Emergency gear is the kit you hope you never need but can't afford to leave behind. In Australian bush camping, remote hiking, and international travel, the gap between a manageable situation and a serious one often comes down to whether you have the right equipment. A first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a fire starter, and a signalling device weigh almost nothing and take up minimal space — there's no good reason not to carry them.
Travel Gear stocks emergency gear for camping, hiking, and travel, shipping from our Charlestown NSW warehouse with fast delivery across Australia.
Emergency Gear Essentials
First Aid Kits
A travel first aid kit covers the injuries most likely to happen on the road and on the trail: cuts, blisters, sprains, burns, and allergic reactions. A good kit includes wound dressings, antiseptic, bandages, blister treatment, pain relief, and any personal medications. Pre-assembled travel first aid kits are a practical starting point — add personal medications and any destination-specific items (malaria prophylaxis, altitude sickness medication) on top. Browse our first aid kits range for options sized for solo travel through to group camping.
Emergency Blankets
Mylar emergency blankets reflect up to 90% of body heat, weigh under 50g, and pack to the size of a deck of cards. They're the most weight-efficient piece of emergency gear available. In a survival situation, hypothermia is one of the most common causes of death — an emergency blanket can prevent it. Carry one in every pack, every time.
Fire Starters
Waterproof matches, lighters, and ferrocerium fire starters for situations where you need to start a fire for warmth, signalling, or cooking. A ferrocerium rod works when wet and lasts for thousands of strikes — more reliable than matches or a lighter in wet conditions. Carry at least two fire-starting methods on any remote trip.
Signalling Devices
Whistles, signal mirrors, and personal locator beacons (PLBs) for attracting attention in an emergency. In Australia, a registered PLB sends a distress signal to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) via satellite — the most reliable way to call for help in a remote area with no mobile coverage. PLB registration is free and mandatory in Australia.
Water Purification
In an emergency, access to clean water is critical. Water purification tablets, filters, and UV purifiers make any water source safe to drink. See our water purification range for options from individual tablets through to pump filters for group use.
Emergency Gear Checklist for Australian Bush Camping
- First aid kit (pre-assembled, with personal medications added)
- Emergency blanket (one per person)
- Two fire-starting methods (lighter + ferrocerium rod)
- Signalling whistle
- Personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote areas
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Emergency rations (high-calorie, long shelf life)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PLB for day hiking in Australia?
For well-marked trails close to populated areas, a PLB is optional but recommended. For remote hiking, off-track travel, and any trip where you'll be more than a few hours from help, a PLB is strongly recommended by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and equivalent bodies in other states. PLB registration is free through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
What should be in a travel first aid kit?
At minimum: adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, sterile wound dressings, antiseptic wipes and cream, blister treatment (Compeed or similar), triangular bandage, pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen), antihistamine, and any personal medications. For international travel, add destination-specific items based on advice from a travel health clinic or your GP.
Are emergency blankets reusable?
Standard mylar emergency blankets are single-use — they tear easily and lose effectiveness once unfolded and used. Heavier-duty emergency blankets (ripstop mylar or woven designs) are reusable and more durable, but heavier and more expensive. For a pack emergency kit, carry a standard single-use blanket; for a vehicle kit, a reusable blanket is worth the extra cost.
For the full outdoor safety kit, also see our camping equipment range and portable lighting collection.
