Hiking Group Rules

All members resident in Ballarat are expected to attend the meeting point for a travel briefing.

Expectations as to pre-hike meeting times.

1. Arrive at the nominated meeting point prior to 7:50am.

2. 7:50 to 7:55 - Vehicle allocation & transfer gear to allocated vehicles.

3. 7:55 Briefing regarding travel to hike venue.

4. 8a.m. (or when all previous steps complete), depart the meeting point.

All members of the U3A Ballarat Hiking Group need to sign a form which sets out the risks associated with hiking 

 A copy of the form can be found here:  Acknowledgement of risk form 

All members will:

...play a part in maintaining my safety and that of the other members of the Group. 

• ...disclose to the leader details of any health problems that may arise during a walk. 

• ...be responsible for carrying their own medications on walks. 

• ...comply with the Hiking Group rules regarding clothing, equipment, and safety*

• ...follow the instructions of the designated leader(s). 

• ...consider the information supplied about each walk before deciding to attend. 

• ...inform the leader(s) of the Group of any health concerns that might affect their participation.

• ...have complete personal ambulance cover (not under a Health Insurance), including unlimited access to an air ambulance. 

• ...agree to photographs being taken and posted to the Hiking Group’s blogsite and other social media where applicable. 

WATER

All members to carry a sufficient amount of water as per the conditions.

A minimum of one litre of water on all hikes - two litres or more in hot weather.

* CLOTHING

All clothing should be fit for purpose, that is quick drying, lightweight, synthetic or wool material. *Cotton is to be strictly avoided. (click on the link to read the convincing reasons)

Socks should be pure wool or synthetic

Underwear should not contain cotton. Eg. Women Men

Wet underwear for long periods can be most uncomfortable

All members to carry a windproof/waterproof jacket with them at all times.

Due to the terrain, vegetation or the likelihood of encountering snakes the leader may specify:

• that no shorts be worn on a particular hike.
• that knee-length gaiters are highly recommended. (please read this as 'compulsory')
• that hiking pole(s) are recommended

Packs

Packs should be of sufficient capacity to carry your jacket, spare clothing, food, water and safety equipment: torch, whistle, compression bandage etc.

There is very little difference in weight between a small pack and a suitable sized pack.

Features of a good pack:

•     lightweight
•     durable
•     wide comfortable waist strap (most of the weight is carried on the hips)
•     Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment 
•      fully adjustable for a comfortable fit 
•      waterproof
•      at least 20 litre capacity

My pack as an example

a womans pack example

Updated 25.12.2022