I am off to USA for a conference in two weeks. This is a great time to buy ultra lightweight gear and get delivered to my hotel. Only two item on my list. A replacement pair of Lone Peaks (new 2.5 model). I love these shoes, all-time favourites (and I have had a few shoes over the years!). These are like tramping in slippers! I love the wide toe box and zero drop - With my reconstructed back, I am sure it helps (or encourages me) to walk more upright.
You can check these out at Altra's website
Oh, and yes, the other item. A Tenkara fishing rod - Fresh trout on a tramping trip appeals. This is an ancient way of Japanese fishing that is taking the hiking community is the USA by storm. Lightweigh and simple, so I want to try it. Check it out at Tenkara Bum
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
25 Jan 2016
16 Jan 2016
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!.
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!.
9 Jan 2016
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.
7 Jan 2016
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
13 Dec 2015
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
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
12 Dec 2015
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
See more on Trips Report page
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| Mt Brewster Hut - Mt Brewster i background |
8 Dec 2015
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/
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/
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