Routeburn Track Packing List NZ

Routeburn Track Packing List — What to Bring

The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's most striking Great Walks — 32km through the Southern Alps connecting Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Most trampers take 2–4 days, staying in DOC Great Walks huts. Unlike the Milford, you'll move through true alpine terrain: Harris Saddle at 1,255m and Key Summit at 919m are exposed, dramatic, and weather-dependent.

The Routeburn sits at the drier end of Fiordland (if that phrase means anything in context) but still demands proper waterproofing, solid footwear, and warm layers. This list covers what you actually need — nothing more, nothing less.

The Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket (RRP $399.95) is a popular choice — packable 750-fill down in a lightweight shell, suited to NZ hut-to-hut tramping.

Boots

Ankle support and waterproofing are both essential on the Routeburn. The alpine sections involve uneven rocky terrain, exposed ridgelines, and potentially wet or icy conditions in shoulder seasons. A proper tramping boot is required — not trail runners, not day walkers.

Our pick — Mens

The Salewa Mens Mountain Trainer Mid GTX ($538.99) is the right boot for the Routeburn. Gore-Tex lined, stiff enough to handle loaded carries over rocky terrain, and with grip that performs on the wet rock sections around Harris Saddle. Comfortable right out of the box for most trampers.

Our pick — Womens

The Salewa Womens Mountain Trainer Mid GTX ($538.99) is the women's-specific version — same Gore-Tex protection and technical outsole, properly lasted for women's feet. Don't buy mens boots to save hassle; fit matters significantly over a multi-day tramp.

Premium alternatives

The Crispi Nevada Legend GTX ($799.99) offers stiffer construction and higher-grade materials for serious trampers. Both the Salewa and Nevada Legend are worth considering if you're doing the Routeburn as part of a season of Great Walks.

Pack

A 50–65L pack gives you the volume for 2–4 days of food, clothing, and sleep gear without going overboard. Fit is the critical variable — a well-fitting pack that transfers weight onto your hips will feel half the size of one that doesn't. Try it loaded before you buy.

Our pick — Mens

The Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 ($439.00) is our consistent recommendation for Great Walks. The Aircontact back system distributes load exceptionally well, the 10L expansion accommodates extra layers, and the build quality is genuine multi-season durability.

Our pick — Womens

The Deuter Aircontact 50+10SL ($475.19) is purpose-built for women's torso length and hip geometry. Same excellent suspension as the mens version, optimised for a different body type. Worth the slight premium over a unisex option.

Other options

The Deuter Aircontact Core 55+10SL ($479.00) suits trampers who need extra torso length. On a tighter budget, the Lowe Alpine Mens Sirac Plus 65L ($349.99) and Lowe Alpine Womens Sirac Plus ND65L ($389.99) are dependable packs at a lower price. For trampers focused on ultralight carries, the Rab Muon 50L ($419.95) is a refined option — note this is currently available in mens only.

Line your pack with a dry bag or pack liner. Weather on the Routeburn is unpredictable and a soaked sleeping bag halfway through is a serious problem.

Rain Jacket

The alpine sections of the Routeburn are fully exposed. When weather comes in around Harris Saddle, there's nowhere to hide. A rain jacket that stops performing after an hour of moderate rain isn't fit for purpose on this track. You need sustained waterproofing and breathability across a full active day.

Our pick — Mens & Womens

The Peak XV Tornado Waterproof Jacket (Mens) ($299.99) and Peak XV Tornado Waterproof Jacket (Womens) ($299.99) are our first recommendation for the Routeburn. These jackets are built for sustained wet-weather use — proper seam-sealing, durable waterproof coating, and breathability that keeps you from overheating on the ascents.

Premium mens options

The Rab Kangri GTX Jacket ($701.96) uses Gore-Tex Pro — the most durable, most breathable construction in the Gore-Tex range. If you're regularly tramping in Fiordland and Westland conditions, this jacket will last for years and outperform lesser options in sustained heavy rain. The Rab Kangri GORE-TEX PACLITE+ ($559.99) is lighter and more packable while retaining genuine waterproof performance. Note: the Kangri range is currently available in mens only — the Peak XV Tornado Womens is the recommended choice for women.

Insulated Layer

Carry an insulated jacket (down or synthetic) for hut evenings, rest stops, and any section where you stop moving and cool down fast — particularly at Harris Saddle. Keep it dry inside your pack until you need it. This is a warmth layer, separate from your waterproof shell — carry both.

Sleeping Bag

DOC Great Walks huts have bunks with mattresses, but no bedding is provided. You need your own sleeping bag. The Routeburn's alpine huts can get cold, especially at Routeburn Falls Hut (1,000m) and Mackenzie Hut during shoulder season.

