I use Camelbak brand backpacks because they are well designed and rugged. The model I use is the HAWG, which is a good size for my needs.

1. The backpack -  It’s got a 3 litre water bladder.

2. Tow rope -  Telecom to the rescue.

3. Fuel -  I really don’t like carrying petrol, but have used it a number of times so still include it. The tough steel fuel specific container holds about 1.4 litres and is much safer than a plastic one.

4. GME UHF radio -  We use these to communicate between guides and the back up crew. Our GME radios are high quality Aussie made units that I think are better than the other brands available. I’ve had some in helmet looms made up with speakers, a push to talk button and a microphone. The speakers are the standard ones that come in the 6200 radios. The PTT button and microphone I sourced from a genuine GME accessory headphone kit, model number HS004. An electronics mate wired it up for us, using a small four pin plug I sourced from electronics mob Jaycar. The speakers and PTT are held in place inside the helmet with Velcro. Now, we can communicate whilst riding and can hear each other even at race pace. Communication is everything.

5. Spare battery for the UHF -  Just in case.

6. Waterproof Jacket -  This lightweight nylon jacket is 100% waterproof yet light weight. Getting wet and then cold in the high country is not fun at all and can be life threatening. Don’t leave home without it. Mine is a Rainbird brand.

7. Torch -  Valuable in the dark. Batteries interchange with the GPS.

8. Matches -  in a waterproof bag.

9. Lighter -  as back up.

10. Bit of double sided Velcro strapping -  Good to fix broken straps and hold stuff on. This stuff holds the spare tube onto my handlebars.

11. Clean Rags -  You never know when you’ll need another to back up the one in the bumbag.

12. Trail snacks -  Snakes or similar lollies to keep your energy levels up.

13. CPR Info Card -  A quick reminder on how to save a life.

14. First Aid Kit -  My very basic kit contains a couple of triangular bandages, as collarbone/arm injuries seem to be the most common. Some bandages to stop bleeding, band aids, a safety pin for splinter removal. Includes water purifying tablets. If forced to use stream water to refill your Camelbak, these tablets ensure that it won’t make you crook. Bali Belly in the bush is no fun.

15. Emergency space blanket -  Used to ward off the cold. Wrap the patient in one until the chopper arrives.

16. Toilet paper -  kept dry in plastic bags. Enough said.

17. Cash -  I carry a few bucks just in case. Coins are shown here but notes are lighter.

18. Garmin GPS -  I only use these on tour in the event of an emergency, so that I can provide a map reference to the emergency services in the event of a serious accident. The helicopter can then fly straight to us, instead of wasting valuable time searching for us. Choppers don’t have much fuel range and sometimes only have a few minutes to search, so the GPS can save a life.

19. Mobile phone -  Emergency use only really. Might work from the top of a hill somewhere.

Not shown: Camera. I use a Konica Minolta Z6 to take shots of customers riding. It’s a bit bigger than I’d like, but if you want quality action shots, then you need a camera like this. Most smaller digital cameras don’t have adjustable shutter speed and the shots are often blurred. We burn the shots onto CD and mail them out after each tour.

We also carry one of the new GME EPIRBS. These emergency response beacons send a message to emergency services from anywhere and get the help to your location as fast as possible. The model I use, the MT410G, is small, light and tough. It sends a message out that includes GPS coordinates so you can be found more easily. It’s not uncommon for others such as commercial airliners to pick up the signal and alert the authorities. They have a battery life of seven years and retail at around $600, with no ongoing costs after purchase. Cheaper by far than a satellite phone if you need an ambulance in a hurry and I expect it to be bullet proof reliable like all GME products.

Note that if I was going on an adventure ride without our back up four wheel drive, then I’d carry more gear, including items such as a spare radiator hose, much more food, more money and the like depending on the actual trip.