ADVICE FOR TRAMPERS
Written by a Tramper for Trampers
1. A good pair of worn-in boots is excellent footwear, providing ankle stability and grip; however a pair of sturdy running shoes or sneakers is adequate.
2. Most incidents involve ankle and knee injuries often caused by inadequate preparation and carelessness. Aim to gradually develop your fitness, and capabilities.
3. There is no such thing as the wrong weather for tramping; instead what is required is the right gear for the conditions. Remember, Gear depends on weather and weather is anything but dependable!
4. The ideal way to dress for tramping is to build your clothing layer upon layer upon layer. In the mountains you can experience all 4 seasons in one day so be prepared, avoid heavy cotton fabrics such as denim jeans which lose warmth when wet and chafe against the skin. Don’t forget a cool hat to shade the sun.
5. Enjoy nature’s moods, as not all tramps fall on bright, sunny days. Without rain and winds we would not be able to appreciate swirling fogs, mist covered mountains, shimmering sandstones and blooming wildflowers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for walking in the rain, sometimes the most spectacular and memorable tramps are wet ones.
6. Anticipate unexpected changes in weather conditions; apply the scout's motto "Be Prepared", by bringing rain gear, plenty of fluids and extra clothing. The weather we may see at home may not be the same as that where we will be walking that day.
7. Walk at an easy pace that is the pace of the slowest member of your group. Walking steadily will conserve your energy and save your breath, particularly up hills. Walk steadily enjoying the scenery and you’ll get up just as quickly but enjoy it that much more.
8. It is important not to turn walking into an EGO TRIP! Getting there is most of the fun. Walking flat out and arriving worn out, is not what it’s about.
9. There is only one leader in the group, so please in the interests of safety, take direction from your guide and all will be well.
10. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Not all tramps run according to plan, problems can arise and getting home late is inevitable at some time or another.
11. A hearty healthy sandwich, some fruit packed into a uncrushable container and a minimum of 1.5L of water is all that is required. However walking increases hunger! Increase your social status by carrying high energy snacks such as muesli bars and chocolates which are great quick fixes. Many trampers make their own mix of nuts, fruit and chocolate called ‘scroggin’. Gastronomical culinary delights are also admired (mmmm).
12. Prevention is better than cure. With adequate equipment, clothing, food, fluid and listening to our bodies' response, we will be able to avoid the most common environmental dangers of Hypothermia and Heat Exhaustion. Please notify your leader of any injury or sickness so they can deal with the situation.
13. Heat exhaustion is a condition to be particularly wary of in warm conditions and when walking strenuously. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, headache and tiredness. To avoid this drink plenty of fluids, up to 1 litre per hour, wear your cool hat and pace yourself. Out of breath - take it easy, slow down!
14. Hypothermia is a chilling of the body’s inner core, observations of symptoms includes fatigue, lagging behind, dehydration, complaining of cold, and blueness of lips. Ensure your fellow trampers are comfortable and enjoying the walk.
15. In the event of becoming "Geographically Embarrassed", stay where you are. If separated from a group, keep blowing your whistle. Searchers looking for you will blow three sharp whistle blasts every 20 seconds.
16. Wilderness and the bush are environments we come to as visitors. It is nature's domain and potential dangers exist. But with adequate preparation and care, we will be able to
"WALK SAFELY AND SOFTLY!"
