What To Bring To A Cattle Station: Packing List

Cattle station packing checklist

1. Wide-brim hat and sun protection

A wide-brim straw or felt hat is a station essential. Choose one that shades your face, ears and neck, fits comfortably and stays put in the wind. Ask the station what they recommend before buying.

• Wide-brim straw or felt hat
• Peaked cap for camp and days off
• High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection
• Neck scarf or bandana

Two wide-brim options to look at are the Sunbody Reata 3 and Sunbody Alex.

Chuck an RFTTE trucker cap in your kit bag!

A peaked cap is handy around camp, on the road and on your days off. Fly the RFTTE flag with a trucker cap from Mavericks, Worn Out West or Kent Saddlery.

Mavericks

Black or green/khaki RFTTE trucker caps.

SHOP MAVERICKS

Worn Out West

Black or dark brown RFTTE trucker caps.

SHOP WORN OUT WEST

Chasing the black RFTTE cap?

Find it at Mavericks or Worn Out West.

More RFTTE caps at Kent Saddlery

Browse the RFTTE range at Kent Saddlery or pick a colour below.

• Shop the navy blue RFTTE cap
• Shop the mushroom pink RFTTE cap
• Shop the black barbed-wire RFTTE cap
• Shop the khaki RFTTE cap

Check with each retailer for current colours, stock, prices and delivery options.

2. Work boots and riding boots

Choose sturdy, comfortable footwear for the work you’ll be doing, whether that’s walking uneven ground, working in the yards, riding horses or operating machinery.

• Work boots. Look for durable boots for fencing, yards and general station work.
• Riding boots. Ask the station about smooth soles and a defined heel. Options include Ariat Heritage Roper for men and women, and Ariat Acton.
• All-purpose boots. Consider Ariat Terrain, Ariat Duraterrain or Roper Horseshoe Kiltie.
• Joggers. Handy for travel, exercise and downtime.
• Rubber thongs or Crocs. Useful in communal showers, around camp and when doing the washing.
• Clean boots. Pack a pair for races, rodeos, campdrafts or a trip into town.

3. Station work clothing

Pack clothes that can handle heat, dust, cold mornings and physical work. Lightweight long sleeves and full-length trousers are practical around scrub and in the sun. Adjust these quantities to the station’s laundry setup.

• Five cotton or lightweight long-sleeve work shirts
• Four to five pairs of jeans or work trousers
• Two pairs of shorts for downtime or suitable duties
• Plenty of socks and underwear
• Warm jumper or fleece and a jacket
• Gloves for cold motorbike mornings
• Wet-weather jacket if required
• Casual clothes for days off, plus swimmers or togs
• Sturdy leather belt

Angus Barrett Saddlery Ringers Belt

An Australian-made, double-stitched leather belt with a solid brass buckle for your work jeans. Check the supplier’s sizing guide before ordering.

SHOP THE RINGERS BELT

Also browse Kent Saddlery’s leather belts.

4. Water bottle and hydration gear

Pack a large, durable water bottle or insulated jug for days away from the homestead. Ask the station how much water to carry and where you can refill. A smaller bottle for the vehicle, a hydration backpack if recommended and an insulated mug can also come in handy.

Stumpy Michael water bottle

A large bottle for the ute or stock camp. The Tack Shed features the Stumpy Michael 6L range, and the linked model is listed as 6.2L. Check the supplier’s page for availability and its first-order offer.

SHOP STUMPY MICHAEL

The brand takes its name from cattle drover Michael “Stumpy” Durack. Read the story behind Stumpy Michael.

Other options include a Willow 5-litre water bottle, a YETI insulated jug and a YETI tumbler with a MagSlider lid for your morning cuppa.

5. Pocket knife, multi-tool and everyday equipment

A pocket knife or multi-tool can be handy for everyday station jobs. Check your employer’s rules on carrying and storing tools, then choose a pouch that holds yours securely.

• Pocket knife or multi-tool and a suitable belt pouch
• Torch or headlamp and spare batteries
• Watch and bandana
• Small notebook and pens
• Phone charger and power bank

For a multi-tool, take a look at the Leatherman Wave Plus from Kent Saddlery and pair it with a suitable leather belt pouch.

6. Swag, bedding and towels

Even if staff accommodation is provided, you may need to bring your own bedding and towels. Ask what size bed you’ll have and whether you’ll need a separate setup for camping out on muster.

