Plan your trip
Ask yourself:
Gaining permission
Consent from the land owner is imperative. Going onto land without the consent of the owner can expose you to legal problems. Contacting the land owner can key you into things like poison drops, commercial operations or track/hut/bridge repairs or removal.
Access
Having gained consent from the land owner, you now have to gain access to the route. It may require obtaining a key and will definitely involve transport to the start and from the end of your trip.
Equipment, food and Drink
Food should be:
Lightweight – freeze-dried, dehydrated meals, dried vegetables, milk powder, etc. Remove unnecessary packaging. High energy value – should contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates
in the proportion 1:1:4:
1: Proteins: meat, cheese, eggs, milk powder.
1: Fats: cheese, chocolate, butter, bacon, salami.
4: Carbohydrates: sugar, bread, muesli, rice, macaroni, sweets, dried fruit.
You will also need:
Snacks – biscuits, nuts, raisins, sweets, chocolate, scroggin, etc. Emergency food – soups, rice, pasta, sardines, dried fruit, cheese, biscuits. Take some that doesn’t need to be cooked. Fast cooking food is convenient.
Ensure you have good ventilation when using portable cookers to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Drinks
Don’t forget to pack tea, coffee, a chocolate drink and sachets of powdered fruit drink. Carry water if you won’t be able to find any on your route.
You need to drink water regularly – If you suspect the water is unsafe you should treat it by boiling, purifying or using a water filter.
Tell someone your plans.
Intentions forms are the best way to ensure that all the details of you trip are recorded.
Intension forms:
• Helps clarify aims of the trip.
• Lets someone else know what time you are due out to alert help.
• Helps searchers to trace your route and find you or work out where you might have struck trouble
• Ease of contact with the group from outside.
Available for free download at the MSC store
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Good thinking:
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Leave your trip details with a responsible person. Use a MSC Backcountry Intentions form to record where you are going, your expected time of return and other essential details.
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Choose a trip in keeping with the experience, fitness and ability of your party. Be realistic.
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Go with someone experienced and learn from them.
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Get up-to-date information and advice about where you’re going tramping. Dept of Conservation centres have local track information and maps.
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Know where to find huts, shelters or good camping spots. Always carry an emergency shelter.
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Delays happen. Patience is needed when things go wrong. Be prepared to modify your plans.
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Include contingency plans for bad weather.
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Contact the MetService for an up-todate weather forecast.
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