Everything I packed to hike the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Packing for an adventure like the Overland Track can be a challenge. The famous weather at Cradle Mountain can throw anything at you. During our trip we had torrential rain, snow, sleet, hail AND sun. 

The best place to start is Park Tasmania’s Walker Safety Checklist.

This is at a minimum, what every hiker should carry, regardless of the season. It may feel tempting to skip items on this list, but we used and needed everything on here! 

My pack with daily water carry and 6 days of food weighed 15.6kg. This is considered on the lighter end, with most hikers carrying 17-20kg when we hiked, and one person had a 25kg pack!

Here’s everything I packed for my 6 days on the Overland Track during the month of October 2025: 

Backpack and accessories

As an Osprey Ambassador, I’m a big fan of their backpacks (I loved their backpacks before becoming an ambassador!) I have used my backpack endlessly over this year- I absolutely love it!

Osprey Ariel Pro 75L (men’s version is the Osprey Aether Pro 75L)

I carried this backpack on The Overland Track and when solo hiking the Great Ocean Walk. I find the frame really comfortable, and perfect for longer trips like this. This pack weighs approximately 2.1kg, making it a heavier pack. While I could have gotten away with a lighter pack (my load was 15.6kg including food and water), I like the extra support this frame provides.

Osprey Ultralight Rain cover and Osprey Ultralight pack liner, size large

It may sound overkill to bring both a pack liner AND rain cover. But we had 40mm of rain on our first day, and my pack definitely got wet, even with the rain cover! Thankfully my gear in the pack stayed dry. 

If you’re on a budget, garbage bags are a cheap and reliable pack liner alternative.

Osprey Stuff Waist Pack

I used this to carry snacks and my phone for photos – so it’s always in an easy-to-reach spot!

Osprey Ultralight Ultralight Stuff Day Pack

There are a tonne of side trips on the Overland Track. You can leave your heavier pack at junctions and bring a small day pack (save your legs, you won’t regret it!). This one packs down tiny, and I used it to carry the first aid kit, snacks, PLB and water when doing side trips on the trail.

Osprey Airporter, medium size

If you’re flying into Tassie, you’ll need a way to transport your backpack. I found this fit my Osprey Ariel Pro perfectly, and meant I didn’t have to re-pack anything once arriving in Tasmania. It protected my pack well!

Hiking outfit – what I wore everyday!

We had very cold, wet and windy conditions for most of our hike, so for 80% of our time on trail, I wore my merino t-shirt, alpha direct fleece, rain jacket, hiking pants & rain pants. It may seem like overkill, but I cannot emphasise enough hold cold it was. I usually wear a merino tee & hiking pants, so this was the first time I’ve had to wear this many layers during the day.

Having the flexibility of an active mid layer (fleece) with a dry mid layer for camp (down jacket, as you’ll see in the camp outfit section) helped A LOT, rather than just having 1 thick mid layer. 

Zorali Merino t-shirt

I’ve used the Zorali Merino tees for many years now. Merino is naturally odour resistant, making it a great material to hike in. I love the way the Zorali Merino tees fit.

(PSST: if you purchase from my link here, you can get 15% off your Zorali purchase!)

Amble Sundial Pants

I’ve worn the Amble Outdoors Sundial Pants for countless hikes – they’re a trusted hiking pant for me. The elastic waist makes them super comfy, and they’re quick drying too.

Macpac Alpha Direct Fleece

Made from Polartec® Alpha® Direct, this fleece gives you huge bang for buck. The material is very light (my size 10 weighs only 110g!) and thin – but keeps you very warm. The fleece works best when layered under another item in windy conditions, so it was perfect for the very cold conditions under my rain jacket. Fleece has the added benefit of still providing warmth when wet.

Amble Outdoors Elements Rain Jacket

The Amble Outdoors Elements Jacket is waterproof rated to 15K. I liked that the jacket is made out of a slightly thicker material, which is windproof and much needed in the conditions we were in.

Mac in a sac rain pants

I’ve never been big on rain pants, so decided on a more affordable option this time around. The Mac in a Sac rain pants are waterproof rated to 10K, they’re seam sealed and only weigh 140g for a size M. They’re are definitely options out there that have a higher waterproof rating, but these worked really well for me! I wore them for 80% of the hike, since it was rainy/windy on most days.

Waterproof Dexshell socks

I wore these for 5 out of the 6 days on trail. It rained for most of it, and when it wasn’t raining there were mud puddles on trail. Since my hiking shoes are not goretex, these were much needed. Unfortunately with all things waterproof, if you put them in enough water they do let in a bit of water. However, they still kept my feet warmer than if I were to wear wool socks.

I wouldn’t wear these in warmer conditions, but in cold, wet and windy weather they were much needed. Given how variable the Overland Track can be, I’d bring these regardless of the season you’re hiking and decide on trail what you need depending on weather.

