Gear: Campground Arsenal
These items are used when you camp overnight on one of the Club's multi-day trips. A number of items are usually shared between two, sometimes three, people—such as tents and stoves.
Typical Items
The items listed below are standard for most trips. You can print this page and use it as a checklist for your next trip, to make sure you have all the necessary items.
3-Season Tent *
Your standard tent will be rated to 3 seasons (these being Summer, Autumn and Spring) and will be your shelter for overnight trips. They will have a mesh inner to keep bugs out and should come with decent vestibule space for your gear. (image c/o www.stianduijvelaar.nl)
3-Season Sleeping Bag *
Sleepings bags don't generate heat: they keep it in by using insulation. Insulation takes the form of synthetic fibres—used in synthetic sleeping bags—which work reasonably when wet; the other (more expensive and delicate) form is down, which comes from ducks or geese. Down is a far superior insulator and will keep you warmer, but the bags become useless when wet as the down cannot loft to trap warmth. Most 3-season bags are rated down to about 0°C. (image c/o www.jas.com.au)
Sleeping Mat *
Though they seem like an item for comfort, their primary usage is to provide insulation between you and the ground. This prevents heat loss while you're asleep, which is a good thing. Always have a mat.
Stove *
Some kind of fuel stove—such as the Trangia methylated spirits stove pictured here—is ssential for overnight camping in most of Victoria, as you aren't allowed to light fires. Trangias are safe and easy to use (ideal for beginners) but tend to be slow, especially in colder seasons. Don't forget to bring something to cook in, and eat with. (image c/o www.xrv.org.uk)
Torch
Modern head-torches feature LEDs which produce a lot of illumination for a small and light device. LED torches are lighter and last longer than their bulb counterparts. They are very useful around the campsite and for walking at night.
Optional Variations
Below are suggested items that you might want to take instead of, or in addition to, the Typical Items listed above. The Optional items are not mandatory and are often considered luxuries for most, if not all, activities. The Optional items are like upgraded Typical items.
Shellite Fuel Stove
Liquid-fuel stoves are very powerful in winter, far exceeding Trangia performance. They are, however, more expensive and require some degree of care during operation. They weigh a lot more, but for that you get a great boiling/water-melting time at camp.
Inner Sheet *
They add warmth to your sleeping bag. Furthermore, they help keep your bag cleaner—cleaning sleeping bags is a considerable hassle. The cotton ones are okay, but the silk ones are nicer and warmer. Alternatively you can try a Thermolite inner sheet, which is made of a material similar to polypropylene.
Thermarest *
These are basically an inflatable sleeping mat: all you do is open the valve at one of the corners and it will slowly expand. They're considered more comfortable than the closed-cell matts and ordinary weather they're just as warm. However in winter the closed-cell mats are warmer (though you can take both if you want)
Typical Items
- 3-Season Tent
- 3-Season Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Mat
- Stove
- Torch
Optional Variations
- Shellite Fuel Stove
- Inner Sheet
- Thermarest
Typical Gear
- Base Layer
The layers you wear next to your body.
- Warm Wear
Really warm stuff to keep you...well, warm. This usually goes on top of the Base Layer, but beneath the Shell.
- Shellwear
The outer layers will protect you from the duo of death: wind and rain.
- Campground Arsenal
The stuff you'll need for overnight camping. On occasion you might draw from this list for a shorter trip, but your leader will specify.
- Miscellaneous
Extra items that you might want to take, that don't fit into the above categories.
Specific Gear
- Winter Kit
For when you go skiing or snow-camping.
- Rockclimbing
All the cool shiny stuff that you take climbing. Some of this is also used in Mountaineering.
Related Links
Bogong EquipmentA reliable and reputable vendor of outdoors equipment. They supply a variety of brands and stock equipment for bushwalkers, skiiers, climbers and mountaineers.
Mountain DesignsMountain Designs stocks their own label of equipment. A specialised outdoors vendor, they have a range of equipment suitable for bushwalkers, skiiers, climbers and mountaineers.
Snowgum Kathmandu Anaconda
