Gear Guide: Shellwear
The Third and final layer is your Shell Layer which keeps out wind and rain and other environmental hazards. The Shell Layer items are commonly made of a breathable material, to help let moisture out and prevent it from accumulating in the other layers. Such materials include Gore-Tex and Hydronaute (for Mont-branded items).
Be aware that if the Rainjacket isn't made of breathable materials, moisture will build up on the inside and won't be able to get out, thus leaving you just as wet anyway, which is useless.
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.
Rainjacket *
The more expensive uber-rainjackets are made of Gore-Tex, a synthetic material designed to keep water out and expel bodily moisture—sweat— so you don't get soaked on the inside as well. A mandatory item for nearly every adventure, ensure your rainjacket has a hood. Note, a poncho is unsuitable and is an extremely poor substitute. Don't bring one.
Gloves
They are especially useful (and vital) for snow travel and nice to have at camp. They range from the ultra-budget polypropylene variety, to the fleece types, right up to alpine-ready construction including Goretex and Windstopper materials. Fleece gloves are suitable for most walking and climbing trips, though you might want to consider using overmitts, or a thicker/warmer glove, for colder journeys.
Boots
A dedicated walking boot may be made of leather or synthetic materials. The most popular and well-known brand is Scarpa and this name is colloquially used to refer to all boots, regardless of brand.
Backpack *
Of course, you need a backpack to put everything in. There is a big selection out there to choose from—just make sure that it's well-fitted to your back, and that most of the weight is on your hips. The pack's capacity will depend on whether you go on a day trip or a longer journey. You should line it with a garbage bag or pack liner, to keep contents dry. (image c/o www.bogong.com.au)
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.
Gaiters *
These accessories are usually made of canvas and wrap around your shin and the top half of your footwear, to stop things from entering your shoes, such as thorns, water (to a degree), branches, snow and stones. An excellent item when walking through scrub or off-track. (image c/o www.prolitegear.com)
Overpants *
Mandatory on winter walks and ski-tours, they're waterproof pants that keep you dry. You can usually get away with not actually needing them during the warmer months, but depending on where you go, it's wise to bring them anyway. (image c/o www.mont.com.au)
Typical Items
- Rainjacket
- Gloves
- Boots
- Backpack
Optional Variations
- Gaiters
- Overpants
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
