Introduction to Overnight Hiking
Overnight hikes are usually simple affairs that start and finish at your vehicle. You will be a nomad on your walk taking your home along the trail to ensure you can survive in the environment you choose.
Overnight hiking does not mean walking all night. Overnight hiking allows you to fully experience the wonders of the bush instead of returning to your home at the end of a walk. When overnight camping you can fully experience the environment and enjoy the camaraderie ship of your fellow campers. It allows you to experience areas that are not normally accessible by day walking.
You do not have to be extremely fit to undertake overnight hiking. If you can do the clubs normal medium day walks you should be able to manage a medium overnight hike, you will however carry a heavier pack to carry the necessary items to camp out overnight.
Before you head off to buy all the necessary equipment to undertake an overnight walk, the club has some equipment for hire but please discuss what is needed with the overnight hiking leader.
The club will hold regular information session on overnight camping and happy to chaperon novices for overnight experiences.
Issues to consider for overnight camping, this is only a basic guide and you will need to discuss and develop with the walk leader;
- Fitness
- Backpack
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Clothing
- Footwear
- LED head torch
- Water
- Food
- Stove/utensils
- Entertainment
- Weight
- Personal locator beacon (PLB). At least one member of your group should carry this