What Equipment do I Need?
Mandatory Equipment
All team members must carry:
- Whistle (3 blasts indicate help is required)
- Emergency blanket
- Snake bandage
These items are required for your safety and spot checks are held before events to ensure team are carrying these items.
Clothing
Factors to consider in choosing Rogaining clothing:
- Comfortable and durable active wear (like trekking pants and long sleeved shirts) for the expected temperature range
- Clothing needs to be loose and flexible or clinging and stretchy to avoid chafing
- Thermal properties for cooler temperatures (warm when wet)
- Layering (several layers to put on or remove to keep warm but not hot or cold)
- A windproof, waterproof shell layer for longer or cooler events
- Arm and leg protection from sun and scratchy vegetation
- Warm hat and gloves in winter
- Sunhat most days
- Change of socks for longer events
Although you intend to keep moving to keep warm, ensure you take sufficient clothing to keep you warm at the coldest time of day if you end up being forced to remain stationary for an extended period.
Compass
The only on-course navigation aids are your map and compass. Most compasses will work but ones with a baseplate are preferred.
Commonly used models are:
Please note that world is divided into magnetic zones. A compass designed for Europe will not work well in Australia. (Some of the more expensive compasses are designed to work in all zones).
If you are planning to use an old compass, please check that it still points north.
Footwear
Choosing the right footwear for rogaining is a personal decision, and there’s no single “best” option. Everything from Dunlop Volleys to trail runners to hiking boots can work—what matters is what suits you.
Start with What You Have
If you already own suitable shoes—like trail runners or lightweight hiking boots—give them a go in a shorter event before investing in something new. At the event, observe what other participants wear and ask about their experience.
Consider Your Needs
Ankle Support: If you’re prone to ankle rolls or will be tackling rough terrain, consider mid or high cut boots for added support.
Weight and Comfort: Lighter shoes are easier to move in but may not offer as much protection or durability.
Weather and Terrain:
Trail runners are light and comfortable but often have mesh uppers that let in water, dirt, and grass seeds. Wet shoes can soften your skin and increase the risk of blisters.
Stiff-soled shoes or boots offer better protection on rocky or uneven ground.
Good tread is essential for grip in wet or slippery conditions.
Break Them In
New footwear should always be worn on a few training walks to avoid blisters and discomfort during the event. Don’t wear brand-new shoes to a rogaine!
Go with a known combination. of socks with your preferred shoes. For example, do not try thick woolen socks in a shoes for the first time during an event. If you plan on using a new combination of shoes and socks, test them out well in advance of the event.
Don’t Forget the Socks
Quality socks are just as important as your shoes. Look for well-fitting wool or synthetic socks that wick moisture and dry quickly. Avoid cotton—it holds water and increases the risk of blisters.
Other On-Course Equipment
Being well-prepared on a rogaine is all about balance—carrying enough to stay safe and comfortable without being weighed down. Here’s what you’ll need to consider:
Backpack
Your backpack is your mobile basecamp—comfort and practicality are key.
Fit matters: Choose a backpack that’s comfortable for hours of walking. It should have padded shoulder straps, a supportive waist belt, and sit snugly on your back.
Size wisely:
Too small, and you won’t fit spare clothes, food, or wet-weather gear (especially for longer events).
Too big, and you’ll be tempted to overpack.
Features to look for:
Abrasion-resistant and water-repellent material
Space for a hydration bladder
Easy-access pockets
💡 Tip: Borrow or use what you have to start. See what others are using before buying something new. A good pack can last for years.
Water
Staying hydrated is critical in any rogaine.
Carry at least 2 litres, more if the event notes suggest it.
Hydration bladders (like CamelBaks) are popular:
Let you sip on the move without stopping
Help maintain steady fluid intake
Water bottles are fine too—just make sure they’re easy to reach and secure enough not to fall out.
⚠️ If you wait until you’re thirsty, you’re already behind on hydration.
Food & Energy
Keeping your energy up over hours of hiking and navigating requires smart fuelling.
Choose energy-dense, easy-to-eat foods. Avoid anything too dry or hard to chew.
Test food during training walks to find what works for you.
Some prefer high-carb sports drinks, while others rely on whole foods and water.
Focus on:
Sustained energy (low–medium glycemic index)
Avoiding sugar crashes
Convenience and portability
🥪 Anything uneaten is still carried, so pack wisely! And remember—if your event is 6 hours or longer, a hot meal awaits you at the finish line.
Torch
A torch isn’t just for night events—it’s essential gear, especially in winter when daylight fades fast.
Head torches are ideal:
Keep your hands free for map and compass
Follow your line of sight
Lightweight and durable
Look for:
A strong central beam for spotting controls
A lower power mode for map reading
Long battery life
🎯 Experienced night rogainers usually carry TWO torches and spare batteries for both—just in case.
First Aid
Aside form the mandatory gear you may wish to take a small first aid kit. Some sort of tape can be very useful for dealing with blisters.
Other Stuff
In addition, you could add:
- Adhesive wound dressings (Bandaids, plasters, blister control)
- Personal medications
- Analgesics (paracetemol, ibuprophen)
- Suntan lotion
- Toilet paper
- Reading glasses (particularly if you need them to read a map at night)
Camping Before and After the Event
Events that are 2 or more hours drive away can be more enjoyable if you arrive the night before. Not only do you avoid being sleep deprived and tired before you start, from a very early start and a long drive, but you will have more time and be in a better frame of mind for your route planning. Arriving late and not giving your team adequate time for planning is a false economy in Rogaining.
Fatigue is a killer on Australian roads. Plan your car travel so that you are refreshed and alert when you drive, and plan to share the driving. After strenuous (and particularly longer events), rest before you drive. Stay the night and drive home the next day.
If you are planning to camp, you should bring:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Chair
- Table
- Cooking stove and billies
- Plate, cup and cutlery (you’ll be bringing these for the meal after the event)
- Your dinner, breakfast and food before the event starts
- On-course food (see above)
- Water (10-20L).
Although water is usually sourced by the event organisers, it may be in short supply and needs to keep water drops filled and catering supplied. Be self-sufficient and bring your own. In NSW generally you will not be able to rely on obtaining enough good drinking water from creeks and streams on the course.
