If you are reading this, I am assuming you have decided to tackle the Overland Track and have read my post on what to expect on a guided walk of the Overland track ….. very wise!
I thought I had packed light for our 6-day guided hike of the Overland track, but as it turns out, there were a few things I could have left out of my pack. Here is a list of things you will absolutely need to pack and a list of some things that you don’t need or that are already supplied.
Essential Packing List
- A pack of course! But if you don’t have one, don’t worry, the walking company should supply them. The Tasmanian Walking Company that we walked with, supply packs as well as a waterproof cover for all packs. I actually have my own pack but feared it wouldn’t be big enough for a 6-day hike, so opted to use one of theirs.
- A good pair of proper waterproof hiking boots that have been worn in to ensure a good fit and prevent blisters. Wearing them in may also help in picking up any defects in the boot, such as a dodgy sole that falls off on day 3 (it happened to my husband’s boots)!!
- walking poles – I recommend taking walking poles on the Overland Track because they help with your balance over all of the uneven track; you can use them to prod the mud to discover what lays beneath; they are a godsend for your knees on the ascents or descents; and finally, I propose that they would make a great self-defence weapon against snakes (thankfully, didn’t need to test that theory). They also fold down and easily slide into the side of your pack when not in use.
- 3 pairs of good hiking socks. The amount may vary, because if you are like me and double sock (wear two socks on each foot) you may want to include an extra pair. Remember though, there is a drying room in each hut, and you can rinse out your socks or swap them around.
- 1.5/2 litre water bladder or water bottle. You don’t need to go over the top with this one as there are several freshwater streams on the walk each day where you are able to stop and refill your water. The guides will tell you which streams are good for drinking.
- A waterproof jacket/raincoat. This is essential and your guides will want to see it. The Tasmanian Walking company have some you can borrow, but I prefer to have my own, that I know keeps me warm and dry.
- 1 pair of long hiking pants. I brought a super lightweight pair that were so quick drying, they went from wet to dry in under an hour, while we were sitting under a bothy! I ended up wearing the long pants more than my shorts because they protected my legs from the sun. You can easily wash them out, but seriously, no-one was bothered if they were a bit dirty, they were only going to get dirtier!
- 1 pair of short hiking pants. I packed 3 and one I didn’t wear and the other I just wore around the hut after my shower, so I could have got away with just 1 pair.
- 1 pair of waterproof over-pants. This is an item that your guides will want to get eyes on, so make sure you have a pair. They are very lightweight and although I only wore mine on one of the days, chances are you won’t have as good weather as we had, and you will need them.
- 3 non-cotton hiking shirts, either long or short sleeves, but I would lean towards long sleeves because if it’s hot, your skin is protected and if it’s cold, you’re a little warmer. Cotton shirts will soak up your sweat and when the wind picks up or you stop for a break, you get cold. So non-cotton is preferred.
- A fleece, they are lightweight and will keep you warm, especially when worn over thermals.
- A set of long thermals. I took 2 sets but didn’t wear the pants at all and only wore the one top. Having said that, we went in summer and the weather was great. If you sweat a lot or are going in cooler weather pack 2 sets. Your guides will expect to see at least one set.
- 5 pairs or knickers/undies. You could pack less if you like to wash or wear your undies inside out to reuse. If you are really packing light, opt for the knickers made out of that lightweight fabric that dries quickly.
- a hat is absolutely essential. I wore a cap but wish I had bought a proper hiking hat with a full brim, which would have protected my ears and neck from the sun.
- a pair of gloves, preferably waterproof. My gloves were fleece which are lightweight and warm but pretty useless in the rain.
- a beanie for the cold days or if you plan on doing the optional side-hike up Mt Ossa.
- a pair of long gaiters that come to just under your knee. They will protect your legs from scratches from the shrubs, mud splatters on your clothes and down your boots, possible snake bite, and top tip, if you spray them and your boots with insect repellant, it’ll keep the leeches away too!
- 1 set of comfy lounge clothes. These can double as your pj’s and after you shower you pop on these comfy clothes to hang around with the other guests and eat dinner in.
- Toiletries – literally just deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and any medication you need. All huts are stocked with shampoo/conditioner (in fact they prefer you to use theirs as it is more environmentally friendly), body wash, sunscreen, moisturizer and first aid supplies. My husband packed his own preferred bug spray and strapping tape (for blister prevention) just so we had it on hand, but they do have those things at the huts.
- a lightweight travel towel. You will use this for your shower so don’t forget it.
- a camera – phones these days take great photos, but I love my Olympus camera, so that was always going to come with me. I purchased a new camera strap that worked really well with my pack and didn’t irritate my neck while I was wearing it. Whether a phone or a camera, you’ll want something to capture the incredible scenery you’ll be seeing.
- a travel mug or keep cup. You use this for a warm drink on the track. Your guides will boil up some fresh Alpine water for a warming cup of tea or hot chocolate when you stop for lunch.
- a lightweight day pack. This is only really needed if you intend to do any of the optional side walks, especially Mt Ossa. I didn’t use one, but better to have it than not just in case you change your mind and decide to challenge yourself.
- a head lamp. I think this is more for people that do the optional hike up to Mt Ossa where the weather is very changeable, and you need to be prepared for low visibility. We didn’t use ours at all, but again, we were blessed with great weather. Some people in our group used their head lamp in the hut when they needed to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Just be careful to open the correct door to the bathroom and not to one of the downstairs bedrooms as one of our guests did … surprise!! 😂
That’s it! That is what you MUST have in your pack, of course if you want to add a few other items, that is totally up to you, just remember, you’ll have to carry it!
What You Actually Don’t Need to Pack
- footwear for the hut. I took a pair of thongs (that’s flip flops, not a g-string!) I think if I was do it again, however, I would just wear a pair of socks or slippers instead. They are lighter, keep your feet warm and are more comfortable.
- Extra food. Some guests bought extra snacks in their packs thinking that they might get hungry, believe me, on a guided hike, you won’t! The food is so good and hearty, you won’t be looking for extra food. Each day as you set out, you are given your lunch box, as well as a container of trail mix and extra cake/slice if you want it.
- Pj’s – I packed pyjamas and I didn’t really wear them. Instead pack a comfy lounging outfit that you can wear both in the common room and to bed.
- Toiletries – I lugged around way too many toiletries that I didn’t need (see list above) Just take the essentials, it’s not a fashion show.
- T-shirts – I took too many – just take the hiking shirts and one other for lounging, that’s it.
- a book – each hut containers the same books so you can pick one up and continue reading it at the next hut without having to carry it. Each hut also has cards and games if you are looking for something to do.
- Phone charger – every hut has a charging station with multiple USB ports and standard charging cords, but there are limited power points in the huts. So, if your phone uses a standard USB charging cord, you don’t need to bring one. If you want to bring your own, that’s fine but don’t bother with the plug. Also, on a side note, there is no mobile reception while you’re on the Overland Track, so your phone will just be used for taking photos and counting your steps! Those walkers that chose to do the side hike up to the summit of Mt Ossa, apparently got a few bars of mobile reception up there. I told my kids if they needed to contact me to contact the Tasmanian Walking Company and they would get a message to me. Enjoy being off the grid, switch off, it is quite lovely.
I have done several multi-day walks now, and although I am no expert, I have learnt a few valuable lessons when it comes to packing. For more information about the other guided hikes I have done, here are links to The Three Capes Walk (also done with the Tasmanian Walking Company) and The Routeburn Track in New Zealand. Happy hiking!!
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
