There are a few things I always throw in the bag before I hit the road across Australia—phone charger, coffee flask, and lately, without fail, my Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit. They’ve become as standard as sunscreen on a summer day or a beanie in July. The funny thing is, I never planned on falling for them. But after enough early flights, cold nights, and unpredictable weather days, they became part of the daily uniform.
The First Time I Wore It
It was during a last-minute trip from Brisbane to Hobart to see a mate who’d just moved there. I only had my usual midweight jacket, but he handed me his spare Essentials Hoodie when we landed because “Tassie gets under your skin at night.” He wasn’t wrong.
The hoodie was warm but not bulky. It fit properly, no awkward bunching, and didn’t weigh me down. After that weekend, I bought one online before even flying home, and threw the Essentials Tracksuit in the cart too.
Versatility Is Everything in Australia
Australia doesn’t give you predictable weather. One day you’re sweating in Sydney; the next, you’re freezing in Ballarat. That’s where the Essentials gear just… works.
In the Cities
- Melbourne: I layer the Essentials Hoodie under a coat, and the Essentials Tracksuit pants are good enough to wear to brunch on Brunswick Street without looking underdressed.
- Sydney: Hoodie’s perfect for early beach strolls or late dinners in Newtown.
- Canberra: Winters here bite. Essentials gear gets me through icy mornings with comfort to spare.
Along the Coast
- Gold Coast: You’d think it’s always warm, but early mornings? Cold breeze. Hoodie goes on before coffee.
- Fremantle: Wind off the water hits different. Hoodie and tracksuit pants take the edge off.
On the Road
From the Nullarbor to the Great Ocean Road, space is limited when packing. The Essentials set handles both ends of the temperature scale, so you don’t need five different outfits.
What Makes It Better Than Other Gear
1. Designed for Comfort, Not Just Looks
I’ve worn tracksuits before that either looked great but felt stiff, or felt good but looked like pyjamas. The Essentials Tracksuit nails the balance—relaxed fit, no saggy knees, and they don’t get sloppy after a couple of wears.
Same goes for the Essentials Hoodie. It’s got structure without being stiff. It’s soft, breathable, and actually has a hood you’ll use when the wind picks up.
2. No Branding Overload
One of the best parts? It doesn’t scream for attention. No massive logos. Just clean, simple design. That means it works whether you’re at a pub in Adelaide or a campsite near Kakadu.
3. Built to Last
Mine’s been through:
- Beach sand in Byron
- Red dirt near Alice Springs
- Curry spill in Melbourne’s Queen Vic Market
- Campfire smoke in the Grampians
Still fits. Still looks good. Still my go-to.
Where It Goes With Me
I’m not one to stick to one place. Here’s how this gear has worked for me all over:
- Darwin (Dry Season): Nights cool down quick—Essentials Hoodie keeps me cosy without overheating.
- Cairns: AC indoors is always blasting. Hoodie comes in handy more than you’d expect.
- Perth: Mornings by the water and cool café interiors mean the tracksuit’s never a bad idea.
- Hobart: Layer it up or down. Essentials handles the wind and chill without turning into a sweat lodge.
Everyone in My Life Has One Now
My sister wears her Essentials Tracksuit when working from home in Adelaide. My partner has basically claimed my hoodie as their own—especially on colder evenings in the Blue Mountains. Even my old mate in Bendigo, who’s never cared about clothes, says it’s the only thing he wears on road trips now.
And honestly, I get it.
It’s Not Just for the Couch
Sure, I’ve worn it plenty while watching footy or kicking back at a mate’s house, but I’ve also worn it:
- On flights from Sydney to Perth (best plane outfit, hands down)
- On a date night with clean sneakers and a white tee under the hoodie
- Hiking around Cradle Mountain, layered under a jacket
- Running errands across Brisbane in between downpours
It adapts. It never feels like too much or too little.
Final Thoughts: A Practical Staple for Aussie Living
You don’t need to overthink your wardrobe when you’ve got the right basics. The Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit aren’t flashy. They’re not trying to win fashion awards. But they do something better—they work.
They’re warm without being heavy, stylish without being loud, and dependable whether you’re in Darwin or down in Dandenong.
If you live here—or even if you’re just visiting and trying to pack smart—this set’s one of those things you’ll be glad you brought along.