8 ways to make an Australian outback trip much more comfortable

 
  1. Gloves - gardening, disposable and washing up. It is hard to keep hands clean and safe when gathering wood, making a fire, preparing food, or washing greasy dishes in a limited amount of water.  Gloves really do make a difference.

  2. Fly veil.  Flies are very friendly in the outback, and there are masses of them.  A fly keeps them off your face and are little trouble after that. There will be some who will say that fly veils are only for tourists but, don’t mind how it looks, it is much more comfortable than constantly shooing flies away from your eyes. 

  3. Insulated mugs... enamel mugs look authentic but hot tea doesn’t last five minutes.

  4. Curry powder –  especially good for a prolonged outback trip; it flavours the blandest dishes and disguises the taste of food that may be slightly off. 

  5. Loo kit in a bag for retiring behind a tree or a bush – loo roll, a box of matches for burning tissue after use or disposal bags for taking home with you, and hand sanitiser.

  6. Use shade tents or swags rather than closed in tents for remote outback travelling. The skies are magnificently clear at night and being able to see the stars from your bed is one of the great pleasures of outback travel. 

  7. Spare pillow cases – when everything is a bit grubby, the smell of fresh linen against you face is very comforting.

  8. And as many mattresses and pillows as you can squash into your vehicle. The sheer pleasure of waking up with the dawn in a vast landscape is greatly enhanced by a luxurious bed.