When it comes to what to pack for the Routeburn Track, it can easily start to feel overwhelming. Unquestionably, for this hike or any other multi-day adventure, there’s a lot to remember.
I like to make sure I’m feeling up to the challenge, as well as being well prepared. It not only ensures safety as the weather can change in an instant but also helps increase comfort as well. That’s why below I’ve written my ultimate list for what to pack for the Routeburn Track, which can consequently be helpful for any multi-day hike.
If you’re needing more general details about the trail itself my post Hiking Routeburn Track: A guide to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks has you covered on everything else you need to know.
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CLOTHING
Packing the right clothing for the Routeburn Track is essential as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. It’s an art as you’ll need layers that are versatile and lightweight, you also want to pack enough but don’t want to overpack and ensure you’re prepared for everything from sun to rain. To help, here’s a breakdown of the key clothing items when thinking about what to pack for the Routeburn Track:
Basics:
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Merino socks*
Tops:
- Sport bras
- Breathable singlet/t-shirt
- Puffer vest or jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermal long/short sleeve – merino or otherwise
- Fleece jumper*
Bottoms:
- Shorts
- Tights
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Long, comfy pants*
Hats:
- Beanie*
- Cap
Footwear:
- Slip ons – for walking around the huts
- Hiking boots/trail shoes
For each day of the hike, I packed a fresh set of clothing. Since I tend to sweat a lot, it helped me feel refreshed and ready to start each day. If weight is a concern, it’s definitely not necessary to bring a new set for each day, but I still recommend packing extra.
* these are the items that I kept purely for use once at the huts. This means I’m sleeping in clothes that are clean and are kept separate from my hiking clothes.
TOILETRIES
When it comes to toiletries, comfort is key on multi-day hikes. Even though I do tend to overpack in this area I do believe that a few simple essentials can make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day. These are the toiletries I packed for the Routeburn Track to stay clean and comfortable:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Baby wipes – on the Routeburn Track all huts have a place to take a dip in order to feel a little clean – we’re talking rivers and lakes. It’s no where near as good as a shower and to be warned, this is water that comes directly from the mountains so it’s freezing. However, if this isn’t something you’re keen on, fair enough! Baby wipes is undoubtedly the next best option.
- Make up wipes – I’m fussy so instead of using baby wipes I take my everyday make up wipes to clean my face. They’re much more gentle on the skin.
- Cleanser
- Moisturiser
- Hairbrush
- Roll on deodorant
- Hairties and bobby pins
- Contacts – for those who aren’t lucky enough to have 20/20 vision.
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen/sun protection
- Period necessities
- Earplugs – an absolute, unquestionable essential when it comes to getting a decent sleep in the huts.
- Sleep mask
ELECTRONICS
While hiking in the wilderness, it’s important to keep your electronics minimal, but there are a few gadgets that can be lifesavers on a multi-day adventure. Here’s the essential electronics gear I brought along to capture the incredible landscapes, stay connected, and light the way when needed:
- Camera
- Powerbank and charging cord
- Kindle
- Head torch
FOOD AND UTENSILS
Having the right food is crucial to keep your energy up during the hike. Specifically, we packed a mix of lightweight snacks, alongside heartier meals that were easy to prepare that provided energy, nutrition, and convenience. Overall, this was what we packed for the Routeburn Track to stay nourished and energised:
- Freeze dried meals – brands like Radix, Real Meals and Back Country are our usual go-tos for multi-day hikes. We carried both breakfast, dinner and a dessert for each morning and night to both start and end our day feeling fuelled and ready to go.
- Snacks – this included protein bars, dehydrated fruit (kiwifruit, strawberries), lollies, trail mix, jerky, protein balls and also a range of energy bars.
When it comes to cooking on the Routeburn Track, having the right utensils is a must, especially if you’re relying on dehydrated meals. Therefore, you’ll want to pack a basic set—knife, fork, and spoon—so you can eat without any fuss. Thankfully all of the huts on the Routeburn Track have cooking facilities but if cooking with boiling water, small, lightweight pots are a must. Just don’t forget a long-handled spoon for those freeze-dried meals that need a little stirring.
PACK SPECIFIC
I’ve found that a well-organised pack is key whilst on the trail. Having the right items easily accessible can save time and, as a result, some general frustration. Below are the must-have items I kept in specific areas of my pack to be prepared:
- Waterbladder – depending on the hike for the day, full and ready to go.
- Hiking poles
- Phone
- Mini tissues
- Snacks
- Water purification tablets
- Hand sanitiser
- Sunglasses
- Pack rain cover
- Rubbish bags
- First aid kit – plasters, anti-inflammatory medication, hydrating sachets, tweezers.
- Multi-tool or knife
MISC
Here’s a few extra items that are and aren’t essential but can definitely make your hike more comfortable and enjoyable. From keeping your gear dry to staying entertained in the evenings, here are things I packed to cover those last little extras that make all the difference:
- Gloves – for those colder days or nights.
- Swimwear
- Microfibre towel
- Wallet
- Glasses – again, just for those who aren’t lucky enough to have 20/20 vision.
- Playing cards
- Pack liner
- Sleeping bag
- Head torch with spare batteries
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR
If you’re someone who loves capturing the beauty of the outdoors, you’ll want to make sure your photography gear is up to the challenge. The Routeburn Track offers stunning landscapes, so having the right equipment can make a huge difference in capturing those epic moments. Therefore, I’ve put together a guide on essential photography gear for hiking, which may help you work in with what to pack for the Routeburn Track. So, if you’re planning to document your adventure, be sure to check it out for some tips and gear recommendations.
SUMMARY
In this post, we’ve shared everything you need to know about what to pack for the Routeburn Track. This is one of my ultimate New Zealand destinations so I’m excited for you to experience this beautiful place, too. Particularly, I hope this guide helps you–from clothing and food to toiletries and gear, it shows how being well-prepared ensures a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience.
For more, dive into our comprehensive travel guides for expert tips on other beautiful places in Aotearoa.