Hiking
This page is dedicated to my interest in hiking. New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional hiking opportunities, often referred to as “tramping” locally. It offers a wide variety of trails, from short day hikes to multi-day adventures, showcasing diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty.
Photos
Kaweka Forrest Park, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, December, 2023.
Dominie Hut 1,500m, Kaweka Forrest Park, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, June, 2025.
Gear
Pack
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Macpac Te Araroa 55L Hiking Backpack | 2024 | $250.00NZD | 1530 | |
| Macpac 70L pack liner | 2025 | | | - Thanks NZ LandSAR. |
Sleep System
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat | 2025 | $314.00NZD | 720 | - R6.2 |
| Kathmandu Icarus Hybrid Down Sleeping Bag | 2024 | $200.00NZD | 1310 | - -5’C |
Shelter
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Rab Trailhead Bivvy Bag | 2025 | $200.00NZD | 400 | |
| Aricxi Ultralight Tarp | 2025 | $39.95NZD | 200 | - 210 x 150 cm
- Replaces OZtrail Hiker Fly |
Water Filtration
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| LifeStraw Peak Squeeze | 2023 | $59.99NZD | 100 | - 650ml |
| Solomon Elite Bladder | 2025 | $79.99NZD | 120 | - 1.5L |
Cooking
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Gascraft Camping Backpacker Stove | 2023 | $37.00NZD | 200 | |
| Macpac Solo Pot Set | 2025 | $36.00NZD | 230 | |
| Spork | | | | |
| Smith & Wesson HRT Fixed Blade | 2023 | $39.00NZD | 100 | |
Electronics
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Nitecore NU30 | 2024 | $60.00NZD | 90 | |
| Nitecore MH12 V2 | 2025 | $135.00NZD | 85 | |
| Garmin inReach Explorer PLB | 2024 | $300.00NZD | 300 | |
| Belkin 10,000mAh Power Bank | 2023 | $60.00NZD | 200 | |
| Garmin Instinct Solar 2 | 2025 | $544.00NZD | 50 | |
Wear
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Oboz Men’s Katabatic Mid | 2025 | $100.00NZD | 800 | - Replaces Salomon OUTline GTX |
| Rain Jacket | 2023 | $100.00NZD | 300 | |
| Rain Pants | 2023 | $100.00NZD | 300 | |
| Mid Layer Jacket | 2023 | $100.00NZD | 300 | |
| Base Layer Top | 2023 | $20.00NZD | 200 | |
| Base Layer Bottom | 2023 | $20.00NZD | 200 | |
| Rab Balaclava | 2025 | $40.00NZD | 100 | |
| Oakley Sutro Lite Sunglasses | 2024 | $200.00NZD | 30 | |
| Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles | 2023 | $100.00NZD | 500 | |
Miscellaneous
| Item | Year | Cost | Weight | Notes |
|---|
| Custom Trauma/Survival kit | 2024 | $70.00NZD | 700 | |
| Silva Field Compass | 2025 | $50.00NZD | 50 | |
Total Weight
Base weight: ~7kg
+ Water weight: ~2kg
Huts “Bagged”
Hut Bagger Profile