My hiking mate, Lee and I are off to hike and river raft the GC tomorrow. Pictures in two weeks or if the shit hits the fan it'll be news at 6 :-)
PS: I'll report on new gear - Mont Bell Tachyon Wind Jacket, the new Inov8 315s and Teva Barracuda sandals
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 Sept 2013
23 Sept 2013
Backpacking Tights
I love tights! I have never been a fan of rain pants. I would rather wear my merino 150 tights with shorts over the top. This is an article from Backpackinglight.com reviews - "tights options" - enjoy.
Hey if you ever get sick of tramping you can always take up ballet :-)
Backpacking Tights - Part 2 @ Backpacking Light
PS: Just click on "continue" in the top right subscription box. This should give you access to full review.
Hey if you ever get sick of tramping you can always take up ballet :-)
Backpacking Tights - Part 2 @ Backpacking Light
PS: Just click on "continue" in the top right subscription box. This should give you access to full review.
16 Sept 2013
The Pureora Range
Last w/e I joined the Auckland Tramping club on a section of the TA trail - the Pureora Range. Trip report and photos posted on my "Trips" page
4 Sept 2013
The 5 Skills for a Successful Hike
I really endorse John Abela's philosophy on a successful hike:
Manage Core Temperature + Proper Preparation + Proper Sleep + Proper Food + Proper Gear = A Successful Trip!
Everything you learn about hiking should be founded on those 5 skills! ~ John Abela.
Checkout his excellent blog at http://hikelighter.com/
14 Aug 2013
The Worlds Biggest Outdoor Gear Expo
Over 1000 exhibitors and 25,000 attendees – and it’s the go-to place to
find out what’s coming in the outdoor gear pipeline, this time for
Spring 2014. Trail Ambassador for Gossamer Gear, Will Reitveld and Janet Reich post an insiders view to this huge exhibition. Checkout their report at:
1 Jul 2013
Montbell EX Ultra Light Jacket
It's arrived - my new Montbell Ultra Light, 800 fill power, goose down jacket. It weighs in at just 225grams.
When I say new, I am a little disappointed as I thought this was the newer EX version (that has no pockets or inner zip insulation flap and is 158grams). Note to self read, instruction carefully!
I was tossing up waiting for the new 'Plasma" model to be released this month (1000 down fill - same weight as the EX), but at $US225 plus around $US45 shipping it is a bit steep. The EX on Montbell's US website is $US199 (plus shipping), so lets say around $US240. I got this jacket from the NZ online gear company, iClimb for $NZ255 plus $NZ10 shipping. It's 67grams heavier than the EX or plasma, but cheaper.
This jacket is specially designed to replace heavy and bulky fleece garments carried by most hikers. I love the way Montbell positions this jacket - "It's what you need when warmth is critical, minimal weight is paramount, and space in your pack is at a premium."
Montbell gets the weight down in three critical areas:
Fill - This is the volume that 1oz of down can occupy. The higher the fill power the more insulating value per weight. When using 800 instead of 650 down you get the same thermal capability with an overall lighter garment.
Shell - Montbell uses Ballistic Airlight Nylon. One and a half times more abrasion resistant than fabrics of similar weight, while boasting three times the tear strength. They also use Polkatex, an elite water-repellent technology retaining 90% of its water repellency after 100 washes. Ballistic is ultra light and ultra thin and offers high wind resistance performance but feels smooth and silky.
Single Quilt Construction - Sew through construction reduces weight while keeping down from migrating (clumping).
The jacket packs to the size of a soda bottle (pump bottle for us Kiwis).
I have included some pictures so you can see fit. I was tossing up between medium and large. I am pleased I went for the latter. This jacket has a fitting style. But in large you can see I have plenty of room to layer underneath. I expect to only need my 200 Icebreaker Merino top (worn under jacket for these shots) under this for 3 season use.
When I say new, I am a little disappointed as I thought this was the newer EX version (that has no pockets or inner zip insulation flap and is 158grams). Note to self read, instruction carefully!
I was tossing up waiting for the new 'Plasma" model to be released this month (1000 down fill - same weight as the EX), but at $US225 plus around $US45 shipping it is a bit steep. The EX on Montbell's US website is $US199 (plus shipping), so lets say around $US240. I got this jacket from the NZ online gear company, iClimb for $NZ255 plus $NZ10 shipping. It's 67grams heavier than the EX or plasma, but cheaper.
This jacket is specially designed to replace heavy and bulky fleece garments carried by most hikers. I love the way Montbell positions this jacket - "It's what you need when warmth is critical, minimal weight is paramount, and space in your pack is at a premium."
Montbell gets the weight down in three critical areas:
Fill - This is the volume that 1oz of down can occupy. The higher the fill power the more insulating value per weight. When using 800 instead of 650 down you get the same thermal capability with an overall lighter garment.
Shell - Montbell uses Ballistic Airlight Nylon. One and a half times more abrasion resistant than fabrics of similar weight, while boasting three times the tear strength. They also use Polkatex, an elite water-repellent technology retaining 90% of its water repellency after 100 washes. Ballistic is ultra light and ultra thin and offers high wind resistance performance but feels smooth and silky.
Single Quilt Construction - Sew through construction reduces weight while keeping down from migrating (clumping).
The jacket packs to the size of a soda bottle (pump bottle for us Kiwis).
I have included some pictures so you can see fit. I was tossing up between medium and large. I am pleased I went for the latter. This jacket has a fitting style. But in large you can see I have plenty of room to layer underneath. I expect to only need my 200 Icebreaker Merino top (worn under jacket for these shots) under this for 3 season use.
19 Jun 2013
New Header
Just posted a new header on my blog that features my daughter and I when we tramped into the Cobb River area (Diamond. Ruby Lakes) in NW Nelson. This was an incredible dry season, note the lake level. This is an old picture, she is now 21. Hiking with Dad is not cool now! It would be if it was Leonardo Dicaprio!!!
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