Don't have your name listed like this!!! Memorial on the Staircase : Mt. Bogong.

My Story from some years ago about just what can go wrong.....

While Bushwalking can be very enjoyable and relaxing once you are in your camp, it can also be dangerous. Many people have been injured and killed while bushwalking. This is something which should be in the back of your mind when starting to pack your backpack. Things such as mobile phones, matches, first aid kits, extra water, emergency and survival equipment is sometimes left behind by some people, simple due to weight or seen as silly things to carry on bushwalks but these can help you and may save your life.

The most important part of any trip is planning, this includes what you will carry, how many people in the party, how long will you be out, water access and emergency situation planning. Everyone included in a bushwalk party should have First Aid training and the party should always carry a complete First Aid kit.

All walkers should carry enough water for there trip or be certain that the will encounter water. Rivers may not often dry up but creeks and springs do, so be prepared. Water tanks should not be relied upon due to quality and content of these can change and water tanks have been known to fall over!

• A fuel stove and fuel as these are better for the environment and parts Victoria's walking tracks are designated as Fuel Stove Only Areas. These include :- Parts of the Alpine National Park as well as Mt. Bogong, Razorback and Mt. Feathertop areas including approaches.

• Good quality tent with floor and poles - This should be fully water proof and all members of a team should be able to sleep in tent/s Don't rely on Huts, these can be full or you may not be able to get to them. Remember that it can snow even in summer : Think about carrying snow pegs for your tent.

• If hiking into mountains which normally have snow during Winter, you should be prepared for snow camping even in summer. I have camped in snow in late October and even seen snow on the end of December. Your Sleeping bag should be able to be used down to at least -8Deg or lower. (I only use one sleeping bag which is -10deg even in summer!) You can add extra negative degree use by having a inside bag sheet (Approx extra -1/-2deg), wearing thermal pants and top (Approx extra -2deg) and if really cold wearing your fleece jacket would add another couple of degrees.
   

• Torch or headlamp

• Hand trowel for burying toilet wastes (at least 100M from water or campsites).

•  Map and compass - And know how to use them. Another wonderful piece of navigation equipment is a GPS. but this should never replace a map and compass. Make sure maps carried cover you complete trip.

•  At least 4 boxes of matches and a whistle.
   

• All walkers should have a change of clothes and towel as well as good quality walking boots and fully water proof clothing as the weather can change very quickly.

• Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Advise local police about your   intended   walk and advise them when you return. If doing a snow trip in a ski patrolled area advise the ski patrol  about your walk / ski and advise them when you return.

• Plan your route and camp locations carefully.

Solo Walking :

• While it's a good idea not to go walking by yourself, I can't back this up as I do solo walks many times a year from short day walks to 5+ days hikes even on snow, there are some important considerations and you should make sure some people know where your walking and when you will return. I always carry a First Aid Kit, GPS, Maps and compass and UHF Handheld radio which I use to talk back to my base during trips, I also make sure that people know where I'm going and I leave a map showing my camp locations and routes so if required they can advise police about my intentions. I also make sure I keep to the planned route or advise my base about changes. One other note for solo trips if you are injured the best idea is STOP : set-up your camp, look after yourself and wait. I always put a planned return time on my intentions document left at home so if I don't return they could simply give this to Police so the Police / Search and Rescue personal will most probable simple follow the intended route and therefore find me  quickly. If carrying an EPIRB I would suggest setting it off as soon as you can then treat your injuries, set-up camp  and STAY CALM.  You should also carry enough water for you trip and make sure you check your maps for rivers or creeks where you can get extra water : NOTE some creeks can dry up during spring and summer so be prepared. If you need to leave your camp for water leave notification inside your tent about where you where heading. If you have a GPS log your water point and list this so if you need to head off a second time the search teams could simple find this point on their maps and go directly there.  Trevor Brown

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