PRESS RELEASE
Trail Hiking Australia Releases Updated Hiking Preparation and Safety Checklists
Melbourne, Australia – March 2026
Following the recent launch of the Hiking Safety Systems Framework and free online planning calculators, Trail Hiking Australia has released a suite of updated hiking preparation and safety checklists. These practical tools are designed to help hikers, bushwalking groups, and outdoor educators ensure thoughtful preparation and safe decision-making before leaving home.
The checklists adopt a systems-based approach, reflecting the eight core safety systems identified in the Hiking Safety Systems Framework: Navigation and Positioning, Environmental Protection, Hydration and Fuel, Load Carrying and Mobility, Injury and Medical Response, Communication and Rescue, Equipment Reliability, and Decision-Making and Judgement.
Unlike traditional packing lists, the checklists prompt hikers to consider why they are carrying items, how each supports overall safety, and how systems interact under changing conditions. The new suite includes:
- Hike Planning & Safety Checklist – pre-hike evaluation of route, conditions, group capability, and system readiness.
- Survival Kit Checklist – essential items for short-term self-reliance in case of delays, disorientation, or unexpected weather.
- First Aid Kit Checklist – practical, risk-based approach to managing likely injuries and medical issues in the field.
- Day Hike Safety Checklist – focuses on supporting core systems for shorter trips, including orientation, hydration, environmental protection, and communication.
- Overnight & Multi-Day Hike Safety Checklist – structured guidance for extended trips, emphasizing shelter, energy management, fatigue, and system redundancy.
“Preparation is one of the most effective ways to prevent small issues from becoming emergencies in the bush,” said Darren Edwards, Founder of Trail Hiking Australia. “These checklists help hikers think critically about what they carry and how it supports safety, rather than just providing a rigid packing list.”
All checklists are freely downloadable and intended to be used alongside skills in navigation, first aid, and risk management. They complement the recently launched Framework and calculators, providing hikers with practical, systems-based tools for safer bushwalking.
Explore and download the checklists:
About Darren Edwards
Darren Edwards is the Founder of Trail Hiking Australia and a long-time advocate for practical, experience-based hiking safety in Australian conditions. His work focuses on structured planning, environmental awareness, and field-relevant judgement to support safer bushwalking across diverse Australian landscapes.
Media and Enquiries
Darren Edwards
Founder, Trail Hiking Australia
Melbourne, Australia
www.trailhiking.com.au
