Questions on gear and organisation

[Vankri]

Hi everyone,

First of all I'd like to preface this message by apologising in advance to the more experienced hikers around here to whom my questions might seem redundant. I'm a keen day and overnight hiker, but I'm planning to do the Overland Track and I feel it's in a whole different ballpark to a day or an overnighter when it comes to preparation and gearing (gear weight, food preparation, clothes...).

I've had a thorough read of the forum and what I could find online on gearing up for the overland track, but I feel like there's some background knowledge I am missing to make informed decisions on what to take so I'm calling out for your help! The questions I have are:

- With cooking, from my understanding I can't carry gas cans on my plan to Tasmania (from Melbourne), so how exactly am I meant to do it? I'm planning on buying a jetboil-type cooking system, and a heap of freeze dried meals to constitute most of my food for the 6 days, but do people actually go and buy their gas can in Hobart or Launceston?

- What sort of dishwashing equipment do you carry (if there's anything specific that exists for these types of hikes) ?

- In regards to water, documentation shows that there is ample water supplied on the track, so how many bottles do you carry considering you get a refill/source each day (I assume), 2 x 2L. At this stage I don't plan on buying a water bladder.

- Typically what sort of clothes do you need to wear during the day for hiking the Overland Tracking late March – a rain jacket of course, but thermal pants, top?

Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to take on some or all of these questions.

Cheers

[icefest]

- With cooking, from my understanding I can't carry gas cans on my plan to Tasmania (from Melbourne), so how exactly am I meant to do it? I'm planning on buying a jetboil-type cooking system, and a heap of freeze dried meals to constitute most of my food for the 6 days, but do people actually go and buy their gas can in Hobart or Launceston?
https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourcei ... tor+centre

- What sort of dishwashing equipment do you carry (if there's anything specific that exists for these types of hikes) ?
https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourcei ... e+no+trace

- In regards to water, documentation shows that there is ample water supplied on the track, so how many bottles do you carry considering you get a refill/source each day (I assume), 2 x 2L. At this stage I don't plan on buying a water bladder.
You are asking strangers on the internet how much you need to drink during a days walking? You really don't know this yourself?

- Typically what sort of clothes do you need to wear during the day for hiking the Overland Tracking late March – a rain jacket of course, but thermal pants, top?
https://www.google.com.au/webhp?sourcei ... +checklist

[DanShell]

Yes most would buy their gas when they get here. Even the info centre at cradle mountain should have it but check first.

Plain old water and a scourer works for me for doing dishes.

There is plenty of water.

Clothing while walking is a personal thing. I like shorts and thermals if it's cold and just shorts and a polyester top if it's not.

I hope that helps

[wayno]

check the typical weather for the time of year you're going and check the forecast before you go and take enough clothing and shelter to keep you safe if you get caught out overnight, its harder to offer accurate advice about clothing without knowing when you are going. watch the windchill. i've been there in feb on a sunny day, needing storm gear to cut the windchill...

[north-north-west]

In Tasmania, there's one basic rule for clothing: be prepared for anything at any time of the year. It could go from hot sunshine to snow with almost no warning in the space of an hour.

Whatever you normally wear for an overnighter is fine for walking in good weather. But have warmer add-ons as well. Layering is always best. A light merino or polypro thermal top, plus a windshirt or light jacket, plus your waterproofs. And have all this at the top of the pack and easily accessible if you're not wearing it.

There's plenty of water available along the way from creeks and pools as well as the tanks at the huts. It's not necessary to carry more than a litre a time (at most).

Do the right thing by the environment, and leave the detergent (and soap/shampoo etc for yourself) behind. Carry a scourer or use clean sand from a creek or pool.

I know the island is a little behind the times but we do have shops here and we are used to catering for walkers. It's possible to buy gas (and, indeed, any other supplies or gear you might need) down here.

[wildlight]

- With cooking, from my understanding I can't carry gas cans on my plan to Tasmania (from Melbourne), so how exactly am I meant to do it? I'm planning on buying a jetboil-type cooking system, and a heap of freeze dried meals to constitute most of my food for the 6 days, but do people actually go and buy their gas can in Hobart or Launceston?

- What sort of dishwashing equipment do you carry (if there's anything specific that exists for these types of hikes) ?

- In regards to water, documentation shows that there is ample water supplied on the track, so how many bottles do you carry considering you get a refill/source each day (I assume), 2 x 2L. At this stage I don't plan on buying a water bladder.

- Typically what sort of clothes do you need to wear during the day for hiking the Overland Tracking late March – a rain jacket of course, but thermal pants, top?

Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to take on some or all of these questions.

Cheers

Hey Vankri

Have done the track a dozen times, all seasons, including winter. Am writing these answers based on a non-winter walk- especially the bit about clothes. March should be "not the coldest month" lol but "things happen"!

