Planning Homepage // Water / Food / Health & Safety / Emergencies / Communications / Trail Drop's / Larapinta Trail Facebook Page
 
The choice of clothing, gear and equipment for bushwalking and trekking is a very personalised process. There is no universal equipment list. Your choices will be influenced by your experience, knowledge, skills, type of trek and budget, to name a few. Therefore, what we have provided on this page is only a guide for the type of clothing, gear and equipment to take on a Larapinta Trail trek. While our focus is on independent hikers planning to do multi-day, extended and End to End treks on the Larapinta Trail, day and overnight hikers, as well as those going on tour based hikes, should find the information on this page useful as well.
Key Points
Point Familiarise yourself with the trail conditions, climate & its sections
Point Your boots will get a tough workout, as will your feet.
Point Resupply points will dictate how much water and food you carry
Point Gas stoves are essential if you want to cook or boil water. No Fire Policy.
Point Alice Springs has only one dedicated outdoor travel store - Lone Dingo.
Point Have a Fixem Up kit for emergency bush repairs of equipment, boots, tent
Consider the following factors which will ( and should ) influence what equipment you choose for your trek on the Larapinta Trail
Natural Factors: Most Common of the Larapinta Trail
Point Varying terrain and conditions
Point Rough ground. Jagged, sharp and/or loose rocks. Large boulders.
Point Lack of drinkable natural water sources i.e. carrying extra water
Point Loose gravel and rock ( slippery & unstable terrain)
Point Water crossings. Mostly in gorges, especially after rain. It does rain here.
Point Heat, sun & high UV exposure
Point Hot ground ( i.e. affects glue on boot soles causing sole peel)
Point Freezing temperature and frost during winter
Point Heavy dew
Point Drizzle and rainfall
Point Wind, especially on high ground, where at times it never seems to end
Point Sharp spinifex i.e. puncturing gear like air mattresses ( & legs, hands)
Point Dingoes - There has been a significant increase in theft of gear by dingoes
Some Human Factors ( The Hiker)
Point Skills, knowledge & experience of the hiker & group
Point Level of Individual health and fitness of the hiker & group
Point Distance, duration, difficulty of the trek, and time of year.
Point Weight & pack capacity needs
Point Food & water resupply timetable/points
Point Solo trekking constraints, risks & limitations
Point Group size ( sharing loads)
Point Emergency Evacuation ( i.e. signalling gear etc)
Info Hiking Boots
One of the most important equipment/clothing choices, as well as one of the most common pieces of equipment failure on the Larapinta Trail, is the humble hiking boot. The terrain of the trail will significantly impact your boots ( i.e. scuff, tear, puncture etc) and your feet ( i.e. twisting, gnawing, rubbing, jabbing etc). One of the most common issues for boots on the Larapinta Trail is the sole falling apart ( or peeling off).
Some Key Considerations
Point Choose sturdy & tough footwear
Point High cut boots are recommended ( ankle support)
Point Sole stitch & glue condition should be 100%
Point Must provide excellent support & protection
Point Tread must be durable for rocky terrain
Point Good traction and grip is essential
Point Footwear should be breathable, waterproof
Point Outer layers should be tough and durable
Popular Brands
Danner external_link | Scarpa external_link | Teva external_link | Hi -Tech external_link
Info Sleeping Mat
See the campsite page for what the most common campsite tent pads variations are like on the Larapinta Trail. Overall, the ground on the Larapinta Trail is hard, rocky, gravelly or uneven, or a combination of all of these. The ground during winter is bitterly cold. Air or closed cell foam mattresses can provide some protection and comfort from these conditions. ( Note: We've seen some hikers use only a tarp or ground sheet as a 'mattress'. The information here is focused on hikers who would like a little more comfort than a tarp to lay on).
Some Key Considerations
Point Mattresses's should be durable or well protected
Point Lightweight & compactable is ideal
Point Good internal mattress insulation is essential
Point Air mattress provides a greater level of comfort
Point Air mattresses also easily puncture ( i.e. spinifex)
Point Fabric surface & underside should be non slip
Point Always carry extra puncture repair gear
Popular Brands
Sea to Summit external_link | Thermarest external_link
Info Tent
As with other gear selection, tents are a very individual choice and preference and these choices vary considerably between hikers. There is no best tent option for the Larapinta Trail. Some of the main considerations common on the Larapinta Trail are: Keeping out creepy crawlies ( including venomous snakes, mice, ticks, mosquito's and centipedes); protecting gear from dingo theft ( common occurrence!); keeping out of the wind and dust (particularly on high ground); protection from the cold, and at times, drizzle and rain; privacy and extra comfort.
