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Equipment List

Newlands Cascades camping

What’s included

>> Coach transport to and from the river with pickups and drop offs around central Hobart. Yacht cruise on the last day of the Full and Lower River trips (or sea plane flights by arrangement, extra charges apply).

>> All meals (lots of delicious fresh Tassie food, real brewed coffee etc.) from lunch day 1 to breakfast on the last trip day, B&B on night 1 of the Lower River tour.

>> All rafting equipment, including high-float life jackets, helmets and modern self bailing rafts.

>> We take an inflatable kayak on most trips for an optional solo experience on some river sections.

>> Watershed ‘Westwater’ dry-bag (~70 litres) to store personal gear whilst on the river. Our dry-bags have comfortable shoulder straps on them so you wont need a day pack unless walking Frenchmans Cap.

>> Warm 5 mm steamer wet suits (long arms and legs).

>> All camping equipment including comfortable inflatable mattresses with pillows and a mesh groundsheet (except sleeping bags). We supply tents on most trips and pitch them under large fly sheets.

>> National park entry fees.

>> Satellite phone and EPIRB for emergency communications.

>> Qualified and experienced guides.

>> Comprehensive first aid kit.

>> Pelican case or barrel with water resistant O-ring seals for cameras and fragile items.

>> Video of your trip.


What’s NOT included

>> Travel insurance.

>> Airfares – except where stated.

>> Sleeping bag – may be hired for $80.

>> Meals and accommodation when off the river.

>> Items of a personal nature (see check-list below).


CHECK LIST – Personal Equipment (what you need to bring)

Because of the potential for cold conditions thermal wear (thermal / fleece or similar garments) should be taken where indicated.

ON THE WATER – Rafting

>> Footwear: we strongly recommend Dunlop volleys (the real brand ones not just some look-a likes)
OR ‘5.10 brand’ or ‘stealth rubber’ soled runners! They provide by far the best grip for moving around on wet rocks.
OR runners with soft rubber soles.
Avoid sandals and wet suit boots, as they generally don’t provide sufficient support / protection when moving around on wet rocks.

>> One pair of warm socks – neoprene, thermal, waterproof or woollen (e.g. Explorer).

>> First layer under wet-suit (e.g. swimwear, underwear, thermals, rashies, Lycra or leggings) bring long thermal tops and bottoms if you feel the cold, see optional section.

>> Shorts to wear over wet suit to protect your rear end. These should be thick cotton or polyester, on the large side and have a webbing belt or drawstring closure to hold them up.

>> Peaked cap/sun hat.

>> Small water resistant sunscreen.


OPTIONAL

You might want to bring any of the below items, but they are not considered essential.

>> Leather or neoprene sailing gloves.

>> Binoculars.

>> Sunglasses with retention strap.

If you get cold easily consider bringing the below items and maybe let us know pre trip as we have extra warm gear we can lend you.

>> Under the wet suit:
– long bottoms, thermal, neoprene Sharkskin or lycra pants
– long sleeved thermal top: polypropylene / polyester fleece / neoprene / Sharkskin / wool NOT cotton.

>> Your own thick wet suit OR dry-suit; OR dry-top / bottom.

>> 3 to 7 mm neoprene socks or GoreTex or Sharkskin or waterproof socks. The best ones are iDRY 5mm lined neoprene socks https://www.probewetsuits.com/

>> Over pants – nylon or GoreTex with drawstring closure.

OFF THE WATER – Camping

>> Sleeping bag (synthetic or down) rated to Comfort 0°C or better.

>> Rain jacket with hood – coated nylon or GoreTex seam sealed.

>> Warm tracksuit pants OR polyester fleece pants, NOT jeans or cotton trousers.

>> A fleece jacket OR warm jumper.

>> Second thermal long sleeved top.

>> Thermal pants or tights.

>> Woollen or thermal socks.

>> Shorts and T-shirt.

>> Runners or very lightweight boots or Crocs / sandals;
heavy boots are not required for Frenchman’s Cap, as you are not carrying a heavy pack, they can also take up lots of room in your river bag.

>> Plastic bag for your camp shoes to keep them separate in your river bag.

>> Head lamp LED + spare batteries OR small torch.

>> Tooth brush and minimal soap and tooth paste.

>> Woollen or thermal hat

>> Money – you can purchase drinks, snacks or souvenirs en route.

>> Medication – you should bring any medications you take regularly or anticipate you may need, particularly analgesics. We carry medications for emergency use only.


OPTIONAL

You might want to bring any of the below items, but they are not considered essential.

>> Down jacket (highly recommended).

>> Thermarest and Thermarest chair, we have plenty of inflatable items to sit on.

>> Small hiking tent OR Bivy bag (if you prefer to sleep in your own tent).

>> Pillow, very small or inflatable, this would be in addition to the pillow on our mattresses or if you BYO sleeping mat.

>> Insect repellent.

>> Chamois or very small towel.

>> Small collapsible backpack and water bottle or bladder (1L) if you are planning to hike Frenchmans Cap.

>> Spare glasses or contact lenses.

>> Book, cards, small musical instrument.


BIOSECURITY

The Franklin River is currently free of many pests, weeds and diseases – and we’d like to keep it that way. Our biggest threats are Phytophthora (root rot), didymo algae, chytrid frog fungus, myrtle rust and weed seeds. Before you pack, CHECK, CLEAN AND DRY all clothing and equipment, paying special attention to boots, Velcro (on jackets) and pockets. …read more (https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/know-before-you-go/biosecurity)

PHOTOGRAPHY

>> Easiest with lightweight waterproof digital cameras (can be attached to your life jacket with a lanyard). Smartphones have been used though many are not very waterproof and they don’t float.

>> GoPro or similar waterproof action cameras can produce great on the run footage. Many of our helmets have GoPro mounts.

>> We have a variety of Pelican cases for SLR’s and lenses. If you have a large amount of camera equipment please let us know in advance.

>> A tripod, spare batteries, charger and memory cards may be useful.

Please avoid wearing jewellery on the river.

Excess gear may be stored at the Astor if you are staying there, at your accommodation or we can also store excess gear and vehicles for you at our base.

QUESTIONS REGARDING GEAR OR LAST MINUTE PROBLEMS
CALL BRETT ON 1800 1111 42 or +61 408 242941

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