FIRST AID KITS - It is strongly recommended that all members carry their own personal first aid kits - Two more extensive kits are available to members, free of charge, by contacting Peter 021 995 890

Suggestions of what your kit should contain:-

Surgical scissors or pocket knife       Splinter probe               Sterile gause dressing/pad

Disposable Gloves                                Elastic bandage (Stretchy self adhesive type)

Triangular bandage                              Safety Pins                    Survival blanket

Antiseptic cream                                  Blister Pack                   CPR protection/Face shield

Pencil & Paper                                       Steri Strips                    Any personal medications​​​​​​​

  Suggested Gear List

Heading into the New Zealand outdoors is not without its risks. Ensuring you are prepared with the right gear will make for a more pleasant and safer experience.  Consult with your trip leader if you are unsure about what to take on your trip.  Do not rely on others to bail you out if you get into trouble.

There are many outdoor and online stores where you can purchase everything you need.   You may be able to pick up some second hand gear, or borrow items from friends, but make sure it is in good condition, fits well and is suitable for your purpose.  Invest well even if it means paying a little more money.

Footwear - A good pair of worn in boots with good ankle stability and grip are the recommended footwear.  Running shoes may be appropriate for some easy grade tramps. Bring a spare pair of clean footwear to leave in the car.

Clothing - The ideal way to dress for tramping is to wear layers that can be added to or removed to thermo-regulate for the changing conditions encountered. Chose fabrics such as polypropelene, merino, polarfleece, and quick dry materials for shorts and trousers.  Raincoats and overtrousers should be waterproof and well sealed. Down has excellent insulating qualities but may be ineffective if it gets wet. DENIM JEANS are not suitable for heading out into the hills.  Always have a dry set of clothing to change into when on overnight tramps (that stay dry).

For day tramps always bring................                                                             

* daypack and packcover or plastic bag to keep contents dry

* plenty of water in a well sealed vessel

* sunhat and sunscreen in most seasons and when in the open

* waterproof coat (+/- overtrousers)

* nourishing high energy food (and some extra)

* basic first aid items, including pain relief, anti-inflammatories, electrolytes, blister packs etc

* whistle

* emergency silver space blanket

* warm clothing including a woolley hat/beanie and gloves

* pocket knife

* toilet paper

Optional extras.......

*Gaiters/putties

*compass/navigational equipment that you know how to use

* insect repellent

* something dry to sit on

* large pack liner bag that can be used as emergency bivvy, fly or signalling device.

* headtorch and spare battery

* matches/lighter

* small quick dry towel. Togs

* walking poles

* maps

* cord, paper and pencil, rubber to burn for signalling

For overnight trips.............

As above minus the daypack, but also:

* PLB (The Club has one for members use)

* tramping pack and liner                 

* warm sleeping bag and liner

* Gas + cooker + lighter  + billy        

* plate, cup, utensils

* tent and sleeping pad if camping  

* a spare dry set of clothing that stays dry for evenings

* toilet paper                                       

* hand sanitiser and other toiletry items

* hut tickets/hut passes                     

* lightweight hut shoes, preferably something you could walk out in if necessary

*consider a metal water bottle which can double as a hot water bottle in cold conditions

* candle/headlight

Food suggestions

Breakfast - Your favourite cereal in ziplock bags, Milk powder, Instant porridge sachets, Tea/coffee/milo/hot chocolate

On the go - Muesli bars, nuts, scroggin, powdered cordial, chocolate, dried fruit

Lunch - Sandwiches, filled rolls, pita breads, wraps for the first day or two and/or Crackers, cheese, salami, spreads

Dinner - Any freeze-dried/dry foods...dehydrate your own or purchase pre made (eg: Backcountry Cuisine, Absolute Wilderness, Kaweka).  Supplement with dry veges (eg Surprise veges) or fresh lighweight veges such as beans, snowpeas, mushrooms, small can tuna, salami

Other - Cup of soups, noodles

Aim for a total pack weight of no more than 12-15 kg

Locator Beacon, (club member use only)

The Southland Tramping Club has a locator beacon that is available to all leaders and is recommended that it is carried on all trips. The Beacon is stored at the home of Peter Simpson, please contact Peter on 021 995 890 at least 4 days prior to start of trip. A copy of the trip list with all emergency contact details for each member of the tramping party are required to be emailed ([email protected]) or given to Peter when collecting the beacon.  Peter also has two First Aid Kits which are available for members use on trips

If you are looking to buy some gear you might be interested in Southern Adventure's  VIP card system which members can join to get great discounts and also stocks suitable first aid kits.

 Tents, Flys, Packs, Billies, Walking Poles etc

These are available for hire, or free to financial  members by contacting Veronica Williams 027 204 1198

Land Search & Rescue (Landsar) - Macpac Adventure Partnership

Support Landsar by Purchasing Macpac Equipment.When you purchase Macpac Equipment at any Macpac Store, Tell Them That You Are A Landsar Supporter and 10% off your Purchase Value will go into The Landsar MAP Fund. Landsar will then be able to get Equipment From Macpac with the Funds In The Landsar MAP Account