SmartWool Socks

I didn’t wear these much at all! I wore them on one day and my feet were FREEZING. I’d still bring them as you just don’t know what kind of weather the Overland Track will throw at you.

Sea to summit tumbleweed ankle gaiters

My gaiters were much needed, as I was wearing trail running shoes. While we didn’t see any snakes, these kept the mud out of my shoes. Unfortunately the strap that wraps around the shoe on these broke on the 5th day, and that shoe ended up with a fair bit of mud in them.

Altra Experience Wild Trail Runners

Trail runners vs. boots, what’s the go? I wore these trail runners as I’ve struggled for years to find a pair of hiking boots that don’t cause me rubbing or blisters. I’ve worn trail runners when doing multi day hikes for years, so these shoes were very comfortable for me!

My recommendation would be to wear what’s comfortable for your feet, and get lots of practice in. We met a couple of hikers who were new to wearing trail runners and who ended up with rolled ankles. Definitely train carrying a pack with trail runners if this is what you’ll be wearing!

Mountain Designs Wide brimmed hat

Knockaround Campeones Sunglasses

Mons Royale Double Up Merino Neckwarmer

Old wool Uniqlo gloves & Ansell Heavy Duty Gloves XL size (from Woolworths)

I don’t usually have cold fingers, so wore an old pair of Uniqlo wool gloves & paired that with dish gloves I found at woolies for when it was wet (helped when packing up the tent too!)

Camp outfit – what I wore in the evenings!

These were all stored in a dry bag as an extra precaution. 

Mont Zero Ultralight Down Jacket

This was my first time using this down jacket and I loved it! Weighing in at 210g for size 12, these pack down tiny and keep you very warm.

The downside is that I found the material very thin, and ended up needing to patch up a small hole that was losing feathers. I am rough on my gear, and find the upside of having a really light, warm layer 100% worth it.

Icebreaker Merino Tee  and Zorali merino leggings

I always wear merino at camp, it keeps you so warm and is worth the investment. Most nights sleeping I was too warm, but honestly I’d rather too warm than too cold!

(PSST: if you purchase from my link here, you can get 15% off your Zorali purchase!)

Outdoor research trail mix beanie

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

I’d highly recommend bringing a pair of camp shoes, even if you’re staying in the huts! Your hiking shoes can air out, and it helps switching to something supportive in the evening.

SmartWool Socks

Sleeping gear

Remember: the compulsory gear list lists a sleeping bag appropriate for -10deg C!

Thus, while the following may seem overkill, it is essential for something like the Overland Track where weather can be variable, and you can even see snow in summer.

Neve gear Waratah Pro 950FP Quilt -8deg and Nemo Tensor Extreme Sleeping pad

I’ve used my Neve Gear quilt for a couple of years now and as a side sleeper who tosses and turns a lot I absolutely love it. This version weighs approx 750g, which is very light for how warm it is.

I always pair my quilt with a very warm sleeping mat – the Nemo Tensor Extreme has an R value of 8.5. I’ve slept with a sleeping mat of R4 before and found it too cold – I find when the temperatures dip to 0degC or below, I feel this even more!

I never felt cold overnight with this combo. We slept mostly in the huts, and one night in the tent when it snowed. I was toasty warm the entire time!

Sea to summit reactor liner

I packed this as technically my quilt is comfort rated to -8degC and not -10degC. I have a big fear of being cold… Turns out I didn’t need my liner (it made me overheat) but it made a great stuffer for my pillow case.

Pillow case to stuff with clothes 

I normally bring a Therm-a-rest cinch pillow, but for space and weight savings decided to leave this at home. The pillow case stuffed with clothes / my sleeping bag liner was perfect.

Nemo dagger OSMO 3P Tent

While there are huts to sleep in, a tent is a compulsory item on the Overland Track. The reason for this is 2 fold: some hikers will go on side trips and spend extra nights at some of the huts. The huts can run out of bunk space! The other reason is that if you’re in bad weather and unable to make it to a hut, you need to be able to set up shelter.

We spent 1 night in our tent at the last hut/campsite. The Nemo dagger OSMO 3P is very spacious for 2 people, and I’ll definitely take it on more backpacking trips! It weighs approx 2.1kg, on the lighter end of 3P free standing tents.

Loop dream ear plugs & eye mask 

If you’re sensitive to light and sounds, I highly recommend an eye mask and ear plugs for the huts. I spent one night with my head right next to the door, where (apparently) countless people got up in the middle of the night to pee – I did not stir once. 

Safety gear

Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1

Essential on the Overland Track. There is very little phone reception – this could save your life. Don’t forget to bring it when you do side trips!

First aid kit, stored in a dry bag:

My first aid kit includes items that I’ve needed on previous hikes, however at a minimum I’d be bringing snake bandages, items to treat blisters and Imodium. I am sad to say I had gastro on my last night and having Imodium (or something to treat diarrhoea) helped immensely.

