Going backpacking for 3 weeks...

Yeah, food. 3 weeks of food even freeze dried or dehydrated is a very large amount. I have cached food in areas to be picked up later on long trips but 3 weeks is a very long time. If the food you are taking is not dehydrated or freeze dried food then your pack is going to weigh a ton. If you are taking FD/Dehydr it is still going to take up a considerable amount of space in your pack. I have gotten my packs, even week long packs, down to pretty light and still comfortable sizes. Food is still my heaviest and bulkiest items as a group.

Not knowing your level of experience it is hard to make suggestions. If you are asking questions here, I suspect that you might be kind of new to this. You must be able to get clean or treated water. I am inexperienced with what bugs exist in the water in your area so you need to do a little more research to see what types of treatment are appropriate. Navigation is critical also.

Maybe start off with some weekend trips?

Good luck and enjoy your trip. :thumbup:

KR
 
Thalestin said:
Im probably going to bring that chemical water treating stuff rather than the filter. As for a hat, im not a hat guy haha
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Hmmm, well, I'm bettin' 3 weeks backpacking in Australia is going to change your mind about the utility of a hat. I'd seriously recommend bringing one along.
 
akennedy73 said:
Hmmm, well, I'm bettin' 3 weeks backpacking in Australia is going to change your mind about the utility of a hat. I'd seriously recommend bringing one along.
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Oh yeah. Another point I was going to mention. I personally like my lightweight nylon hat in the summer when its hot and sunny. Of course I have to protect my bald spot. :eek: :p

Seriously a good hat is invaluable. Never heard of anyone who doesn't use one in the woods and especially in the open where the sun is baking your brain and trying to blind you. I often put mine on backwards to protect my neck from the sun if its behind me.

Just my $.02,
KR
 
ha yeah in a tent ur kinda save from bugs

i'd recommend a hat too

and i'd bring a few t-lights, certainly if ur going with a tent
 
Ditch the flashlight and take a good headlamp as was suggested. Bring a hat, that can't be stressed enough. Are you going to be living for three weeks in the bush or staying in hostels and then doing shorter trips? I'm backpacking through New Zealand for a year right now and that is what I'm doing. Also, an amazing camping product I've picked up here in NZ is this baby:

http://www.orikaso.com/Camping Gear/bowl.html

Trust me, this stuff really works! No weight to it, nothing to pack and easy to clean.

With the drought on in Oz, will you be able to light open fires? You might be better off with a lightweight backpacking stove and a billy pot for cooking.

Have a safe trip.

Note: +1 for the gaiters if you plan on any bush bashing
 
You could take me along!! Always wanted to see the largest island. Seriously, take a look at the Hennesy Hamock. My son and I spent 10 days in kayaks around Isle Royal in Lake Superior and the hammock was the most comfortable sleeping I have ever had on a light weight camping trip; even in a heavy rain storm. It only weighs a couple of pounds and rolls up to about the size of a football. I would suggest a larger nylon tarp for the fly. I gets real cozy trying to dress under the hammock when it is raining.
 
cgd160 said:
Thalestin, make sure your compass is made for South of the Equator :) .
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And no, this isn't a joke. Best get one while you are there, though, they are rare as hensteeth on this side of the equator.

I'd also get my bug dope down there, they make some good stuff with their biting, sucking, stinging fiends particularly in mind.

Ditch the razor- it just gives the bugs more place to bite.

Hat. I know, "not a hat guy". Ask your brother, if he says bring one, he's your local guide, trust him.

Mimimalist sewing kit- a couple of needles, one large eyed, a bobbin of lighter nylon thread, a bobbin of heavier nylon thread. Your clothing is your first defense against sun and bugs.

Water carriers, I'd happily argue 4L minimum capability. It is the rainy season, but their drought shows no signs of letting up. I would strongly recommend a water filter becuase chemical purification does not remove the left overs from ag run off and mine tailings, but that is a one per group thing. Unless you are hiking the roads or a trail with known good water sources, but even then, as much water as you think you need for the day then double it is my rule of thumb.

