Living Simply is Auckland’s premium independent outdoor retailer. With over 35 years experience at its Newmarket store, you’ll be looked after by a team of gear experts who love the same outdoor activities as you. Here, the team share their favourite pieces of gear.

Ben Sinclair

Role: Store owner, tramper, surfer, photographer.

Favourite tramping gear: So many to choose from, however, the most revolutionary item in recent years would have to be my Aarn Pack. I love the dynamic feel of the harness system coupled with the accessibility and weight distribution of the front balance pockets.

Also my Mont Moondance tent – it’s light and compact enough, yet spacious and reliably weatherproof. I much prefer the solitude of tenting rather than busy huts. 

Rob Worham

Role: Store manager, ultra-light tramper and photographer.

Favourite tramping gear: It’s all about trekking as light as possible to help preserve my aging knees and to allow me to carry lots of weighty photography gear, which is my other passion.

My favourite gear is my ever growing collection of Smartwool socks (you can never have enough socks!) and my beloved La Sportiva Helios III shoes. I can neither confirm nor deny the rumours I have taken them off only three times since I bought them two years ago.

Marjolien (Mary) Drenth

Role: Assistant store manager, tramper, trail runner and conqueror of Te Araroa Trail.

Favourite tramping gear: My Leki Khumbu Lite poles. Apart from giving me stability during river crossings, they also help me to keep going at the end of the day. They also function as my tent poles for my tarp tent. Another favourite is my Buff headwear. I have a few different ones and use them every day. They’re so versatile, I literally can’t go without them.

Christian Bilby

Role: Sales consultant, thru-hiking and ultralight tramping expert, walker of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Favourite tramping gear: My Altra Lone Peak shoes have comfortably and safely carried me over all types of terrain in all seasons. They are a perfect blend of light yet supportive and four pairs got me through the PCT! Another favourite is my Rab Downpour Jacket – it’s an awesome lightweight, reliably waterproof shell for all my tramping needs.

Annalise Penhey

Role: Duke of Edinburgh-inspired tramper and sales consultant in training.

Favourite tramping gear: I’ve been lucky enough to test lots of rental gear since I joined the team. I really liked the Lowa Mauria boots that I wore up Mt Pirongia. They were supportive when the trail got steep and were so easy to walk in. The Deuter Aircontact packs are super comfortable and I could easily adjust them to fit me.

Visit Ben and the team at 255 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland. Shop online: www.livingsimply.co.nz