Overland Track Gear Guide 2026: The Complete Packing List

Tasmania's Overland Track is 65 kilometres through some of the most spectacular alpine wilderness in Australia — from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair over six days. It's exposed, wet, and changeable. Snow is possible in any month. The gear you carry on your back is all you have, and every gram matters.

This guide breaks down exactly what to pack, what to leave behind, and where to invest your money. It's based on real experience hiking the track in multiple seasons.

The Big Three

Your pack, boots, and sleeping bag make up 40-50% of your total pack weight. Getting these right has the biggest impact on your comfort and enjoyment.

The Pack

You need a 55-65L pack with a solid hip belt, good ventilation, and rain cover. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($449) is our top pick — the Anti-Gravity suspension system distributes weight brilliantly and the mesh back panel keeps airflow going on the steep sections. See our full hiking backpack reviews for alternatives.

Target total pack weight: 12-16 kg including food and water. Over 16 kg and the track becomes a slog rather than a joy.

The Boots

Ankle-supporting, waterproof hiking boots are essential — not optional. The track includes boardwalks, muddy sections, rocky scrambles, and creek crossings. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX ($289) offers waterproof Gore-Tex protection with excellent grip on wet rock. Break them in thoroughly before the track — minimum 50 km of walking. Our hiking boot guide covers more options.

Warning

Do not attempt the Overland Track in trail runners unless you are an experienced lightweight hiker. The track is rocky, often muddy, and ankle injuries in remote wilderness are serious. Waterproof boots with ankle support are strongly recommended, especially for first-timers.

The Sleeping Bag

Hut temperatures drop to 0-5°C even in summer, and well below zero in shoulder seasons. A sleeping bag rated to -5°C is the minimum. The Sea to Summit Ascent II ($479) offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio with 750+ fill power down. If you're hiking in the colder months (April-May or October-November), go for a -10°C bag.

A lightweight sleeping mat (R-value 3.0+) is essential — hut platforms are hard and cold.

Clothing Layers

The Overland Track weather is notoriously unpredictable. You can experience four seasons in a single day — sunshine, rain, hail, and near-freezing wind. The layering system is everything.

The Layering System

Base layer: Merino wool top and bottom (150-200 gsm). Merino regulates temperature, manages moisture, and doesn't stink after days of wear.
Mid layer: Lightweight fleece or insulated jacket (200-250g). Worn at camp and on cold mornings.
Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) and rain pants. You will get rained on — probably multiple times. A quality rain jacket is the most important clothing item you carry.
Hiking clothes: Quick-dry synthetic shorts or pants, moisture-wicking shirt, sun hat.
Camp clothes: Dry set of thermals and socks kept exclusively in a dry bag for evenings. Having dry clothes at camp is a massive morale boost.

Accessories

Warm beanie and lightweight gloves (even in summer)
Buff or neck gaiter
Two pairs of merino hiking socks plus one pair of camp socks
Gaiters for muddy sections

Pro Tip

Pack all clothing in dry bags — even inside your pack with a rain cover. Tasmanian rain is horizontal and persistent. A rain cover alone won't keep everything dry. Separate dry bags for sleeping gear, clothing, and electronics ensure nothing gets soaked.

Navigation and Safety

Navigation

The Overland Track is well-marked, but visibility in fog and whiteout conditions can drop to near zero, especially on the exposed plateau sections.

Detailed track map (Tasmap 1:100,000 Overland Track map or equivalent)
Compass — know how to use it
GPS device or phone with downloaded offline maps — carry a battery bank to keep it charged

Satellite Communication

A Garmin inReach Mini 2 ($599) provides SOS capability and two-way messaging. Phone signal is non-existent for most of the track. If something goes wrong — a broken ankle, hypothermia, a snake bite — this device gets rescue to you. It's worth every cent.

Headlamp

A reliable headlamp with 200+ lumens is essential. Early starts, late arrivals at huts, and toilet trips in the dark all require hands-free light. Carry spare batteries or use a rechargeable model with a backup.

First Aid

Carry a lightweight first aid kit with:

Blister treatment (Compeed patches, tape, needle)
Compression bandages (snake bite protocol)
Pain relief and anti-inflammatories
Antiseptic wipes and wound closures
Personal medications (enough for double the expected trip length)
Emergency space blanket

Kitchen and Food

Cooking System

Weight is everything. A lightweight gas camp stove with a screw-on canister (100g or 230g) is the standard. Boil-only systems are the lightest option — you're rehydrating meals, not cooking elaborate dinners.

