Gear For YSAR

What gear do I need?

It depends on the time of year and the activity! For the weekend camps there is some gear you must have. Other items are optional. During the first few weeks of training we will talk about the best options so don't rush out and buy things too soon.

For the camps you must have the following items:

      • Sleeping bag, ground sheet and/or foam pad/Thermarest
      • Tramping boots or runners (more details below)
      • Polypropylene or merino top and bottoms          (longjohns)(underwear)
      • Warm jersey or jacket (overwear)
      • Torch and spare batteries
      • Pack (more details below)
      • Parka

Other items you should bring to the camps:

      • Shorts, socks, shirts, hat - to wear
      • Changes of clothes
      • Towel
      • Toiletries including toilet paper
      • Eating utensils
      • Personal first aid kit
      • Notebook & pencil
      • Sunblock and insect repellent
      • Snack food

Other optional items to bring if you have them:

      • Tent, fly, bivvy bag or Hennesy hammock)
      • Over trousers, gloves, balaclava – more important during          winter camps
      • Billy, stove, fuel, matches/lighter and water container
      • Pocket knife, whistle, compass (compulsory later on)

Group gear supplied by YSAR may include:

• Communications - VHF radios
• GPS's

About The Gear

Some of these items are expensive and care is needed if making a purchase decision prior to your first camp.

The YSAR group supports the concept of lite-weight tramping which says that for maximum enjoyment of the outdoors all reasonable steps should be taken to minimise the weight carried. Consequently ALL items purchased should take into account their weight – yes even the spoons get weighed.

Sleeping bag: During the summer months the sleeping bag does not have to be of top quality. You can wear more clothes at night to keep warm if necessary. A four season sleeping bag will be essential during the winter months.

Pack: During the first couple of camps there will not be a huge amount of walking with the pack so a sturdy school bag back-pack would be adequate. For the third and subsequent camps a proper tramping pack will be needed.

Boots: If the load you carry is light then for most people a good set of runners will be adequate provided they have good tread. YSAR does not expect members to own an expensive pair of hiking boots.

Torch: Again lite-weight is best. LED torches are great for most of the work you will do and head mounted torches are preferred by most. You will be issued with an LED torche.

Compass: You will be issued with a compass during the first couple of weeks. We recommend the Silva brand of compasses which cost around $30. This is an essential item for navigation

Whistle: You will also be issued with a suitable whistle during the first couple of weeks. Whistles are important for personal safety and as a tool for searching.

Pocket Knife: A good knife is essential for serious members of YSAR. Again the weight and versatility are the key factors to consider.

You will be provided with advice on the best items to purchase. Generous discounts are available for YSAR members at several outdoor shops in Hamilton.

Gear Pool: We are establishing a pool of gear for first year members. This will have donated items from members who have upgraded major items during previous years. Contact the Gear Pool Officer for details of items available.