OR Spectrum Sun Gloves

Having had two 'nasties' cut out of my body recently, I have become 'sun obsessive'.

On our recent Xmas/New Year tramping trip, Kathy and Hideo wore gloves to protect the back of their hands from sun damage. I was plastered in lotion, but still felt the burn.

On my return, I pledged to do some research and get gloves. One could take the budget route and get some basic white cotton dress gloves and cut the fingers off, but getting purpose made is not expensive, $40 from Bivouac NZ. For overseas readers, go to Amazon.

I got a pair of OR Spectrum Sun Gloves. 50+ UPF. They have a long wrist, so mitigate skin expose between shirt sleeve and hand when reaching out (walking poles). They are breathable and made of wicking stretch polyester fabric. This makes them quick drying.

Another feature is the silicone grip dots on the palm. good for those (like me) that use walking poles - no slip.

Dare I mention the weight! 19 grams!

On the subject of gloves, I once saw a tramper on a wet, cold trip wearing dish washing gloves.  Not a bad idea, I'd suggest getting oversize to help get them on and off easier. I have also read about others who wear surgical gloves for wet weather travel. This might put the fear of  God into your fellow trampers who may not quite be ready for a prostate check on the trail!.

In Field Emergency Repairs

Evidence that carrying a needle and dental floss comes in handy. I tripped and got my shoe caught on a razor sharp piece of rock (lucky it wasn't the leg!). May not look 'seamstress' quality, but it worked really well.

Motatapu and Scotts Creek to Caples Trips

Hideo Yoshihama, Kathy Endelbrecht, Ming Lo and I just back from 7 day Xmas/New Year tramp. Go to Trips Page to see photos

16cm Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes

These tent stakes are made with a Carbon Fiber shaft with a metal tip and metal end cap. 
The individual weight is 6grams - I pack 8 into a cuben fiber stake sack for all up weight of 52grams. 

The thick diameter allows them to grip the ground better than the thin titanium. These stakes are excellent in loose soil, and they have also proven to be very functional in typical dirt.

Because of the thick diameter they can be harder to drive into compacted ground. Never hammer these in. Hold your foot in both hands for stability and press the stakes into the ground at an angle. If you can't press them into the ground all the way, anchor them with rocks.

Joe at Zpacks also reports these stakes are 'Airplane Safe'. Never thought of this benefit. Joe says they have carried these stakes through US airport security a dozen times with no issues as they are not particularly pointy.

Cost is $US3.50 each - stake stuff sack $US5.45 - go to Zpacks accessory page 

Mt Brewster - A Weekend Tramp

Last weekend my good tramping buddy, Lee McKay came down from Auckland for a breath of fresh South Island air and to give my new 'bionic' back and general fitness a workout in the hills.

See more on Trips Report page

Mt Brewster Hut - Mt Brewster i background

Ambronite

I was given a sample pack of this full replacement sports meal to try.

What a wonderful product at 85 grams a meal. But, the taste is less than desirable. Reminded me of Farax baby food (if you know that NZ taste you are too old to hike :-)

My friend John Abela has written a great post on this product. I agree with his prognosis, my negative is the taste.

Log on here for review http://hikelighter.com/2015/12/05/ambronite-a-hikers-thoughts/

Rob's Progress

Hi Guys - I feel so guilty about my lack of interesting input on gear and trip reviews - my passion.

As you all know I have had major back surgery. Quite depressing for an active guy!

Anyhow, I am now 4 month post op and seeing the surgeon next week in AKL for 'sign off'

I am walking about 7 to 8 Ks every second day and pain free although I get a bit of tiredness (muscle fatigue) in the back. Looking forward to doing some gym and yoga work.

I am planning hitting the hills over labour w/e and with my tramping mate Lee McKay (no relation) first week of Dec.

Also doing the Motatapu over Xmas with a few ATC stalwarts. May be continuing on to the Greenstone?

Although not gear testing over the last 12 months, I am always active in the lightweight gear blogs, so feel free to contact me for any suggestions on how to tramp light weight and where to buy best lightweight gear for NZ tramping