Some Key Considerations
Point Tents should be lightweight & compactable
Point Easy to set up and pack
Point Small and unobtrusive when packed away
Point Base should be durable and sturdy
Point Carry a groundsheet to protect tent base
Point Strong, durable lightweight poles essential
Point Carry tough lightweight pegs for solid ground
Point Good vestibule for protecting gear
Point Good vents for air movement inside the tent
Point Double skinned tents offer more protection
Popular Brands
MSR external_link | Exped external_link | Snugpak external_link | Mountain Designs
Info Backpack
Packs (or backpacks) come in a variety of types, sizes, functionalities and features and are an extremely personal choice. Which pack you choose, how you wear your pack, how you pack it and how you use it will be entirely influenced by your experience, skills/knowledge, physical complexion and capability. Here we will focus on 65-80lt capacity packs specific for independent multi-day extended and End-to-End walks on the Larapinta Trail. ( Tour based hikes will have different considerations)
Some Key Considerations
Point 70-90litre capacity packs are recommended
Point Frame should fit the body well & support the back
Point Back padding should be breathable
Point Adjustable harnesses's allow personalised fits
Point Hip belt design and configuration is important
Point Tough, durable outer pack fabric is essential
Point Zips should be tough & have weather protection
Point Internal pack compartments are very handy
Popular Brands
Deuter external_link | Osprey external_link | Tatonka external_link
The following Equipment Checklist is a general guide only. The checklist is not definitive nor universal. This checklist is for one hiker. Equipment choices will vary considerably between hikers. Quantities of items listed below are not generally shown because this will depend on the type of trek you choose to do on the Larapinta Trail and your personal preferences.
Wearing
key point Underwear + spare Think about creepy crawlies i.e. ticks
key point Pants or Shorts .
key point Shirt or T-shirt Loose shirts provide better sun protection
key point Socks + spare Hiking socks
key point Jacket Lightweight microfleece, with hood
key point Raincoat Lightweight, breathable. It does rain here.
key point Boots See left for more info.
key point Hat Essential - wide brim is best
key point Beannie Lightweight, warm. You'll need it in winter
key point Sun glasses with UV lenses for greater protection
key point Watch/Time Device .
key point Gaiters Optional.
key point Fly Net ( Hat/Head) Optional. More Information.
key point Shemarg Excellent piece of clothing
Carrying
key point Backpack/Pack 75-85 litres. See left for more info.
key point Pack External Cover Optional. Waterproof
key point Internal Pack Liner Waterproof
key point Rubbish Bag More Information
key point Snatch Bag Optional. Small pocket/bag with key valuables
key point Resalable Plastic Bags Pack rubbish into, carry in rubbish bag
key point Wallet/Purse ID, cards, key contact details, insurance etc
Sleeping
key point Tent + repair kit See left for more info.
key point Pegs Lightweight but tough for hard ground
key point Ground Sheet (Footprint) To protect base of tent from rough ground
key point Sleeping Bag .
key point Sleeping Bag Liner More information
key point Sleeping Mat See left from more information
key point Bivvie Bag, Gortex Optional. More information
key point Tarp Optional. More Information.
key point Pillow Optional. Small, inflatable
Cooking
key point Cooking Pot/Canteen More Information
key point Stove Stoves Only. No open fires permittedl.
key point Fuel .Remember: Cant go on planes. Buy locally.
Eating
key point Knife, Spoon, Fork Set .
key point Food See our food page
key point Scourer .
key point Matches .
key point Mug Optional.
key point Plate/Bowl Optional
Food Resupply Considerations
key point Storage Room Key See Food Link for more info
key point Storage Containers To pack resupply food in
Drinking
key point Water Bottles ( 1 or 2lt) Average carry is 4-6 litres per day
key point Hydration Bladder 2ltre, Camelback type
key point Water Treatment Water sterilisation tablets or devices
Pooping and Peeing
key point Toilet Paper .
key point Hand Towel, Sterile Anti-bacterial wet wipes
key point Hand Sanitiser Anti-bacterial liquid
key point Trowel/Digging Device Some Tips
Communicating - See our Communications page for more info
key point PLB Essential
key point Satphone + recharger More Information
key point Mobile Phone + recharger Read more about this.
key point Torch + batteries .
key point Whistle Some tips
key point Cyalume Stick Take 2. Green work best.
key point Signalling Mirror (Optional)
key point Strobe Light (Optional)
key point Panel Marker (Optional). More information
Sustainability - Keeps thing going
key point Spare Batteries For torch, GPS, cameras etc
key point Cash Camp fees, other.. More Information
key point Portable Solar Chargers (Optional)
Information
key point Maps Buy external_link or download external_link
key point Map Covers/Pockets .
key point Compass (Optional)
key point GPS (Optional)
key point Trek Plan See Emergency Page for more info
Maintenance
key point First Aid Kit  
key point Medical Warning Sheet More Information
key point Personal Protection Kit Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
key point Personal Maintenance Kit More Information
key point Multi Tool i.e. Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife
key point Fixem Kits More Information
key point Soap Biodegrable
Extra Gear & Kit
key point Camera + Batteries .
key point Memory Cards .
key point Video Camera (Optional)
key point Tripod, adjustable (Optional). Wrap arounds
key point Walking Poles (Optional)
 
Larapinta Trail Website
Disclaimer | Copyright | Privacy | Terms of Use | Webpage Updated April 2016
© World Expeditions 2024