It’s a mirrorless camera which is more compact than a full DSLR but still produces high quality images. Thanks for posting all your helpful tips for the overland track. Exped packing cells. Bring a wide brimmed hat or baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses for protection. For more information on how to make Overland Track bookings, get permits and how much they cost, see my Ultimate Guide to the Overland Track. But any old quick-dry polyester workout t-shirt will do. It gets cold up high in the mountains, especially at night so make sure you pack some thermal base layers. You can also get an adapter that lets you use it with your phone. To get an idea of what the hike is like, read my section-by-section overview of the Overland Track. If you plan to swim, bring a quick-drying microfibre towel. The huts can be really social, so a deck of cards or a compact game can be a good way to meet new friends. It can rain a LOT on the Overland Track so keeping your gear dry is really important. It comes in a women’s version called the Gregory Amber 60. I recommend adding trekking poles to your Overland Track packing list. I also have a Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber full-sized tripod that I wished I had brought. Most Overland Track transport companies sell fuel. It turns out that advice works well in the Tasmanian mountains too! However, if it had been colder or rainier, I think we would have made hot drinks more often and used a bit more fuel. Pick ones that are light and don’t take up too much room in your pack. I walked the Overland Track without a guide. Bring a sharp knife for cutting, plus a spoon and fork for eating. It’s pricey, but it’s soooo light. Plus the batteries last a long time on low power. We only used one canister though. Also… what about taking fuel canisters with us, or we have to buy all in Tasmania? I recommend: I have basic Gore Tex gaiters from MEC. Thanks for your support. Overland is a tactical turn-based strategy game where you must make complicated decisions and balance your resources, all the while trying to outrun the monsters who are hunting you. I hiked the Overland Track in the middle of summer (started Jan 31) and I wore shorts for about half of the days. To protect your food from mice, possums and other critters, you need to store your food either inside the huts or deep inside your backpack. You can use it to create a clothesline to dry out sweaty gear or a wet towel. Bring anti-inflammatory painkillers, and anti-diarrhea pills just in case. If you plan to spend a lot time in the huts, you might want to bring a small battery powered lantern. Browse our extensive collection with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. In this video avid backpacker and outdoors expert, Orrin Whalen (@owhale) goes over how to properly pack your backpack for a multi-day backpacking trek. Wearing my Black Diamond Valley Shorts on the Overland Track. Small accessories e.g. Check prices: REI. All of the huts have picnic tables with benches, but they are often busy. I recommend: We use a Primus Primetech pot that has a built in heat exchanger that optimizes fuel consumption and protects the flame from the wind. Basic two-shoulder backpack large enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, snacks, extra layers, and rain jacket. I recommend: I use a simple MEC inflatable pillow. Seamless underwear will be way more comfortable for hiking in, since they prevent chafing. I recommend: Overland Track by John Chapman and Monica Chapman: It’s the most detailed guide to the trail anywhere and includes lots of helpful maps. If the Hubba Hubba isn’t in your budget, check out the MSR Elixir. Available in cobalt blue or classic coyote. If you plan to do any of the side trips from the Overland Track, you should bring a small packable day pack. I recommend: I love my MEC Terrena Stretch pants. You’ll burn more calories hiking than on a usual day so don’t be afraid to pack a little extra. We’ve brought the card game Exploding Kittens on a few backpacking trips and it’s always a hit. Don’t put soapy water directly into streams since even biodegradable soap isn’t safe to go directly into the water. Put it inside a Ziploc bag to keep it dry. Which gear do you recommend other hikers add to their Overland Track packing list? Check prices: Outdoor Research | REI. We use Sierra Dawn camp suds for really greasy dishes. I also like the Prana Halle Pants. Some days its also cold enough during the day that you’ll want a warm layer you can hike in. Pack a fleece jacket or a lightweight puffy jacket that you can layer on over a t-shirt and under your rain jacket. Pack a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag rated at least 5C but preferably more like -10C. I prefer to wear a long sleeved shirt with buttons or a zip neck so that I have venting options. For my 51lite capacity pack I use a 70litre liner. This is just one example but what this means for me is that when choosing a backpack there is a specific set of features that I want. I usually hike in quick-drying workout t-shirts or singlets. The following are common principles that you should follow when packing your backpack: The last thing you want is a wet sleeping bag or a wet change of clothes and given the amount of electronics that I carry due to my blogging/podcasting I tend to go overboard on the water proofing. Just … I like to bring two kinds of underwear on long trips: two or three pairs of quick drying synthetic underwear for trekking and one pair of comfortable cotton underwear for wearing at night. Make sure you pack your sleeping bag inside a compression sack so it takes up less space in your pack. Hi, I’m Taryn! I recommend: Bring a few pairs of cheap foam earplugs. The main compartment opens 180 degrees for easy loading and gear retrieval and the convertible front flap stows quickly behind the loop-faced internal MOLLE panel to change its visual signature and for quick access to critical items organized there. They’re waterproof but still incredibly lightweight. My husband really likes his Gregory Stout 65. I recommend: I like to wear a head net since I don’t like putting chemicals on my face. This is the biggest backpack they make and surely it would do the job. Add a waterproof breathable rain jacket designed for hiking to your Overland Track packing list – preferably one with pit zips for venting. Even the warmest sleeping bag can’t protect