I subscribe to Erik the Black's blog. He has just posted a very interesting article with itineraries on how to hike 15 miles (24ks), 25 miles (40ks) and 30 miles (48ks) at day!
Of course this begs the question, "Do you really want to do that?" Sometimes you may have to.
See Erik's itineraries here http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/20401/how-to-hike-15-to-30-miles-a-day/
I get tired reading them :-)
This blog is designed to exchange ideas about how to dramatically cut your gear weight to make tramping (hiking) trips less strenuous, but still remain safe and sensible. Subscribe, make comments, ask for advice, or share your lightweight gear experiences with our community. The header photo features me on McKellar Saddle. The pack is the 45Lt Zpacks Arc Blast, hiking poles Helinox FL120, Dirty Girl gaiters, Spalms sunsleeves and Altra Lone Peak shoes
15 Oct 2014
8 Oct 2014
Te Araroa Trail Book
Just finished Paul Garland's book on his TA Trail experience walking the length of NZ.
It's an excellent book, well written and although expensive in today's literary world I am happy to support Paul. You can checkout contents and purchase at the below website...
http://felt.co.nz/listing/127425/End-to-End-New-Zealand---following-the-Te-Araroa-Trail-on-a-3000-km-journey-from-Cape-Reinga-to-Bluff
It's an excellent book, well written and although expensive in today's literary world I am happy to support Paul. You can checkout contents and purchase at the below website...
http://felt.co.nz/listing/127425/End-to-End-New-Zealand---following-the-Te-Araroa-Trail-on-a-3000-km-journey-from-Cape-Reinga-to-Bluff
5 Sept 2014
New Zpacks Upgrade
I recently sent my Zpacks Arc Blast back to Joe for an upgrade. These are now standard in all current models.
As the photo shows, he now puts a bar across the top of the two stays to stop these "folding in" under load.
Also he has change the way the netting back-rest adheres to the frame. It was originally constructed as a material extension of the seam. This was rather hard to pull through the jam-locks.
As you can see from photo, these are now cord based. A vast improvement.
These improvements come from users comments and Joe's continuous field tests on long-distance hikes. This is what I like about the Zpacks brand - made by experienced lightweight hikers for both the new and seasoned lightweight aficionados.
As the photo shows, he now puts a bar across the top of the two stays to stop these "folding in" under load.
Also he has change the way the netting back-rest adheres to the frame. It was originally constructed as a material extension of the seam. This was rather hard to pull through the jam-locks.
As you can see from photo, these are now cord based. A vast improvement.
These improvements come from users comments and Joe's continuous field tests on long-distance hikes. This is what I like about the Zpacks brand - made by experienced lightweight hikers for both the new and seasoned lightweight aficionados.
Zpacks Sleeping Bag
It's finally arrived, my new Zpacks sleeping bag. I weighs in at 575 grams (in cuben stuff sack).
I had Joe make this in the longer length as these have no hood and with a beanie on I can also pull up above my head for extra warmth. It is stuffed with the new waterproof down and new pertex fabric cover.
There is an elastic cord to close bag around at the top,
See full details at http://www.zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml
The rating is -7c and from all reviews is true to rating. Labour W/E in Kaimanawa's will test this out!
My current bag, that I will still use for summer, is the Western Mountaineering HighLite - 455 grams. A great bag I have used for a few years now and rates +2c.
Joe recommends sleeping "zip under" after holding zip horizontally and shaking down so the bulk is on top of you
I had Joe make this in the longer length as these have no hood and with a beanie on I can also pull up above my head for extra warmth. It is stuffed with the new waterproof down and new pertex fabric cover.
There is an elastic cord to close bag around at the top,
See full details at http://www.zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml
The rating is -7c and from all reviews is true to rating. Labour W/E in Kaimanawa's will test this out!
My current bag, that I will still use for summer, is the Western Mountaineering HighLite - 455 grams. A great bag I have used for a few years now and rates +2c.
Joe recommends sleeping "zip under" after holding zip horizontally and shaking down so the bulk is on top of you
30 Jul 2014
Wood Burning Stoves
I am not a great fan of wood burning stoves, but have a open mind. Brian Green's great blog site features a new product in this arena. Check it out at http://briangreen.net/2014/07/tato-element-makes-wood-burning-enjoyable.html
At 128 grams it could be worth thinking about if you were constantly outdoor-cooking with guaranteed wood supply. As an emergency kitchen it has merit, but if you carry a jetboil you need to carry a pot. Then one could argue, just light an open fire and hang the pot over it.
What do you think?
At 128 grams it could be worth thinking about if you were constantly outdoor-cooking with guaranteed wood supply. As an emergency kitchen it has merit, but if you carry a jetboil you need to carry a pot. Then one could argue, just light an open fire and hang the pot over it.
What do you think?
Auckland Tramping Club
After a torrid few weeks of issues with service providers, the Auckland Tramping Club website is back and fully functional. Check out your next trip at http://www.aucktramping.org.nz/
7 Jul 2014
Altra "Lone Peak" Trail Runners
Back from my 4th trip in these FANTASTIC shoes. I love the comfort, the wide toe box and zero drop heel. They are taking a beating (see photos below). You can check them out at www.altrarunning.com
I was an Inov8 lover, but now an Altra convert. These are the Lonely Peak model
I was an Inov8 lover, but now an Altra convert. These are the Lonely Peak model
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