Hexamid Twin

I recently sold my SilNylon Trailstar tarp - a tough decision. This tarp is bullet proof, but in bug areas one needed to use a bivy bag with mesh face cover. I used the 185 gram MLD Superlight. A great bivy bag. But when traveling with two you had to rely on your partner to take some bug protection. The inner bug tent for the trailstar (made by Oookworks and Bear Paw) is too heavy. I would recommend the Trailstar in .75 cuben - but bug protection and ground sheet remains the weight compromise. You could use the option cuben floor on the Superlight biv but then you are in a claustrophobic space inside a bivy bag. So, having great success with the Hexamid fully screened solo, I went for the Hexamid Twin. To give it NZ robustness I got the team at Zpacks to make this (like my solo) out of .75 cuben (not standard .51). Enjoy the slid show. See more at Zpacks.com

Ben Nevis trip

Lee and I just spent 3 days climbing Ben Nevis (Richmond Range - Nelson) and traversing along ridge to link up to the Te Araroa Trail on Mt Ellis Saddle then down to Wairau Hwy via Hunters, Porters and red Hills Huts. We camped both nights, firstly at the saddle on track intersect with Mt Ellis and Right wairoa tracks and then Maitland River - site of old hut. Great weather, fabulous country. A lot of up and down and ridge scrambling - Loved it - really recommend.
Enjoy the photos

Update Joe Valesko Te Araroa Hike

Just heard from Joe - He and Sheryl are at Hamner Springs today doing a resupply before attacking Harpers Pass. I guess next update will come in a week when they arrive at Arthur's Pass.

When Sheryl was pulling out (now continuing) Joe had an Olive Hexamid Solo tent w/ beak, and a Regular width, Long Length, -7C sleeping bag shipped to me for him to continue solo. If you live in NZ and want either of these great items call or email me (0274 500 552 rob@assess.co.nz). A great opportunity to save on freight and GST.

Up Date on Joe's Te Aroroa Hike

Great news - Joe is now in St Arnaud (Nelson Lakes).

Sheryl has decided to stay on. I knew the South Island would capture her (and Joe's) heart.

They leave tomorrow for the push south through the Nelson Lakes and Lewis Pass. Some of the worlds best vista.

I will be in the lower Richmond Range with my hiking buddy, Lee in a couple of weeks, so I look forward to seeing their comments in the hut books.

Now what to do with the solo tent and sleeping bag Joe had shipped out from his workshop? May be I can make a bob on the side here :-)  

News of Joe from Zpacks on Te Aroroa Trail

Joe just emailed to say Sheryl (his wife) has decided to go home. After a sterling effort of walking NZ's North Island she's had enough. What a pity as the best is yet to come. Joe will continue alone and Matt is sending new solo tent and bag. 

More Fiordland Photos

Hi - One of my tramping party (Marg Law) sent me her photos of our Xmas trip - Great shots that I thought you'd like to see.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110150820322034133105/FiordlandMargsPhotos?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKyCzuHEzffBTA&feat=directlink

Zpacks Arc Blast and Rain Gear

Here are a few shots of the Zpacks Arc Blast in action on our recent Fiordland Coastal trip. Also pictures of Kathy and I in Cuban Fiber rain jackets and yours truly in custom made Cuban shorts by Joe at Zpacks. The miserable look on my face on the 4th photo explains the typical Fiordland weather - Wet!

3 little Zpacks all in a row...

Rob with Arc Blast. Note track markings - Fishing buoys!

The Gorge River in a very tame mood

Rob in Cuban rain wear - Note shorts Joe adapted for me

Ian crosses stream - Arc Blast

Kathy on Burma Bridge in Cuben Rain coat