The outback is generous to people who prepare, and hard on people who don't. Distances are long, fuel stops are far apart, phone reception disappears for hours, and the weather can swing from scorching days to near-freezing nights. The good news: a sensible packing list covers almost everything. Here's the one we wish someone had handed us before our first big trip.
1. Water first, always
Plan on at least 7 litres per person per day for drinking, cooking and a quick wash, and then carry extra for breakdowns. Split it across several containers so one leak doesn't wipe you out. A couple of jerry cans plus a few smaller bottles in the cabin is a good setup. If you break down, stay with your vehicle: it's easier to find than a person, and it's your shade.
2. Fuel and the vehicle
- Know your real-world range loaded up, and plan fuel stops with a margin. Carry a jerry can if the gap is long.
- Full-size spare (two on remote tracks), a tyre repair kit, a compressor and a tyre pressure gauge. Lower pressures on sand and corrugations, and air back up for bitumen.
- Basic tools, spare fan belt, fuses, cable ties, duct tape and engine oil.
- Recovery gear: snatch strap, rated shackles, recovery boards and a long-handled shovel. Learn how to use them before you need them.
3. Navigation and communication
Download offline maps before you leave signal. Carry a paper map as backup. For remote travel, a PLB (personal locator beacon) or satellite messenger is the single best safety purchase you can make, and a UHF radio lets you talk to other travellers and road trains. Tell someone your route and when you expect to check in.
4. First aid and sun
- A proper first aid kit with snake bandages (and the know-how to apply them), burn gel, tweezers and any personal medication with spares.
- SPF 50+, wide-brim hats, sunnies and lip balm. The sun out here is no joke.
- Insect repellent and a fly net. You'll thank us.
5. Food and the camp kitchen
Pack more than you think, and plan meals that don't depend on a working fridge. Tinned and dried staples, long-life milk, oats, wraps and spice mixes are your friends. A two-burner stove, a pot that can go on coals, a kettle, a bin bag system (pack it in, pack it out) and a washing-up tub cover most trips.
6. Sleep and shelter
Desert nights can drop near zero even after a hot day. Bring a sleeping bag rated for the cold, a decent mat, and a tent or swag you've set up at home at least once. Camp chairs and a head torch each are non-negotiable.
7. Clothing: think in layers
The trick is layers. A breathable cotton tee for the heat of the day, long sleeves for sun and mozzies, and something warm for when the sun goes. Our tees are made for exactly this: soft, easy and printed with words worth wearing, like the Jioni golden-hour design or No Signal for when the bars drop out. When the cold comes in around the fire, a heavyweight hoodie like the OG hoodie or the Jioni hoodie in Bone is the piece you'll reach for every night. Shop all hoodies.
Add sturdy closed shoes, thongs for camp, a beanie, and one clean outfit sealed in a bag for the drive home.
8. Bring the kids (and pack for them)
Kids make outback trips better, and they need a few extras: their own water bottle, a small torch, a spare set of clothes for every day (red dirt wins), and something to do in the car. We make the kids and toddler ranges so the whole crew matches around the fire. For the full family plan, read our guide to camping with kids in the outback.
9. The little things that make camp great
- A cotton sarong or shuka: shade, blanket, picnic rug, towel. Ours is the Maasai Shuka (ships within Australia). Here is how to wear a Maasai shuka on a WA trip.
- Playing cards, a speaker and a book.
- Firewood or a fire pit where allowed. Always check local fire bans.
- A notebook. You'll want to remember the names of the places and the people.
Quick outback packing checklist
- Water (7 L/person/day + reserve)
- Fuel plan, jerry can, spares, compressor, recovery gear
- Offline maps, paper map, PLB, UHF
- First aid kit, snake bandages, sunscreen, hats
- Non-perishable food, stove, bins
- Cold-rated sleeping bag, mat, head torch
- Layers: tees, long sleeves, a warm hoodie
FAQ
How much water should I take on an outback trip?
Plan for at least 7 litres per person per day, plus an emergency reserve, split across several containers.
Do I need a satellite phone or PLB in the outback?
For remote tracks, a PLB or satellite messenger is strongly recommended because mobile coverage disappears for long stretches.
What clothes should I pack for the outback?
Pack in layers: breathable tees for the day, long sleeves for sun and insects, and a warm hoodie or jacket for cold desert nights.
What recovery gear do I need for 4WD travel?
A snatch strap, rated shackles, recovery boards, a shovel, a compressor and a tyre pressure gauge cover most situations.
Can I order Outback Maasai gear before my trip if I'm overseas?
Yes. Tees and hoodies ship worldwide, and AU and NZ orders over A$120 ship free. See the shipping policy for times.