Equip yourself well
At all times of the year, have warm and waterproof clothing.
- Have layers including a hooded raincoat, over-pants, hat and gloves, warm and fast drying tops, trousers and shorts, and thermal underwear made from wool or polypropylene. Wear sturdy boots.
- Carry a map and compass, first aid and survival kits (whistle, cord, sharp knife, pencil and paper, survival sheet and firelighters), water bottle and plenty of high-energy foods.
- Hire a 406MHz PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), Mountain Radio, or satellite phone for backup. Mobile phones rarely work in the mountains.
- Carry a tent or fly on overnight trips. Huts can fill up at any time so you can't rely on space.
Appropriate clothing to wear tramping as
recommended by the Mountain Safety
Council
A comprehensive gear and equipment checklist is found in the NZMSC brochure Going Bush? read Survival and Hypothermia and learn more about staying safe in the outdoors.
These are all available free in the resources section of the NZ Mountain Safety Council website.