Our gear list:
- A Bottle of good Australian wine,
- A nice lunch to go with it,
- Hiking boots, but do not to overdo it, really. Ankle support is up to you – the track is not extreme. Personally I prefer soles with medium stiffness that offer good grip, but do not have that “wooden” feel. I find it less tiring. My boots of choice were SALOMON Elios. Worked perfectly.
- What to wear depends on the season. But mind the wind! On the top of expected wind-chill it may also bring clouds and change conditions faster than you expect + it may rain. A light membrane-water and wind-proof jacket is probably a good idea. Remember layering and the rest you will figure out! I think even very basic pants (shorts in summer) will do. I go by the rule – if feet are comfortable and torso is warm, a bit of cold and wet in the legs area will not spoil the mood. At least not in a few hours time.
- A map and a compass. It may get foggy unexpectedly. Then you would thank God for having a compass, especially if you prefer tracks less walked.
- Yeah, water… either carry it with you or take empty bottles and UV or chemical purifiers – there are plenty of streams around.
On a different note – I have already mentioned my climber friend who turned back due to bad weather. That was a very wise decision. He also said that with a proper gear (like a Gore Tex shell, warm layer, a hat and mittens) he wouldn’t have had to retreat and may have had a pleasurable adventure instead. So, have a plan B!
Find out more about Kosciuszko:
Intro Route Equipment Training