1. You are correct in your comments about not being able to BYO gas by air. However… the Visitor Centre which you pass on your way to the start of the walk, always has jetboil compatible cartridges. In rare cases they may be out of the 100g units, but they'll have the 230g size. I wouldn't stress over a gas supply, you'll definitely get some there. They (Vis Centre) know that people rely on being able to buy supplies there.

2. Dishwashing is best accomplished using sand or light weight gravel from a stream bed, following all best practices for "doing the right thing"- much depends on what you cooked- and how efficiently you cooked it, with regards to "whether or not scrubbing of pot / bowl is required. Don't burn your food in the pot, washing should be easy.

3. I've timed this one- so the answer is accurate. When walking the Overland Track, you are never more than 15 minutes from a flowing stream, once you've emerged onto the Cradle Mountain higher area, Marions Lookout etc. Before then, it might stretch out to 20 or 25 mins on the climb. Make your own calculations- but I'd say a litre would be more than enough for such short distances between fills. Have NEVER had to treat water there, and never ever been sick from it. That's MY experience, yours could be different.

4. A 150gsm thermal top should be fine for walking, and over that I would wear something like an ex-officio shirt or similar. If it was freezing cold without precipitation, the furthest I'd go is a fleece vest. Once the rain comes, that's different. Try to get your rain gear (poncho or coat) on before the rain actually falls from the sky. A Poncho would serve you well, much of the track is protected, and you're not bush bashing through horrific scrub. The poncho would be flappy in the breeze, especially on day 1… and Pelion Gap- but- depending on your comfort level and how you roll with life- you should be fine. Others may bring up a thousand "yeah buts"- it would be different if you were out there and a survivor from a horrendous incident "marooned"- but you're not. You are a person out there walking with excitement and enthusiasm, be smart be sensible and you'll be fine. Don't forget a sun hat with lanyard so the wind doesn't blow the wretched thing off- and a beanie or bank0robber type balaclava is great for the night time snappy air.

Below the waist? I always walk in shorts no matter what the weather, even in snow. But that's just me. Long pants annoy me- but if I forgot my shorts and had to select long pants- I'd wear either 100 weight or lighter fleece outers, or maybe something like Ex Officio lightweights. Don't wear denim jeans or military pants if you're only taking one pair. Cotton when wet- in cold weather- is not good. Don't do your head in over gaiters- people dress up like they're going to go jungle-bashing- man much of it is like promenading on a boardwalk. Not a wilderness trip. Shoes? The lightest ones you can wear which support your feet. Wear some technical fabric boxers- not conventional undies- trust me on this one.
A mate from Tassie went with me once, and realised when we'd got to Kitchen hut that he was still in his work shoes (office)- he preferred driving in them instead of his leather boots. He forgot to put the boots on before leaving- did the whole walk in the office boots. He looked hilarious- everything else was right- it was like having my own clown with me. But he was fine. Trekking poles are great.

The best camping is BETWEEN huts. There are camping spaces at most every creek- if the hut at waterfall valley gives you the feeling of being in an international airport departure lounge with various ethinicities cooking with exotic smells while still adjusted to their homeland's timezone… then camp away from the huts, where the animals are still afraid of people and don't view you as "meals on wheels in the wild" Maybe "snacks in packs" ??. I've been in an isolated camp most nights out there, the banging and clanging and sounds and smells of huts- kills the experience for me.

Take some time and enjoy the side trips. See the track as a link-walk from one awesome side trip to the next. Try and spend a night on Ossa, also the Labyrinth should not be missed, same goes for the waterfalls on the Mersey. If you have booked the ferry- don't stress if the people ahead of you in the queue are jousting for space. The ferry operator calls passenger names in order of the bookings received at the office, not in the order of ppl lined up on the jetty. They also collect from Echo Point- DEFINTELY worth spending a night camping out next to the hut there.

Have an awesome walk, please post some photos.

Cheers, Wildlight.

PS most of the higher ground has Telstra 4g coverage, it's amazingly strong through there.

As I was previewing, I noticed north-north-west had posted a response, sorry for double up on some of her points. We were probably writing much the same time as each other.

[Nuts]

The best camping is BETWEEN huts. There are camping spaces at most every creek- if the hut at waterfall valley gives you the feeling of being in an international airport departure lounge with various ethinicities cooking with exotic smells while still adjusted to their homeland's timezone… then camp away from the huts, where the animals are still afraid of people and don't view you as "meals on wheels in the wild" Maybe "snacks in packs" ??. I've been in an isolated camp most nights out there, the banging and clanging and sounds and smells of huts- kills the experience for me.

Try and spend a night on Ossa, also the Labyrinth should not be missed, same goes for the waterfalls on the Mersey.

