Australia offers many breathtaking road trips, but if you’re looking for an experience like no other, the Outback is an adventure you must try. Travelling through the heart of the Outback reveals Australia’s most spectacular landscapes, from sprawling red deserts to hidden waterholes and endless open skies. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique wildlife found only on this continent and have the chance to connect with the rich, ancient Aboriginal culture that has shaped these lands for millennia. It is a journey that promises lots of fun and unforgettable memories.
A trip to the Australian Outback is also a journey that calls for smart packing. The unique outback environment demands clothing that can handle everything from intense sun to chilly evenings. If your wardrobe lacks this kind of attire, you can count on Thomas Cook for the perfect apparel for your trip.
Why Thomas Cook?
Thomas Cook is a trusted brand, known for its durable materials, practical designs, and gear specifically suited for the unpredictable conditions of the outback. With Thomas Cook clothing, you’ll have the confidence to take on the outback’s extremes, equipped with items that are made to endure both the climate and adventure ahead.
With over a century of experience, the company has mastered the balance between durability, comfort, and style, offering pieces that hold up against the elements without compromising comfort. Known for high-quality, breathable fabrics like cotton and technical blends, its apparel keeps you cool under the hot sun and protects you from rough terrain.
Within the Thomas Cook clothing range, you’ll find a wide range of pants, shirts, polos, jackets and vests, all designed with thoughtful details such as reinforced stitching and functional pockets, that make a difference in the outback. Here are some of the pieces that make great choices for the outback.
Thomas Cook Stretch Moleskin Jeans
The stretch moleskin jeans combine durability, comfort and practicality, all important features for tackling rugged terrain and varying climates. Moleskin is a material known for its thick, soft texture, but it’s also incredibly durable and abrasion-resistant. It can withstand the rough wear and tear of outdoor riding, providing a solid barrier against elements like dust, brush and wind.
The material also has a slight stretch that allows for unrestricted movement – essential when navigating the uneven terrain of the outback. Its unique texture ensures warmth without being too heavy, making it ideal for cooler mornings or evenings in the outback. At the same time, the fabric is breathable enough for warmer daytime temperatures, providing a balance suited to Australia’s changing outback climate.
Thomas Cook Heavy Drill 1/2 Button Long Sleeve Shirt
Made from 100% heavy-weight cotton drill and featuring a practical design, the brand’s heavy drill shirt is a great top option for the Australian Outback conditions. Heavy-weight cotton drill is a material renowned for its durability and toughness. It can handle the abrasions, dust and rough elements common in the outback. Despite its thickness, the cotton drill is breathable and allows for good airflow, meaning you stay comfortable even when temperatures rise.
The shirt’s 1/2 button design allows for easy on-off (fewer buttons) and ventilation control. You can unbutton it slightly for extra airflow when the sun’s out and button up for more coverage during cooler parts of the day, offering adaptable comfort. The long sleeves provide essential protection against the intense sun, reducing UV exposure on the arms. They also offer a physical barrier against scratches from plants, branches, or other rough surfaces you might encounter in the bush.
Thomas Cook Pacific Bonded Fleece Zip Pullover
Made with heavy-weight bonded fleece, this pullover offers effective insulation against chilly mornings and evenings while being breathable enough to keep you comfortable as temperatures rise during the day. Its durable fabric resists wear and tear, standing up to the rugged outback environment and ensuring long-lasting use.
The zip-up design adds versatility, allowing for easy ventilation or added warmth as needed, and the high collar protects against dust and wind. With a practical, relaxed fit, it layers well over or under other garments, making it a versatile choice for shifting weather conditions.
Thomas Cook Men’s Hawkesbury River Vest
A vest that is lightly padded, so it’s not as bulky as a puffer vest. This makes it easy to pack and carry around. The vest’s insulation keeps your core warm while its sleeveless design allows for unrestricted movement—ideal for layering over other gear without feeling bulky. With multiple functional pockets, including deep hand pockets and secure interior compartments, the vest provides ample storage space for tools, devices, or small essentials, reducing the need for extra bags. Its water-repellent finish offers protection from light rain, adding another layer of practicality.
Thomas Cook Dux-Bak Mens Mallard Jacket
When in need of something more heavyweight, the Thomas Cook Dux-Bak Mens Mallard Jacket makes a good option. Made from Thomas Cook’s Dux-Bak fabric, this jacket is both water-resistant and windproof, shielding you from sudden downpours and harsh outback winds. Its rugged, abrasion-resistant outer layer can withstand the tough conditions of the bush, while the jacket’s insulated lining keeps you warm on cool mornings and nights.
The jacket features multiple pockets, adjustable cuffs and a high collar, providing extra protection from dust, wind, and rain.
Thomas Cook Boots
Thomas Cook is also known for making durable, comfortable boots that are perfectly suited for the Australian outback. In fact, the brand started as a boot business in 1924, growing to a boots and clothing brand later.
Built with high-quality materials like water-resistant leather and slip-resistant soles, Thomas Cook boots are designed to withstand the rugged conditions and unpredictable weather of the outback, from rocky trails to dusty, open plains. Slip-resistant soles are a key feature in their boots, designed to grip even on uneven, rocky ground, ensuring stability and safety on rough tracks. Reinforced at key points for additional durability, the boots are crafted to hold up under pressure, making them ideal for long hikes, work, or exploration. Inside, the boots offer a cushioned footbed for comfort, minimising fatigue during extended wear—a must for outback journeys.