WHAT TO WEAR

The essential clothing items for bushwalking:

Footwear:

High-ankled bushwalking boots are designed for people carrying heavy overnight rucksacks and for navigating rocky, unstable ground. For bush track and light offtrack rambling, low-ankled walking shoes will carry you comfortably to your destination. Thick, quality walking socks can really put a spring in your step.

Pants:

If wearing shorts, be sure you have some defense against sunburn, insects and cold weather. Choose a light, breathable fabric that allows you flexibility and moisture transfer of sweat. Jeans are poor bushwalking companions: denim in wet conditions has been known to cause hypothermia.

Tops:

You want a top layer that breathes as you sweat. Cotton tends to hold moisture in its fibres and cools quickly against the skin. Polyester and fine wools are better options. Wear a light base layer and carry a second, thicker thermal layer in your pack.

Hats:

Protecting your face and neck from UV rays not only keeps your skin young, but also prevents you from shrivelling into a dehydrated victim of heat stroke. Wide brims are good and caps are okay.

Your packing checklist

More bushwalking essentials

Your metabolism-boosting walking program