Alone Australia’s survival consultant shares his 14 essential outdoor gear tips

Australia’s vast and remote regions attract adventurers seeking to connect with nature, but many venture out ill-prepared, risking injury, getting lost, or worse.

And in light of the recent incident in the NSW Snowy Mountains, where a hiker was lost for 13 days, Gordon (Gordo) Dedman, survival/bushcraft consultant from Alone Australia and Founder of Bushcraft Survival Australia, emphasises the importance of having an understanding of the priorities of survival and the correct gear with an understanding of how to use it.
 
“We use the PLAN acronym to teach survival priorities: Protection (first aid, clothing, shelter, fire), Location (attracting, holding, and directing attention), Acquisition (water then food), and Navigation (orientation, travel, direction),” says Dedman.
 
We know there’s plenty among our Perth is OK! audience who love hiking, so when Gordo offers to share his top 14 essential gear tips to help adventurers stay safe and prepared in the wild, we’re listening!

“The most critical factor is knowing how to use that equipment—and understanding what to do if you don’t have it,” he says. “Over-reliance on gear is one of the leading causes of trouble in survival situations. When people depend too heavily on specific tools, they often find themselves unprepared to adapt when those tools are unavailable.”

Read on below for 14 essential gear tips from Gordo and make sure you’re prepared for your next hiking adventure around Western Australia and beyond:

1. Clothing

“Being appropriately dressed for the environment you are in is the first line of defence against the elements. Adequate clothing protects you from extremes in temperature, wind, rain and injury prevention. Things like sunburn, insect bites, cuts and scratches, which normally might not be a problem can become life threatening in a survival situation by becoming infected or simply by preventing you from carrying out essential tasks. You also need to constantly manage you clothing to avoid sweating.”

2. Cutting Tool

“Having some kind of cutting tool, either a fixed blade knife, a Swiss Army knife, a multitool and a saw is one of the most important items you can have. You need something that allows you to cut and calve wood, make fire, strip bark and is easy to re-sharpen in the field. With knowledge and skills you can accomplish many things with a good reliable cutting tool.”

3. Combustion Device

“One of the most essential items to bring on any hiking trip is a reliable combustion device. Ideally, this could be a lighter or matches, which are simple to use and highly effective. Alternatively, you might consider carrying a sparking tool like a Ferro Rod, also known as a metal match or fire flash. This tool is made from a blend of magnesium and other alloys and generates a shower of hot sparks when struck with an object that has a sharp 90-degree edge. You need a thorough knowledge of how to collect and process tinder for it to be able to take a spark as well as how to make fire and manage it correctly and safely under all conditions.”

4. Covering

“This could include a military-style poncho, which can serve as a shelter, raincoat, or even be inverted to collect water. Other versatile options include an all-weather emergency blanket, a bivvy bag-style space blanket, or a large heavy-duty garbage bag. These items can be used as a raincoat, moisture barrier, ground sheet, water carrier, or even filled with leaves for insulation. A garbage bag can also be cut open and tied to create a makeshift shelter. Building a shelter from natural materials like a lean-to, wickiup, or A-frame is extremely time-consuming and resource-intensive, making multi-purpose gear invaluable in survival situations.”

5. Metal Container

“As well as a good knowledge of how to find and source water and make it safe to drink, a metal container is an essential item for any hiking trip, as it allows you to carry and heat water. Boiling water is the most effective way to make it safe to drink, so ideally, you should pack both a metal container and a nesting cup. If you can’t bring both, a metal nesting cup is a great alternative for boiling water directly over a fire.”

6. Cordage

“15 metres Parachute cord, or paracord, is an excellent choice for your hiking gear due to its versatility. It contains seven inner strands, each of which can be further separated into two smaller fibers. These finer strands can be used for various tasks such as lashings, fishing line, trap making or repair work.”

7. Cloth Bandana

“A cloth bandanna is a versatile and invaluable item to bring on any hike. It can serve as a head or neck scarf, a filtering device, a triangular bandage, a sling, cordage, an improvised bag and can be used to collect water. If made from 100% cotton, it can also be used to create char cloth for fire-starting. Additionally, a brightly coloured bandanna, such as orange, can double as an effective signalling device in emergencies. Compact and lightweight, this simple item has countless practical applications in the outdoors.”

8. Compass

“Good map and compass skills are a necessity when travelling in the back country. Many survival incidents begin as a result of navigational errors. A compass is an indispensable tool for staying on course and determining direction when traveling from point A to point B. A sighting compass, in particular, is highly versatile as it includes a mirror that can be used as a heliograph for signalling or for first aid purposes. Having an accurate, up to date map of the correct scale is also a must. A knowledge of natural navigation techniques, such as using the sun, stars, or environmental cues for direction is something that we should all practice.”

9. Cloth Tape

“This versatile essential is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. It’s perfect for repairing gear, waterproofing, creating cordage, and even serving first-aid purposes, like securing splints or bandages. In a pinch, it can also be shaped into an improvised waterproof cup. A small roll of high-strength cloth tape, such as Gorilla Tape, is compact, reliable, and a smart addition to your hiking kit.”

10. Head Torch

“A head torch is an essential item for any hike, providing hands-free illumination in low-light conditions. Beyond its primary use as a light source, it can also be used to start a fire by combining its batteries with a piece of steel wool—a handy survival trick in emergencies. Brands like Ledlenser are known for producing high-quality head torches and portable lights, offering durability and reliability for outdoor adventures.”

11. 5-10 litre Dry Bag

“A versatile dry bag is perfect for keeping your items dry, doubling as an extra water container, a carry bag or a flotation device.”

12. First Aid

“Comprehensive and reliable first aid training is crucial for anyone venturing into the outdoors. Equally important is carrying a well-equipped trauma kit, including essentials like a tourniquet, emergency bandages, and a snake bite bandage. In addition, pack any prescribed medications and supplies for treating minor injuries, such as cuts, scratches, bites, and stings. Key items to include are iodine and alcohol prep pads, antiseptic ointment, and a small vial of Condy’s Crystals (potassium permanganate), which can be used for wound cleaning or water purification. Don’t forget an assortment of needles, such as a heavy-duty sail needle, which can also double as a tool for repairing gear.”

13. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

“Having a reliable personal location device is an essential item for those venturing into the bush. There are many kinds on the market. A good option are the “Garmin In-reach” devices that give you an accurate GPS position, an SOS function that allows you to send for help and the ability to text and communicate with friends and rescue agencies.”

14. Small Emergency Food Ration

“Although food is the lowest priority in short-term survival situations, carrying a few compact, long-lasting, high-calorie emergency food bars can be invaluable.”

Gordon Dedman will appear as the survival bushcraft consultant on the next series of Alone Australia airing on SBS in March, and head to Bush Craft Survival Australia to learn more.