3 weeks... long haul. What kind of hike is it and how are you doing your food supply?
 
Longbow and Gimpster nailed it. Food will be your major concern as far as what you carry. 3 weeks is a heck of a long time without resupply. That means a 60 or 70 lb pack. Your chioce of pack will be crucial.

Dude, take a hat with a full brim! And sunscreen. One knife will work fine. 3 weeks worth of water purification, take some puritabs along with your filter. Just in case. Take a vitamin pack for each day. I always like to carry a notebook and pencil if for nothing else than drawing my own map and following directions. An extra pair of socks so you can wash the other pair. Make sure your boots fit very well.

Make sure you are in top shape and that you have toughend up your feet. Can you walk 10-15 miles carrying 75 lbs on flat ground or pavement? That is a fair test of condition.

Are there fish to catch? If so find out what the locals use and follow suit.

Above all have fun!!!
 
For 3 weeks in the bush, you better take someone experienced in being out that long!!! That is a long time for someone who has not been there and done that several times. Then work with them so you dont duplicate what you take. They should already have a list. If they dont, reconsider your partner.
 
omg i didnt get it i think, but u are going completely into the australian bush for those three weeks?
without real previous camping experience?

that sure sounds dangerous!

yeah i'd think a guide wud be a good idea to bring along in that case :D
 
The usual stuff + a good blade, and a good guide who knows the hazards of where you are going, a mate of mine just managed to get out of the way of a Tiger snake bite!! And another found a Huntsman in his swimming shorts, that he left hanging over night, the spider didn't harm him, but his heart nearly gave out:eek:
 
Thalestin, where are you going?? East coast, west coast, Northern tropics, The south?

topographic maps of wherever you're going and a handheld GPS
RID (insect repellant buy in Australia)
Water depends on where you are and the catchment area
Crocodiles can be a problem, stingers ...
And the dropbears ...
 
Thalestin said:
Hey guys, im going backpacking with my bro for 3 weeks in australia and im considering what I should bring. Weight is an issue but if you guys have any links to a checklist or feel like writing your own that would be awsome.

So far on my list I got:1st aid kit
sewing kit
knife (going to bring my two folders-nothing special)
shaver
sleeping bag
flashlight (sm fenix with extra batteries)
rain protection
tent (with small tarp if i got room)
sunscreen
water bottles
aspiren (in the first aid kit)
clothing
footware
So thats my lsit so far..any other suggestions would be awsome-thanks in advance
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If you are backpacking around populated areas you have a good base kit that you can easily add to.
Many backpackers from Europe and elsewhere just bring clothes and stay in Hostels and budget motels.

If you are going camping into "The Bush" 3 weeks will more test you out, do not get to far from help.
 
I walked the Larapinta trail in central Australia last July. 21 days in the bush. Going 5-8 days between food sources and often 72 hours between water. We carried 14 litres of water on our backs on 2 occasions. Remember it can get down to -8deg C at night in the desert - so you still need a good bag if you are going in there. Not so bad on the coast.

I've got quite a detailed gear list on a spreadsheet which is a bit tricky to list here. Email me and I'll send it to you.

Just expanding a little on your list there.

1) You need either a good wide brimmed hat or one of these

www.frillneck.com.au

2) Columbia nylon trekking shirts are great because you can wash them and they'll dry in a few minutes - they breathe as good as cotton and don't weigh so much.

3) You need good water carrying capacity - I like the MSR Dromedary for this - but always take backup in case it gets punctured.

4) Take a 3-season tent with a bug net and seperate fly. I've tried the minimalist tarp style camping and in Oz it really is just asking to be bitten....by something.

A bloke I know got bitten by a large centerpede in his bivvy sack in Kununnura last year and he he described the pain as like someone holding a blowtorch to his arm.....for 5 hours. He bought a tent as soon as he got home...I did too.
 
Well added ming,
I've never heard of the Columbia nylon trekking shirts. Any chance of a little more info about these?
 
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