Hiking the Three Capes Track with My Sister

At the end of November 2025, my sister and I finally set foot on the Three Capes Track in Tasmania. It was her first time backpacking—real backpacking, with everything on her back for multiple days—and something we had been quietly working toward for months.

The planning unfolded in phases. First came the big question: could she physically do it? She’d done plenty of day hikes, but carrying extra weight over multiple days is a different. She committed to a training plan and, over more than five months, steadily built her cardio and strength.

Then came the gear: a proper backpack, boots she trusted, and all the small items that make the difference between enduring a hike and actually enjoying it.

By the time we met up in Port Douglas a month before departure, the only task left was food. Sitting together, we finalized meals and snacks—what sounded good, what would travel well. It felt like the last box to check before the real adventure began.

Pre-trip: Almost Not There

We almost didn’t make it to Hobart.

While checking us in for our Jetstar flight, the agent casually informed us that our flight had been cancelled. No notice. Just cancelled. We were stunned.

Thankfully, there was one more flight later that afternoon and we managed to get on it. I had dinner plans with a friend that evening, which I rescheduled for after the hike when we’d be back in Hobart for the weekend.

That night at the hotel, we re-packed—transferring items from our checked luggage into our backpacks and making sure everything was ready. We would store one bag at the Visitor Center and carry the rest for four days.

I used a 44L Gregory pack, slightly smaller than what Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service recommends, but it worked well. Because the huts are well-equipped, you don’t need a tent or stove, which keeps pack size manageable.

In addition to food, here’s what I carried:

Sleeping Gear

• Lightweight down sleeping bag (compressible)
• Large inflatable pillow

Clothing

• 2 pairs hiking pants
• 2 long-sleeve hiking shirts
• 2 sports bras
• 3 pairs underwear
• 3 pairs socks
• T-shirt & thermal bottoms (sleepwear)
• Lightweight quarter-zip fleece
• Down jacket
• Raincoat & rain pants
• Wool beanie & gloves

Toiletries (1-gallon Ziplock)

• Toothbrush + small toothpaste
• Travel-size mouthwash
• Small face wash
• Lotion
• Sunscreen

Small First Aid / Repair Kit

• Ibuprofen
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Moleskin
• Tiny roll of duct tape
• Leukotape

Water + Misc

• 3L water bladder
• Headlamp
• Kindle
• Phone charging cable

We split our freeze-dried meals and shared dining gear. Each of us carried a bowl, mug, and spork.

The final weight felt very manageable—even for my sister on her first backpacking trip. The key was being intentional about every item. If something didn’t serve a clear purpose, it didn’t go in the pack.

That night we did a final test lift. Everything fit. Nothing felt excessive. We were ready.

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