{"id":30705,"date":"2024-07-04T00:29:07","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T14:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=30705"},"modified":"2026-04-17T12:19:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T02:49:30","slug":"expedition-hiking-gear-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/expedition-hiking-gear-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate School Camp Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Beyond the books, school bags, and lunch boxes, there\u2019s the outdoor classroom offering lessons to be learned in self-discovery, life skills, and leadership – and with the right kit comes the confidence to kick butt! <\/i>If you\u2019re reading this, chances are your child is embarking on a school, Cadets, Scouts, or Guides hiking trip \u2013 maybe even starting their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award! Your task? Getting the gear to kit them out!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

We know the conundrum: you want the gear to be functional, warm, and comfortable\u2026 but you\u2019re not confident that they\u2019re ever going to use it again. In this blog, we’ve unpacked the ultimate checklist for your child\u2019s upcoming outdoor camp or expedition, having rustled up some advice on the most important and expensive items you’ll need (sleeping bags, mats, packs, and shoes), as well as other affordable, middle-of-the-range, and premium gear for beginner hikers.<\/p>\n

Put the pencils down, lace up, and let\u2019s hit the track!<\/p>\n

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In this guide, we\u2019ve rustled up some advice on the most important and expensive items you’ll need. Image: Caribee<\/em><\/p>\n

Sleeping Bag<\/u><\/h2>\n

Consider Packed Size, Weight, and Warmth<\/h2>\n

A sleeping bag<\/a> is one of the most critical pieces of gear, as it’s the difference between a comfortable sleep and a cold, sleepless night. Packed size, weight, and warmth are the most important considerations here.<\/p>\n

Avoid Bags Designed for General Camping<\/h2>\n

These are heavier and have a bulkier packed size, so not suitable for carrying in a rucksack. Instead, look for sleeping bags that are between 1-1.5kg if possible, with a suitable packed size. For more information on how to choose lightweight sleeping bags for hiking, check out this article here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Pick a bag that’s as warm, light, and compact as possible for your budget. Image: Alamy<\/em><\/p>\n

Bag Rating<\/h2>\n

If you’re unsure about the temperature rating, we recommend choosing a bag with a comfort rating (not a \u2018lower limit\u2019 or \u2018extreme\u2019 rating) that is 5 to 10 degrees lower than the average temperature it will be used in.<\/p>\n

Synthetic for Affordability, Down for Longevity<\/h2>\n

Synthetic sleeping bags<\/a> are popular with campers and hikers alike, as they\u2019re inexpensive, faster-drying, and will still provide some insulation when damp (compared to down).<\/p>\n

A down-filled sleeping bag<\/a> will offer more warmth for weight than a synthetic bag.\u00a0When taken care of, a quality down bag can last for years \u2013 so it is a good investment if it’s going to be used over and over again.<\/p>\n

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A sleeping bag is the difference between a comfortable sleep and a cold, sleepless night. Image: Goal Zero<\/em><\/p>\n

Accessorise for Extra Warmth<\/h2>\n

A thermal sleeping bag liner<\/a> is a lightweight way to increase the warmth of a bag by a few degrees and is extra insurance should the temperatures drop unexpectedly.<\/p>\n

An emergency or space blanket comes standard with most first aid kits<\/a>, so that can always be used to add insulation under a sleeping mat, or on top of a sleeping bag for extra warmth in a pinch.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also got some extra tips on how to make a sleeping bag warmer, which might be handy to read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We Recommend:<\/h2>\n

Sea to Summit Circuit or Trek Sleeping Bags<\/h2>\n

A step up in durability and price is the Trek and Circuit range<\/a> from Sea to Summit – high quality and affordable down bags available in multiple temperature ratings.\u00a0This bag is a top-quality all-rounder, suitable for hiking, travel, and camping.<\/p>\n

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Closed-cell foam mats offer limited comfort, but are super lightweight and don\u2019t cost a lot. Image: Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures<\/em><\/p>\n

