Kids and bushwalking

Submitted: Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:21

ThreadID: 63493 Views:3265 Replies:6 FollowUps:3

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D200Dug

Just reading the post about an emergency grab bag for traveling and it reminded me of one of my mates and his daughter. They were keen bushwalkers so when their daughter was old enough to head out and walk with them the made up a little bum bag pack for her to carry.

It had a whistle, a cylume stick a space blanket, insect repellant and sunscreen in a little lip gloss container and some sweets.

It was enough to keep her comfortable and occupied if she did become lost or separated

They taught her how to use all the various bits and pieces and added some more bits as she grew older.

It was an interesting exercise and one that would benefit a lot of bushwalkers if they carried just the basic equipment on walks.

SES regularly spends many man hours looking for idiots who wander off with no survival gear at all.

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Reply By: Moose - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:42

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:42

G'day D200Dug
Agree that a "survival" pack when bushwalking should be mandatory.
But I think that worrying about the vehicle catching fire and having a special pack is going too far. Chances of that happening are fairly remote - significantly more chance of getting wiped out by some idiot driver during the journey. People worry too much these days!
Just my 2 cents worth.
Cheers from the Moose

AnswerID: 335047

Follow Up By: D200Dug- Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:48

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:48

I guess it depends on where you are traveling. Most roads or tracks would have someone come past every few days. If you are traveling alone in remote areas then yes be prepared if you are in a convoy or on a track then just the basics are required.

When bushwalking I usually carry basic gear in either my pockets ( Army pant pockets ) or my camera bag. Depending on where I am and how far I am going.

FollowupID: 602775

Follow Up By: Member - Rotord - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 20:15

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 20:15

Hello Moose

Up here in the Pilbara vehicles catching fire are common due to hot exhausts and long grass . A grab bag is essential because at the stage you give up fighting the fire the vehicle is a ball of flame and producing toxic gasses , not the situation to start collecting the goodies from under the rest of the gear . Boats should also have a grab bag .

FollowupID: 602812

Reply By: Bap - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:45

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:45

Hi D200Dug,
when we went to Karajini last year, I bought my four kids a bum bag. They had their own water bottle and nibblies in it and a whistle. Was going to get them one of those 'fluro' jackets, like the one cyclists and road workers wear, but my husband thought maybe that was a bit too extreme!!
I like the idea of their own sunscreen and insect repellant to put in the bag and will try that next time.
The kids loved it, and now whenever we go bushwalking, they take their bum bags.
Michelle

AnswerID: 335048

Follow Up By: D200Dug- Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:59

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:59

A space blanket is light to carry protects from heat cold sun and rain and is highly visible form air and ground. Depending on the size of the child 1/2 a blanket is all they may need to wrap themselves in.

FollowupID: 602779

Reply By: Member - Redbakk (WA) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:46

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:46

Don't forget the water.....................

AnswerID: 335049

Reply By: D200Dug- Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:56

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 16:56

Water in dry areas yes water in places like a rainforest not quite and necessary :-) Adjust the pack to suit the conditions.

I put little rolls of bright brickies string and marker tape in the kids packs so if they do move location for a short distance they can leave markers on trees etc or run it across a trail if they find one. ( Exhausted sleeping kids can sleep soundly while rescuers walk past calling out their names) Also to hang the cylume stick as high as possible on a tree or branch.

It is good fun to practice and say OK you are lost here make camp for yourself for the night. and see how they go and where they set up etc.

On the trip home they get to eat the sweets NOT BEFORE :-)

AnswerID: 335053