Backpacking and bikepacking gear advice

What to take on the Cape to Cape or Munda Biddi Track or on any overnight or multi-day trip.

The following is a typical checklist that I use whenever I'm heading out backpacking or bikepacking. I hope it's helpful for your next trip!

Clothing:

All clothing should be highly breathable and quick dry. Cotton is a terrible good choice as once it gets wet, it stays wet.

• Cycling shoes or hiking boots (They should fit you and be comfortable in the shop when you first try them on. It’s accepted fact now that boots can’t be 'broken in'.)

• Hiking pants or cycling shorts

• Long-sleeved shirts (for scratchy bush, sun and mosquito protection)

• Gaiters if you’re worried about sand in your boots or snakes on the track.

• Clothes for camp

• Light fleece top (keep it near the top of your pack for lunch stops when you may get a bit cool)

• Thermal underwear that you keep dry in your pack (for sitting around and for sleeping in)

• Extra pair of warm socks in your pack (if you get cold feet, then dry socks are good for wearing in your sleeping bag)

• Beanie or toque

• Light raincoat (I bring rainpants if a lot of rain is expected, otherwise I don't worry if my pants get a bit damp, since they are made from quick dry material)

• Warm jacket (I have a Primaloft that packs really small and is super warm)

• Light gloves (if you get cold hands easily)

• Sun hat

• Underwear

• Swimsuit and microfiber towel

• Light shoes/thongs for camp to give your feet a break from your boots (and for easy on/easy off when getting in and out of your tent)

Cooking:

• Stove and fuel bottle(s)

• Lighter and back-up matches (in case your lighter breaks), sealed in a plastic Ziplock bag

• Pot and lid

• Plate/bowl, fork, spoon

• Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman

• Sturdy plastic drinking cup

• Dishcloth and biodegradable soap

• Small plastic jar of cooking oil

General supplies:

• Backpack with padded, adjustable shoulder and hip straps, or bikepacking bags

• Tent

• Inflatable sleeping mat

• Sleeping bag (I recommend that you get one with a hood so that you can pull the strings closed around your head if you get cold)

• Silk sleeping bag liner (keeps your bag clean and adds a layer of warmth)

• Inflatable pillow (or fill your sleeping bag stuff-sack with clothes)

• Water purification tablets or drops, or a filtration pump

• Water bladder or water bottles that won’t leak or split

• Any medication and toiletries that are specific to your needs

• Sunglasses

• Lip balm

• Toothpaste/toothbrush

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Mobile phone (with the Cape to Cape Track Hiking Guide App, Munda Biddi Trail App or Mawson Trail App downloaded on it!)

• Phone charger & cable and a portable power storage unit

• Personal locator beacon (PLBs)

• Compass and map

• Camera

• Toilet paper & tissues

• Couple of extra Ziplock bags

• Headlamp and spare batteries

• Hiking poles

• First Aid Kit (there is a list in the App of what you should bring)

• Laundry soap sheets

• A large, sturdy plastic bag that you can put everything into inside your pack if it rains

• A length of light rope for hanging things up to dry

• A light tarp if rain is predicted (with lengths of light rope for tying to trees or rocks)

• A small roll of duct tape (can come in handy to repair a rip in your back pack, tent or even clothes)

• A few zap straps/cable ties and a bit of thin wire (for emergency repairs)

• Book, journal, pens, pencils

• eReader (Kindle, Kobo)

• Deck of cards/cribbage board/dice

• General tools for bikepacking: spare tube, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, pump, chain link, multi-tool with a chain breaker, spoke wrench, chain lube, cable ties, duct tape, spare derailleur hanger, helmet, gloves

• Credit card, drivers licence and cash

When packing your pack, think about putting the heavy items in the middle of your pack, closest to your back. Then pack lighter items around those heavier ones. This will help you to keep your balance as you hike because your pack won't be pulling you over. When bikepacking and using a tail bag, make sure you pack it really tightly so that it doesn’t flop onto the tyre as you ride and get damaged. Practise packing it before you go.

Being well prepared with all of the basic items you need will make your adventure more enjoyable.