Bushwalk Australia

Hi all - I have some generous friends who've given me a lovely dilemma. It's a $200 gift voucher to an outdoor gear store. The dilemma is, after decades of using cheap gear, second-hand stuff and hand-me-downs, in the last few years I've finally got most of the bushwalking gear I "need".

So ... what would YOU look at getting for around the $200 mark if YOU already had most of your gear sorted. And no, I won't simply give it to you

cheers

Peter

Stuff that always needs replacing, a spare pair of gaiters, a couple pairs of quality socks, an extra thermal layer, spare gas cylinders, spare shoe laces, that type of stuff

I've wanted a decent daypack for years but can never justify spending the money as my cheap old faithful does the job...

Perhaps Lynne needs something???

Some good suggestions there Dan ... I shall run your last suggestion by Lynne

stepbystep wrote:Perhaps Lynne needs something???

... but she's been insisting this is "mine" (ain't that noice!)

cheers

Peter

Depends on which store. If they stock sunglasses I'd probably grab a few pair so I'm ready for the next loss. Otherwise, gaiters, Injinji socks if they have them, gas, another spare beanie, lightweight gloves, that sort of thing.

Of course, anyone who knows me well enough to try to give me a gift card knows I'd never take it. Unless it was for photographic gear . . .

That's a hard one
For me it would be a new Uber-lite rain shell pullover or down parka
OR
A part payment on a new pair on mountain boots

Moondog55 wrote:A part payment on a new pair on mountain boots

Yep MD .. that's the slippery slope approach: treat it like a $200 discount I'm already considering putting it towards a PLB

cheers

Peter

north-north-west wrote:Unless it was for photographic gear . . .

If only NNW!

whynotwalk wrote:

Moondog55 wrote:A part payment on a new pair on mountain boots

Yep MD .. that's the slippery slope approach: treat it like a $200 discount I'm already considering putting it towards a PLB

cheers

Peter

If you don't have a PLB then I think this idea trumps all others. Safety first!

Yeah - just left a job where I had access to one. A $200 discount would help me get one of my own cheap ... sort of,

cheers

Peter

PLB would be my choice if I didn't own one.
I carry a rescueME PLB1 nice and compact , light and easy to register online.

[quote="north-north-west"]Depends on which store. If they stock sunglasses I'd probably grab a few pair so I'm ready for the next loss.

nnw perhaps you should check out some of these sellers http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from ... acat=45246

You're from Tasmania, so I'd buy something I've never tried before. Maybe some climbing gear, some snowshoes, a packraft ? And if it's something I already have it would probably be new shoes. You never have enough shoes. I have a pair for winter bushwalking, low cut hiking shoes for summer walking, but I realize now that I should get an extra pair, one size up, for when it's really hot and my feet swell too much. It's a blistering hot summer in France this year. I actually miss Melbourne weather : even when it's 40° in the day, you get a nice 20° at night. Here it's like 35° during the day, 28° at night, + pollution and no wind.

Thanks for your thoughts corvus and Hallu (and earlier posters).

That's one more vote for a PLB (I'm inclining that way, corvus) and some interesting suggestions from the (real) Alps! Hallu, I know plenty of people still climb in their 60s (which I am), but hand and shoulder injuries mean I'll stick to scrambling. Snow shoes I've just got, but not tried out. A packraft is a thought, 'though I'd have to convince some of my mates to do the same. ... Anyway, I appreciate the suggestions: it's good fun hearing what others would spend their money on. I'll keep you informed,

cheers

Peter

footwear always eventually wears out and needs replacing

Footwear or towards a PLB

A much needed Suunto KB-20/360G floating, light-weight, hand-bearing compass.



...oh yeah!

Gas canisters.

Thanks for the input on this one folks. I ended up going safety first, and got a ResQLink+ PLB. It cost $349 all up, and came with lots of "fruit" (incl a HUGE 1st aid kit, a head torch, waterproof pouch and some other useful knick-knacks). The unit itself is smallish and lightish (just over 150 grams) and looks like it'll do the job.

I have to say it feels funny spending that sort of money on something you hope you'll never use. But I guess it's similar to an airbag or travel insurance: better to have than regret NOT having!

cheers

Peter

Great choice Peter!

Unusual choice but makes sense.

It's probably the only thing you'll ever own that you hope never to use!