• 2 x snake bandages
• Leukoplast tape, Fixomull Stretch Tape
• Blister prevention and treatment: Hiker’s wool and Moleskin 
• Various dressings, bandaids
• Imodium 
• Panadol
• Anti histamines 
• Water treatment tablets
• Thermal emergency blanket
• Swiss Army knife

Electronics

Nitecore NU20 Classic 360 lumens head torch

I didn’t have to re-charge my head torch once – I love this one as it only weighs 38g. You can re-charge it using a powerbank, it doesn’t use batteries. I took this on the Great Ocean Walk too!

Anker Powerbank 20,000mAh

As I take a lot of photos and videos (see my instagram recap of the entire hike here!) the 20K powerbank may seem like overkill for many, but was perfect for me. I still had half the power remaining after the 6 days. I put my phone on aeroplane mode the entire time and slept with my phone in my jacket pocket to reduce battery drainage.

Kobo e-reader

Garmin in reach messenger

This was my first time using the Garmin Inreach Messenger. I used it to send messages to family when I reached each hut, and had it switched off between uses. It was easy to use – you can send messages with the Garmin Messenger app on your phone.

Miscellaneous charging cables 

My recommendation would be to triple check you have the correct cables. On a different hike, I brought the wrong ones, and was unable to charge my phone 🙁

Toiletries

Travel size towel

Face wash, moisturiser, sunscreen

Insect repellent 

Physiocrem & Massage ball (luxury items!)

Hand sanitiser 

Hair brush

Tooth brush + Toothpaste 

Toilet trowel

There are drop toilets at the huts, however I’d recommend bringing a trowel incase you need to go between huts. I never had to use it, but it’s best practice if you find yourself needing to go and there isn’t a toilet.

Toilet paper x 2 rolls

It may seem tempting to bring less toilet paper, but trust me when I say – you do NOT want to run out. I unfortunately got gastro on the last night, and was very happy to have the extra toilet paper. I’ve heard from other hikers that gastro is not uncommon. 

CuloClean Portable Bidet + bottle for bidet

Kitchen, cooking and water

230g + 100g gas canister (for 2 people) 

We had more than enough gas to boil water for 2 x dehydrated dinners & water for 1 person’s morning porridge. 

Toaks Light Titanium Pot 650mL and MSR PocketRocket 2 Portable Stove

On my hike, I shared a Jetboil and gas with my friend who I was traveling with. I didn’t enjoy using the Jetboil – we had one stressful evening where it overboiled, and we struggled to switch it off. I’ve listed the gas / stove set up I would have used had I travelled by myself. Note: the Toaks Pot does get hot when water boils. I’ll usually use a sleeve to take it off the stove (don’t use a down jacket sleeve!)

Tip: If you’re buying a new cooking pot, check the mLs of water you need to boil for your dehydrated meals first!

Sea to summit spoon and fork

Scent Stopper Odourproof Food bags

After a bad experience with rodents on the Great Ocean Walk, I always store my food in these bags. On the Overland Track, we always stored food inside the huts (do not leave it outside, even if it’s hanging in your pack). At the older huts like New Pelion and Windy Ridge, we were recommended by rangers to either hang it indoors on a peg or on the top shelf.

Do not store your food in tents when camping, as some of the campsites have very aggressive possums who will rip open your tent if they can sniff anything food related.

Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Pot Scrubber with Soap

Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible Cup

Nalgene 1L bottle, Osprey water bladder and Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

There was plenty of water on trail, so my water carry never exceeded 1.5L per day. I like using a bladder, but I like filtering my water into a Nalgene rather than into the bladder. 

Food & snacks

It may be tempting to pack less food, but running out of food or snacks can make your hike very uncomfortable. This is everything I packed for 6 days for 1 person:

Breakfast:

• cereal x 5
• roam nut butter x 5
• oat milk powder

Snacks & Lunch:

• 2 bags of snake lollies
• 1 bag of pretzels
• 1 bag of mixed nuts
• 6 x chocolate bars
• 3 x oat bars
• 3 x clif bars
• 6 x salami sticks
• electrolyte mix

Dinner:

• dehydrated meals x 5, from Campers Pantry and Real Meals

Other items:

Black Diamond Carbon FLZ poles

While a big chuck of the hike is on board, there is also a huge part of the trail in mud and tree roots. I found having trekking poles invaluable, and worth carrying over the boards. I’ve used these trekking poles on the Great Ocean Walk too – they are a big part of my hiking kit now.

Microspikes 

There was pretty bad weather in the weeks leading to our trip, so I packed microspikes incase – I was worried about water freezing overnight, making the boards slippery. This ended up not being an issue, but I’ve listed it to truly represent my packing list. 

And that’s everything I packed to hike the Overland Track!

There are a couple of luxury items in here (massage ball anyone?!) but so many of these items I’d deem essential to safely and happily hiking the Overland Track.

Happy hiking friends 🙂