Gear checklist

Essential Gear List

Signature and Adventure walks only. 

The items on the gear list below will be packed into your 50-litre pack (provided) and carried by you.

When you arrive at our walkers' base it would be great if you could have all the gear you intend to take with you separated from any other luggage (perhaps in a garbage bag).  This will make the packing process run more smoothly.

• See our footwear guide for specific recommendations for this walk.
  
  

Download Footwear Guide

We can not over-emphasise the importance of appropriate footwear. Lower-profile hiking shoes, walking shoes, running shoes, approach shoes, sand shoes, elasticised boots and similar are not acceptable. Boots must be worn in to minimise the risk of blisters. The Overland Track is quite unique in the nature of its terrain. If you haven’t worn your boots for awhile please dust them off, take them for a walk and make sure the soles are still firmly attached to the boot.  There is nothing worse than your boot failing on day one. You will be unable to commence the walk without the appropriate footwear, so please feel free to contact us for more details. We are more than happy to discuss footwear with you.

• Polar fleece jacket (preferred) or woollen jumper/pullover 
• Light jumper (warm)
• Beanie or balaclava
• Gloves or mittens
• Waterproof over-pants (nylon, PVC or Gore-tex)
• Gaiters (long gaiters, reaching just below the knee; for protection against mud and rough vegetation)
• Shorts and/or light walking trousers
• Thermal base layer (2 sets: merino or polypropylene long-sleeved top and long johns. 3 sets are mandatory in Winter)
• Warm, long pants (evening hut wear)
• Shirts/t-shirts (merino or polypropylene; 3 recommended)
• Socks (3 pairs recommended)
• Underwear
• Lightweight indoor footwear (thongs/sports sandals; for hut use)
• Sun hat & sunscreen (small bottle for use during the day)
• Travel towel or body chamois (for showering; light and quick-drying)
• Water bottle(s) or water bladder (2-litre total capacity required; our packs can fit a water bladder - just ask your guides)
• Travel mug or keep cup for hot drinks during the day out on track.
• Head torch - minimum 300 lumens with spare batteries or USB charging cable
• Lightweight, compressible day pack (essential for adventure departures, recommended for regular departures - should pack down to pocket size; available for purchase at our walking base)
• Any personal medication, including anti-inflammatories and EpiPens
• A small bottle of hand sanitiser to use whilst on track. You can refill at the huts each evening.

* DENIM AND COTTON CLOTHING ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR WALKING

Recommended Gear List

• Walking poles (highly recommended for negotiating rocky terrain and muddy patches, as well as assisting with balance and muscle fatigue)
• Camera
• Spare batteries or USB-A power cord for camera (there are eight USB-A charging ports in each hut)
• Down Jacket or Synthetic equivalent (highly recommended from April - November)

Optional Gear List

• Bathers
• Small mirror (especially if you wear contact lenses)
• Face masks - enough for the duration of the walk

* Tip: Layering of clothing has long been the basis for dressing in the outdoors and the gear list above follows this principle. When the temperature drops, we add another layer of insulation; if it rains, we add a rain shell on top and when it’s warm and dry, we strip off a layer.

* Your comfort and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us, and our intention is to keep your pack weight to a minimum. Aim for one set of warm clothes for evening and another set to wear whilst walking. Thermals are necessary due to their lightweight, quick-drying and warm properties.

* While the huts include drying rooms for wet gear, they do not incorporate laundry facilities. If you adhere to the packing list, you should be all set for the duration of your walk.

* Please note that guides will do a thorough gear check prior to departure. If you are unsure about anything on the gear list, please call us or talk to your local outdoor adventure store.

What we provide

• 50-litre canvas pack (available on the morning of departure)
• Rain jacket (3-layer membrane; waterproof and breathable, available on the morning of departure)
• Pack cover and pack liner
• Sleeping sheet and pillow case (sleeping bags provided in huts)
• Lunch container and cutlery
• Basic toiletries (sunscreen, after sun care, insect repellent, Sorbolene-based moisturiser; available at each hut)
• Bio-degradable liquid soap (also suitable as a shampoo; available at each hut - we would appreciate it if you used our soap, as it is phosphorus-free and suited to our greywater systems)
• Hut libraries offering a range of books and games (including field guides; some titles are available in every hut along the track)

* Please note: any luggage not required on your walk can be stored at our office and will be returned to you at the conclusion of your walk.

If you have your own hiking gear please feel free to bring it along to use.  Our guides will ensure it is suitable on the morning of your departure.