2019 guide to walking poles
Do your knees a favour and get a pair of walking poles – they’ll help you walk further, faster and for longer. How poles help Over a day’s tramping,…
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Gear Guides
Walking poles
Personal locator beacons
2019 guide to personal locator beacons
For those who regularly head into the backcountry, a personal locator beacon (PLB) is an essential item. Where to buy Most outdoors stores will sell PLBs, and a few…
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Navigation aids
Navigation aids
Mapping software, compasses and a charging device to ensure you stay on track Featured image: Hand-crank USB Charger $19.50 Recharge your devices with a hand emergency charger. Can recharge…
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Tents
2019’s best three-season tents
With their all-mesh canopies (or mostly mesh), three-season tents are a lightweight and breathable option for camping below the snowline. Guy points Guylines provide added support to the tent,…
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Packs
2018’s best packs
How to buy your next pack Capacity Multi-day packs are normally between 50 and 90-litres, overnight packs will be 30-45-litres and daypacks up to 30-litres. Multi-day packs will have…
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Footwear and socks View all
2019’s best sport sandals
With secure straps to hold the foot in place, quick-drying materials, and the same midsole technology used in hiking shoes, sport sandals can handle anything from the riverbed to…
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Rainwear
2018’s best wet weather jackets
Here’s what to look for: Zips Either water-resistant or protected by a storm flap. Zip sliders on water-resistant zippers tuck into a ‘garage’ to prevent rain entering through the…
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Hiking clothes
2019’s best clothes for hiking
Whether you’re going on a short walk or a multi-day tramp, performance hiking clothing will make life more comfortable. Material Synthetic materials tend to dominate as they are lightweight…
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Knives and multi-tools
2019’s best knives and multi-tools
Modern knives are light, razor sharp and often come with multiple tools to help you out of a pickle. Handle A handle should provide a sure and comfortable grip…
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Sleeping bags and mats View all
2019 sleeping mat buyer’s guide
Here’s how to find a mattress that is comfortable, light and within your budget. Fills There’s a number of fills – high-density open-cell foam, down, synthetic and plain air –...
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Insulated jackets
2018 guide to insulated jackets
In the topsy-turvy world of insulated jackets, synthetic fills have improved markedly in recent years and are now nearly as warm, and almost as compressible and light, as down insulation.…
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Stoves and cookware
2019 guide to backcountry stoves
Does anything taste as good as a meal cooked in a backcountry hut? To experience such pleasure, you need a portable stove. Here are 2019’s best options. Burner size…
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Water filters and purifiers
2019 guide to water filters and purifiers
Even in ‘pristine’ New Zealand, microscopic bacteria and viruses can be lurking in streams and hut water tanks. A water filter or purifier offers on-the-go peace of mind no…
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Gaiters
2018 buyer’s guide to gaiters
Gaiters protect your boots and lower legs and prevent trail debris from entering your footwear and rubbing your feet up the wrong way. Closure Gaiters close at the front and use…
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Headlamps
2018 guide to headlamps
Straps Wide enough to support the weight of the headlamp and allow easy adjustment so it doesn’t bounce around or slide down while you’re on the move. A top strap is…
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