Clothing for Overland track in January

[Sue_M]

Hi,
My family and I will be walking the Overland track in early January. Is one set of thermals each enough or should I pack a spare in case we get wet? Also does anyone recommend taking long waterproof trousers? Any other clothing suggestions welcomed!
Thanks,

Sue

[Nuts]

I'd think along the lines of (at least): one set of lighter clothes for the daytime (put them back on wet if needed), a separate warmer set for the evening/early morning. Thermal tops are are light to carry for the warmth as layers, a couple are a good idea. W/P pants are also a good idea, you may get damp anyhow but with cold rain and wind the waterproof layer will at least keep you warmer. Weather will likely be mostly warmer but even in mid summer its not unusual to get some cold snaps:

Snowy Man_10.JPG (82.99 KiB) Viewed 10732 times

[MichaelP]

Add beanie and gloves to the above! Still can get quite cold, I've been in a blizzard on NYE near Cradle.

[eggs]

Sue

My first walks in / near the OT were in a Feb some years ago. I suspect it was a particularly cold and wet one - lots of snow and hail on and off over a period of weeks.
But there were some great walks had in between this weather.
[I also dropped in on Cradle Valley that Christmas Eve to be greeted by extreme winds and sleet at Marions Lookout. We moved around on hands on knees.]

I have also been in Tas for summer when it was quite mild and even quite hot. But the rule is to be prepared for the worst.
So I would have a set of thermals for walking and a dry set on hand for sleeping.
Water proof over trousers would be a must have.
You need the equipment to block wind - as hypothermia is the great danger, particularly if there are smaller children.

Good warm Gloves and beanie/balaklava are also essential.

Enjoy,
Brian

[Lizzy]

I agree with all of the above- I like to have a set of thermals I keep dry for bed which I keep waterproofed with my sleeping bag. Another set to walk in which may get wet is a good plan especially seeing as they are so light and relativley inexpensive. A real fashion statement is walking in thermals, shorts and gaiters Waterproof pants are also great for that lovely Tassie weather- whether it be wind, rain, snow, cold or all four
have a great trip
liz

[wayno]

sounds like new zealand.... i pack two sets of warm clothes. the second set is for when i stop at the end of the day in case the first set get saturated walking.
i have enough clothes to keep me from getting hypothermia in bad weather. if i have to stop for any length of time...

[Tortoise]

Hi,
My family and I will be walking the Overland track in early January. Is one set of thermals each enough or should I pack a spare in case we get wet? Also does anyone recommend taking long waterproof trousers? Any other clothing suggestions welcomed!

G'day, Sue. Glad you're asking the questions I agree wholeheartedly with all of the above re needing to be prepared for the worst conditions. That'll keep you and your family safe, and enjoying the walk as much as possible no matter what conditions you get.

The Overland Track early one January was my first backpack, eons ago, and I made more mistakes than most people , but survived to tell the tale, thanks to other walkers who helped me out.

A huge mistake was to assume the parka that kept me warm and dry skiing was waterproof. Another big mistake was that I thought I really didn't need waterproof overpants. Torrential rain and icy winds quickly had me soaked, freezing and in some trouble. (Did I mention the inadequate tent, crook knee, burnt foot etc etc ?) Even if you have elcheapo overpants that don't breathe (hence you get very wet from sweat), they keep the wind out, as has been mentioned. That makes all the difference. You can get some for under $5 at garage sales and op shops sometimes.

BTW I use a cheap pair as my 'evening wear', over my dry thermals. Keeps a layer of warm air in, and they're lighter than any other pants I used to take. (That's as well as the better pair I use for wet weather.)

The 'heatwave' conditions we had at the start of our walk also lulled me into a false sense of security - so resist the temptation to leave out any warmies if you start in nice weather. It can drop 30 degrees in a very short time when a front comes through.

I also suggest you have a look at the Essential Gear in the Overland Check List :

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=27929

Happy walking

[Sue_M]

Thanks everyone for your quick replies and advice! Definantly will take waterproof pants, extra thermals, beanie and gloves now! Regards, Sue

[Taz73]

Better to carry something you don't need than not to carry something you do need

[north-north-west]

Yeah, clothes are a good idea. Although, in the summer . . .

[Mifferz]

Hi Sue,

When in January are you going? Friend and I will be starting on the 2nd January.
And thanks for asking this, didn't think of bringing waterproof pants!

[Tortoise]

Hi Sue,

When in January are you going? Friend and I will be starting on the 2nd January.
And thanks for asking this, didn't think of bringing waterproof pants!

Hi Mifferz. Have a look at the Parks link above re essential gear for the walk, in case there's something else you've missed. Hope you have a fantastic & uneventful (except in good ways) trip.