If you’re planning a trip to the Australian outback, it’s crucial that you’re properly prepared for what might lie ahead. The bush can be an unforgiving place so it’s vital that you take the right precautions to ensure that you and all of your fellow travel companions stay safe.
With the right equipment at your disposal and the right plans and preparations in place, however, you will be able to make the most out of your time in the outback and make amazing memories in one of the world’s most unique travel destinations.
But packing for the outback is a little bit different to packing for a camping trip. So when you’re planning your trip, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with your kit list. Thankfully, you can find tactical equipment in Australia that’s perfect for taking with you into the heart of the outback.
We recommend looking for outdoor gear that’s capable of withstanding hot and dry conditions. A good IP water rating is also likely to be valuable for those looking to do a little swimming during their trip.
Depending on what you have planned for your time in the outback, however, your packing list will naturally vary. With that said, there are some items that just about every outback adventurer should carry, which we have listed below to help you get started.
Below, we take a look at a few key pieces of equipment that you should always carry with you when you’re packing for the outback.
A Broad Brimmed Hat
The weather in the outback can be quite unforgiving and there often are not a lot of places to take shelter from the harsh sunshine. Having a broad-brimmed hat with you will help to keep the sunshine off your face, preventing overheating, skin damage and, most importantly slowing dehydration. Having your own personal shade is crucial to staying cool and comfortable in the outback.
Appropriate Clothing
While temperatures in the outback can get quite high during the day, they can plummet suddenly during the night time so you need to ensure that you are adequately prepared for a range of different conditions. It’s also wise to keep your pack as efficiently as possible – just to ensure your gear is always easily accessible. This is especially important for those looking to travel in a compact campervan.
Zip-off hiking pants that double up as shorts are a great solution here as you can enjoy two kinds of legwear from a single garment. Bring two pairs and rotate between them while also having a comfortable pair of jeans or tracksuit pants for the evening.
Three or four quick-drying, sweat-wicking T-shirts should be adequate for your tops, and always be sure to pack a fleece to stay cosy in the evening. A set of thermals will also be valuable for those looking to camp in the outback. A beanie and gloves, as well as good rain gear, are also essential to pack. Finally, sturdy, durable walking shoes or hiking boots are always advisable in the outback as well.
Toiletries & Medicine
While most roadhouses in the outback and small towns will have all the basics that you might need, it’s important to consider your personal health and wellbeing needs before you embark on your adventure. For instance, if you are on particular medications, it’s wise to stock up before you go.
And if there are particular toiletries that you like to use, be sure to carry them with you, as certain brands might be difficult to find in smaller places in the outback. You will also definitely need to pack insect repellent, and it’s always a good idea to have a fly net or veil attached to your headwear too.
And last but certainly not least, packing for a trip to the outback should also include storing plenty of sunscreen on your person. As one of the hottest, most arid destinations on Earth, you should never travel into the Australian bush without sunscreen to keep you protected – no matter what time of year it is.
Other Useful Items
In addition to having the right clothing, toiletries and medicines, there are some other useful items that every traveller in the outback should have in their bags to make the outback experience as enjoyable and straightforward as possible. For example, a water bottle is always a welcome bit of kit to ensure that staying hydrated is as easy as possible.
A good headlamp is an absolute necessity and a small camping stove can be very handy to have. Make sure you have all of your charging cables for your devices and pack a power bank or two to ensure you are never without juice. Having a fully charged phone with you in the outback is always wise in case you ever need to contact emergency services.
Make Sure You Are Fully Prepared For Your Outback Adventure
Alongside its geographic distance from urban centres being a deterrent for international travellers, travelling to the outback comes with its own unique set of environmental challenges. But with the right approach and the right gear, it can be a very rewarding experience.
Following the advice above, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for whatever might lay ahead on your outback adventure, ensuring you stay safe and have an amazing time with your fellow adventurers.