Gear checklist for the Larapinta

Essential Gear List

When you arrive at our briefing point, please be dressed to begin your walk. 

• One small to medium soft bag for the trip that will be stored in your tent (approximately 60 litres; preferably no hard suitcases).
• See our footwear guide for specific recommendations for this walk.
  
  DOWNLOAD FOOTWEAR GUIDE

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 a while 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.

• Sleeping bag liner
• Polar fleece jacket (preferred) or woollen jumper/pullover
• Quality day pack (25L recommended)
• Light jumper (warm)
• Beanie
• Sunglasses
• Gloves or mittens
• Shorts and/or zip-off light walking trousers
• Thermal base layer (long-sleeved top and long johns - merino or polypropylene)
• Warm, long pants and a jumper/knit (to wear of an evening)
• Shirts/t-shirts (merino or polypropylene; 3 recommended)
• Long sleeve shirt for sun protection
• Comfortable, good quality walking socks, we recommend synthetic or merino
• Underwear
• Lightweight footwear (thongs/sport sandles; to wear at the camp)
• Sun hat and sunscreen (small bottle for use during the day)
• Short gaiters or boot protectors are optional but will help keep buffel grass burrs from your socks; Long gaiters are not necessary but may reduce irritation from spinifex.
• Towel for use when showering and a small towel and thongs for swimming.
• A face washer and personal toiletries.
• Water bottle(s) or water bladder (a minimum of 3L total capacity required)
• Head torch (for use around camp and on Mt Sonder climb)
• Travel mug for hot drinks on the track
• Any personal medication, including anti-inflammatories and EpiPens
• Fixomull or thin strapping tape for blisters and rubbing.
• Fly head net (only essential in April, May and September)
• Buff (for wind protection for your face and neck)
• Bathers

* DENIM AND COTTON CLOTHING ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR WALKING

Recommended Items

• Power bank for charging cameras and devices
• Camera

Optional Items

• Small mirror (especially if you wear contact lenses)
• A small towel and thongs for swimming
• Walking poles (handy for rocky slopes)

We provide

• Basic toiletries (sunscreen, after sun care, insect repellent, Sorbolene-based moisturiser)
• Lunch container and cutlery
• Rain jacket (3-layer membrane; weatherproof and breathable, available on the morning of departure)
• Bio-degradable liquid soap (also suitable as a shampoo)
• All bedding and sleeping equipment with the exception of a sleeping bag liner.

*You’re also welcome to bring your own rain jacket if preferred.

*Please arrange to store any extra luggage you may have in Alice Springs.

* 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 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.