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April 2024 Issue
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Must-have gear for Te Araroa

Sarah Jackson says one of the most useful items she carried was a in-bottle water filter. Her least useful was her tent

Kiwi Ultralight Smelly-Proof Food Bag $12.50
A waterproof and air-tight, hermetically sealed food bag with laminated nylon reinforcement that keeps smells in and mice out. Fits approximately four days of tramping food. BPA, Phthalate, Latex, and PEVA free. 24g www.kiwiultralight.co.nz

HikersWool from $13
Soft, lanolin-rich wool that wicks moisture, helps feet breathe and reduces friction for blister-free feet over long distances. Midi and Maxi packs. 24g (Midi), 49g (Maxi). www.hikerswool.co.nz

Platypus QuickDraw Filter + Connect Cap $109.99
A compact water filter that allows a 3L/min flow and is compatible with a variety of bottles and reservoirs. Easy to clean and removes 99.9999% of bacteria. www.ampro.co.nz

LOWA Camino / Mauria Evo GTX Wide $729
A boot built on a wide last to accommodate broad feet, and provide lateral support for long-distance trails while carrying up to 20kg packs. There’s a nubuck leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, PU midsole, anatomically shaped tongue and a stabiliser. Self-cleaning Vibram App Trail outsole. 1600g (m – Camino), 1250g (w – Mauria). www.LOWA.co.nz

Injinji Liner Lightweight Crew Wool $24.95
This baselayer sock wraps each toe in merino wool, preventing blisters from skin-on-skin friction. They wick moisture, regulate temperature and provide added cushioning on long hikes. www.injinji.co.nz

Durston X-Mid Pro 2 $1490
A single-wall, ultralight tent using composite fabrics, and with an 8000mm waterhead rating. It has a four stake pitch and no mandatory guy lines. There’s a bathtub floor, sealed seams, dual vents, internal mesh netting, magnetic door toggles (one handed operation) and two vestibules. 2.7m2 floor area. 565g. www.packgeargo.co.nz

Victorinox Classic from $39.99
A compact pocket tool from the makers of the original Swiss Army Knife. Functions include scissors,
nail file and blade. Variety of colours, or black with a silver fern metal inlay. 21g. www.ampro.co.nz

Cotopaxi Kapai Hip Pack from $79.99
This hip pack has a large main compartment and zippered front pocket to keep essentials close at hand. Made from 100% repurposed fabric, each hip pack is one-of-a-kind. 1.5l and 3l sizes. 110g. www.cotopaxi.co.nz

Twin Needle Tuke $649
This 55-litre pack is made in New Zealand and designed specifically for Te Araroa. It uses 1000D Cordura base fabric and a 70D main fabric. There are three back lengths, a versatile modular attachment system, a removable 3D framesheet, front bungy for ice tools or quick stash items, a removable lid and water bottle pockets. 1150g. www.twinneedle.co.nz

Hank from $16.90
A quick-drying, multi-purpose reinvention of a handkerchief made from soft organic cotton. Use as a neck cooler, tea towel, face blotter, glasses cleaner, napkin, hand dryer and more. www.hank.co.nz

Big Agnes Fussell UL DownTek Quilt $579.99
A thru-hiker’s lightweight three-season quilt that tucks around the user. There’s 850FP DownTek insulation and 10 snap patches that can create a simplified mummy bag, or fix quilt to a sleeping mat. 582g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Body Glide Anti Chafe Balm from $17.95
Plant-based balm protects skin against rubbing that causes chafing, irritation and raw skin. It is sweat and water-resistant and effective wherever skin is rubbed by clothing, footwear or skin. Men’s and women’s balms in a variety of sizes. www.ippnz.co.nz

Deejo Terra Incognita 37g $119.90
A lightweight knife with secure blade-lock system and belt clip, and with a compass ‘tattoo’ printed on the blade. 37g. www.bobo.co.nz

Toaks Titanium Ultralight 450ml Cup $79.99
Claimed to be the world’s lightest 450ml titanium cup, with non-rusting, 0.3mm thickness titanium. It has a smooth texture and folding handles. 48g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Aarn Mountain Magic 50 PRO $549
A 50l pack offering stability, gear access and freedom of movement. There are Multi Balance Pockets, a roll top closure, side pockets, hydration attachment loop and tube exit, cord-loc compression, twin trekking pole and ice axe attachments. 810g + pockets. www.aarnpacks.com

MSR Titan Kettle 900ml $159.99
An ultralight, durable cookpot that doubles as a bowl or mug. Easy-pour spout, fold-flat handles and internal graduation marks. 4oz gas canister and compact stove can fit inside. 126g. www.ampro.co.nz

Bridgedale Hike Midweight 
Performance Fit socks $53.99 An award-winning three-season sock with premium cushioning and moisture management. Keeps feet comfortable, dry and warm. www.ampro.co.nz