Goal
Inspired by her Walk1200km progress, Jenna Heller, 53, has booked a place on the Kepler Track, her first Great Walk since 1994. She has completed the Whanganui Journey, the Milford, Abel Tasman and Rakiura tracks in the past, the last two solo, and is training to do the Kelper solo in March.
“I’m excited and nervous – a good combination for motivation and keeping me on my toes,” she says.
Jenna says finding gear that fits has been a challenge – and an obstacle to getting back into the outdoors. “I’m size 22 at the moment and this is one of the reasons I haven’t done a Great Walk in many years. It’s hard to find plus-sized outdoor clothing.”
She’s committed to losing weight before her Kepler walk, with the goal of reaching size 16.
Although some things in her pack are still in usable condition, many items are ready for an overhaul. “I’m upgrading my gear not just for one tramp, but to set myself up for the next 10 years.”
Jenna’s existing gear
Not in need of replacement
In need of replacement
Gear Jenna needs
As well as replacing gear, she needs some new items.
Gear Jenna is curious about
Jenna’s budget
Jenna has no specific budget. She prefers practical and functional items and plans to borrow whatever she can’t afford. “I like the best I can afford but I have no idea how much stuff costs,” she says.
Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson assessed Jenna’s existing gear. He determined suitable replacements and new items based on her requirements, size goal and her desire to set herself up for the next 10 years.
Pack liners are preferable to pack covers. They won’t blow away in the wind and they ensure gear remains dry. You can buy plastic Mountain Safety Council liners ($7.99), but dedicated fabric liners are tougher and easier to pack. We recommend using individual dry bags or plastic bags for crucial items, too.
Wilderness pick: Sea to Summit Waterproof Pack Liner, $59.99, 272g.
Jenna’s 30-year-old synthetic-fill sleeping bag is bulky and heavy. More comfortable and lighter would be a two- to three-season down-filled bag that has a three-quarter zip (at least) for ventilation during summer.
Wilderness pick: Rab Women’s Ascent 500 Down, $749.95, 1025g; or Mont Zodiac 500, $529.99, 1060g.
For Great Walk-style tramps, ankle gaiters are sufficient. Gaiters protect boot uppers, keep debris and splashes of water out of boots and in bad weather keep feet warmer. Ultralight stretchy trail running-style gaiters are the lightest option, but regular ankle gaiters are more durable.
Wilderness pick: Sea to Summit Tumbleweed ankle gaiter, $49.99, 104g.
Sleeping bag liners serve two purposes: they protect your expensive sleeping bag from dirt and body oils and are easy to wash. They can also be used as a sheet on hut mattresses, or alone on very warm nights. They add 3–50 warmth to a sleeping bag. Synthetic or silk blend liners are tough while still being light.
Wilderness pick: Cocoon MummyLiner Microfibre, $44.99, 230g.
A rain jacket is essential when tramping in New Zealand. A good quality 2.5- or 3-layer waterproof breathable would strike a balance between weight, price and durability for occasional tramping. Note, a tramping jacket should have a hydrostatic head rating of at least 20,000mm.
Wilderness pick: Macpac Traverse Jacket, $299.99 (Macpac member’s price), 270g.
A dedicated wind shell is more breathable and ventilates better than a waterproof jacket. They also maintain comfort and prevent overheating. Using a windshell on cold and windy days when it’s not raining will increase the life of the more expensive rain shell, too.
Wilderness pick: Montane Featherlite Windproof Jacket, $169, 90g.
Most Great Walk huts provide gas stoves, but for huts that don’t, as well as for lunchtime brews, a basic canister stove is the lightest, most cost-effective option.
Wilderness pick: MSR PocketRocket 2, $129.99, 73g (without canister).
Jenna’s 30-year-old pump filter will probably have perished components. We recommend a light and simple squeeze filter or treatment with tablets or boiling for routes with occasional questionable water.
Wilderness pick: Katadyn BeFree 0.6L squeeze filter, $93, 59g.
A pair of walking poles aids balance, reduces stress on your joints and makes climbing hills easier. They’re simple to use. Remember to adjust them to the correct length for your height and for the terrain angle when climbing and descending.
Wilderness pick: Masters Ranger Trekking Poles, $97.97, 592g (pair).
Jenna asked for advice about a compass but didn’t mention maps. Both are essential but require some knowledge to use properly, so we’d recommend learning from an experienced friend or attending a basic navigation course. She could also consider using a mapping app on her phone to complement the paper map.
Wilderness pick: Silva Field Compass, $49.99, 28g; Topo50 map, $7.90, 47g; NZ Topo 50 Offline mapping app, $6.99.
A basic wilderness first aid kit contains wound and blister dressings, but a stretchy bandage, pain relief, antihistamines and antibiotic ointment should be added.
Wilderness pick: AMK Ultralight .5 First Aid Kit, $59.99, 110g.
If it’s a question of budget, mid- to high-end smartphones have cameras to rival compact cameras and will save weight. Consider a powerbank to keep keep devices and electronics topped up. Use flight mode to save battery.
Wilderness pick: Sea to Summit 70D 1L Dry Sack, $16.99, 30g.
For occasional use, a pair of lightweight three-quarter-zip waterproof pants is suitable.
Wilderness pick: Montane Solution Pant, $219, 265g.
Jenna’s packing list was pretty good for someone returning to tramping after so long, but we’d recommend adding these important items too: sun hat and warm beanie; sunglasses; cigarette lighter; toilet paper and pee rag; lip balm; windproof/waterproof gloves; extra baselayer (instead of one of the shirts); a neck gaiter, and a light insulated jacket, such as a Rab Xenair Alpine Light jacket ($379.95).
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