Heading to a cattle station for the first time can feel daunting, especially when it comes to knowing what gear to pack. If you’re wondering what to bring to a cattle station, you’re not alone—many first-timers have the same question.
With the help of RFTTE members and a few stations, we’ve put together a list of essential items and recommendations to make life easier. For example, if you’re flying in, you may be limited to one checked bag, so pack smart and prioritise the essentials.
Of course, always check with your station before you go, as most will provide their own list. Packing needs can also vary depending on your position, so clarify your job role and duties in advance.
Most clothing items are available from our mates at Just Country Australia
Along with a good work ethic and attitude, here are some must-pack essentials for your kit bag…
1. WIDE BRIM HAT (straw or felt) | Recommend: SUNBODY REATA 3 and SUNBODY ALEX - 20% off at Just Country Australia, use discount code: TOPEND393
A peaked hat is also handy, and of course, we recommend RFTTE TRUCKER CAPS from our mates at Kent Saddlery…
2. FOOTWEAR: You might need a few types of footwear on a station – for mustering, whether you are using horses or bikes (or both!) as well as for yard work and social occasions. A good pair of work boots is essential for safety and durability, especially given the tough ground conditions and physical nature of the job. Typically, you’ll wear sturdy boots for station work and smooth-soled riding boots for horse riding.
Work/ Yard/ Social Boots
Smooth soled riding boots with a good heel | Recommend: Ariat Heritage Roper Mens | Womens Heritage Roper | Ariat Acton
All Purpose Boot | Recommend: Ariat All Terrain Boot: Mens Duraterrain | Womens Duraterrain or The Roper Horseshoe Kiltie Boot: Mens Kiltie | Womens Kiltie
Sneakers/ joggers for yard work.
Rubber thongs for shower areas and at camp, rec times, doing your washing etc.
3. CLOTHING for work & social events (i.e. races, rodeo)
Cotton long sleeve shirts (x5)
Jeans (x5)
Shorts (x2) – i.e. with belt loops for belt/knife pouch
Warm clothing, jacket + gloves for bike riding (it gets cold)
Socks and underwear
Belt | Recommend: Kent Saddlery Leather Hand Made Belt
Don’t forget your togs.
When it’s hot, choose cool, lightweight, and breathable clothing to help you stay comfortable during busy days in the sun. For most station work, you’ll wear long-sleeve shirts and jeans for protection, and swap to shorts or lighter gear during downtime.
4. DRINK BOTTLE | Recommend: Willow 5 litre bottle – it has a large base to avoid falling over in the back of the ute. Other water bottle recommendations include YETI | 3.7ltr Jug | 590ml Magslider Mug (for keeping your cuppa hot).
Investing your money in a quality water bottle or jug is worth it—durable gear will last through tough conditions, and there’s nothing like the moment you enjoy a cold drink after a long, hot day on the station.
5. POCKET KNIFE/ ALL PURPOSE TOOL with leather belt/ pouch: Durable and well made. Recommend: LEATHERMAN from Kent Saddlery – Leatherman hand made, multi purpose tools are designed with a simple philosophy in mind – getting things done. Their usefulness is endless. And for a belt to carry it, the RFTTE belt is made from a solid piece of leather and hand sewn the traditional way.
6. SWAG | Comfortable, durable and waterproof | Suppliers interested in featuring here please contact simon@rfttejobs.com
7. SUNGLASSES – Ones that sit well on your head or hat/cap | Designed for the serious horse rider and ideal for long days in the sun.
8. BEDDING/ TOWEL – At most stations you will be required to bring your own bed sheets, blankets, pillows and towels etc. And make sure you have sheets for your swag too. Bring a few personal items to make your room comfortable and feel more like home—photos, a favourite pillow, or a small speaker can make a big difference during your downtime.
9. ALARM CLOCK: You may need it at the homestead and when camping out on muster – an alarm clock with a battery option is good when there is no power.
10. TOILETRIES: Some stations can be hours away from the nearest town, so be sure to include any essential prescription medication (enough for 3 months); plus toiletries including toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, lip balm, aeroguard, moisturiser, deodorant, laundry powder, clothes pegs, insect repellant, extra contact lenses, nail clippers etc. Keep it all in a Toiletry Bag.
OPTIONAL ITEMS, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED…
MEDICAL KIT: Although stations have medical supplies, it’s handy to include items such as headache tablets (Aspirin, Panadol, Nurofen etc), Telfast Antihistamines, anti-itch lotion (Stingose), antiseptic lotion, first aid kits (bandages, bandaids etc), tweezers, hydration tablets, Berocca, and baby powder/cream (Bepanthen or 3B Cream) for chaffing. See also: firstaidkitsaustralia.com.au
PERSONAL HORSE GEAR: Any horse gear you’d like to use – saddle, reins, halters, helmet, stock whip, spurs etc – is more comfortable when it’s your own, along with a gear bag.
SADDLE BAG: For carting food and water whilst mustering on horseback. Recommend: Leather hand made saddle bags from Kent Saddlery.
HYDRATION BACKPACK: Very handy for hot days mustering on horseback or bike. Recommend: Camel Pack
RADIO POUCH: Check with the station as they may provide one. Recommend: One from our mates at Kent Saddlery.
DUFFEL BAG: Vinyl/waterproof gear bag or a heavy-duty canvas duffel bag.
‘DINNER’ HOBBLE BELT (IF HORSES USED) for hobbling your horse during muster | Recommend: Wide range of Dinner Hobbles from Kent Saddlery.
CAP for workshop, cooler days, yard work. Recommend: RFTTE Trucker Caps
TORCH (Battery powered)
RIDING HELMET: Check with the station if required or provided.
MOTORBIKE HELMET: Station will provide, but you may want a personal helmet with a hydration inlet.
A WATCH: Time is of the essence – it’s advisable not to be late.
BANDANA: A bandana is very handy to reduce dust inhalation in the yards, soak up sweat, tie things, etc.
A special thanks to RFTTE MEMBERS, JUMBUCK PASTORAL & HANCOCK AGRICULTURE for your assistance in putting these items together.
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