Even though the Outback is one of the world’s harshest and most brutal environments, hundreds of thousands of people visit it each year. It is a beautiful area, packed with all types of wildlife and plantlife you can’t find anywhere else.
If you are planning on exploring the Outback or camping a few nights in it, here is a list of the essential clothing you will need.
Shoes
One of the most essential items you will need is a good pair of walking or hiking shoes. Whether it be a pair of women’s boots or trainers, you need something to keep your feet covered and protected.
Not only is the terrain difficult to navigate at times but there is also a lot of creepy crawlies around that can sting and bite; a good pair of shoes can protect your feet on all fronts.
Hat
This goes without saying, but you will need a wide-brimmed hat. The sun in the Outback can be unbearable at times, especially if you are from Europe or somewhere that doesn’t get a lot of sun.
It is also important to get a hat that is breathable, and you want the heat to escape from your head to keep you cool.
Pants
Regarding pants, you will want a selection. A good pair of hiking pants are a must, as they are thick enough to protect you against plants, scrapes, and rough surfaces. They will be extra useful if you can unzip the bottle half to turn them into shorts.
You will then want to pack a pair of regular shorts, as well as a pair of tracksuit pants as, believe it or not, the Outback can get very cold.
Tops
With your tops, you will want a selection again; you will want to pack a couple of t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, and a couple of vests. Vests are great for layering, especially when it gets very cold at night.
Jackets/Jerseys
A jacket and a jersey are two more very important items that you will need. Both will keep you warm and protected against the elements, and both can also protect your skin against sunburn, bug bites, etc.
Thermal Clothing
Once again, because it can get cold, you won’t regret packing a few pieces of thermal clothing. While you don’t need to pack like you are going to the Arctic, one or two thermal tops or vests and maybe a pair of thermal shorts will do the job.
Thermal clothing can also double as clothing on its own, meaning you can just wear a thermal top and your pants or shorts, protecting your skin but also letting it breathe.
Thick Socks
Never underestimate the power of a thick pair of socks if you are going to be hiking through or camping in an area like the Outback. They serve two purposes; the first is that they will protect your feet against blisters and rubbing caused by walking long distances.
Secondly, a thick sock is often more than enough to protect yourself against most stings and bites, as well as any scratches that can be caused by thorny or serrated plants/leaves.
Neck Scarf/Buff
A neck scarf or a buff will serve two purposes while you are in the Outback. The first is it will act like a dust and dirt protector, especially when the wind picks up. Sandstorms are also common, and you don’t want your mouth full of sand and grit.
It can also act as a way to cool yourself down, as soaking it in water and wrapping it around your throat and neck will cool down the blood in your major arteries, which will, in turn, cool down the rest of your body.
Other Essentials
Besides the items listed above, there are a few more things that many would regard as essential when travelling through the Outback.
Medicine
The first thing you will need is a good selection of medicine and sprays. Besides headache and stomach pills, you should also pack painkillers and allergy tablets. On top of that, a bug repellant and a cream or spray you can put on a cut or bug bite is also important.
Swimming Gear
While the Outback may look dry, there are tons of spots where you can swim, and you will most likely want to take advantage of that. Packing your swimwear is a must, as well as quick-drying towels.
Don’t forget to pack a swim shirt if your skin has been burnt, as well as an extra hat you can wear while you are in the water.
Walking Stick
Finally, a walking stick or hiking pole will serve two purposes. The first is to help you traverse any tricky landscape and climbs that you may come across, and the second is to help protect you against any snakes, or something similar, that can get close to you.
The stick can be used to scare any push away any critter while keeping yourself out of harm’s way and further than an arm’s length from the danger.
