated for the start your walk
- Bring extra bottles of water (to your capacity to carry them)
Note:
There are all sorts of sports drinks, survival drinks, and so on - your choice
- just make sure you get the amount of water you need as part of the drink...
Food and Snacks
something to get your teeth into...
We leave The Base at 8.30am and don't return until 4.30pm. Most of that time we are nowhere near food and drink suppliers. This means you will need to pack whatever food (and food treats) you plan to eat during the walk.
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WE SUPPLY
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We supply lunch for each walker. We use the Make Your Own Sandwich format. This means we provide a range of fresh rolls, fillings and condiments - and you create your own masterpiece! There's lots of food and lots of choice, so you won't go hungry!
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What to bring:
- your own snacks and food treats
- fresh fruit - we find apples travel best
Note:
Kafarelas may have some fresh fruit - depends on the season...
Day Pack
get a load of this...
Carrying the stuff you're expected to bring means you'll need a backpack of some sort. As we said about boots, packs are a subject you can discuss at length in camping stores...
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WE SUPPLY
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We can supply each walker with a lightweight pack for the day. These packs are comfortable, and big enough to hold your lunch, water, and other day walk items (raincoat, camera, etc.).
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The important thing is to have a backpack that holds your gear, and can be comfortably carried on your back to keep your hands free. It needs to be strong enough that it doesn't fall apart as you're walking. It also needs to have comfortable, supporting straps, so that sits well on your back and doesn't gouge grooves in your shoulders.
What to bring:
- a small day pack, that fits all your gear and can be carried comfortably on your back
- belt pack - called 'fanny' packs in some places (optional)
Cameras and Other Stuff
getting a little snap-happy...
In addition to the essential items above, there are other things you can bring to make the day more comfortable or enjoyable. Just remember, you'll be carrying them!
What to bring (these are all optional):
- Camera/s - of whatever type you're willing to carry and risk - remember memory cards and spare batteries
- Whistle (if you don't want to use one of ours) - metal is best
- Walking sticks/staff - good for propulsion and balance
Note:
Any personal items (especially valuable ones...) are brought on the walk at your own risk
- you alone will be responsible for them throughout the whole day!
Health and Medications
the feel-good section...
(See our Health and Safety page for more detailed information)
If you need to take doses of prescription medications, make sure you bring them and take them at the appropriate times.
If you have preventative medications (such as inhaler devices), bring them along, and use them as you need to.
What to bring:
- any prescription medications that you need to take to maintain your well-being
- preventative medicines that you may require to maintain breathing, etc.
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