Equipment

Pack	Should be good quality and carry at least 60 litres of equipment. The club has a number of spare packs and leaders can often ‘find’ packs if you don’t have one. You will eventually have to purchase your own pack as it is one of the things which can be the difference between enjoying yourself and not.
Waterproof Liner	Put all the things to go in your pack in the liner so that if the pack gets wet all of your things inside don’t. Can either buy a ‘proper’ plastic liner or just use a couple of rubbish bags.
Sleeping Bag	should be good quality and at least three or four seasons, particularly if you are tramping in winter. Both synthetic and down are satisfactory.
Groundsheet	You sleep on the groundsheet so that ground moisture doesn’t get your sleeping bag. Cut up a rubbish bag for a cheap groundsheet.
Snowfoam / Thermarest	You sleep on this so that the cold ground doesn’t make you cold. Snowfoam is cheaper.
Fireliting Equipment	Matches in waterproof container, candles, a piece of inner tube, fire-starters etc. Go on bushcraft to learn how to use this equipment.
Map(s) & Compass	Your leader will have a map and compass so these articles are not strictly necessary. The preferred maps are the 1:50000 lands and survey maps, available in most tramping and sports shops. Your leader will have information on which map to get. In the Tararuas the two maps are S26 Carterton and S25 Levin.
Torch	Take spare batteries as well.
Cutlery, Bowl & Cup	To eat and drink with, after a hard day's tramping.
Water Bottle	A 1.5 or 2 litre plastic soft drink bottle is sufficient.
Toilet Paper	Hopefully, everyone knows what to use this for!

Don’t forget to purchase hut tickets or an annual hut pass if you are staying in huts. The hut tickets cost approximately $4, and one to three tickets are required (depending on the hut) to stay in a hut for one night. These are available from tramping stores, some sports stores and DOC offices. The annual hut pass entitles you to stay in any hut in the Tararuas and the cost is minimal if you are doing lots of tramping. These can be purchased at DOC regional offices (there is one in the Law School buildings). If you buy an annual hut pass then don’t forget to take your FMC card along for 33% off the standard price.

Pack everything in plastic bags to keep your gear dry. Club first aid kits are for emergencies only. The club gear cupboard is well stocked with gear - ranging from packs, primuses, billies and tent flies to specialist gear like ice-axes and crampons. Party gear on club trips is covered by a gear levy worked out for each particular trip. Gear can be hired privately at very cheap rates.

Make sure you know exactly what you need for a trip. The trip organiser will be able to advise you if you are unsure of what to take.