Hailing from a very flat part of Australia, Emma Shuttle moved to New Zealand in 2023. She has worked in the outdoor industry for the past eight years, first as a hiking guide and outdoor education instructor, then in mountain biking tourism, triathlon and trail running. Now she’s at MD Outdoors in Nelson. 

“I have fallen in love with the alpine tops, rolling tussock and cornflake forests of New Zealand,” she says. 

Her work as a guide taught her how to keep pack weight to a minimum, a skill she shares with trampers through packing workshops at MD Outdoors. “I am pretty practised at cutting the chaff!”

Pack

I’ve been through a few (from a giant canvas One Planet to an ultralight Gossamer Gear), and have landed on the Osprey Eja 48. At 1200g, it is hands down the most functional and comfortable bag I’ve ever had. The front and side stretch pockets fit a ridiculous amount of gear, and I’m impressed with its durability after some pretty grunty bush-whacking missions.

Clothing 

Natural-fibre baselayers always: the Rab Syncrino Tees are top tier and so is anything from Mons Royal. Layered with a merino long sleeve and a Rab Superflux Hoody, I’m the perfect temp for the entire hike. My Rab Microlight Alpine jacket is my insulated layer for camp, and I’m currently using Patagonia’s Torrentshell rain jacket – it’s great value at under $300.

Sleeping mat

A friend lent me his Nemo Tensor and I have never looked back. I currently use the All-Season model (5.4 R-value, 580g) in long/wide, as I prefer to sacrifice weight in other areas rather than risk my sleep comfort. I pair it with the Nemo Fillo Elite pillow for ultimate luxury.

Footwear

After years of boots and blisters, I swapped to trail runners with a wide toe box. I alternate between Altra Lone Peaks and La Sportiva Akashas. Crocs make perfect camp footwear.

Entertainment

A good book, corded headphones, pre-downloaded podcasts, my log journal and a game (Bananagrams and Monopoly Deal are winners). It’s all extra weight, but it’s worth it.

Tent 

After cramming myself into a one-person tent for years, I upgraded to the two-person Nemo Dragonfly and it feels palatial! Such a thoughtful, intuitive design, and as it weighs just 1200g I don’t mind taking it on solo trips. 

Sleeping bag

I’ve had the One Planet Cocoon -40 for seven years. It’s 900g, packs down relatively small, and the shape/size is perfect for me. It has gotten me through some very chilly winters, though I absolutely cook in the summer.

First aid

Band-aids, Compeed, paracetamol, tweezers, nail clippers, antihistamines, anti-itch, antiseptic, emergency blanket. I also carry a couple of bandages, superglue, gauze pads and a tourniquet for just in case.

Stove

I usually take my Jetboil Minimo for ease and efficiency, but swap to my 360 Degrees Furno stove and Toaks Titanium 750ml pot if I’m trying to save space and weight.