Bushwalk Australia

hi,
i'm planning to do the overland track in 2 weeks and i am wondering if a tent is really needed. I know that it is recommended but i really would like to avoid those extra kilos.
thanks.
geoff

Don't take this as being rude, but... don't be stupid.

It can snow storm at any time of the year, but this time of the year especially. If you're caught between huts you could get into bother if not properly kitted up.

you could run the whole track in 19hrs... if it is in good weather... and if you were capable (fitness) of that... and if you had done that sort of thing before ie 24hr type races... and if you you knew the place pretty well...

mind you that is a lot of 'ifs'...

Chances are you won't NEED it. However, I would think it unwise to not carry it, because if you do NEED it, then not having it would be catastrophic.

And besides, camping out in a tent is often a lot more pleasant than sharing a crowded smelly hut!

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

There is always 1 who snores in the huts....

Well, that doesn't leave you a lot of time to shop. Maybe a bivy bag for emergencies only?

Yer, not a stupid question, plenty of people skip the tent, most dont ask... many would regret...
I would take a bivy or sturdy shelter of some sort at least, the weight will be worth it for piece of mind (you can actually stop anywhere if necessary).
The downside of hut sleeping is another, youll never know who you will have to spend the night with.

Welcome Geoff

Also, some of the huts can get quite full sometimes too, especially if you end up meeting a school/scout group during the walk (and then its nicer to sleep outside anyway). I'd really recommend taking one.

I snore like three grizzly bears singing Don Giovanni, and you could be in that hut with me......

Drifting wrote:I snore like three grizzly bears singing Don Giovanni, and you could be in that hut with me......

I might check with you before I go next time!

Son of a Beach wrote:

Drifting wrote:I snore like three grizzly bears singing Don Giovanni, and you could be in that hut with me......

I might check with you before I go next time!

Very good idea. I seriously considered getting a separate "Daddy's" tent. Worst of all, my daughter really likes to do all sorts of imitations of me in the morning (before coffee).

thanks for your all your answers and the warm welcome at the forum

In New Zealand where the weather worse than Tas they'd think you were mad if you took a tent where there are huts.

You have to carry a tent here in Australia because your a wimp if you don't.

Huts are unlikely to be full in October.

JamesMc

JamesMc wrote:In New Zealand where the weather worse than Tas they'd think you were mad if you took a tent where there are huts.

Yes, well, they're spoiled rotten over there.

You have to carry a tent here in Australia because your (sic) a wimp if you don't.

No, you're just a wee bit foolish in some places.

JamesMc wrote:In New Zealand where the weather worse than Tas they'd think you were mad if you took a tent where there are huts.

You have to carry a tent here in Australia because your a wimp if you don't.

Huts are unlikely to be full in October.

JamesMc

As has been said previously "what if you don't reach a hut" and from what experience do you prognosticate that the huts may not be full, been there on many occasions have you?? in deep snow or some other reason for a delay
c

Hi again,
finally I did the OT without a tent but I had a bivy bag with me (actually it is a big orange plastic bag ).

I would suggest everyone to TAKE A TENT. In my special case (international traveller who didn't want to buy a tent for only ONE walk + walking at the end of October) it was not necessary and I would do it like this again.

Greets,
Geoff