Backpack Must-Haves for North Queensland Hikes

Whether you are heading out for your first bushwalk or you are a seasoned hiker tackling the trails around Townsville, what you pack can make or break your trip. In this episode of the Take A Hike podcast, host Blair Woodcock sat down with Townsville Bushwalking Club experts Luen Warneke and Cherry Judge to slow things down and talk about the MUST HAVES in your backpacks and the amazing reasons why you need them.

Here is a breakdown of the essential gear you need to stay safe and comfortable in the North Queensland bush.

Safety First: Communication is Key

When packing, your first thought should always be safety. Mobile phones are great for navigation if you have offline maps downloaded, but you absolutely cannot rely on them for communication in remote areas. Even to call 000, you need to be within range of at least one mobile network.

The ultimate must-have is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Luen Warneke and Cherry Judge both recommend compact options like the Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1, which retails for around $300. It is a small investment for peace of mind. Remember to register your PLB with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) and update your trip details every time you head out. Check your device regularly, too - batteries typically expire after about seven years!

The First Aid Kit: Be Snake Smart

North Queensland is home to Taipans, Eastern Browns, Red Belly Blacks, and Death Adders, so snake bandages are non-negotiable. You must carry at least two compression bandages. Look for modern bandages with square and rectangular indicators printed on them; as you wrap, stretch the rectangle until it forms a square, ensuring the perfect amount of tension.

Cherry shared a harrowing story from Paluma in September. Her daughter accidentally stepped on a snake hidden in black rotting leaf litter. Assuming the snake only struck her shoe, they did not apply a bandage immediately. Minutes later, the agonising pain hit. Thankfully, they had bandages in their pack, applied one quickly, and rushed to the emergency room. It turned out to be a Black Whip snake - not highly venomous, but incredibly painful. Moral of the story: always carry your snake bandages and know how to use them!

Other first aid kit additions:

• An offline First Aid app: Download the data before you lose reception.
• Blister and foot care supplies.
• A space blanket for emergency shelter.
• Water purification tablets.
• Double or triple dry bags to keep everything safe from river crossings or rain.

Hydration: Bladder vs. Bottle

It is amazing how many people underestimate their water needs in the Townsville heat. For a six to eight-hour walk, barely a litre is a recipe for disaster. Drink plenty, and do not let the fear of having to go for a wee in the bush stop you from staying hydrated!

While Blair prefers standard water bottles to avoid the "plastic taste", Luen and Cherry are big fans of hydration bladders. Modern bladders do not taint the water, and wide-mouth versions are incredibly easy to fill from trickling streams. A great tip is to get insulated tubing so your first sip isn't boiling hot in the Queensland sun. Do not forget to pack electrolytes for those longer day trips!

Snacks and Critter Protection

What is the point of a hike if you are not going to stop for morning tea? Always pack more food than you think you will need, just in case you get delayed or lost.

Finally, you need a defence strategy for our local wildlife. Sunscreen and DEET-based mosquito repellent are essentials. But what about leeches? While many people swear by salt or a lighter, these methods actually cause the leech to regurgitate into the bite, which can lead to infection. The best method? Slide your fingernail or a sharp knife under their teeth to break the seal, and they will simply drop off.

Stay safe, pack smart, and happy hiking!