Sleeping Mat<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Same Goes…<\/h2>\n

For a more technical trip where weight, warmth and packed size are again very important considerations \u2013 a bulky and heavy mat will be uncomfortable to carry.<\/p>\n

Air-filled mats are generally the most compact, lightweight and compressible options for lightweight adventures. In cold conditions, however, air beds do not offer adequate insulation \u2013 so you will need to choose one that does.<\/p>\n

Self-inflating mats<\/a> have open cell foam which has cores or holes cut out so they can be compressed down, which are a bit more luxurious but are slightly heavier than air-filled mats.<\/p>\n

The third option is closed cell foam mats<\/a> which are dense rolls of foam that can’t be compressed. These offer limited comfort, but are super lightweight and don\u2019t cost a lot.<\/p>\n

We Recommend:<\/h2>\n

Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Mat<\/h3>\n

A go-to option here would be the Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Mat from Sea to Summit<\/a>, as this packs down to 23L x 11W x 11H cm, is 5cm thick (providing decent padding) and has an R-value of 3.3 to insulate against the cold from the ground.<\/p>\n

It represents great value for money, as it’s insulated, compact, and offers enough thickness even for side sleepers to be comfortable. Plus, it\u2019s consistently a top seller with great reviews, and we’ve had it in our range for years.<\/p>\n

Some schools won’t allow air-filled<\/a> or self-inflating mats,<\/a> as both of these styles can be punctured. If that’s the case, a closed-cell foam mat is the only sleeping mat option. This can also be used under another mat in colder conditions for extra insulation, and for other activities such as yoga or gym \u2013 so it won\u2019t gather dust in the shed after the trip!<\/p>\n

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If you can fit all your gear in a smaller pack, you’re on the right track! Image: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n

Packs<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Right Style and the Right Fit<\/h2>\n

Look for a long, thin top-loading pack, not a zippered travel pack<\/a>. Harness fit is the most important factor, so have your pack<\/a> fitted in person if you can.<\/p>\n

The hip belt must be snug as it carries 60-70% of the weight, and the shoulder straps need to be rounded over the top of the shoulders. A pack should also have an internal frame that distributes weight onto the hip belt.<\/p>\n

Need help? Check out some of our best-selling daypacks<\/a> for this year.<\/p>\n

A Big Pack is a Heavy Pack<\/h2>\n

A 65L size rucksack<\/a> should provide plenty of space to carry a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, clothing, first-aid kit, and basic kitchen gear. If you can fit all your gear in a smaller pack, you’re on the right track (see what we did there?). However, if you need much bigger than 65L, you may need to reconsider the gear you are packing.<\/p>\n

Check out this blog<\/a> for more on how to pack a rucksack.<\/p>\n

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We’ve got a selection of gear options for all budgets. Image by Snowy Mountains Grammar School<\/em><\/p>\n

Accessories Aren\u2019t Always Necessary<\/h2>\n

A detachable day pack or removable rain cover are handy, but these features add weight.<\/p>\n

We Recommend:<\/h2>\n

Caribee Cadet 65L Auscam Rucksack<\/h3>\n

The Caribee Cadet 65L Auscam Rucksack<\/a> is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a basic design that fulfills the standard requirements. It features a padded back and hip belt, an aluminium frame for distributing weight, and molle webbing attachment points for carrying gear externally.<\/p>\n

Deuter Aircontact Rucksack<\/h3>\n

The Deuter Aircontact range<\/a> offers premium comfort and durability out of all the packs in our range, available in a variety of sizes with slimline fit options too.<\/p>\n

The Aircontact back system provides padding and ventilation, and you can get achieve your ideal fit with the pivoting help belt. An adaptable shoulder harness also provides maximum comfort when carrying gear. This is the best option for those who are confident it will get used repeatedly in the future.<\/p>\n

For more on the Deuter hiking pack range, tune into Ben and Lauren’s interview<\/a> on the Snowys Camping Show podcast with Manfred from TMO Sports:<\/strong><\/p>\n