Our picks

The One Planet Nitrous -3 ($549.99) is the right choice for summer and shoulder season tramping — comfortable to -3°C, compact, and well-built. For late season or if you run cold, step up to the One Planet Cocoon -8 ($649.99) or the One Planet Sonder -8. One Planet is one of the best sleeping bag makers in the Southern Hemisphere; the quality is immediately apparent.

Sleep Mat

Great Walks huts include foam mattresses, so a sleep mat is optional — but a thin inflatable mat noticeably improves sleep quality, particularly if you're a light sleeper or the huts are full. It also doubles as a sit pad during rest stops on exposed sections.

The Peak XV Hyperlite 4.9R ($199.99) at 445g is the practical choice for a weight-conscious tramper. The Rab Ultrasphere 5 ($249.00) is even lighter at 345g with an R-value of 5 for colder conditions.

Socks

Carry at least three pairs of wool socks and rotate them daily. Wet feet cause blisters regardless of how good your boots are. Merino wool is the right choice — it wicks moisture, cushions, and manages odour across multiple days better than any synthetic.

• Bridgedale Hike Mid Merino Com-Fit — $56.99 — reliable everyday tramping sock with good cushioning
• Bridgedale Explorer Heavy Merino Com-Fit — $64.99 — extra cushioning for heavier packs or those prone to blisters
• Wrightsock Blisterproof Adventure Crew — $47.90 — double-layer construction that mechanically prevents friction; worth trying if blisters have been an issue

Gaiters

Gaiters are less critical on the Routeburn than the Milford, but they're still useful in wet conditions and on the scrubby lower sections. The Rab Kangri Gore-Tex Gaiters ($127.96) are properly waterproof and built for multi-season use.

Complete Packing List

Clothing

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
• Mid layer (fleece or softshell)
• Merino wool base layer tops × 2
• Tramping trousers or convertible pants
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Merino wool socks × 3 pairs
• Gaiters (recommended)
• Warm hat and sun hat
• Lightweight gloves
• Camp shoes or sandals (optional)

Pack & Carry

• Pack (50–65L) with pack liner or internal dry bags
• Pack cover (additional waterproofing)
• Trekking poles (optional)

Sleep

• Sleeping bag (-3°C or colder)
• Sleep mat (optional in Great Walks huts)

Safety & Navigation

• Headlamp + spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Personal locator beacon (PLB) — strongly recommended
• Great Walks pass and booking confirmation
• Track map
• Whistle

Food & Water

• Food for 2–4 days (huts have cooking facilities, no food supplied)
• Cooking stove + fuel
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Water filter (backup)
• Eating utensils and mug

Other NZ Track Gear Guides

Planning another NZ tramp? Browse our full library of track gear guides:

• Milford Track Gear List
• Kepler Track Gear List
• Heaphy Track Gear List
• Abel Tasman Coast Track Gear List
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing Gear List
• Rakiura Track Gear List
• Queen Charlotte Track Gear List
• Paparoa Track Gear List
• Whanganui Journey Gear List
• Lake Waikaremoana Track Gear List

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Routeburn Track compare to the Milford Track?

Both are exceptional Great Walks, but they're different experiences. The Milford is longer (54km, 4 days), wetter, and more immersive in Fiordland's rainforest and river valleys. The Routeburn is shorter (32km, 2–4 days), with more dramatic alpine terrain and broader views. Many trampers do both in the same trip. If you can only choose one and you want true alpine scenery, the Routeburn is hard to beat. If you want the full Fiordland rainforest experience and don't mind mud and rain, go Milford.

What's the best season for the Routeburn Track?

The Great Walks season runs late October through April, with peak conditions in December and January. Shoulder season (October–November and March–April) offers fewer crowds and often stable weather, but be prepared for colder temperatures at altitude. The alpine sections can hold snow into November and from April onwards. Outside the Great Walks season, the track is open but huts aren't staffed and conditions can be severe.

How heavy should my pack be for the Routeburn?

Aim for 12–16kg fully loaded. The Routeburn is shorter than the Milford so your food weight is lower, but you still need full wet-weather gear and a warm sleeping bag for alpine huts. A pack above 18kg will make Harris Saddle significantly less enjoyable. Audit every item ruthlessly — take only what earns its weight.

Can I do the Routeburn independently or do I need a guide?

Independent tramping is the standard approach. Book DOC Great Walks huts through the DOC website — these sell out months in advance for the main season, so plan early. Guided options are available through Routeburn Track Ltd (private lodge accommodation). Independent is significantly cheaper and equally rewarding. Guided is more comfortable and includes meals.