Preparation for a Striking Wilderness Expedition
In this guest blog, we delve into the world of outdoor exploration, focusing on an essential tool for your journey – the "Plan My Walk" app. This app is your go-to resource for planning and executing safe, enjoyable tramps (hikes) across New Zealand.
"Plan My Walk" offers a wealth of information about each track. From length and time estimates to weather conditions and reviews from fellow trampers, it equips you with all the details you need to make informed decisions.
The app also boasts filter features to help you find walks based on length, difficulty, distance, region, and whether the track allows dogs. This customisation ensures that you can tailor your tramp to suit your abilities and preferences.
Safety is paramount when embarking on a backcountry adventure. Liz, the Young Adventuress, shares her key recommendations for a successful trip. These include thorough preparation with proper gear, checking weather and avalanche forecasts, informing someone about your plans, having navigation tools like maps and GPS, and possessing basic survival and first aid skills.
Flexibility with dates is also crucial, as the weather may not always be favourable. A last-minute weather check before heading out is, therefore, advisable.
The app allows users to share their plans with friends and an emergency contact in a few clicks. It's essential to choose a trusted individual who can alert authorities if you do not return from the trip as expected.
Proper planning and preparation are key to ensuring a safer experience in the outdoors. Remember to pack appropriately for overnight tramps, and "Plan My Walk" can help with this by providing a packing list. The author recommends bringing a spare set of warm thermals, extra socks, merino base layers, fleece mid-layers, a waterproof jacket, a beanie, gloves, a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, head torch, first aid kit, and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for clothing, equipment, and overnight tramps.
Before choosing a track, it's wise to check the weather. The weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, so it's essential to be prepared for any conditions.
For more information about the author's travels as a solo tramper, visit their website. They also recommend using the "Plan My Walk" app to find and plan new tramp ideas. Happy exploring!
