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Hi-Ho Hello! I am No expert. Im just a girl who has just a little bit of courage. A big enthusiasm for adventure. And a deep love for nature and the outdoors. I don't have a lot of money but that is no obstacle because i believe in creating fun, not buying it. And so many of my adventures are done on a low budget. Im also a coeliac. So any camp stove recipes I post are completely Gluten Free and I consider myself quite the Camp Chef. Follow my experiences in the Shoalhaven for inspiration or entertainment. And Feel free to comment and share your own thoughts or experiences around this gorgeous area!

Monday, 24 November 2014

What to Pack - a checklist

Obviously when camping and exploring the outdoors there is certain equipment that you must have in order for you to have a safe and comfortable adventure.  When trekking and camping in more remote areas your gear needs to be compact and somewhat lightweight.  I find that every trekker is different in what they deem to be necessary to carry with them and your pack may vary depending on the conditions you may encounter.

When I go out there are certain things that I almost always take with me, and when trekking with my partner or a group certain items are shared between us.  But this checklist is only a guide and can be customised to suit your needs and wants.  Also I'm a huge fan of "gourmet camp food" and so i sometimes have to carry in certain utensils to use to cook with.


- Tent 
- Sleeping Mat
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Compact pillow or inflatable Pillow (If you don't take this you can use a fleece rolled up for a pillow)
- Headlamp and Extra Batteries
- Compact LED lantern
- Map and Compass and/or GPS
- Stove/Cooking pots
- Fuel
- Matches (preferably waterproof) or lighter
- Plate, Bowl, Mug
- Sharp Compact Knife
- Spork
- Couple of metal spoons for Cooking
- Mini metal spatula for Cooking
- Small Scourer (My cooking pots are aluminium)
- One tea towel
- Bio degradable Multipurpose detergent
- Collapsible bucket
- Trowel
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitiser
- Sunscreen
- (MY) First Aid Kit: Band aids and blister treatment (moleskin), pain killers, asthma puffer, antiseptic cream, Individual saline eye drops, compression bandage, Scissors, Small Nail clippers, hydration powder
- (MY) Toiletries: Deodorant, Baby wipes, Compact Hairbrush, Small length of dental floss, Compact toothbrush, micro fibre towel
-(MY) Wardrobe: 
                           - Hiking boots
                           - Socks
                           - Camp Shoes (ie: sandals or lightweight sneakers)
                           - Singlet
                           - Shirt
                           - Long sleeve thermal
                           - Fleece
                           - Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
                           - Lightweight Waterproof Trousers
                           - Zip off trousers (zip off legs for shorts)
                           - Long thermal tights/underwear
                           - Long, Warm comfy pants for at night
                           - Underwear
                           - A beanie/Toque/Hat
                           - Gloves
                           - Swimmers
- Gaiters
- Water 
- Water filter system/sterilisation tablets
- FOOD!!!!!!!! - this is where i get creative
- Garbage bags
- Waterproof Dry Bags
- Camera



Those are my Absolute basics for Trekking/Backpacking/Hiking.  Sometimes you will need to take a little more or a little less of the items listed and every trek will require certain equipment.

Sometimes we go Car Camping which we have a lot of fun with.  Its a lot easier to do as you don't actually have to carry all your equipment on your backs but can instead just load up the car and camp where you park.
When we do go car camping we simply pack the above basics, Plus we pack the items listed in the following list


- Lightweight Small-Medium Collapsible table
- Collapsible chair (each)
- Picnic Blanket
- Tarp and Ropes
- Esky with food and goodies
- Plastic Box to organise the "Camp Kitchen"
- Pillows (I cherish my pillow when i can bring it along)
- An extra blanket (just in case)
- Beach Towels
- Spare Tub for wet clothes/towels etc
- Entertainment such as Chess or Cards, Snorkeling Gear, Inflatable floatation for swimming and lounging in water, Kayaks, A Book, A Guitar etc.
- Refillable Water container with tap
- Spare set of clothes
- A Ball


So that's my guideline :)
Just remember:
* Be Prepared without overloading yourself 
* Take equipment designed for the climate and conditions you expect
* Don't wear cotton clothing.  Wool is preferred as it will keep its warmth if it is to get wet.  There are lots of other fabric that a fine to wear too.  But just stick to the Golden rule of NO COTTON when packing your clothing and you'll be good
* Take enough food and water -and an extra days rations (just in case)

If you have anything to add to this please leave a comment, Id be happy to hear any thoughts.

HAPPY PACKING!!

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