All the gear and no idea: Why plenty of tourers aren’t prepared for the outback

A sat phone is often held up as the gold standard of outback preparedness, but is it really enough on its own?

Sure, it can get you out of trouble and possibly even save your life – or at least spare you a few unplanned nights in the desert – but having a sat phone doesn’t automatically mean you’re well-prepared.

Imagine the common scenario: the vehicle catches fire or breaks down, and you’ve got just enough time to grab some gear before it’s unusable. In a makeshift shelter, you might still have a gas stove and bottle, saucepans, thermos and cups, a jerry can of water, a box of supplies, some bedding and a few other assorted goodies. On the surface, it looks like you’re travelling with all the right kit.

But here’s the real question: Is this another example of travelling ‘with all the gear and no idea?’ It’s something we’ve seen plenty of over the years, especially as more people head off on Aussie adventures rather than sticking to the usual highways and tourist routes. And who can blame anyone for wanting to see a bit of their own country?

The problem is, you can’t just buy all the gear and head into the unknown as though it were a trip down the coastal highway to Byron Bay, or an easy run to Wilsons Promontory. The smart travellers join a 4WD club or go on a tag-along tour to learn new skills and techniques – and hopefully a little about being prepared. That way they can enjoy a long-range desert sojourn and, in the process, stay out of trouble.

At the very least, take a basic course in how to drive a 4WD. If you’ve never done it before, don’t be so sure you already know how to handle sand, cross a river or climb a steep hill.

It’s also imperative to learn about the dangers of desert travel, including the risk of fire from the build-up of spinifex under a vehicle, especially around exhausts, DPFs and catalytic converters. Anyone travelling through spinifex country should be checking under the vehicle at regular intervals.

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And then there’s equipment. If a fire does break out, do you have an extinguisher on hand – and do you know how to use it quickly? Everyone heading into the scrub should carry at least one as a minimum.

A brand-new car and camper doesn’t make you immune from breakdowns, punctures or even fire. Carrying just a sat phone is not being well-prepared. Yes, it’s a step in the right direction, but real preparation means planning ahead, having a basic knowledge of repairs, carrying the tools for the job, and packing the essentials like a first-aid kit, recovery gear and multiple forms of communication.

That’s the difference between just getting by and truly being ready for the outback.