AAWT Planning Session: Gear

In this video, we cover essential gear for your Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) adventure. Learn tips on keeping your pack lightweight, choosing the right sleeping gear, and using kitchen equipment efficiently. We also dive into electronics, foot care, and first aid to help you stay safe and comfortable on the trail. Stay tuned for more helpful tips in our next session!
 
Key Points Discussed:

1. Introduction 00:00
• Recap of the previous session on navigation and water management.
• Today’s focus on gear and how to achieve a pack weight below 10kg.

2. Sleeping Gear 03:02
• Tents provide protection from elements and bugs, with trekking pole-supported options being ideal.
• Sleeping bags preferred over quilts for better warmth and comfort. 
• Lightweight inflatable sleeping mats recommended.

3. Kitchen Equipment 10:53
• Use plastic water bottles over bladders for durability and simplicity. Platypus Quickdraw filter suggested.
• Alcohol stoves are preferred for weight and ease of use. Cold-soaking is also an option.

4. Electronics 21:27
• 10,000mAh power bank sufficient for a week for Tom and Maddie. Satellite devices like the InReach Mini are essential for emergencies and texting when out of service.
• Headlamp batteries can function as power banks which improves power redundancy.

5. Packing & Miscellaneous Items 31:11
• Frameless packs are suitable for lighter loads below 10kg. 
• Pack liners are essential for keeping gear dry.
• Food bags should be scent-proof to avoid wildlife attraction. 
• Sun umbrellas offer shade and rain protection.

6. First Aid & Repairs - 44:45
• Basic first aid kit with medications, tape, and superglue for quick repairs.
• Carry essential tools like a small pocket knife and a snake bandage.
• Consumables 54:17
• Footcare 1:01:01
This will be talked about in more detail in a future session.

7. Clothing 1:05:29
• A lightweight long-sleeved shirt and shorts are Tom and Maddie's preferred trade-off between sun protection and breathability. 
• Trail runners are recommended over boots for breathability and comfort.
• A combination of rain gear, ponchos, and umbrellas offers optimal protection in bad weather.

Q&A and Additional Discussion - 1:43:22
Rain Gear: Discussed lighter options like ponchos and umbrellas to reduce weight.
Umbrella Use: Tom and Maddie's experience with hands-free use while trekking.
Water Filtration: Benefits of carrying purification tablets alongside filters
 
Expand your outdoors!

[rowville]

I do really agree with your comments about US hiking fashions, which are often style-based and do not work for Australian conditions at all.

[rowville]

A very interesting and comprehensive breakdown. I would disagree profoundly with a couple of your points, however. One is the preference for alcohol stoves over gas. With modern gas stoves, the weight difference is really marginal. The boil time differences, however, are huge. You’ll be waiting at least 3 times as long while the pathetic little alcohol flame flails about trying to boil your water. It’s one of those tiny weight savings that ends up being counterproductive.
The other is gaiters. The idea (as you claim) that they are somehow more dangerous because of the extra weight on your legs…come on, that’s really tenuous. Modern gaiters are not heavy at all. I agree that long gaiters are not needed through NSW and I didn’t wear them on that stretch but was super happy to have them for Victoria. It’s not really about snake bites. Walking through an overgrown blackberry- and bramble-infested area like the Buenba Creek valley is already a pain without having your legs shredded on all the thorns. Likewise bashing up through the terribly unforgiving scrub on Mt Wills (in a SOBO direction). Sadly, the track in Victoria is becoming more and more overrun by blackberries (as high as 1700 m on Long Spur) and there are always heavily overgrown fire regrowth areas. Deep scratches bleed, are painful and can become infected. I wonder whether your advice is too heavily skewed towards achieving FKTs and not always apposite for the rest of us.