• Sheets to fit the bed, plus a pillow and pillowcases
• Blanket, doona or sleeping bag
• Bath towels
• Swag sheets and a swag if required
• Small laundry bag

Angus Barrett Saddlery Australian Swag

A traditional Australian-made stockman’s swag with ripstop canvas, a 50 mm foam mattress with a washable cover, an internal pocket, leather straps and a carry handle. Confirm the size and whether you’ll need your own swag before buying.

SHOP ANGUS BARRETT SWAGS

7. Sunglasses and eye protection

Choose sunglasses that fit comfortably and stay put while riding, driving or working around the yards. Pack a case and a retaining strap if useful. Ask whether the station supplies separate safety eyewear for your duties.

• Polarised sunglasses
• Protective case and retaining strap
• Clear safety glasses if required and you need to supply your own

8. Toiletries, medication and personal supplies

Some stations are several hours from the nearest town. Ask how often you can get to the shops or receive deliveries and pack enough to last between trips.

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and deodorant
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent and moisturiser
• Nail clippers and other personal care items
• Spare glasses or contact lenses
• Toiletry bag

Laundry supplies

• Laundry powder or liquid and stain remover
• Clothes pegs and a small laundry bag or basket

Medication and personal first aid

Bring enough prescription medication and check any storage arrangements. Consider a small personal kit with adhesive strips, dressings, bandages and tweezers. See First Aid Kits Australia for options. Ask the station who to tell about allergies or medical needs relevant to your work.

9. Optional cattle station gear

Confirm what the station supplies and what your role involves before spending money on specialist gear.

• Horse gear. Ask about saddles, reins, halters, stock whips, spurs, dinner hobbles and whether you can bring your own gear.
• Saddle bag. Handy for food and water when mustering on horseback.
• Hydration backpack. Useful on horseback or a motorbike if the station recommends it.
• Radio pouch. Check whether one is supplied. Kent Saddlery’s leather radio pouch is an option if you need your own.
• Gear bag. A sturdy canvas or weather-resistant duffel helps keep your kit together.
• Riding and motorbike helmets. Ask what the station provides and what is approved for your duties.
• Alarm clock. A battery-powered alarm and spare batteries are handy for early starts when camping out.

Angus Barrett Station Hand Saddle

Made in Orange, NSW, with Hermann Oak skirting leather and a reinforced composite tree. Ask Angus Barrett Saddlery about fit, fenders and other components when configuring the saddle.

VIEW THE STATION HAND SADDLE

10. What not to bring to a cattle station

Accommodation storage can be limited, and small aircraft or station vehicles may have tight luggage limits. Leave expensive or delicate clothes, valuables and bulky gear at home where practical. Check station and transport rules before bringing pets, alcohol, firearms or recreational vehicles, and ask before packing specialist horse gear.

Questions to ask your employer before packing

1. What work clothing and footwear do I need? Are steel-cap boots required?
2. What uniform, protective equipment and helmets are supplied?
3. Will I be riding horses, motorbikes or both?
4. What size bed will I have, and are bedding and towels supplied?
5. Do I need a swag for overnight mustering camps?
6. How often can staff get into town for shopping?
7. Are there luggage or weight restrictions?
8. Is mobile reception or internet available?
9. Can I bring a dog or other pet?

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to work on a cattle station?

Bring work clothes, sturdy boots, a wide-brim hat, sun protection, a large water bottle, toiletries, medication, bedding, towels, a torch and a gear bag. Ask what the station supplies before buying specialist gear.

Do cattle stations provide work clothes?

Workers usually provide everyday shirts, jeans, boots and a hat. Some employers supply uniforms or specialist protective equipment. Check before you arrive.

Do I need to bring a swag?

It depends on whether you’ll be camping out during musters. Ask whether you need a swag and whether the station supplies one.

What boots should I wear on a cattle station?

Wear sturdy work boots suited to your duties. For horse work, ask whether you need a smooth sole and defined heel. Confirm any steel-cap requirements with the employer.

Do cattle stations provide helmets and safety gear?

It varies by property and role. Ask what is supplied, including riding and motorbike helmets, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and radio equipment.

How much luggage should I take?

Check weight limits if flying to the property. Prioritise work clothing, footwear, toiletries, medication and anything the station specifically asks you to bring.

Can I bring my dog to a cattle station?

Ask the employer before accepting the role or travelling, and get clear approval for any dog you plan to bring.

What should I wear on my first day?

Unless your employer gives you different instructions, wear a long-sleeve work shirt, jeans or suitable work trousers, sturdy boots and a wide-brim hat. Bring water and any required protective equipment.