Safety and navigation

• First aid kit, and know what is in it
• Torch and headlamp with spare batteries
• Offline maps, with a paper map as backup if you can
• Power bank and charging cables
• Fire extinguisher in the car
• Whistle or other way to signal for help

Water and food

Water is heavy. One litre weighs one kilogram, so carry what the trip needs and no more.

• Drinking water, around 4 L per person per day
• Water container or containers that seal properly
• Food for every day, plus one spare day of non-perishables
• Snacks for the drive
• Stove and fuel
• Lighter or matches, kept dry
• Pots, pan, plates, cups and cutlery
• Washing-up kit
• Rubbish bags, so you leave no trace

Camp and sleep

• Tent or swag
• Sleeping bag or bedding
• Sleeping mat
• Pillow
• Folding chairs
• Table, if you will use it
• Lantern or camp light
• Insect repellent
• Tarp or ground sheet

Clothes and personal

• Layers for cold nights and hot days
• Rain jacket
• Sturdy shoes, plus camp shoes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Towel and toiletries
• Toilet paper and a small trowel
• Personal medicines
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer

Tools and spares

• Basic tool kit
• Tire plug kit, valve core tool and spare valve caps
• 12V compressor and an accurate gauge
• Jack, wheel brace and a base plate for soft ground
• Spare bulbs and fuses
• Cable ties, duct tape and a little wire
• Small amount of spare coolant and engine oil
• Funnel, rags and work gloves

Power and gadgets

• Fridge, if you carry one
• Auxiliary battery and wiring checked
• Spare cables and a 12V adaptor
• Camera or phone with space for photos

Documents

• RC, insurance, PUC and driving licence
• Permits and ID copies
• Cash and cards
• Emergency contact list

Final check

• Everything weighed or estimated against your payload
• Heavy items packed low and central
• Everything secured against a hard stop
• Roof load light, if you carry any