One 230g gas canister is enough for 6 days if you're only boiling water (roughly 12-14 boils).

Food Strategy

Dehydrated meals for dinners (Back Country Cuisine or Strive Food are popular Australian brands)
Instant oats, powdered milk, and dried fruit for breakfasts
Wraps, salami, cheese, and nut butter for lunches (hard cheese and salami keep well without refrigeration)
Trail mix, muesli bars, and chocolate for snacking on the move
Tea and coffee sachets — morale in a cup after a cold, wet day

Water

Water is abundant on the Overland Track from streams and tarns. A water filter or purification tablets ensure it's safe to drink. Carry a 1-2L water bladder plus a 500 mL bottle for easy access.

Note

Parks Tasmania recommends treating all water on the Overland Track, even if it looks clean. Giardia has been found in some water sources. A lightweight gravity filter or squeeze filter adds minimal weight and provides peace of mind.

Weight Budget

Every gram counts on a multi-day hike. Here's a target weight breakdown:

Category	Target Weight
Pack (empty)	1.5 - 2.2 kg
Sleeping bag	0.8 - 1.2 kg
Sleeping mat	0.4 - 0.7 kg
Shelter (if carrying a tent)	1.2 - 2.0 kg
Clothing (all layers)	2.0 - 3.0 kg
Cooking system and fuel	0.4 - 0.7 kg
Food (6 days)	3.5 - 5.0 kg
Water (carried)	1.0 - 2.0 kg
Electronics and navigation	0.3 - 0.6 kg
First aid and misc	0.5 - 1.0 kg
Total	11.6 - 18.4 kg

Aim for the lower end of each range. Experienced hikers can get total pack weight under 12 kg; 14-16 kg is realistic for most people.

What We'd Leave Behind

After multiple trips, here's what we've stopped carrying:

Camp shoes — some people swear by them, but they're 300-500g of dead weight. Loosened hiking boots at camp are fine.
Full-size towel — a lightweight pack towel (100g) dries you just as well.
Multiple books — a Kindle or phone with downloaded books weighs nothing extra.
Excessive spare clothing — you need one hiking outfit and one dry camp set. That's it. Embrace being a bit grubby.
Heavy camera gear — a phone camera is excellent now. Unless photography is the primary purpose, leave the DSLR and lenses at home.
Pillow — stuff your down jacket into a dry bag. Perfect pillow, zero extra weight.

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Final Thoughts

The Overland Track is one of Australia's greatest multi-day hikes, but it demands respect and preparation. Invest in quality boots, a warm sleeping bag, and proper wet-weather gear. Keep your pack weight down by being ruthless about what you carry. The lighter your pack, the more you'll enjoy every step.

Book your walk through the Parks Tasmania website — a permit is required during the peak season (1 October to 31 May) and numbers are limited. The hiking backpack and hiking boot guides on this site will help you choose the right gear for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry a tent on the Overland Track?

During peak season, basic huts are available at each overnight stop, but they operate on a first-come, first-served basis and can fill up. Parks Tasmania recommends carrying a tent as backup. In practice, most hikers during peak season find hut space, but a lightweight 1-2 person tent (1.2-2.0 kg) provides insurance and flexibility for side trips like Pine Valley.

When is the best time to hike the Overland Track?

The peak season runs from 1 October to 31 May, with the most stable weather from December to March. January and February are warmest but can still be wet. Shoulder months (October-November and April-May) are colder but quieter. Winter crossings (June-September) are possible but require alpine experience, snow gear, and careful planning.

How fit do I need to be for the Overland Track?

You need a reasonable level of fitness — the track involves 6 days of hiking with a full pack over varied terrain including steep ascents and descents. Most stages are 8-16 km per day. Train by doing regular day hikes with a weighted pack (12-15 kg) for at least 6-8 weeks before your trip. If you can comfortably hike 15 km with a full pack, you'll be fine.

Can I charge my phone on the Overland Track?

There are no charging facilities on the track. Carry a lightweight power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) to keep your phone and GPS devices charged. Put your phone in aeroplane mode to conserve battery — it'll last much longer when it's not constantly searching for signal that doesn't exist.

What about snakes on the Overland Track?

Tiger snakes are present on the Overland Track, particularly in warmer months (November-March). They're generally shy and will avoid you if they hear you coming. Wear ankle-height boots, watch where you step, and carry compression bandages in your first aid kit. Know the snake bite first aid protocol: pressure immobilisation bandage and keep still while waiting for rescue.