My suggestions for a Simpson Desert Packing List.
4WD Vehicle Setup & Spares
Your vehicle is your lifeline.
It needs high ground clearance, reliable suspension, and as little weight on the roof as possible. Top-heavy vehicles are dangerous on the dunes.
Tyres: Quality LT-rated mud-terrain or all-terrain tyres. Don't cut corners here.
Air Management: A heavy-duty air compressor and a multi-tyre inflation/deflation system. You'll adjust pressures multiple times a day.
Mechanical Spares: Spare fan belts, radiator hoses, fuses, fuel filters, and a comprehensive tyre repair kit with metal handles.
Tools: A quality socket set, fencing wire, zip ties, and duct tape.
Fluids: Spare engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and WD-40.
Recovery Gear
Getting bogged in the Simpson is a possibility
Having the right gear within reach saves time and sweat.
Traction Boards: At least two, preferably four. Quality boards rated for vehicle recovery — cheap ones break when you need them most.
Kinetic Recovery Rope: Safer and more effective in sand than a traditional snatch strap. Get a quality kit rated for your vehicle's weight.
Soft Shackles: Safer and lighter than metal D-shackles. Use them everywhere you can.
Long-Handled Shovel: Non-negotiable. You'll need it to dig sand away from your axles.
Jack: A 3-stage bottle jack with a solid base plate for soft sand.
Communication, Navigation & Emergency
There is zero mobile reception in the desert.
Your comms setup needs to be solid.
UHF Radios: A mounted in-car UHF is mandatory for communicating with oncoming vehicles on single-lane dune tracks. Bring a quality handheld UHF for spotting and recoveries.
Satellite Communication: Non-negotiable. You need a satellite communicator for two-way messaging, a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) as a backup, and ideally a satellite internet connection for weather and route planning.
Navigation: Run dual systems — a quality 4WD navigation app loaded onto a tablet, backed up with state-specific topographical maps and a dedicated 4WD map book.
First Aid Kit: A comprehensive vehicle first aid kit, plus a dedicated snake bite kit.
Permits & Regulations
You can't simply drive into the Simpson Desert.
Sort your paperwork months before you leave.
Desert Parks Pass / Permits: Mandatory for crossing and camping in the national parks.
Sand Flag: A highly visible sand flag mounted to the front of your vehicle is a strict legal requirement — it prevents head-on collisions over blind dune crests.
Firewood & Rubbish: Collection of firewood in the park is illegal. Bring your own. Carry a rubbish bag on your spare tyre — everything you bring in, you take out.
Camping & Sleep System
Desert nights can drop below freezing.
Days can be brutal. Your sleep system needs to handle both extremes.
Shelter: Swags or low-profile stretchers are wind-resistant and simple. Rooftop tents are popular but add roof weight — factor that in.
Sleeping Bags: Quality down sleeping bags comfort-rated to at least -8°C, paired with silk liners for extra warmth on cold nights.
Sleeping Mats: Insulated mats with an R-value of R5 or higher. The cold comes up from the ground faster than you'd expect.
Lighting: Quality headlamps and extendable camp lights. Warm-toned LEDs attract fewer insects than cool white.
Food, Water & Cooking
Self-sufficiency is not optional.
Pack for your planned trip, plus a 3 to 4 day emergency buffer.
Water: Carry at least 5 to 7 litres per person per day in durable, split-safe containers. A quality water filter adds a useful backup if you find a bore or unexpected water source.
Fridge: A reliable, low-draw fridge/freezer paired with a solid 12V dual-battery system. Lithium batteries with a DC-DC charger are the current standard.
Cooking: A fast water-boiling system cuts your gas use significantly. One-pan cooking keeps washing up minimal — water is too precious to waste on dishes.
Food: Lightweight, non-perishable food is king out here. Quality dehydrated meals and vacuum-sealed ready meals save fridge space, weight, and power. They've come a long way — some are genuinely good.
Clothing for a 2-Week Trip
In the desert, breathability, durability, and odour resistance matter more than looks.
Merino wool handles campfire sparks far better than synthetic fleece, and goes longer between washes — both useful qualities when water is scarce.
Base Layers:
Underwear & Socks: 5 pairs of bamboo underwear and 5 pairs of Merino wool or bamboo socks.
T-Shirts: 2–3 ultra-fine Merino short-sleeve shirts and 2 cotton t-shirts.
Long-Sleeve Shirts: 2 mid-weight Merino long-sleeve shirts.
Pants/Shorts: 2 pairs of cotton travel shorts and 1 pair of long trousers.
Thermals: 1 pair of Merino long johns for cold desert nights.
Mid & Outer Layers:
Warmwear: 1 heavyweight Merino or fleece jumper, plus 1 insulated flannel work shirt.
Jackets: 1 Gore-Tex wind/rain jacket and 1 light down jacket. Keep the down jacket well away from campfire sparks.
Footwear & Accessories:
Shoes: Lightweight desert boots for driving and hiking, plus sturdy supportive thongs or sandals for camp.
Accessories: A mesh fly net — you'll understand the moment the flies hit. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and optionally a pair of possum/Merino gloves for cold mornings.
Personal Care & Hygiene
Simple, biodegradable, and water-efficient.
Merino wool handles campfire sparks far better than synthetic fleece, and goes longer between washes — both useful qualities when water is scarce.
Wash: A good biodegradable wilderness wash covers body, hair, and dishes in one bottle.
Wipes: Biodegradable bamboo wet wipes are excellent for desert showers to conserve water. Burn them in the fire or pack them out — never bury them.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, and personal medications.
Toilet: A long-handled shovel and toilet paper. Dig at least 30 cm deep and burn your paper if conditions allow — dingoes will find it otherwise.
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