There is much advice on overland track gear on the internet. And packing lists everywhere. The challenge is to get your pack to around 16 kilos and most do and some better.
The most common mistake we are finding is the mat. On cold nights and into the winter cold will come from below and so critical you invest in a suitable mat.
Don’t over pack. Think carefully about what clothing you really need. Layers of clothing are winners. Being able to remove or add helps a lot. Down jackets are excellent they go small and light.
Accept wet feet. Hopefully you will not experience too much mud and in recent years the track has been much improved with boardwalk.
Winter days are short in Tasmania so a headlight is very useful. In the summer, very long and on the longest days not dark till after 9pm.
You will have plenty of relax time. Books are heavy to carry so a luxury you need to think about. Some take a Kindle which lasts well. One group played hours of cards.
Choose your back packs well. Finding the one that fits you well is very important.
Gaiters are important as there are snakes in the summer months. They are not aggressive but may not move out of your way too slowly.
Rain is possible at any time of the year. Dry bags inside your backpack are a great idea.
There is no mobile service on the track and so do consider an emergency option. These vary in price and depend on what you need. Some systems can be hired including from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
If you are travelling and do not want to bring all your Overland Track equipment we are able to hire at very good rates. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Overland Track Gear List
This is NOT a definitive list but covers what we think you need to carry on the Overland Track and gives ideas to help and discuss. Most people aim to have the pack weighing around 16kilos or less. Saying that we have seen much heavier.
- Pack with comfortable shoulder and hip and chest straps. The minimum size being 65 litre.
- Pack Liner in case it rains or at least a strong plastic bag to wrap around everything to keep out rain. Some people use medium sized dead dog bags available from a vet. If very wet weather is expected consider double lining important items like the sleeping bag.
- Tent with cord to tie too tent platforms (the huts may be full) and a compulsory item
- Ground sheet to go under the tent provides some protection for the tent. The other main use is to wrap around the Pack to protect from animals and birds. Also, useful for sitting on the ground when wet.
- Sleeping bag ideally able to provide warmth to -10, if walking in the summer rated at least to 0 degrees.
- Sleeping bag inner liner provides extra insulation and keeps the inside clean and easy to wash the liner
- Pillow case that can be filled with clothes at night
- Sleeping mat, this is one area to spend more to ensure a better night’s sleep. Cold comes up and important to be well insulated if walking in colder months.
- Waterproof coat with hood
- Waterproof over trousers
- Fleece jacket can be good in the evenings and also if cold at night, they also make good pillows
- Thermal top and longs, good at night and if cold in the day time, thin layers work well
- Trousers times two
- Shirt times two
- Walking boots, do make sure you have worn them in, be careful if old as we have a couple of cases of boots falling apart
- Hiking socks, two pairs
- Underwear, two pairs
- Gaiters to protect from snakes
- Sun hat, you will be surprised at the level of sun in Tassie and in the summer the days are long.
- Warm hat for the higher altitudes and critical in winter as a lot of heat is lost via the head, having a warm hat on a jacket is an alternative
- Thermal long sleeve top and long johns
- Gloves and if cold an extra waterproof mitten layer to go on top
- Camp shoes
- Bathers, there are places to swim in the summer
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Toilet trowel
- Toilet paper
- Toiletries, soap and toothbrush
- Fuel stove and fuel
- Matches kept in a container to keep dry
- Cigarette lighter as a backup or main use and generally more reliable
- Food, keep it light and nutritious and remove all packaging, see overland food
- Cooking pot or maybe two pots, depends a bit on the type of food you are taking and whether you will be frying
- Mug
- Bowl to use as a plate or bowl
- Knife, fork and spoon
- Sourer for washing dishes
- Water bottle
- Collapsible water bag can be useful to carry water from the water tank or stream
- Water purification tablets some people carry but the water is generally very clean and safe
- Overland Track Map
- Compass
- Torch and spare batteries
- Headlight
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Day pack for any side trips (not needed if you are not doing side trips)
- First Aid Kit with Pressure bandages, Non-stick gauze dressings, Triangular bandage, Butterfly clips, Elastoplast, Bandaids, Blister pack, Antiseptic cream, Safety pins, Scissors, Tweezers
- Space blanket (this is critical and a life saver)
- Note pad and pencil
- Pack of cards
- Kindle seems to last a long time and contains many books. There is plenty of relax time if doing over six days
- Book
- Camera, some that we have helped having taking huge cameras and come back with wonderful images but is a heavy item, a small camera with AA batteries that you carry a spare set of is a good idea.
- Hiking Poles, we do not use but many swear by them, if your knees are weak then you should take.
- PLB is a debate, most do not carry, an option is to hire from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre
- Telstra mobile, there can be pockets of reception and at Narcissus. If taking and using for images then a backup charge is a good idea.
Overland Track Transport
Overland Track Transfer with accommodation
