Gear checklist

The items on the gear list below will be packed into your lodge overnight bag (transferred to Lodge).  You only carry the essentials for the day (i.e water, camera, rainjacket) in your lightweight day pack.

When you arrive at our walkers' base it would be great if you could have all the gear you intend to take with you separated from any other luggage (perhaps in a garbage bag).  This will make the packing process run more smoothly.

- Lace-up hiking shoes or boots that have sturdy, treaded soles (full-grain leather or Gore-tex with Vibram soles recommended).

We can not over-emphasise the importance of appropriate footwear. Running shoes, sand shoes, elasticised boots and similar are not acceptable. Boots/shoes must be worn in to minimise the risk of blisters. If you haven’t worn your boots for awhile please dust them off, take them for a walk and make sure the soles are still firmly attached to the boot.  There is nothing worse than your boot failing on day one. You will be unable to commence the walk without the appropriate footwear, so please feel free to contact us for more details. We are more than happy to discuss footwear with you.

- 2 sets of thermals, Beanie or balaclava and Gloves or mittens. Please ensure you bring all items on the Essential Gear List. It is mandatory that these are included. 

Essential Gear List

  • Polar fleece jacket (preferred) or woollen jumper/pullover 
  • Polar fleece or jumper (Lodge Use)
  • Beanie or balaclava
  • Glovers or mittens
  • Shorts and/or light walking trousers (2 recommended)
  • Thermal base layer (long-sleeved top and long johns - merino or polypropylene; 2 sets preferred)
  • Warm, long pants (evening lodge wear)
  • Shirts/t-shirts (merino or polypropylene; 2 recommended at least 1 long-sleeved shirt for sun protection)
  • Socks (2 pairs recommended)
  • Underwear
  • Lightweight indoor footwear (crocs/sports sandals; for lodge and kayaking)
  • Sun hat & sunscreen (small bottle for use during the day)
  • Travel towel or body chamois (for swimming; light and quick-drying)
  • Water bottle(s) or water bladder (2-litre total capacity required; our packs can fit a water bladder - just ask your guides)
  • Travel mug for hot drinks on the track
  • Swimming costume
  • Any personal medication, including anti-inflammatories and EpiPens
  • A small bottle of hand sanitiser to use whilst on track. You can refill at the lodge each evening.

* DENIM AND COTTON CLOTHING ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR WALKING

Recommended Gear List

  • Walking poles 
  • Insect repellant
  • Small mirror (especially if you wear contact lenses)
  • Camera
  • Spare batteries or USB power cord for camera (there is a charging station at the Lodge with USB ports)
  • Ankle gaiters
  • Overpants 
  • Face masks - enough for the duration of your trip

* Tip: Layering of clothing has long been the basis for dressing in the outdoors and the gear list above follows this principle. When the temperature drops, we add another layer of insulation; if it rains, we add a rain shell on top and when it’s warm and dry, we strip off a layer.

* Your comfort and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us, and our intention is to keep your pack weight to a minimum. Aim for one set of warm clothes for evening and another set to wear whilst walking. Thermals are necessary due to their lightweight, quick-drying and warm properties.

 * Your guides will do a thorough gear check prior to departure. If you are unsure about anything on the gear list, please call us or talk to your local outdoor adventure store. 

Art Material List

  • Water-based gouache paints are preferred in this environment. We will be painting in a National Park. Non-toxic mediums and solvents, such as non-toxic pastels will be welcome.

  • Jock recommends a paper around 40 to 50 cm wide and a weight of 300.  Arche makes good all-around paper. He suggests you will need a few wide brushes 1 to 2 cm and some charcoal. If you bring loose paper, you will need a board and some tape.

  • Jock suggests an easel as it can get uncomfortable on the ground, but some people like to work that way and recommends participants bring a Jullian Easel or a pochade box. A French box easel and paints can be ordered in advance for collection at Artery in Hobart. Please call 03 6234 3788.

  • Please include the following colours in gouache or watercolour or pastel colours: Lemon yellow, Cad yellow, Alizarin crimson, Cad red, Cobalt blue, Cerulean blue, Viridian, White, and Raw sienna. Please also include a small bottle of liquitex acrylic ink: raw sienna or similar.

  • What we provide

    Lodge-based Walk 

    • Lightweight daypack (available on the morning of departure)
    • Duffel bag (available on the morning of departure) which will be transported by us to the Bay of Fires Lodge (must weigh no more than 5kg as this bag will be carried by foot by our staff up to the Lodge)
    • Rain jacket (3-layer membrane; waterproof and breathable available on the morning of departure)
    • Pack cover and pack liner
    • Lunch container and cutlery
    • Basic toiletries (sunscreen, after sun care, insect repellent, Sorbolene-based moisturiser; available at Lodge)
    • Bio-degradable liquid soap (also suitable as a shampoo; available at each hut - we would appreciate it if you used our soap, as it is phosphorus-free and suited to our greywater systems)
    • Lodge library offering a range of books and games (including field guides)


    * Please note: any luggage not required on your walk can be stored at our office and will be returned to you at the conclusion of your walk.

    If you have your own hiking gear please feel free to bring it along to use.  Our guides will ensure it is suitable on the morning of your departure.

  • Gear hire
    • Bushwalking Hire Gear Tasmania has gaiters, over pants, head torches and walking poles available for hire
    • Hire gear must be pre-booked at least 1 week prior to departure 
    • Gear will be delivered to our walking base ready for collection on the morning of your departure
    • To organise hire gear please visit www.bushwalkinghiregear.com 
  • Available for purchase at our walkers' base
    • Pocket day packs
    • Tasmanian Walking Company branded merino t-shirts
    • And more!

Need help deciding? Talk to an expert

We're here to help 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, otherwise, email us anytime and we'll be in touch.