It’s always an effort organising a group hike, particularly if you have a new or inexperienced group. But when it comes down to it once you’ve done one, they come together pretty easily (if people play along). Make sure everyone’s in charge of their own personal gear, with assistance from the list below. Figure out whether you’re doing group dinners or individual and finally work out how much water each person will need to carry.
Extra things to consider: whats the weather forecast, how challenging is the terrain, how will everyone get to and from the track, are you going to camp/stay near the start/finish of the trail, size of the party in regards to leave no trace and disturbing others in the bush I find 8 people is a comfortable upper limit and of course the experience/fitness level within the party.
Personal Gear:
Each person is responsible for insuring they have each of these items. That may be borrowing them or owning them.
Essentials
- Backpack – 50l min
- Tent – Lightweight
- Hiking boots – (or runners depending on the track)
- Sleeping bag – Seasonally appropriate
- Mat – Lightweight (this is essential for warmth not comfort)
- Water bottle/bladder – 1.5l min per person increase as appropriate
- Cup/bowl – for drinks and dinner
- Fork
- Head torch
- Day Socks
- Night Socks
- Undies
- Fleece
- T-Shirt (optional – long sleeves for sun protection)
- Pants (quick dry for wet routes)
- Water purification tabs – depending on your water source
- Toothbrush
- Rubbish bag
Seasonal
- Thermals: top and bottom
- Rain Jacket
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Wide brim hat
- Bin bag pack liner – Example
Optional
- Buff
- Lightweight pillow
- Sleeping bag liner
- Water bladder with mouth piece
- Dry bag
- Personal First Aid: menstrual cup, tampons, plasters, bug spray, suncream, lip balm, wet wipes
- Snacks
- Camera
- Phone
- Battery pack
- Clothes to leave in the car for the journey back
Group Gear:
It’s easiest if one person is responsible for organising all this even if it includes them delegating. The group gear can then be easily be split across the group to help weight the packs in accordance with fitness.
Essential
- Food – unless you’re doing individual meals
- Large water bladder – for cooking water if your not camping by a river
- Stove
- Gas
- Pots
- Lighter
- Compass
- Topographic map/track notes
- Loo roll
- First aid – Iodine, snake bandages, plasters, blister pads, elastoplast tape, tweezers, needle and thread, mirror, tea tree, water proof matches
- Emergency contact – make sure someone not on the trail knows it’s their responsibility to raise the emergency alarm
Optional
- Cards/games
- Alcohol
- Camp lights
- PLB