“I became obsessed with tramping and other adventures as a teenager,” says Dinsdale. “After moving to Dunedin to study at the University of Otago I set a goal of traversing the Southern Alps at some point in my life. This summer I realised this goal and here’s what I took with me.”

The base weight of Penzy’s pack on her expedition was 15kg.

Pack

I’m on my third Black Diamond Mission 75 pack. It’s reasonably light and sturdy and the fabric holds up ok in the bush. It can carry a large volume but also packs down smaller when required. I use a pack liner dry bag and store important items in other dry bags within that.

Sleeping gear

I was hesitant to make the move to a fully inflatable sleeping mat, for if it punctures there is nothing to insulate you from the ground. But the size and warmth-to-weight ratio of the Nemo Tensor Alpine Ultralight pad became impossible to ignore and I have no regrets. I use a Sea to Summit Spark II sleeping bag.

It has 850FP down and weighs just 490g. It keeps me warm every night, even above the snowline. I always use a silk liner to prolong its life.

Shelter

My Terra Nova Superlite Voyager is a 1800g two-person tent. It’s cosy, waterproof and sturdy in a storm.

Clothing

Macpac shorts are the best pair I’ve ever owned – no chaff! Unfortunately, they’re no longer made and I destroyed a pair on this adventure. Earth Sea Sky fleece top and pants are lovely and warm. My Montane Alpine Spirit jacket is slightly heavier but more waterproof than some of the others in my wardrobe. A Rab Electron Pro insulated jacket provides good warmth for its weight.

Cooking

I use the MSR Windburner because it performs so well in the wind, making it ideal for a trip where the weather at camp is anyone’s guess. All my meals were either home dehydrated, Radix or Real Meals.

Footwear

I’d be lost without my Crocs which are unbeatable for use around a hut and at camp.

The Asolo TPS 535 is a stalwart of tramping footwear. These boots hold up well in rough country, aren’t too heavy and are just stiff enough for crampons. I have a well-loved and fit-for-purpose pair of Cactus Duper Gaiters.

Safety

The Garmin inReach Mini allowed me to send and receive messages with weather updates. It made the Southern Alps trip possible. Edelrid Skimmer Eco Dry 7.1mm Climbing Half Rope is the lightest (1800g) and skinniest such rope currently available and was perfect for the level of mountaineering we were doing – glacier travel and abseiling primarily.

Miscellaneous

My Sony Alpha 6300 camera with Tamron 18-300mm lens has become my favourite combination for its versatility – there is no need to change lenses in the environment.

My pee rag greatly contributed to my overall well-being. SunSaver Classic Bundle solar panel and power bank kept everything charged.