you from the cold ground, a draft underneath the tent platform or a hard hut bunk. If you’re a light sleeper, ear plugs are a must. For a synthetic puffy it’s really light and warm. I recommend: I like the PackTowl microfibre towels since they dry fast. This makes it quick and easy to access at the end of the day and easy to pack in the mornings particularly if its raining. In warmer weather I like a button up trekking shirt. Check prices: REI | Sunski. (For more info on sleeping arrangements inside the huts, read my guide to Overland Track huts and campgrounds.). They also offer some protection from snake bite. You’ll be sleeping centimetres from a snoring stranger and you need to be able to get a good night’s sleep. But if you are trekking in spring or fall, or feel the cold easily, insulated ski gloves are a better bet. Women may want to pack a swimsuit just in case, but I usually swim in my sports bra and underwear. I recommend: We use a basic Garmin eTrex 30x GPS. Wearing my Salomon boots on the side trip to Hartnett Falls. It has a big map of the trail on one side. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); When you check in at the visitor centre to start the walk, the ranger will give you a small waterproof, paper permit. There is extra-thick padding on the straps as well. They’re waterproof, they have a purge valve to squeeze out excess air and the window makes it easier to figure out what’s inside. I like the Leatherman Wave. Choose mid-weight thermals made of polyester or merino wool and be sure to pack both bottoms and a long sleeved top. Pack sunscreen and SPF lip balm to protect yourself. Since almost all of the campsites on the Overland Track are on wooden platforms, you may want to bring a freestanding tent. Check prices: REI . Bring insect repellent. After a few years of every day use, the zipper on my Outdoor Products backpack began to come apart slightly. I think it is not aloud to fly with the fuel canisters. And even if it doesn’t rain, it will block the wind. My gear goes into my pack in the following order: Rear view of my pack showing the order in which I pack (refer to the list above for detail), Front view of my pack showing the order in which I pack (refer to the list above for detail), Side view of my pack showing the order in which I pack (refer to the list above for detail). I recommend: The GSI compact scraper has a hard edge for scraping stuck on stuff and a spatula-like edge for scraping softer stuff. What piece of gear made the biggest difference? And of course don’t forget your usual prescription medications. I will usually slide my buff over this little clothing pack to provide a soft, pillow like covering, Large ziplock bags are excellent for organising food. An example of this is while most hikers you see on the trail will pack their shelter inside their pack I actually prefer to have my shelter on the outside in the large external stretch pocket that many packs come with. To get a proper waterproofing you will need to have enough unused liner to roll down to get a waterproof seal. I still use my green Hillary 1 external frame backpack that I got at Sears in the mid-70’s for Scouts. I recommend: I took my older Boreas Lost Coast 60 backpack on the trail but sadly it’s discontinued. Pack Covers are lightweight external covers that minimise water access by covering the outer exposed area of the pack. It is really easy to use since there’s no pumping or squeezing. I recommend: You don’t need much: 3 or 4 meters of cord should be enough. Thanks for supporting my website! A large 39-litre capacity Adventure Touring backpack with spacious interior compartments to carry large or bulky items. Buy: REI. I recommend: I wear Patagonia’s Active underwear because they’re seamless. Check prices: REI. We carry a small pot scraper, a tiny microfibre cloth and some biodegradable soap. Ones with side zippers for venting are easy to put on and take off without removing your shoes. So remember that there is no one correct way to pack your backpack, its really what suits you as an individual based on the basic principles discussed above. He often used a buff as a headband to warm his ears. Choose one that is compact, lightweight and has an R value of at least 2.5. I currently use an Osprey Exos 48 pack (Size L), which has a capacity of 51 litres. Check prices: REI. Of course you can bring your phone to use as a camera, but you may want to bring a stand alone camera. We took two of the 250g canisters. I am already found some proteine bars and other stuff but if we have to buy a box of pasta, rice etc while we only need a bit in our zip backs, it is a waste to buy it when we arrive.. do you recommend flying from sydney already with all the dried food? If need be you can put your pack into the liner and seal it up which is ideal when you are concerned about dropping your pack during water crossings as well as providing protection from dust and dirt. Check prices: REI. Check prices: Therm-a-rest. Plus they don’t have backrests, and after a long day on the trail, you’ll really crave one. I recommend: I sleep cold so I wear a MEC T3 base layer top with a hood and matching bottoms. Don’t forget the snacks! If you’re bringing electronics, you’ll need a way to keep them all charged. Check prices: REI. However you do need to develop a consistent system that meets your needs that you use over and over again … I recommend: I used the SealLine Bulkhead View dry bags. Use soap sparingly and be sure to pour your dish water into the grey water pits under the rainwater tank at each campground. ©Taryn Eyton 2014-2021 All Rights Reserved, Stuff You Don’t Need to Pack for the Overland Track, Backpacks and Bags for the Overland Track, check in at the visitor centre to start the walk, section-by-section overview of the Overland Track, my guide to the campgrounds on the Overland Track, guide to Overland Track huts and campgrounds, reduce the rubbing that can cause blisters, entry level waterproof breathable gaiters, blister care and prevention tips and tricks, my tips for choosing the best backpacking meals, The Ultimate Guide to the Overland Track in Tasmania, Overland Track Section-by-Section Overview, 6-Day Overland Track Itinerary (Plus More Itinerary Options), Your Guide to All the Overland Track Side Trips, The Complete Guide to Overland Track Huts and Camping, Overland Track Transport: How to Get There. 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