Michael Peck is a member of Waikato Tramping Club and Hamilton Hawks Harrier Club, and store manager for Bivouac Outdoor in Hamilton. 

“Last summer I tramped to Lochnagar, the Kaimanawa and in Whirinaki and enjoyed a much-coveted trip to Ivory Lake Hut.”

In the winter Peck will help lead Waikato Tramping Club’s snowcraft courses. Here’s what he packs on his trips.

Pack

The Osprey Aether Pro 70: this pack has the ideal volume-to-weight ratio for multi-days trips. The top pocket is easily detachable and the large hipbelt pockets have plenty of room for maps and a 1l drink bottle. I always pack everything in dry bags and a liner.

Sleep system

Mont Moondance tent, Exped Ultra 3 mat, Sea to Summit Micro McII sleeping bag with Sea to Summit liner and pillow. The tent has a high waterhead rating and ventilates well. The sleeping bag packs down small and can be turned into a quilt. I can’t do without a pillow! 

Hut and camp clothes

Icebreaker trackpants, Oasis 200 top, beanie and an Outdoor Research down jacket. 

Footwear

Salomon Quest 4 boots have never let me down. A pair of Asics Trabucco Gore-Tex shoes give me more options for around the hut and campsite than traditional Crocs.

Food

Radix for breakfast, wraps for lunch, Real Meals for dinner, Backcountry for dessert. My stove is an MSR Windburner. Hydrapak bottle and a LifeStraw water filter. 

Clothes

Earth Sea Sky baselayer and midlayer – world-class gear made in New Zealand. Patagonia trail shorts, Bridgedale socks, Arcteryx jacket, Outdoor Research Helium rainpants, Outdoor Research wide-brimmed hat, Buff, Black Diamond windproof gloves.

Extras

I love my 960g Helinox chair when camping and am happy to carry it for the added comfort. Black Diamond headlamp and Ledlenser ML4 300 lantern, PLB, first aid. I always take paper maps to go with the NZTopo app. Tenacious tape fixes everything. I carry extra food in a Sistema container – it keeps my crackers intact and the lid doubles as a cutting  board and plate.