Everything for an overnight walk, in the order you'd pack it. Tick off what you already have, and borrow or buy the rest. Where we stock something, the link takes you to it; where we don't, buy it locally.
The three things that decide a good night: a bag or quilt rated for the coldest night, a mat rated for the season, and dry clothes to sleep in.
Get those right and a cold night is just a cold night. Our sleeping bag guide walks you through the first one.
1. Sleep
| Item | What to look for | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag or quilt | A comfort rating at or below the coldest night you expect, plus a 5°C margin if you sleep cold | Sleeping bags, quilts |
| Sleeping mat | An R-value of about 2 for summer, 2 to 4 for three seasons, 4 or more for frost, and 5 or more on snow | Sleeping mats |
| Pillow | An inflatable one folds to the size of your fist | Pillows and liners |
| Liner (optional) | Keeps your bag clean, and works on its own on hot nights and in huts | Liners |
| Sleep clothes | Dry thermals, a beanie and dry socks, kept for the tent only | Buy locally |
2. Shelter
| Item | What to look for | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | Under about 1.5 kg per person for multi-day walks. Freestanding if you'll pitch on platforms or rock | Buy locally for now |
| Stakes and guy lines | What comes with the tent, plus a few longer or wider stakes for sand or soft ground | Titanium V stakes |
| Footprint (optional) | Protects the floor on rough ground and keeps it clean | Buy locally |
3. Carry
| Item | What to look for | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Pack | 30 to 45 L for one or two nights, 45 to 65 L for longer, fitted to your back length | Backpacks |
| Pack liner or dry bags | Very few packs are waterproof. Keep your sleeping bag and sleep clothes in their own dry bag | Dry bags |
4. Walk
| Item | What to look for | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Boots or trail shoes | Worn in before the trip, never new on the day | Buy locally |
| Trekking poles (optional) | Take weight off your knees downhill. Needed for trekking-pole tents | Trekking poles |
| Navigation | A map of the area, plus a phone app with offline maps and a power bank | Buy locally |
| Head torch | With spare batteries or a charged battery | Buy locally |
| First aid kit | Including blister care, a compression bandage for snake bite, and any medication you need | Buy locally |
| Sun protection | Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, even in winter | Buy locally |
5. Clothes
- Rain jacket, even if the forecast is fine. It doubles as a windproof layer.
- A warm layer: a fleece or a down jacket for camp.
- Thermals and spare socks. Cotton stays wet and cold, so pick wool or synthetic.
6. Cook and water
| Item | What to look for | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Stove and gas | Gas stoves sold in Australia must be certified for use here, and gas can't travel by air, so buy these locally | Buy locally |
| Pot, mug and spork | A 750 ml pot suits one person, 1,000 ml or more suits two | Titanium cookware |
| Food | Dinner, breakfast, and more snacks than you think you need | Buy locally |
| Water | Enough bottles or bladders for the driest stretch, and a way to treat water from streams | Buy locally |
7. Before you go
- Check the park's website for alerts, closures, fire bans, and whether you need to book a campsite.
- Check the forecast for where you'll camp, not the nearest town. Hills and valleys get much colder overnight.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. In remote country, carry a personal locator beacon (PLB).
- Take a trowel, toilet paper and a bag for your rubbish, and carry everything out.
- In an emergency call 000. From a mobile, 112 also works.