Helinox Walking Poles

I have posted in the past how great these poles are. I have tried many poles over the years and it's difficult to find ultralight collapsible poles that have a degree of strength. In ultralight gear, there is always a compromise between these two continuum's.  

Helinox poles have proven to be a good balance over the last couple of years and I have only had one breakage. This happened a couple of weekends ago on an overnight trip. The track (if you could call it that!) was muddy and slippery. I was coming off a drop and slipped. I used my right pole to break my fall and fell on heavily. braking the lower section.

I contact Helonix in Australia to ask if they provided spare sections and at what cost. To my utter surprise they replied with, 'yes, we have shipped one to you at no cost'. Covered 'under warranty' they said!

Is this customer service, will I be screaming their praises from the roof tops (and my blog), yes!

10 out of 10 Helinox - I hope you can feel the love all way from Wanaka NZ :-)

Yak Wool

OK us Kiwis are really 'sold' on Merino. But I came across a so called better product made out of Yak wool. Lighter, warmer but more expensive! This is a British outdoor company. Check out their gear at www.kora.net 

Love to get your feedback.

The Te Araroa Trail

It's arrived. The new 'coffee table' photo expose of the TA Trail.

What a stunning book! Mark has done an excellent job at capturing trail shots from different vistas than we normally see. I have include photos of the cover, plus a couple of internal page shots to give you an idea of the format.

Altra Lone Peak 2.5

In previous posts I have waxed lyrically about these wonderful shoes. Well, I have finally worn out my current pair, the Lone Peak 2 version (see previous post of some handy in field repair work).

My recent trip to the USA offered a perfect opportunity to purchase replacements. The 2.5 version certainly seems a bit more robust. Here are some shots straight out of the box. I did wear them everyday in the USA as we were doing a lot of street walking. So comfy!

I could resist including a shot of me modelling the Altras at the original 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign.

  

Sun Protection Arm Sleeves

A couple of week's ago I wrote a review on the OR Sun Gloves. From this review, several people alerted me to sun sleeves. I think if you hike in a long sleeve shirt, the gloves suffice. But if you're a T shirt hiker, these sleeves would be great on sunny days with, say suntan lotion on back of hands.

SParms are made from 90% Meryl Microfibre and 10% spandex. UV 50+, cool and quick dry and antibacterial. They were developed for golfers and many of the Ladies PGA players use them.

I know, you want to know the weight - how does 35 grams grab you?

These come on large, medium and small sizes, standard and extra long, plus colours. I got medium and extra long as my Icebreaker T shirt has short sleeves. There is quiet a lot of stretch, so you need to take that into account. This photo shows how far up my arm the extra long goes.

The cost was $A29.95, including postage $A37.23.

The website is http://www.sparms.com.au/

Save Able Tasman

OK, who hasn't walked the beautiful Able Tasman track?

Remember Awaroa Bay and beach? Future walkers may not be able to access this area.

Find out why and how one person has a brilliant idea to keep this track section in public hands forever.

Go to https://givealittle.co.nz/project/abeltasmanbeach2016

I've throw a $100 into the fight - Even if you stumped up $10 - every bit helps us purchase this land and gift to DOC or Trust.

Altra Lone Peak 2.5 Shoes

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