Going tramping the safe wav

Press, 26 February 1977, Page 14

Going tramping the safe wav

Good autumn days will still remain for the trampers. The MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL summarises its hints for greater enjoyment of the outdoors.

The word “tramper”

usually conjures up an image of a tough, hearty male, with bulging calf muscles and feet shod in earthquaking boots. Carrying a pack groaning with every conceivable camping aid. he is in total command of his environment and knows exactly where he is going and how long it will take him to get there.

While such awe-in-spiring visions do appear from time to time in the bush, a great number of people tramping fall short of this level of performance.

Many' simply wander into the bush with little or no thought of where they are going, or what might happen if they get lost, are injured or the weather breaks.

Search and rescue teams find many every year — cold and confused, crouching in tear and misery. You don’t have to be a commando clothed in a horse-hair jacket carrying a sports-shop worth of gear to survive happily in the bush, but you do have to observe certain com-mon-sense rules of safety and forethought to make

it the pleasant experience it should be. After all, the prime reason for tramping is to enjoy being in the outdoors.

An important part of your preparation should be selecting suitable clothing. Many' people do not realise how rapidly the weather in New Zealand bush or high country can change.

A hot, fine day can quickly' turn into dense, chilling fog in an hour; storms can come without warning.

If you have a waterproof parka, hat, mittens, sweater, socks and trousers in your pack you can cope with these conditions with ease — perhaps even enjoy them! Woollen materials are best as they retain body' warmth even when they are wet. For a trip of more than one day several pairs of thick socks and at least one complete change of warm clothing should be taken. Even if the weather does remain fine you will appreciate them if you fall into a stream. Good footwear is important. Sprained ankles, a

common accident with trampers, are often the result of poor footwear.

Sneakers and sandshoes are usually too light, and gumboots do not give sufficient support for serious bush walking. Boots which support the ankles and have a sturdy tread will protect your feet. Make sure they fit well — incorrect sizes

will cause painful blisters. Although you may plan to stay in huts, or are only out for the day, it is good practice to carry some form of protection in case you are forced to spend a night in the open. Many experienced trampers and hunters carry a large polythene sheet which can be used both as a quickly-rigged tent or as a ground-sheet. Light nylon tents and tent flies are also available and, for a few extra pounds of weight, a night out can be pleasurable rather than a nasty experience.

Good food at the right time can also make a vital difference to your comfort and well-being. Tramping burns up energy rapidly, so it is always best to carry some energy boosters to keep yourself going. A very popular and con-

venient concoction is scroggan. This is a mixture of nuts, dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, currants, broken chocolate and other sweets, chopped ginger and barley sugars.

A plastic bag containing a pound or so of this mix-

ture can be easily carried inside a pocket or shirt front, and can be eked out to last several days if need be.

For main meals high protein foods are essential, but they should be chosen with weight and tastiness in mind. Sardines, bacon, cheese and salami are all high in protein. To supplement these, dried foods are recommended as these are light to carry and can be easily mixed with water at the camp site. Canned foods are best avoided as they are both heavy and spacetaking. Always have a good breakfast. This will set you off to a good start. Trips into the hills and mountains are no time to be dieting. The greatly-in-creased output of energy, both in walking and keeping warm-, will very readily take care of a good, high-energy diet. It is also sensible to

carry a first-aid kit. No matter how careful you may be accidents can happen, and a first-aid kit can help you deal with minor ailments or patch up a person until medical help arrives. Essential items to carry —a plastic bag is a suitable container — are; burn cream, elastoplast, lint bandages, a pressure bandage and safety pins, antibiotic powder or cream, aspirin, insect repellant. Of course some of these items will be completely useless if you don't know how to use them — a course in basic first-aid is recommended. Don’t forget to put waterproof matches, a pocket knife, and a candle or a torch in your pack. These are essential. When you go into the bush, even on a day trip, you must leave exact details with a friend or family member of where you or your party are going. Having given such information, don’t deviate from your original plan. If you are staying in huts don’t forget to put your progress and plans n the log book. Knowledge

of your intended route will be vital to a seal ch and rescue team if you become lost or injured. Parties should he a minimum of four to be sate — if one member is injured one can stay with him while the other two seek help. When you are tramping alwavs maintain the pace of the slowest member. This will ensure you will not become separated. Of course it should go without saying (but doesn't) that you should know where you are going. Always study rhe map of the area before setting off. so you will be . familiar with the type of terrain you will encounter. Take the map and a compass (and know how to use it) as it can be quite easy to lose your way in lightly marked country or heavy bush. Above all, use your common sense. Never ; panic if you get into trouble. You will only waste valuable energy. Having remembered all these things and taken proper precautions, go ouj and enjoy yourself The bush can be as safe as your own backyard — and a lot more fun.