Heading out on a shutdown? Whether it's two weeks or two months, what you pack makes a big difference to how comfortable and prepared you feel on site and in camp. Here's the gear checklist that crane crews, riggers and FIFO workers across Australia swear by.
The Essentials
Before you think about branded gear, make sure you've got the basics locked in:
- Steel cap boots (broken in before you go)
- Hi-vis shirts and pants to site spec
- Hard hat and PPE to your company's requirements
- Gloves — at least two pairs
- Sunscreen and lip balm (especially for outdoor shutdowns)
Camp Gear That Actually Gets Used
Camp life is where your off-shift gear matters. After a 12-hour day you want to be comfortable, not stuck in your work clothes.
- A quality hoodie — camp rooms are cold, early starts are brutal. Go heavyweight, not a thin fashion hoodie that won't last the trip. The Outrig Supply Co Founders Hoodie is built for exactly this — premium fleece, relaxed fit, made for crane people.
- A decent cap — you'll wear it every day off site. Make it one you're proud of. The Founders Drop Flexfit Cap is structured, clean, and built to last.
- Comfortable slides or runners for camp
- A good insulated drink bottle — hydration on long shifts is non-negotiable
- Earplugs (camp rooms aren't always quiet)
Hydration and Crib Gear
Long shifts in Australian heat mean you need to stay on top of hydration. A quality insulated bottle keeps drinks cold for hours. Pack a proper crib container set so you're not relying on whatever's available on site.
Check out the Outrig Supply Co range for site-ready hydration and crib gear built for Australian conditions.
The Gear That Represents the Crew
Shutdowns build culture. The crew you work with on a shutdown becomes family fast. Gear that represents that — a hoodie with a proper brand behind it, a cap that tells people you're in the industry — matters more than people think.
Outrig Supply Co was built by crane people for crane people. Every product is designed with the job site, the camp, and the culture in mind.