How to start? - Goto guides & links

[Ezy03]

Hi All,

I just joined this forum today. I've never really hiked or trekked properly but recently I've been wanting to do it for a long time now and thought enough is enough and just start!

So, I thought the best way was to start looking around here but I couldn't find a specific post which usually in specific topic forums they are listed somewhere such as a 'start here' or 'guides' section. Is there one on this site and I'm missing it or not looking in the right place?

[lee737]

Have you had a read through the wiki? (link next to forum link)

[GPSGuided]

It's about the doing. Best to join a local club. Learn the practical skills as well get introduced to local tracks that you never knew existed.

[north-north-west]

I've never really hiked or trekked properly ...

I always preferred to do it improperly.

If you're not comfortable just getting out and easing yourself into it and learning by doing, GPS's suggestion of finding a walking club is the best.

There's no real right or wrong way to learn about bushwalking. Some of us just spent the time out on our own and worked out for ourselves what worked and what didn't. Some had parents or mentors that helped, some went with clubs or friends. It does depend on the sort of walking you're interested in - overnight, long multidayers, long hard daywalks, easy tracked ventures, whatever. There's a wide range of options, only really limited by your imagination (and having the necessary time and money, of course).

I'm a big believer in learning by doing, but it doesn't work for everyone. As with so many things, you need to apply a healthy dose of commonsense and objective self-assessment.

[GPSGuided]

The other that should be said is the incredible knowledge harboured amongst the participants of this forum. Go out and walk and then come back and ask/search about the challenges or aspirations you encounter. The people here are incredibly helpful and that's the real resource. As a starter, describe your current abilities and gears and your location, I'm sure someone will be able to advise you on a suitable track to walk and explore. That's the first step and the rest will follow...

[DanShell]

I learnt by just doing it...

I learnt that it is really hard to compensate a poor quality sleeping bag by using clothes when its sub zero.
I learnt that when your tent leaks and your clothes and sleeping system gets wet and its snowing, its time to walk out and go home.. a day early.
I learnt that I can walk myself so far into the bush that exhaustion can in fact stop me from walking back out that same day as planned.
I learnt to follow a map carefully because bushbashing off track for several hours to only find a dead end (cliff face) leads to exhaustion that can stop you from getting back to your car that day!
I learnt that wet hands and high winds on a cold day hurts.
I learnt that waterproof boots that are getting repeatedly full of water because you are forced to wade through knee deep water holes on a freezing day hurts.
I learnt that well ventilated boots allows freezing cold water to escape really quickly when you need to wade through knee deep water holes!
I learnt that unless your walking partner/s are as enthusiastic as yourself they will whinge and complain and continually ask how long until we are there.
I learnt that sleeping in huts with a group of strangers is the noisiest nights lack of sleep you will ever encounter.
I learnt to only use huts when I they are empty.
I learnt to waste money on 'things' I don't need. Sell those things, repeat.
I learnt that minimal and simple works best for me.
I learnt to be prepared.
I learnt that just because the weather forecast is fine and sunny with a low of 5 degrees doesn't mean it won't rain/sleet/snow and blow gail force winds and end up being minus 5.
I learnt to pitch a tent in as sheltered spot as possible, because when you don't, the wind is going to be well over 50kph.
I learnt to never walk past a good water supply in an area thats known for lack of water.
I learnt to take extra alcohol.

In fact I have learnt so many things I could write a book, I think there is even a whole thread on it around here somewhere. Just get out there and start learning. Read lots, be prepared and go for it

[Lotsafreshair]

Great that you're jumping into an outdoors life Ezy03. As the guys above said, the Wiki on this forum is a good place to start.

I've been working pretty hard for the last few years on putting together how-to videos like how to pack, adjusting a backpack, basic food, etc at http://YouTube.com/Lotsafreshair.

There's also packing lists, recipes and more articles on the blog at http://Lotsafreshair.com.

Maybe you'll find something useful there.

[cajun]

I'm fairly new at this as well. We are still doing a lot of the "tourist" walks, in the blueys, the RNP and other well known areas. We have no plans on overnighting at this stage, (5 stars being the standard for stars to sleep under for SWMBO), but we are having a ball exploring. I highly recommend the walks around Wentworth Falls and Blackheath when the weather is good. There is a plethora of information here, and Lotsafreshair's site is a beauty too.

Read up and then go all NIKE on it - "just do it!"

the "things I have learnt thread" and the "mistakes I have made" are good ones

[Lophophaps]

Agree with the above. Start slowly and progress:
* easy day walks in popular places
* harder day walks
* weekend base camp, easy day walks
* weekend base camp, harder day walks
* easy overnight walk
and so on. Clubs can assist and are recommended. Slowly and carefully acquire gear.