Good advice in general wildlight, besides these ^ points (to me)

The numbers are limited to 34 private walkers each day, there are far less around most of the year. The campsites are not so close to huts as for the noise to offend all but the most sensitive surely (I'm guessing and suggesting, I can't relate). Try another area, exercise some tolerance or even embrace the multiculturalism! Put you food in the huts, keep gear clean, the possums will have a look and move on, grab a pic, good opportunity up so close - Push some food under someone else's tent before retiring

Don't camp on Ossa or at the falls, do we need platforms and toilets there as well.. Besides, the huts are well positioned effort-wise, to Windemere as an easier day after a good test on the first day (perhaps inc traveling and to Waterfall Valley) Always possums at Windemere but lots of more pleasant critters. Pelion Hut and the plains have some awesome views. In good weather there's some great swimming at Kia Ora (as at some other hut/campsite areas) If the weather is clagged out anywhere Ossa is first.. and (BN)Windy Ridge Hut has one of the best sunset/rise views on the track.

[Vankri]

Thanks for all the replies (yes, even you with the Google links, I know I had it coming...). Amazing stuff and special thanks to Wildlight for the very useful extra info.With regards to side trips, I'll have to check the maps and estimate times, I'll need to be out of there in 6 days (the pain of organising transport from Lake St Claire...) and will need to see what pace the girlfriend and I are walking at.

[saludos05]

How cold?
two days ago I finished a 6 day OT. It was super cold! Apart from the first day hike (Marion's lookout) when the sun (and snakes) were out, I hiked in a merino or polypropylene long sleeved T shirt + a long sleeved shirt + a a medium quality Goretex jacket most of the way. One day was 7 degrees and fairly flat and I also had to wear a light fleece jacket.

Night time in the huts, I wore the same minus the shirt and obviously not the goretex in the sleeping bag There was snow above 800 on Wednesday.

Bert Nicholls hut is flashy but I think the coldest of all. A tent is probably warmer due to your body heat warming up the small space.

Narcissus hut is still out of action but there is a tarp over the verandah for shelter if you are waiting for the ferry. Otherwise maybe walk through to Echo Point hut for the ferry to LSC. I got a Tassielink bus to Hobart after a disappointing accommodation experience at LSC lodge.

Such a beautiful walk. My tip: check and check AGAIN for anything that you may have left on the top bunk. I got distracted and left some food behind. If not for the generosity (and excess food carried) by some other lovely trekkers, I would have been very hungry. I Had left my coffee behind as welL :'( Based on that experience, can I suggest storing your food in a few different places in your luggage. It's easy to think it wouldn't happen to you, but accidents happen.

[Vankri]

Hi all, thanks to everyone who provided advice in this thread, it was very helpful.

We had a great walk and were prepared for any weather, even though we were very lucky and almost only got beautiful days on the track except one day of light rain. If my experience can help others reading this for advice at some point in the future:
- Don't underestimate the importance of your sleeping bag's quality and if you think it's going to be 0° outside, you need a sleeping bag that claims it's good for -10, not for 0. We had planned to tent most of the way but ended up staying in huts because of the cold.
- We didn't bring gaiters, most people had them on the track. If you have room and you have them at home, pack them, some sections will be made easier/quicker to get through — but if you don't it's not the end of the world
- Pine Valley is well worth the side trip, the two main hikes accessible there give amazing views.

And since Wildlight was so helpful and had requested photos, I'll upload a few pics below.

[wildlight]

And since Wildlight was so helpful and had requested photos, I'll upload a few pics below.

My ears were burning!

Thanks for these. In fact- after posting on your thread, I've gone and booked a seat over to HBA and organised a mate to drive me to Cradle, end of this month. Haven't booked for the OT- but I notice there are ample vacancies for the start of May, and I haven't booked a return ticket. So provided the wind is not strong enough to blow a dog off a chain- I'll most likely do the walk. All I could get from Mrs was the guarantee of her turning up to HBA once I emerge.

The shots are great mate, you got some fantastic conditions, it's interesting that you chose to stay in the huts coz it was cold. I've always felt warmer in a smaller pocket of still air- aka a tent. Still- you're back- happy- and you've had a great time. Absolute score with the weather.

Thanks for the acknowledgement.

Cheers

WildLight

[stry]

Damn photos

Now I want to go again

I empathise with your sleeping bag comments. I'm a bit similar. For me Comfort is the rating. Limit of Comfort is not good enough for my body.

[wayno]

clothing is a personal thing, some people can cope with extremely cold weather wearing very little because they generate so much heat on the move... others dont cope and need to layer up more... unless you know which type of person you are pays to take more layers than less if you're not that experienced in cold weathers. look at the aus meteorological website and look at the weather stats for the area...
doesnt hurt to take an extra insulating layer with you. i've seen peopes gear lists for trips in conditions that i wouldnt dream of taking so little gear, ultra light is becoming popular and itdoesnt work for everyone if you strike cold weather, doesnt work for me... i picked up a light down jacket people were raving about online but i wouldnt touch it if the thermometer got anywhere near single digit figures...