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What to bring on a hike (and why your ute is the perfect trail mate)
Key Insights
- Aussie trails offer a great mix of challenge, scenery, and variety, but being prepared is crucial for any hike, whether short or overnight.
- A well-equipped ute serves as a valuable asset for hiking, acting as a mobile basecamp for storage, organisation, and can even provide a cold drink post-hike.
- Ute storage solutions will make it much easier to find what you need, and can keep your gear protected organised and accessible for any adventure.
Australian trails have everything that makes a great hike: challenge, scenery and a whole lot of variety. And whether you’re heading into the bush for a couple of hours or tackling an overnight trek, being prepared makes all the difference.
We all know a bloke who thinks he’s indestructible – turns up in thongs with half a bottle of water and a smile, only to regret it a few hours in. Thankfully, you don’t have to be that person. A bit of planning and the right setup can turn a tough slog into a memorable adventure.
When it comes to hiking setups, there’s no beating a properly kitted-out ute. With the right gear and a few smart upgrades, your ute can handle a lot of the prep work, leaving you to enjoy everything the Aussie outback has to offer.
Prep like a pro
Every good hike starts with a bit of research. Know your trail, check the weather and plan for the conditions. Is there water available along the track? Are you in for a few hours or an overnight stay? And most importantly – are you ready for the terrain?
Packing is a bit of an art form. Too much gear, and you’ll spend more time wrestling with your backpack than enjoying the view. Not enough, and you could be caught out. That’s where a well-organised ute setup saves the day. With a solid canopy, minebox or undertray box, you’ll have everything in its place, and it’ll be easy to grab when you need it.
Must-have hiking gear
Here’s what you’ll need to tackle a hike without breaking a sweat:
Navigation tools
Maps, compasses or a GPS app – just make sure you’ve got a backup because phone batteries have a habit of dying at the worst times.
Clothing and shoes
Think layers. Australian autumn is mild, but it can change without warning, so bring a jacket and solid boots that can take a beating.
Water and food
Bring along reusable bottles, hydration packs and lightweight snacks like jerky or trail mix. For longer hikes, your ute fridge or cooler will keep the post-hike bevvies icy cold.
First aid kit
From treating minor scrapes to avoiding serious injury, you’ll thank yourself for packing one – and save a few toenails along the way.
Lighting
A sturdy torch or headlamp is a must, especially if you lose track of time. You don’t want to find yourself putting up a tent in the dark.
Emergency gear
Items like a whistle, space blanket and multi-tool are small enough to carry but could make all the difference in a tight spot.
Basecamp essentials
If you’re camping out, add a few extras:
Shelter
Compact tents or tarps will keep you out of the elements.
Cooking gear
A portable stove and a few basics can turn any campsite into a five-star (or at least two-star) kitchen.
Spare gear
Dry clothes, backup water and a bit of extra food. It’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
A well-thought-out ute setup keeps all this gear organised, so you’re not digging through piles of stuff to find what you need.
Why your ute is the real MVP
When you’re out on a hike, your ute is your base camp, supply station and safety net all rolled into one. With the right setup, it’s the ultimate tool for tackling anything the great outdoors (or the worksite) throws your way.
Tough storage
Sturdy storage options like canopies, undertray boxes and mineboxes let you securely stash your gear, keeping it protected from the elements and prying hands. Whether it’s camping equipment, tools or supplies, everything stays organised, weatherproof, and ready to go when you need it.
Versatile
Your ute’s versatility is its real strength. You can customise it to suit any purpose, and with the right setup, it transitions seamlessly between workhorse and adventure machine.
Ready for anything
And then there’s the fun stuff. Add a fridge setup or invest in a powerful speaker system, and suddenly your ute is a reliable companion that makes every trip easier and more fun. Whether you’re heading off-road or out to the job site, a well-equipped ute is always ready for the challenge.
Get your ute hiking trip ready
Ute canopies
For the serious adventurer (and the hard worker), a canopy is a game-changer. Whether you’re gearing up for a multi-day hike or packing for a big day on the tools, our steel and aluminium canopies keep your gear secure, dry and ready to go.
The Steel Canopy – 1800mm is ruggedly reliable. Its reinforced design is ideal for keeping camping gear, boots and tools safe from the elements while offering extra-wide clearance for bulkier items. Dust- and water-resistant seals ensure your essentials stay dry and secure, no matter where the road takes you.
For a lighter, more versatile option, the Aluminium Canopy – 1800mm offers modular storage with its Unistrut interior. Perfect for hauling extra supplies on a hike, its 300kg static roof capacity and scratch-resistant coating make it as durable as it is adaptable.
Undertray Boxes
Compact, out of the way and ready for anything, undertray boxes are a smart addition to any ute. And they’re just as handy for stashing hiking essentials as they are for organising worksite tools.
Our Standard Ute Undertray Box is perfect for smaller essentials. It keeps torches, first-aid kits or multi-tools within easy reach for hikers, while tradies can rely on it for spares, straps or day-to-day tools. Built tough with rubber seals and durable hinges, it’s ready for any trail or job site.
Mineboxes
When maximum organisation and durability are non-negotiable, a minebox gives you what you need. Designed for secure, efficient storage, these are built to take on everything from rugged trails to demanding work environments.
The 850 Series Minebox is a complete system. Built-in drawers keep smaller items like maps and tools neatly stashed, while open compartments are ideal for bulkier gear like boots and jackets. With all-weather protection and a robust locking system, it’s the go-to for anyone who needs a reliable solution on the trail or the job.
Ready to hit the trails?
Heading out for a hike is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s just you, the trail and a few mates (or maybe just the peace and quiet). With the right prep and a ute that’s set up to carry its weight, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever our beautiful countryside throws your way.
So, load up, check your gear and get out there. And if you need a hand setting your ute up for your next adventure, get in touch.
