First Hitch Checklist

First Hitch Checklist

1. Mandatory Work Gear

Most companies supply some PPE — but don't rely on it being perfect or comfortable.

Bring your own where possible:

  • Steel cap boots (broken in — NOT brand new)
  • Safety glasses (clear + tinted) — supplied on site but quality varies
  • Hearing protection — will be supplied, but you'll have these in your ears all shift. Get them fitted or find reusable corded plugs.
  • Gloves and hard hat will be supplied if you're on a rig in Australia
  • Hi-vis raincoat/spray jacket — often from a shared pile that's the wrong size

Quick Field Tip

If your boots aren't broken in before your first hitch, you've already lost.

Common Mistakes

  • Brand new boots → blisters by Day 2
  • Cheap earplugs → shredded in a shift
  • One pair of glasses → scratched = blind

2. Personal Clothing

Work rotation basics

You'll be sweating, getting soaked, covered in mud, diesel, and chemicals. Bring enough to avoid being "that bloke" re-wearing filthy gear.

Minimum:

  • 2–3 work undershirts
  • 2–3 work under shorts
  • 5 pairs of underwear and work socks (double if you wear two pairs)
  • Hoodie or jacket (nights get cold)
  • Thongs/slides (camp)
  • Camp clothes — 2–3 pairs of comfortable clothing and a hoodie

Field Use

  • Take a spare set of underclothes, underwear, socks, and coveralls to the rig every day in case you get saturated
  • Avoid synthetic materials — higher flammability and can melt near heat

Common Mistakes

  • Not enough socks → trench foot territory
  • No warm gear → night shift misery
  • Wearing synthetics → melt risk near heat

3. Toiletries and Hygiene

Essentials

  • Shower gear (body wash, shampoo)
  • Loafer or scrubbing brush — for grease, oil, and mud removal
  • Deodorant (bring 2 — it's hot)
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste + floss
  • Nail clippers
  • 3B chafe rash cream (or equivalent) — nothing else works like 3B in Australia
  • Cotton tips
  • Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

Why It Matters

You're living with a crew. Hygiene = respect.

Field Reality

Smelly bloke = gets isolated fast.

4. Bedding & Camp Comfort

Depends on camp — but don't assume luxury.

Bring:

  • Earplugs (essential for day sleep on night shift)
  • Eye mask — light always finds its way in
  • A pillow — if you're fussy about pillows, bring your own

Field Tip

Day sleep is a skill — control light and noise or you'll burn out.

5. Food and Snacks

Mess food is hit and miss.

Bring backup:

  • Electrolytes
  • Pre-workout (if you train)
  • Snacks and protein — whey protein, nuts, jerky, tuna packs (most Australian camps do these well)

Why It Matters

  • Long shifts = energy dips
  • Poor nutrition = poor decisions

6. Training & Admin Gear (This is where you stand out)

Most new guys miss this completely.

Bring:

  • Notebook + pen (ALWAYS on you)
  • Printed certs/tickets (or digital backup)
  • ID/licences
  • A second notebook for camp — recount your days and you'll retain more

Field Use

  • Write everything down
  • Learn faster than the next guy

Quick Rule

If you're not writing, you're forgetting.

7. Extras That Make Life Easier

These separate rookies from switched-on hands.

  • Headlamp / Milwaukee magnetic torch (huge)
  • Power board / charger hub
  • Spare phone charger
  • Laundry bag
  • Small tool kit (shifter, knife)
  • Lock (for your room/locker)
  • Rig bag/backpack for your personal belongings each day

8. What NOT to Bring

Don't be that guy.

  • ❌ Flashy gear (you're not on a fashion show)
  • ❌ Alcohol (strict rules on most sites)
  • ❌ Speakers blasting music
  • ❌ Ego

9. Final Reality Check

Your first hitch isn't about comfort — it's about earning your spot.

What the crew actually cares about:

  • You show up early
  • You listen
  • You work hard
  • You don't complain

Everything else is secondary.

Quick Reference Checklist

Must Have

  • PPE (boots, glasses, earplugs)
  • Work clothes (2–3 days worth)
  • Camp clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Notebook + pen
  • Chargers

Should Have

  • Snacks / supplements
  • Headlamp
  • Spare gear

Nice to Have

  • Comfort items
  • Extra tools
  • Gym gear

Some rigs you'll reach on a small crew plane with a max bag weight of 10kg total. Use this list and choose wisely — drop comfort items if you need to cut weight, add them back in when weight allows. You should have access to a locker out there, making it easier the more swings you do on the same rig.

And just remember —

You don't get respect handed to you out here.

You earn it — shift by shift.

Turn up prepared.
Work hard.
Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open.

The rest will come.