GEAR CHECKLIST: Overland Track

Thorough preparation and good gear is essential to safely enjoying the Overland Track...especially as almost half the track is above 1000m elevation on exposed plateaus in remote areas. Make sure you pack smart as well as light with our gear checklist!

Overland Track
65km
Cradle Mountain | Tasmania | Australia

The Overland Track is Australia's premier alpine walk, attracting trekkers from across the world. This six-day trek begins at Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St Clair (Australia's deepest lake), taking you through magnificent parts of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The landscape is gorgeous: alpine meadows, golden moorlands, eucalypt forests, glacially carved valleys and ancient rainforests. But thorough preparation and good gear is essential to safely enjoying the Overland Track...especially as almost half the track is above 1000m elevation on exposed plateaus in remote areas. When you're ready to go, book now through the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service to secure your spot!

Storage

• Large hiking pack - we recommend a 75L pack weighing approximately 18kg when packed, including at least 2L of water
• Pack liner - prevents water from soaking through onto your equipment; use dry bags, brand-specific pack liners or even a large garbage bag
• Waterproof dry bags - for protecting your sleeping bag and camp clothes in the case of heavy rain or snow, so you can get dry when you set up for the night
• Rubbish bag - leave no waste behind on the track.

Shelter

• Tent - 3-4 reason rating with inner and outer layer. The huts along the track may be full when you arrive, or injury/severe weather may prevent you from reaching the hut; you must carry a tent
• Sleeping bag - minimum temperature rating -10˚C. Consider an inner sheet to add warmth and keep your bag clean
• Sleeping mat - prevents heat from being leeched out into the ground

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket - with seam-sealed and breathable fabric (GORE-TEX or similar), storm front and hood
• Waterproof over trousers - with seam-sealed and breathable fabric (GORE-TEX or similar)
• Warm fleece or woollen jumper - not cotton
• Long sleeve shirt - quick-dry fabric for walking
• Long pants - quick-dry fabric (not denim jeans) OR shorts + thermal long pants
• Thermal base layers - long sleeve top and long pants
• Warm equipment - like a beanie, neck warmer and gloves
• Sun-safe equipment - like a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Gaiters - prevent grit, dirt and debris from getting in your shoes
• Hiking socks - choose thicker socks primed to minimise blisters and regulate your temperature
• Sturdy hiking boots - make sure they have strong soles and that you wear them in before you leave
• Camp clothes - something lightweight and comfy to lounge in.

Food & Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration bladder - capable of carrying 2-3 litres
• Water purification - either a filter or purification tablets
• Food - lightweight and energy-dense; remove excess packaging to save waste and weight
• Cooking stove - remember to bring enough fuel to cook all of your meals!
• Lighter and/or matches
• Cooking and eating utensils.

Safety

• Mobile phone - be aware that in remote locations, you may not be able to get a signal
• PLB - personal locator beacons can be hired from the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service
• Map - mobile phones cannot be relied on in remote areas, so bring a printed map
• Torch / head-torch and spare batteries
• Whistle - helps you call for help in an emergency
• First aid kit - suitable for walking in remote areas. Include any regular medications that you take and a blister kit to remedy those nasty hot spots that can prevent you from enjoying your hike!
• Emergency space blanket - for preventing and/or treating hypothermia.

Optional Extras

• Overland Track guidebook - essential information and maps for walking the Overland Track
• Toilet trowel and toilet paper
• Basic personal toiletries
• Antibacterial gel
• Travel towel
• Insect repellant
• Trekking poles
• Compass
• Pocket knife
• Camp shoes - lightweight sandals are great for letting your feet relax and breathe at the end of the day.

It's super important to follow these packing guidelines. Weather in alpine regions can deteriorate rapidly, and deaths have occurred when people have been caught unprepared in cold, wet and windy weather. Make sure you pack smart as well as light to keep yourself safe and prepared before you embark on the trek of a lifetime.