Tramper

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Tramper is a common term used in New Zealand (and to an extent in Australia) to identify a person going on a tramp. A tramper usually is identifiable by three key elements:

1. Has a pack (rucksack) on their back.
2. Wears strong footwear.
3. Walks in a predetermined direction (tramping) being more serious in intention and effort than just a walk in the park (day tripper).

Pack

The pack will usually contain items to support the tramper for a sustained period. These items will include most or all of the following: ground mat and sleeping bag, small tent or bivvy bag, small cooking facility, food and water (water collection/storage for immediate personal use). The tent will not be carried when the intention is to stay in huts.

Footwear

The strong footwear is indicative of the intent to go to places that are more rugged in terrain and of a prolonged nature, for example, several hours at a time without a break. Lightweight footwear is often not appropriate for the rough conditions that can be encountered.

Tramping

Trampers usually are seen in the 'head down-butt up' mode. While intending to enjoy the sights and sounds during 'the tramp' they are serious and determined to get to a predetermined destination. This may require camping out in the open over night (in the tent) or aiming to be at a particular site/hut/river/forest clearing etc before night fall/lunch/sunrise. Part of the tramp intention may be to arrive at mountain top/hut/connecting launch(boat) at a predetermined time, for both safety and convenience of connection. In New Zealand particularly, some of those who tramp ie. Trampers, are perceived to be very destination and speed of journey fixated to the exclusion of all else including the enjoyment of views and flora and fauna. A partially jocular metaphor used to describe such trampers is that they proceed as though hell was behind them and free beer in front.

Tramping terminology

• Tramp - a determined, often hard, walk in public areas such as mountain and bush tracks (trails).

• Tramp intention and log books - These are in the backcountry huts for trampers to state their 'intentions', for social interest, historical usefulness, and Search & Rescue co-ordination.

• Search and Rescue - should this organisation be called in for help, the intentions book directs the search as to the most likely place to start. Locator beacons of low weight and low rental can be activated by the user or by search and rescue.

• Bivvy bag - a waterproof outer shell (instead of a tent) made to fit a sleeping bag inside so that can be used loosely or staked to the ground with ropes or pitons when mountain climbing.

• Scroggin (scrog) - a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate used as a snack food

See also

Look up tramper in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Hiking
• Tramping in New Zealand

External links

• Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand
• The Hong Kong Trampers - An example of a tramping group