What to wear and bring
Everything you need to know about what to wear and bring to stay safe and comfortable when you walk on the Heysen Trail.
The right clothes and gear are important
Whether you’re doing a short or long walk along the Trail, walking independently or with a guided group, it’s important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes or boots that are suitable for the weather and trail conditions.
When you’re walking with the Friends of the Heysen Trail, there are items you’ll need to bring for yourself, such as sunblock, water and any personal medical items. If you’re walking independently, you’ll also need to bring maps and other safety equipment, particularly if you’re walking on remote parts of the Trail.
Below you’ll find suggestions for what we recommend wearing and bringing on your hikes.
What to wear on the Trail
What you need to wear will depend on the weather and the length of your walk.
For short and full-day walks you’ll need:
- Good walking shoes or boots with grip soles – thongs, sandals, elastic-sided boots and smooth-soled sneakers are not suitable for hiking
- Socks that are cushioned and fit well
- Wet weather gear, depending on the weather forecast (a three-quarter length waterproof jacket is ideal; showerproof spray jackets and quilted parkas are not waterproof)
- A warm wool or polyester jumper or jacket for cooler weather – cotton shirts and windcheaters will not keep you warm and dry in wet conditions
- Shorts or pants that are loose and comfortable (jeans are not recommended because they become cold when wet and they dry very slowly)
- A shade hat for sunny weather and a warm hat or beanie in cooler weather
For full or multi-day walks, you may also need:
- Thermal underwear
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Gaiters
What to bring on your hike
What you need to bring will depend on where you’re walking, the length of your walk and whether you’re walking independently or in a guided group with the Friends. When you register for a walk with the Friends, you’ll receive information about what to wear and bring for your walk.
You should carry your gear in a pack with a supporting waistband. In wet weather, a waterproof pack cover will help keep everything dry.
You should always bring:
- Your personal medication
- SPF50 sunblock
- Insect repellent
- Water in a secure container – the amount will depend on the temperature and the length of your walk, but always bring more than you expect to need
- Plenty of food for meals and snacks
- A plastic bag for your rubbish
- A notebook and pencil
Walking the Trail independently or further afield
If you’re walking independently and particularly for walks outside of the Adelaide metropolitan area, you should always bring:
- Maps of the Trail – but remember from time to time parts of the Trail need to be rerouted, which means the official map sheets may be out of date, so if you are walking remote parts of the Trail you should check for reroutes and also have a digital or electronic map
- A first aid kit (more information below)
- A torch and whistle
- Water purifying tablets
If you’re planning to stay overnight in one of the campsites or huts along Trail you’ll need to carry a lightweight tent and sleeping equipment. Our huts can’t be pre-booked and sometimes they are full, which is why you need a tent.
What to pack in your first aid kit
Your first aid kit should always contain:
- A wide elastic bandage and triangular bandage with safety pins or a snake bite bandage with a compression indicator
- Assorted adhesive dressings and adhesive tape
- Throat lozenges and lip salve
- Paracetamol
If you’re walking in remote locations along the Trail, at least one person in your group should also carry:
- Wound dressings and non-stick sterile dressings
- Sterile eye pads, cotton buds and micropore paper tape
- A needle and thread
- Scissors and tweezers
- Rehydration preparation such as Gastrolyte
- Antiseptic lotion and cream
- Two large plastic garbage bags
- A current first aid manual
Avoid getting sunburnt
It’s important to avoid sunburn while hiking. A broad-brimmed or bucket hat with a deep crown and angled brim will help protect your face, neck and ears, and a long sleeve hiking top and long trousers will cover your legs and arms. You should also apply SPF50 sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you start walking and reapply every two hours. We recommend you wear good quality, close-fitting wraparound sunglasses.