* This list contains the typical items required for the various weather conditions & activities you may encounter during the course, based on a typical 7 day program. Please refer to your specific courses personal clothing and equipment list for exact requirements. 

* Please bring all listed items as there are no shops along the way.

 * The following list is designed to allow for a complete change of dry clothing to be carried at all times.  Please bring hardwearing & durable clothing. 

ESSENTIAL ITEMS (Compulsory for course participation) 

a) General Clothing  

- Boots x 1 pair

Light rubber soled walking boots or sturdy shoes suitable for lots of walking in different terrains. Must be durable, good condition, well broken in. NOT elastic sided boots. Recommend boots with ankle support. 

- Raincoat x 1

Waterproof jacket with hood. NOT lined. Lightweight but durable. To be carried for entire program 

- Waterproof overpants x 1

To be carried for entire program 

- Pullover x 2

Light to Medium weight. For general use. Wool or Polar Fleece. NOT COTTON.  

- Long Pants x 3

Loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight pants eg. Cargo, ex-Army or King Gee pants. Recommend quick dry material. NOT jeans, fleece track-pants or tight fitting pants. NO 3/4 pants. NO shorts.Compulsory for all activities incl. Bushwalking 

- Long Sleeve Collared Shirts x 3

Loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight eg. long sleeve t-shirt or old business shirt. Recommend quick dry material. NO 3/4 sleeves. NO t-shirts.Compulsory for all activities incl. Bushwalking 

- Thermal top x 1

MUST be wool, chlorofibre or polypropylene. NOT COTTON. Essential safety item for warmth. 

- Thermal pants x 1 

- Socks x Qty sufficient to days on course

Light to medium weight wool or wool/nylon mix. 

- Underwear x Qty sufficient to days on course

Comfortable and practical. 

- Beanie / Balaclava x 1

Wool or polar fleece. NOT COTTON.  

- Gloves x 1 set

Wool or polar fleece. NOT COTTON. 

- Hat x 1

Wide brim hat eg. Cricketers hat or surf hat, for sun protection. Lightweight. 

- Travelling clothes x 1 set

Clean clothes to return home in. Will remain at basecamp until end of course. 

b) Water activity clothing  

- Pullover x 1

Tight fitting wool or polar fleece. To keep warm in water. 

- Joggers x 1

Sandshoes or joggers. Durable, cover entire foot. NOT sandals. Essential for all water activities. - Thermal Top x 1In addition to those listed previously in a) General clothing. Essential for all water activities.

 - Thermal Pants x 1

- Swimsuit/Board shorts x 1

Board shorts recommended to wear over thermal pants in water activities. 

c) Toiletries (only sunscreen, lip balm and medications are ESSENTIAL, others optional) Bring only essential and sufficient quantities of toiletries for the duration of the course i.e. half-used tubes of sunscreen, toothpaste, or place in small lightweight travelling containers, which are secure and durable. Toiletries should also be carried in a separate lightweight toiletry/plastic bag to avoid leakage onto clothing and sleeping equipment. Clip seal bags are ideal. Do not bring large quantities or unnecessary toiletries. 

- Sunscreen x 1

SMALL and lightweight. SPF 30+

 - Lip balm x 1

Sunscreen protection. SPF 30+ 

- Insect repellent x 1

SMALL and lightweight. NO AEROSOLS. 

- Toothbrush / toothpaste x 1

SMALL quantity of toothpaste. NO electric toothbrushes. 

- Deodorant x 1SMALL roll-on. NO AEROSOLS. 

- Medication x 2sets

Ventolin, Insulin, tablets. NO PANADOL etc. unless prescribed by a doctor and written on the medical form. All medication MUST BE NOTED ON MEDICAL FORM. 

- Sports tape x 1roll

For strapping especially if you have a history of ankle or other joint injuries. 

- Sanitary pads/ tampons

Best to be prepared even if not due as the environment and exercise may alter the regular cycle. 

d) Equipment 

- Wrist watch x 1

Cheap wrist watch with alarm - for time management 

- Torch x 1

Lightweight, durable, small. Head torches recommended. 

- Batteries x 2 sets

Plenty of spares. 

- Bulb x 1

Spare bulb for torch. 

- Bowl x 1

Lightweight, durable, non-breakable eating bowl, mug, fork, spoon, knife (but no pocket knifes). 

- Mug x 1 

- Cutlery x 1 set 

- Sipper bottle x 1

Lightweight, durable, non-breakable personal 1Litre water bottle. 

- Can opener x 1

Small or army style. 1 per bivvy group. 

- Garbage bags x 20

Heavy-duty large garbage bags. At least 56L. For waterproofing clothing and garbage. NOT with drawstring or ties - this is essential for effective waterproofing.  

- Stationary x 1

Small notebook (in waterproof bag), pencil, pen. 

OPTIONAL ITEMS

- Thermal Top x 1

A spare (3rd) set in addition to the two compulsory sets.

- Thermal Pants x 1 

- Handkerchief a few, rather than tissues. 

