Anyone who’s slept in a sleeping bag will be familiar with that cosy cocooned feel of their favourite bag. Sometimes referred to as ‘the pit’, the sleeping bag, combined with some sort of mat, is our portable bed away from home. It’s the refuge you slither into to warm up, to sleep, or to relax […]
About the author
Mark Watson
Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
The 2026 Wilderness Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition
A tale of adventure and tragedy
Mt Peel, Kahurangi National Park
A lofty location for Brass Monkey
The trail of the tenacious
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My gear through the decades