Expedition Truck
Packing List

Tops & layers

• 6 versatile tops — easily matched. Black is best; white isn’t ideal if you wash all colours together.
• 2 merino mid-layers — one merino does the work of three synthetics.
• 1 heavy outer — down jacket for cold nights.
• 1 waterproof jacket — properly waterproof, not “showerproof”.

Bottoms & smart

• 3 jeans/pants + 3–4 shorts
• 1 versatile smart pair — for cities and border crossings.

Base layers

• 10 merino / cotton / bamboo underwear — merino is best but the most expensive.
• 8 pairs of merino socks

Footwear & accessories

• 1 pair running shoes — we hike in these too.
• 1 pair sturdy walking shoes — our Blundstones go on almost daily.
• 1 pair sandals
• Swim gear
• Sun hat + warm beanie — pack for both climates, always.
• Quality sunglasses

For the baby

• Baby clothes — size up. Pack 2 sizes ahead; they grow fast.
• Baby blankets + lightweight sleeping bag

Laundry

• Dirty-laundry bag, travel detergent, Scrubba Bag — the Scrubba was a game-changer in Australia. Extends time between laundromat trips.

Toiletries

• Solid shampoo + conditioner bars — no spill risk, less waste, last longer.
• Solid soap bar — same reasons.
• Bamboo toothbrushes + toothpaste
• Natural deodorant
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Lip balm with SPF — often forgotten, always needed.
• Menstrual cup / reusable pads
• Tweezers + nail kit
• Baby toiletries — gentle wash, nappy cream, natural moisturiser.

FIRST AID KIT (CONDENSED VERSION)

• Comprehensive first aid kit — build your own. Pre-made ones are usually thin.
• Prescription medications + surplus — always carry more than you think.
• Pain relief — paracetamol + ibuprofen
• Antihistamines — tablets + cream
• Rehydration sachets — more useful than expected with a baby.
• Wound care — bandages, steri-strips, antiseptic, sterile gauze.
• Tick removal tool — especially with a dog.
• SAM splint — lightweight, immobilises any limb.
• Emergency foil blanket — weighs nothing, worth everything.
• Digital thermometer — essential with a baby.
• Infant paracetamol + saline drops

• Travel bassinet or bedside sleeper — plan for this in the interior design. The space has to adapt as the baby grows.
• Car seat, properly mounted — check approval requirements for every country you enter.
• Structured carrier + wrap/sling — two types for different ages. We bought two second-hand, one each, so neither of us has to readjust every time.
• Portable nappy bag
• Cloth nappy system + wet bags — practical with solar-powered washing, reduces waste and ongoing cost.
• Baby clothes + 4+ muslin cloths — the most versatile baby item: blanket, sun shade, cover, change mat.

• Bottles, steriliser, breast pump — if needed.
• Breastfeeding support — pillow, nipple cream, breast pads.
• Baby first aid — thermometer, infant paracetamol, saline, rehydration sachets.
• Baby nail scissors + file
• Dummies + clip attachments — they disappear. Have spares.
• Soft books, rattles, teething items — keep minimal.
• Portable high chair or booster seat
• Picnic blanket / play mat — a good picnic blanket works as a play mat and stays useful long after the baby stage.

• Dog bed/blanket — their own space in the truck keeps them settled.
• Food and water bowls
• Spill-proof water bowl for the cab
• Dry food storage + treats — we buy in bulk. Saves money and means we only restock 2–3 times a year.
• Harness, leash, long line — long lead for campsites where you want them to roam freely.
• Dog first aid kit — tick remover, paw balm, bandages, gauze, antiseptic, vet wrap.
• Poop bags + portable waste container — lots of poop bags.

• Brush / grooming tools
• Favourite toys (2–3)
• Dog towel — we have at least two, for when he’s wet and dirty.
• Flea and tick prevention — essential in Australia and the tropics. We have an annual supply of his monthly pills.
• Pet passport + vaccination records — essential for border crossings.
• FAVN rabies titre paperwork — required for  several countries.

• Synthetic rope
• Soft shackles + tree-trunk protector
• Snatch straps + kinetic rope — properly rated, not a cheap tow rope.
• Traction boards — aluminium, MaxTrax or similar. Sand, mud, snow — changes everything.
• Shovel

• Tyre repair kit + 12V compressor
• Hi-Lift jack + base plate — a standard jack is useless in soft ground.
• 2 full-size spare tyres — one is a necessity. Two is peace of mind. (Our second is currently off the truck. Shame on us.)

SLEEPING & SITTING

• Quality sleeping bags / duvet setup — we use a 3-in-1 duvet for all seasons. If that’s still not warm enough, a throw goes on top.
• 2× fitted sheets — right size for your mattress. One in use, one in the wash.
• Good mattress or topper
• 2× lightweight camp chairs — you use these every single day.
• Compact folding table — eating off your lap gets old fast.

Outside & evenings

• Awning — shade and rain protection.
• Lanterns + string lights — makes camp feel like home. Underrated.
• Outdoor mat — keeps the truck floor clean.
• Fire kit — lighter, waterproof matches, firestarter.
• Water filter or tablets — backup when the tank runs low.
• Jerry cans — water + fuel. Capacity depends on your range needs.
• Books, cards, games — our favourites: Backgammon, Monopoly Deal, Uno, a normal deck. Two Kindles — less room than physical books. Not the same feeling, but a fair compromise.

• Offline maps — OsmAnd or Maps.me. Download before leaving signal range.
• Dedicated GPS device — phone dies. GPS doesn’t.
• Compass — irreplaceable when electronics fail.

• Local SIM cards — buy on arrival in each country.
• Satellite communicator — Garmin inReach or similar. Two-way messaging from anywhere. (See Safety.)

Australia — hot / wet

• Extra insect protection, shade solutions, water storage
• Fly nets — there are flies absolutely everywhere
• Light clothing + quick-dry items

Europe — cold / rainy / winter

• Heavy insulation layers, good waterproofing
• Snow chains or socks (if needed)
• More heating solutions + a dehumidifier