Planning your first overnight hike or just keen to give your setup an upgrade? Either way, packing the right gear can mean the difference between an epic night under the stars… or a long, uncomfortable one you'd rather forget.
Whether you're heading off on a serious bushwalking adventure, putting your lightweight hiking gear to the test, or building the ultimate hiking wish list, having the essentials sorted is key.
We've cut through the clutter and rounded up the core overnight gear you actually need so you can walk further, sleep better, and wake up ready to hit the trail.
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Before You Pack: Do the Simple Stuff First
Before we even crack into gear, do yourself a favour and get the basics sorted. Take the time to plan your route so you know exactly how far you're going and how long it should take, download your maps for offline use in case reception drops out, and always let someone know where you're heading and when you expect to be back.
It might sound simple, but these quick steps are easy to tick off and could seriously save your skin if things don't go to plan. For more essential hiking safety tips, Elks Outdoors has you sorted.
The Core Overnight Hiking Kit
Forget overpacking, these are your non-negotiables for a safe and comfy overnight adventure.
1. Hiking Tent
Your home away from home, your hiking tent is one of the most important pieces of gear you'll pack. A solid, well-designed tent will keep you protected from wind, rain, and any curious critters sniffing around camp, while also giving you a dry, comfortable place to crash after a big day on the trail.
When you're choosing a tent, it's worth going for something lightweight and compact so it doesn't weigh you down, but still tough enough to handle unpredictable Aussie conditions. Good ventilation is also key.
Look for:
Lightweight, packable design
Easy setup (no one wants a 40-min struggle at sunset)
Good ventilation for steamy Aussie conditions
2. Hiking Mat
A hiking mat does more than just make your setup comfier, it plays a huge role in keeping you warm by insulating you from the cold ground, which can make a huge difference on those cooler Aussie nights. Even when the air temp feels fine, the ground can quickly draw heat from your body and turn a decent night's sleep into a rough one.
A quality mat creates an extra barrier between you and the ground, helping you stay warm, rested, and ready to tackle the next day. Whether you go for an inflatable option for a bit of added comfort or a foam mat for durability, it's one piece of gear you'll be very glad you packed once you roll out your setup at camp.
Inflatable sleeping mats pack down smaller and are generally much lighter, making them a solid choice if you're trying to keep your pack size and weight under control. Foam mats tend to be bulkier and a bit more awkward to carry, often strapped to the outside of your pack, but they make up for it with durability and reliability.
3. Sleeping Bag
A quality hiking sleeping bag is arguably one of the most important pieces of outdoor gear, especially when it comes to overnight or multi-day hiking. It's what keeps you warm, comfortable, and honestly, there's nothing better than crawling into your cosy sleeping bag after a big day on the trail.
Choosing a sleeping bag suited to the conditions can mean the difference between waking up refreshed or counting down the hours till sunrise. Temperatures can drop quickly overnight, especially out bush or in cold weather conditions, so having the right insulation is key to staying warm and comfortable.
Look for a bag with an appropriate temperature rating for the season, and consider whether you'll need something lightweight for summer or a warmer option for cooler months. When hiking it's also imperative to think about packability and weight.
Check temperature ratings before you leave
Synthetic = better for wet conditions
Down = lighter and warmer (but hates moisture)
4. Hiking Stove
A lightweight hiking stove lets you cook proper meals, boil water, and enjoy a hot brew at camp. After a long day on the trail, that can be an absolute game changer. There's just something about knocking up a warm feed or cuppa when the sun drops that's hard to beat and it can seriously lift your mood after a big hike.
If you want something quick and fuss-free, a Jetboil system is a ripper option. They're compact, super-efficient, and boil water in minutes, perfect for freeze-dried meals, noodles, or that all-important morning coffee before you hit the track again. They also have a reliable push button igniter for consistent performance even in cold temperatures.
Just remember to pack enough fuel canisters for your trip, bring a lighter or matches as a backup, and keep your cookware compact to save valuable space in your pack.
5. Hiking Clothing
When you're hiking in the outdoors, the weather can turn quick, so packing the right clothing is key to staying comfortable and safe on the trail. A solid layering system gives you the flexibility to adapt as conditions change throughout the day and night.
Start with a high quality moisture-wicking base layer to draw sweat away from your skin, add a warm mid layer such as a fleece or lightweight puffer for insulation, and finish with a waterproof outer layer to protect you from rain and wind.
Don't forget to pack spare socks, they're an absolute game changer after a long day on the trail and can help prevent blisters.
Bonus Tips to Keep Your Pack Dialled
Keep it light, but don't cut essentials like a water bottle, first aid kit or dry bag
Pack heavier items close to your back for balance
Test your gear before you head out
Always leave room for extra water and snacks
Pack Smart, Sleep Easy
An overnight hike should be about switching off, exploring more, and soaking up the good stuff and not stressing about dodgy gear or a rough night's sleep.
With a solid setup including a tent, mat, sleeping bag, stove, and the right clothing, you'll be ready for whatever nature throws at you.
Ready to gear up and get out there? Swing by your local BCF or jump online to kit yourself out for your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy should an overnight hiking pack be?
Aim to keep your pack as light as possible without cutting safety essentials. As a guide, it should generally weigh no more than 20% of your body weight.
How much water should you carry on an overnight hike?
Plan for around two to three litres per person, plus extra for cooking. Carry more in hot weather or when water sources are unreliable.
What food is best for an overnight hike?
Choose lightweight, high-energy foods such as trail mix, wraps, dehydrated meals, protein bars and instant oats.
Do you need a first aid kit for an overnight hike?
Yes. Pack a compact hiking first aid kit with blister care, bandages, antiseptic, pain relief and any personal medications.
How do you keep hiking gear dry overnight?
Use a pack liner or dry bags for your sleeping bag, spare clothing and electronics. Always close your tent vents and doors before leaving camp.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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