Bushwalk Australia

I have recently taken up multi-sports / triathlons and have been amazed at the amount of times I have thought "I'm going to try those when walking".

This has got me thinking what other gear people used from other sports "crossed over" if you like.

For me the arm warmers cyclists wear are a great idea, I have a set of merino wool arm warmers which I plan to use on my next walk. I am sick an tied of starting to walk in the morning only to stop half an hour later when you have warmed up.

Haha, same, I also use my leg warmers, easier to remove the warmers with the trousers on once the day warms up. Santini make the best merino cycling arm and leg warmers.

I use resealable Enervitene gel pouches for sauces etc.

the snap cap from an empty toothpaste tube fits perfectly onto a tube of sweetened condensed milk, makes it a bit more convenient.

there must be at least 50 things you can do with an old bicycle inner tube (you can get them in 50g race versions for the UL weight weenies)

Area54 wrote:there must be at least 50 things you can do with an old bicycle inner tube (you can get them in 50g race versions for the UL weight weenies)

well.... lets hear some then!

I couldn't find any of the Santini branded warmers so went with the Endura Ba Ba ones, I must say I am pretty impressed with them so far.

I use resealable Enervitene gel pouches for sauce

Great idea, I might try this.

I was also thinking of trying the compression socks on the next walk, I find I can get an extra 7/8km running in them so will be interested to see how they go walking.

For a more practical re use, I noticed a wine maker is making a 750ml cask, at $12 a cask / bottle the wine is passable but the bottle / cask would be ideal for carrying wine.

Thanks for the tip on the Enervitane. I looked at those (or a similar brand/package) the other day but did not realise that they are re-sealable.

Wine cask bladders can be used to make a pillow. Put some air in one (not too much) wrap some clothing or a towel around that and insert it (or not) into a stuff sack.
Same for kids water wings. In this case you get a sort of shaped pillow.
Plastic bread bags can be used at camp over clean socks inside your muddy shoes, saves having camp shoes. You can also used them inside the sleeping bag as a vapour barrier to warm up your feet. They don't last but are free. Take spares.
Tyvek (Dupont HomeWrap) is used as a groundsheet , some make tarps out of it too.
6" nails for pegs.
Braided mason line for guylines
silicone egg rings on metal mugs so you don't burn your fingers (mind your lips..)
Anti-slip mat (for carpets) to stop your mat from sliding (adds some protection too)
And of course tuna cans and beer cans to make stoves.

Franco

Area54 wrote:there must be at least 50 things you can do with an old bicycle inner tube

We use car inner tubes cut in sections for diving - they're great for attaching a DSMB or long occy hose to a tank.

But for bushwalking? Apart from making a good hanger to keep your food away from the possums, I can't think of anything uncensorable . . .

north-north-west wrote:

Area54 wrote:there must be at least 50 things you can do with an old bicycle inner tube

We use car inner tubes cut in sections for diving - they're great for attaching a DSMB or long occy hose to a tank.

But for bushwalking? Apart from making a good hanger to keep your food away from the possums, I can't think of anything uncensorable . . .

... Here's my new rain gear.... I call it "the Gimp?!"

zac150 wrote:...For me the arm warmers cyclists wear are a great idea, I have a set of merino wool arm warmers which I plan to use on my next walk...

I have tried arm warmers and found them to be far too warm for walking in. I have found they work better when there is a breeze (i.e. as you ride along). Your Mileage May Vary of course.

What I have found is that a cycling head warmer makes for a very lightweight beanie for those cool nights that seem to follow beautiful days.

Cheers,
Michael.

For the girls out there that suffer cold hips when sleeping....on a recent snow camp I put wads of small bubble wrap down my thermals to cover where my hips get chilled....it worked a treat...light weigh, cheap and easy to pack.

anne3 wrote:For the girls out there that suffer cold hips when sleeping....on a recent snow camp I put wads of small bubble wrap down my thermals to cover where my hips get chilled....it worked a treat...light weigh, cheap and easy to pack.

Things that go 'pop' in the night - a great idea!