Tramper
Encyclopedia
A tramper is a person who hikes, and normally camps
in the backcountry for a period of time, which is normally over one or more nights. The term is commonly used in New Zealand, and in Australia to a lesser extent (see bushwalking).
and some areas of Australia
have tramping clubs which organise expeditions, hire out gear, organize social activities, etc. The major universities in New Zealand all have student tramping clubs, for example at Otago and Canterbury
.
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
in the backcountry for a period of time, which is normally over one or more nights. The term is commonly used in New Zealand, and in Australia to a lesser extent (see bushwalking).
Clubs
Many regions and cities in New ZealandNew Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
and some areas of Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
have tramping clubs which organise expeditions, hire out gear, organize social activities, etc. The major universities in New Zealand all have student tramping clubs, for example at Otago and Canterbury
Canterbury University Tramping Club
The Canterbury University Tramping Club is one of the largest sports clubs at the University of Canterbury. It was formed for the pursuit of outdoor activities, mainly tramping, mountaineering and climbing. Club members also go mountain biking, kayaking and skiing. Most members are students, staff...
.
Equipment
Standard equipment for the tramper includes, but is not limited to:- Suitable outdoor clothing - may include merino wool, polypropylene garments, waterproof jackets, etc.
- A backpack large enough and strong enough to carry enough equipment for the time in the backcountry. Some means of preventing water entering the contents.
- Durable, water proof boots suitable for adverse terrain.
- A portable shelter such as a tentTentA tent is a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over or attached to a frame of poles or attached to a supporting rope. While smaller tents may be free-standing or attached to the ground, large tents are usually anchored using guy ropes tied to stakes or tent pegs...
, fly or bivy bag. - A sleeping bag and foam pad.
- A pair of trekking poles may be used.
- A personal locator beacon or two-way radio for use in emergencies.
- Sufficient food for the period of time they will be away.
- A stove and other equipment for cooking.
- First-aid kit.
- Any special equipment that may be required such as a rope, climbing gear, ice-axe, crampons, snow-shovel, inner tube and pump (for floating on rivers).
External links
- Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand
- The Hong Kong Trampers - An example of a tramping group
- Hong Kong Hiking