Thread: First Solo Hunt Coming Up

Originally Posted by Louie

I'm planning a day trip in the Kaimais this weekend. I'm thinking of parking at Ngamuwahine Lodge, heading up track to a place i'm comfortable getting off the beaten path.

This is my first mission on public land; i've got a toppo app, power bank and compass to help me from getting lost.

Any tips or info anyone can pass on to help prevent me from making a balls up of it?

I have a suggestion for your "topo app" and power bank.............. laminated NZ50 topo and compass will never fail or give wrong information, as long as you learn how to use them. GPS is useful to get grids and mark waypoints, actual GPS unit, not some phone thing ( that seems great until one day......). Useful training tip, take a notebook and pencil, write notes on your surroundings as you move through, comparing to your map and using your compass as you go, try backtracking yourself based on your notes - teaches you to observe and reduces your chances of getting lost.
NOTE: every one who has spent any time in deep bush has been lost at some point, I have been guilty of arguing with my compass because I didn't believe it, but they are never wrong.

If you get lost, your first priority is to sit down and get a brew on!