- Disposable Camera x 1A waterproof disposable camera can capture some of the magic of course, without risking damage to expensive digital or other camera equipment (and no chance of batteries running flat). 

- Sunglasses (& retainer strap) x 1

Appropriate eye protection from sun exposure. Attach to a retainer strap to prevent from losing. No expensive sunglasses, must be practical. 

- Walking poles x 1 setTo assist with balance and relieve some pack weight. Especially if you have any weakness or history of ankle/leg injuries. 

- Mozzie head net x1Small head net only (not entire body). Extra personal protection from mosquitoes at night. NO OTHER ITEMS will be permitted on course.  See below for more details of Items NOT to bring. 

COMMONLY ASKED GEAR QUESTIONS 

What does Outward Bound supply?

Outward Bound issues all necessary camping equipment (backpacks, shelters, sleeping bags & cooking utensils) for which there is no additional charge. However if students lose or irresponsibly damage gear, they will be expected to pay for its replacement or repair.  

What should I NOT bring?

Mobile phones, radios, walkman/discmans, MP3 players, Ipods, games, extra food/drinks, confectionery, cosmetics, excessive toiletries, reading materials, knives (flick, sheath, or pocket), tents or other specialist camping gear. 

How much money should I bring?

Large sums of money should not be brought.  However, students may have the opportunity to buy lunch on the way to or from the course. Please check with the coordinating teacher. 

Do I need to carry all items at once?

Yes for most items however for longer courses there will be an opportunity to swap clothes mid-way to minimise the amount being carried at once. 

Why Woollen Pullovers?

Wool is a good fabric for staying warm in wet/cold conditions. It naturally absorbs very little moisture, so continues to feel warm and continues to insulate effectively even if it is wet. Check the label to be sure the garment is at least 70% wool. Two light-to-medium weight woollen pullovers are more versatile than one thick pullover. (So participants can 'layer' clothing and more effectively regulate body temperature) Synthetic fabrics such as Polypropylene or Chlorofibre (as used in long 'thermal' underwear and polar fleece) are a suitable (but usually more expensive) replacement for wool. Cotton pullovers are TOTALLY UNSUITABLE as a fabric to keep you warm in the bush. DO NOT BRING cotton 'sweatshirts', football jumpers, tracksuit tops, etc. 

Why 'Chlorofibre', 'Polypropylene' or Woollen Thermals?

It is cheaper to purchase cotton long johns or spencers, they look the same and participants might think they are a suitable alternative to Chlorofibre, Polypropylene or Wool thermals. However, Cotton is TOTALLY UNSUITABLE as a fabric to keep you warm in the bush, particularly as a thermal layer. Cotton draws and holds moisture, rather than wicking or repelling it. Cotton materials get wet, stay wet and take a very long time to dry. If worn when wet (even from perspiration) they will draw warmth away from the body. DO NOT bring cotton long johns or spencers.  

Why a 'Waterproof' Jacket?  

This is an essential item of great importance since you will be outdoors for the whole course. An effective waterproof jacket will provide protection from cold, wet and wind. It must:     

* Have an effective hood that protects head, neck and face from rain and wind

* Be ABSOLUTELY 100% waterproof

* Reach at least half way down your thighs

* Durable and preferably breathable, to wear whilst hiking 

What jackets are NOT SUITABLE?

* Ski parkas, cotton/material lined or quilted jackets  (THEY ARE NOT WATERPROOF)

* Plastic jackets, capes, ponchos or other flimsy raincoats  (THEY TEAR ON UNDERGROWTH)

* "Showerproof" spray jackets  (THEY ARE NOT WATERPROOF AND MAY BE TOO SHORT) 

How can I check whether my jacket is waterproof?

Try sucking air through the jacket material. Generally, if air can get through, so can water.  Also check the seams to see if they have been taped or heat sealed. If they are, it is usually an indication that the jacket material is waterproof.  Manufacturers do not usually bother waterproofing seams if the rest of the jacket is not waterproof.  "Gortex" and similar waterproof fabrics are excellent, but can be expensive.  These materials do not allow water liquid (rain) to penetrate, but still allow water vapour to pass through. This allows perspiration inside to escape so inner clothing does not become damp, while water on the outside cannot enter. A suitable alternative that meets the essential criteria listed above can usually be found.

Outward Bound sells a suitable and economically priced jacket through our mail order department, Trek Inn. The coordinating teacher at your school has the ordering details. 

What should I bring my clothes in?

PACK all items in a soft lightweight bag with carry straps eg. Sports bag, duffle bag. NO suitcases. All items will be checked on the 1st day of course for appropriateness and these 'soft bags' will remain at basecamp until the end of course. Outward Bound provides all participants with a backpack to carry gear. 

Where can I find these clothes?

Many items can probably be found in the old clothes bag at home, or economically at disposals shop or second hand clothing stores.  Fashion is not important.  However, you may need to visit an outdoor shop to buy or hire an effective waterproof jacket and thermals.  We recommend Snowgum stores (www.snowgum.com.au).  Take along your form for a discount of 20% on a range of specially selected items suitable for your Outward Bound course and 10% on all other items.