All about hiking gear, reviews, preferences…
When unforeseen problems occur in the outdoors, we typically solve them using the”known” equipment we are carrying in our packs. Sometimes this means the problem cannot be resolved, but often by simply applying a little Lateral Thinking, many more uses for the same gear and surroundings can be discovered. As a result it is very wise …
Your Day Pack is clearly the first piece of essential hiking gear you will need. Avoid trying to make do with any old bag at this point, as a bag not designed for hiking will be uncomfortable and can easily ruin your experience before you have started. Using a pack designed for the purpose has …
A Personal Locater Beacon, is the last resort device you can rely on in the outdoors when there is an emergency requiring rescue assistance. While you are probably more used to relying on your Mobile telephone their short battery life and dependence on cellular network signal make them a poor option for an outdoor emergency. …
The Exact contents of your Emergency kit will depend on where in the world you are hiking, but the contents should always be the absolute essentials for; Signalling for help Gaining shelter (Staying in one place) Keeping warm Maintaining a supply of water. In New Zealand, the lack of dangerous animals, plentiful water, sub tropical …
Why a Head Lamp? Whether you are still walking after sun down, or enjoy hiking at night, the steady focused and hands free beam of Head Lamp is far superior to any thing achievable with a traditional torch. The head lamp makes tasks like cooking, setting up camp, climbing difficult terrain and absolute simplicity, no …
Defining your taste in Outdoor Clothing can be a process of trial and error in the beginning (both the informed and the ill informed!) until you find combinations that work for you. The Outdoor Clothing System When ever and where ever you go hiking in New Zealand, you need to keep in mind that the …
What is a Thermal Profile? Your thermal profile is essentially how “Hot” or “Cold” your body runs comfortably in response to; Physical exercise – Light, Medium, Heavy. Climatic / Weather conditions. Being at rest – Sleeping, Seated, Laying in front of the TV… Hot; Physical exercise, increases our Metabolism and moving muscles create heat. While …
Kit Contents First aid is about; Recognition or a problem, Preventing further harm And where required arranging higher level care. You don’t need much in a first aid kit to achieve these goals, most people have sufficient in just in their pack and equipment to do the job just right, but having a separate small …
Why Drink Bladders? Drinking Bladders (*1) are fantastic for facilitating Adequate Hydration while enjoying any outdoor activity including Hiking. The Advantages over Drink bottles are; Volume: You can easily carry sufficient water for your hydration requirements.(per/hr) Balance: Bladder’s empty from the bottom, so when carried in the correct position, your pack balance is maintained …
I have a small stove(that is designed to be used with the disposable compressed Butane or mixed gas cannister.) I take the stove on Day hikes when; Long Hikes(For a quick brew if the weather gets nasty /emergency) Simple Overnight trips to back country huts(Good track in/ out) New Zealand Great Walks where the huts …